Bobby Gene Baugher

Bobby Gene Baugher, 85, peacefully passed away on Feb. 22, 2024, at his home in Lantana, Texas. He was born on Sept. 14, 1938, in Manila. Gene, as he was affectionately known, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

He leaves behind his cherished wife of 63 years, Sara Baugher, and is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Genine Baugher and Jennifer Kidwell, along with her husband Kevin; his cherished grandchildren, Rielly Bailey (and her husband Micheal), McKenzie Kidwell, and Dawson Kidwell; his dear sister-in-law Bernell Baugher; and his brother, Kenny Baugher, with his wife Donna.

Gene enters into eternal rest joining his parents, Opal and Lewis Baugher, and brother Jimmy Baugher, who preceded him in passage.

Gene received his education at Lost Cane Primary School, Manila High School, and the University of Arkansas. With patriotism at his core, he served in the Air Force briefly until he was honorably discharged due to a heart condition. Settling in Houston, Texas, he met and married his soulmate, Sara Frances. Gene’s affable nature propelled him into a successful sales career. Gene embraced his faith wholeheartedly, accepting Jesus into his life on Feb. 7, 2023. He will be fondly remembered by a multitude of friends for his passion of scuba diving and spearfishing, seeking adventure beneath the waves. Alongside his wife Sara, he was a pillar of the Houston dive community, leaving an incredible mark on the SeaSpace Dive Show and organizing initiatives such as Trash Fest, a Comal River cleanup by divers in New Braunfels, Texas. Gene also served as president of the Texas Gulf Coast Council of Dive Clubs for several years. He would tell you the best diving could be found in our own Gulf of Mexico on the Texas Flower Gardens where he was instrumental in installing mooring buoys to preserve the integrity of the reef. He loved sharing the Flower Garden reef as a Dive Master on board the M/V Fling and Spree. These are a few countless ways he promoted and shared his love of the underwater world. However, Gene’s greatest joy stemmed from his role as “Poppa” to his adored grandchildren. He tirelessly supported them, shuttling to school and sports events, and even becoming a local celebrity as a devoted WATCH DOG at the elementary school. In the words of his oldest granddaughter, he was always there celebrating every life milestone with us and the world will not be the same without him.

A memorial service honoring Bobby will be held at Cross Timbers Church in the Student Center, 1119 South U.S. Hwy. 377, Argyle, TX, on Saturday, March 9, at 11:30 am. Though his earthly journey has reached its conclusion, Gene’s spirit will endure through the cherished memories held by his family and friends.