Eugene Vanderworth

Eugene Debs Vanderworth, 100, passed away on January 19, 2013 in Brenham, Texas. Eugene was born on December 9, 1912, in Industry, Texas, to Oscar and Dora Rinn Vanderworth. His family moved to the Old Glory area, Stonewall County, where they farmed. Eugene attended Brandenburg Old Glory High School and married Ella Peachie Letz deceased April 7, 2001 on December 14, 1933. They farmed in the area until Eugene went to work for the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Driver''s License Examiner, rising in the ranks to Lieutenant. He was baptized at the Fairmont Methodist Church in Abilene, Texas, in 1945. In 1952, he joined Brown Express, a major trucking firm, as a safety engineer. The company ultimately transferred him to Houston in 1954 where he and Ella raised their family of daughters Luella Lu, Mary, Dorothy and son Eddie. Eugene and family joined Bering United Methodist Church in Houston and later transferred to St. Matthew''s United Methodist Church. Eugene moved to Brenham in 2006 to be closer to daughters Lu and Mary and immediately became involved with Lou Lou Barbour and her band of "angels" who entertained at the various retirement/nursing homes in the Brenham community. He was known for playing his Cajun accordion and harmonica. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Brenham. Grateful for his leadership and love as a father, Eugene leaves behind daughters Lu Hollander of Brenham; Mary Whigham and husband Larry of Old Washington; Dorothy Mikkelsen and husband Dick of Montgomery; son Eddie and wife Susan of Houston; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; brother O. D. Vanderworth and wife Ruby of Tyler; sister in law Sue Vanderworth; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, many of whom enjoyed their visit to Brenham in December to celebrate his 100th birthday. Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7 pm on Monday, January 21 at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 1306 West Main, Brenham, with burial in the Old Glory Cemetery, Old Glory, Texas later in the week. Pallbearers are son Eddie Vanderworth, sons-in-law Dick Mikkelsen and Larry Whigham, grandsons-in-law Dude Hall and Mark Presswood, and great grandson Trey Presswood. Donations in Eugene''s memory may be made to First United Methodist Church, 408 North Baylor Street, Brenham, 77833 and/or St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 4300 N. Shepherd, Houston, 77018. Brenham services are being handled by Memorial Oaks