Eugene Thaler

Eugene Gene Roy Thaler, 76, husband of Marjorie Ann Matthies Thaler, passed away July 4, 2011 in Houston. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, July 8, 2011 at Memorial Oaks Chapel, with HPD Chaplain Monty Montgomery officiating. Burial will take place at Prairie Lea Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives Thursday evening from 5:30 until 8 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel, Brenham. Gene Thaler was born November 28, 1934 in Burton, Texas to Willie and Lillie Heine Thaler. After attending Burton area schools, he married Marjorie Matthies in St. John''s United Church of Christ in Burton on September 26, 1953. Captain Thaler retired from the Houston Police Department after 35 years of service. At the time of his retirement, he was the Commander of Burglary and Theft Division. During his tenure, he was assigned to the Central, Southwest, Southeast, Westside, Major Offenders and Internal Affairs Divisions. He joined the Department on September 8, 1958, entering the Police Academy Class No. 19. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie of Houston; sons and daughters-in-law Mike and Marion Thaler of Houston, and Rick and Pam Thaler of Huntsville; daughters and sons-in-law Bonnie and Ken Cox, Kathie and Mark Griffis, and Debbie and Rick Kloss of Houston; grandchildren Crystal, Kyle, and Kimberly Cox, Tricia and husband Scott Cole, Brittany and Michael Thaler, Stephanie Griffis, Shelbie and Kelsie Thaler, and Richard and Michelle Kloss; great-grandchildren; Kathryn Thaler, Ryan, Grayson, and Chandler Cole; brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Annie Laurie Thaler; brother Bill Thaler, all of Brenham; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Carrie May and Mervin Maass and Evelyn and Dennis Maass, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Dorothea, Lunette Roehling, and Eloise Whitener, and brothers-in-law Melvin Roehling and Oliver Whitener. Serving as pallbearers are Kyle Cox, Michael Thaler, Richard Kloss, Ray Thaler, Billy Thaler, Van Roehling, Tommy Whitener, and Bob Whitener. Honorary pallbearer is Willard Walden, HPD Academy classmate, Radio Patrol partner, and good friend. Memorials may be directed to the 100 Club; www.the100club.org or Assist the Officers Foundation, 1600 State Street, Houston, Texas 77007; www.assisttheofficer.com. Funeral arrangements for Eugene Roy Thaler are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main, Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com