Robbie Gene Allphin

Gene Allphin , 91 years old, of North Zulch, Texas, passed away at his home in North Zulch on Saturday evening, November 9, 2024. He was born February 6, 1933, to Willie Parker Allphin in Madisonville Texas. Gene never met his father, Robbie, who passed away seven months before his birth. He was raised in North Zulch by his siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandmother. His mother had to leave and find work in Houston, Texas to support herself and five children. At the time of his birth, our country was in “The Depression."  His “sister,” Bonnie, said she took care of him when he was an infant. She said he was like her baby doll.

Gene was a lifelong resident of North Zulch and loved his hometown. He graduated from North Zulch High School in 1950. He served proudly in the US Army from 1954-1956. Prior to his military service he married Dolores Hurry in May of 1952. They had two children, Benny and Tammy. Gene and Dolores were married sixty years at her passing. He attended Sam Houston State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education degree and continued his education until he received a Master of Education in Supervision degree followed by an Administrative Certification. He attended Texas A&M University to complete a Supervisor of Safety Education Endorsement.

Gene was very active in the North Zulch Community and Madison County. He was the North Zulch School principal, as well as coach and teacher from 1960-1969. He had many roles in the community and county. He was on the Madison County Hospital Board, Madison County Appraisal Board, National Bank of Madisonville Board of Directors, North Zulch ISD Board Member, and North Zulch Municipal Utility District Board member.

At the state level he was very active in driver education and traffic and bus safety. He was a Texas Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association board member, Secretary, Honor Award Recipient, and President. He was also a member of The American Driver and Traffic Safety Association. He was on the advisory boards for the State Youth Safety Program, National Bicycle Safety Program, and Governor’s Advisory Board for the development of the Drug and Alcohol Curriculum for high schools by the Texas Education Agency. He also was on the committee that developed the State School Bus Drivers Training Guidelines for the Texas Education Agency. He served on the State Legislative Education Committee.

He retired from education in 1990, from Education Service Center, Region VI, to help with the care of Dolores, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and had declined to a point of being wheelchair bound. He was an unbelievable caretaker for her from her diagnosis in 1976, until her passing in 2012. He had to hire help with Dolores, so into their lives came Belinda Whitmire in 1994, who was with them until their very ends. At Dolores’ passing Belinda became Gene’s caretaker for the next twelve years. Belinda and Lonnie moved into Gene’s home in 2021, when he required more care. If ever there was an angel on Earth it was Belinda. She was an incredible caretaker.

Gene was also a wonderful father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He never wanted to miss any of his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Glenn Connor will officiate a funeral service honoring Gene at the Willowhole Cemetery Chapel on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, beginning at 11 A.M. Burial will immediately follow in the Willowhole Cemetery. Visitation will be held in the chapel one hour before the service, beginning at 10 A.M.

Gene leaves behind his son, Benny Allphin and wife, Shari; daughter, Tammy Gilbert and husband, Nathan; bonus daughter, Bobbie Jeffries; caretaker, Belinda Whitmire and husband, Lonnie; grandchildren, Jess Gilbert and wife, Kendra, Michael Allphin and wife, Melissa, David Harris and wife, Tonda, Katie Ellsworth and husband, Tucker, Jacqueline Busa and husband, D.J., and Chelsye Allphin; six great-grandchildren, Reagan, Rylee, Jace, Jaylee, Brent, Mason, and another little girl, Emery on the way. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and friends.

Bobbie’s family: bonus granddaughters, Krista Dyer and husband, Jeff and Mika Jeffries; and bonus great grandson, Zach Dyer.

Belinda’s family, bonus granddaughters, Jana, Jessie, and Sam; bonus great-grandchildren, Tanner, Amirra, Liam, Aspen, Emma, Bella, Colby, Keegan, Aloni, and Ajax. 

He also leaves behind his companion, “Annie Ann,” who seldom left his side the last few years.

Gene was proceeded in death by his mother; father; wife, Dolores; siblings, Dempsey Allphin, Bonnie Utecht Olsen, Ford Allphin, and Noble Allphin; niece, Linda Utecht; and nephews, Wayne Allphin and Ricky Allphin.

Pallbearers: Jess Gilbert, Michael Allphin, David Harris, D.J. Busa, Tucker Ellsworth, Ty Smith

Honorary Pallbearers: Brian Baker, Tripp Baker, Joel Allphin, Robbie Allphin, Neal Allphin, Larry Utecht, Benney Raley

Family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Gene's name be made to the North Zulch Education Foundation. Mail donations to P.O. Box 293, North Zulch, Texas  77872.

Final arrangements for Robbie Gene Allphin are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas.