Edwin Eugene Bounds

Gene Bounds, 89, of Stamford, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in Abilene, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Tankersley Funeral Home Chapel, 807 Columbia, Stamford, Texas, with Rev. Jesse Morton officiating.

Gene was born on May 29, 1937, in Stamford, Texas, to Raymond and Doris (Stephens) Bounds. He was raised on the family farm in Haskell County near Paint Creek, where he learned the value of hard work and developed a lifelong love for the outdoors. Those early years shaped the character he carried throughout his life—one marked by determination, humility, and a deep appreciation for the land and God's creation. He graduated from Paint Creek High School, where he played football and earned several school honors.

On October 15, 1963, Gene married Bertha (Kainer) Freeman. Together they shared 49 years of marriage before Bert preceded him in death on January 9, 2013.

Known affectionately as "Paw" by his grandchildren, Gene treasured time spent with his family. An avid outdoorsman, he especially enjoyed taking family members hunting and sharing his love of nature with them. He also enjoyed training and riding horses, and he never passed up an opportunity to spend an evening dancing. Gene was of the Methodist faith.

Gene was a dedicated and dependable worker throughout his career. He worked for Ringo Drilling and later Jerry's Waterline Service before retiring.

He is survived by his daughters, Judy Clifford and husband Kevin of Abilene, Texas, and Cherry Willhoite of Abilene, Texas; his daughter-in-law, Billie Jo Freeman of Clyde, Texas; five grandsons, John Freeman of Austin, Texas, Cole Wilson and wife Tye of Abilene, Texas, Jason Wilson of Stamford, Texas, Justin Bounds of Abilene, Texas, and Brendon Bounds and wife Sela of Wyoming; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Doris Bounds, his beloved wife, Bertha "Bert" Bounds, and his sons, Jerome Bounds and Tony Freeman, 2 sons-in-law, Donny Doster and Tom Willhoite.

Gene will be remembered for his strong work ethic, quiet strength, love of family, and the joy he found in the simple pleasures of life. His legacy lives on through the family he loved and the memories they will forever cherish.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to your favorite charity.