Gene Born

Alvin Gene Born was born on March 21, 1937, to Fred and Sophia (Littau) Born. He completed their family alongside his parents and older sister, Louise.

Gene developed an early fascination with aviation. While in elementary school during WWII, he and his classmates were taken outside to watch several B-36 bombers fly overhead—a moment that sparked a lifelong love of airplanes. His mother later bought him a toy P-38 plane, which “he flew around the world.” Gene also loved astronomy, a passion encouraged by Pastor Rhode, who once advised Gene’s father, “Do not discourage the boy.” Gene eventually convinced his father to take a ride with him in Mr. Wynette’s J-3 Piper, an experience that confirmed his dream of flying.

After graduating from Follett High School in 1955, Gene attended Texas Tech University. He remained dedicated to becoming a pilot and completed his first solo flight in 1957, embarking on nearly 60 years of flying. Over his career, Gene conducted photo mapping for the ASCS (Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service) office—a project that spanned many years—and became a skilled flight instructor who taught numerous members of the community how to fly. His commitment to aviation was honored, on September 28, 2024, with the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for more than 50 accident‑free years of flight.

In 1960, Gene enlisted in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, followed by advanced training at Fort Benning, Georgia.

After returning home, Gene married Dianna Koch on June 29, 1963. They were blessed with four children: Corina, Monica, Clinton, and Clayton. Gene was a devoted father who loved taking his children skiing, fishing, and camping, sharing deeply in all the joys of family life. He also introduced his children and grandchildren to chess, fostering a multi-generational love for the game.

In 1996, Gene met Meshel Reves, and the two began a relationship that brought great joy to both of their lives. As Meshel was a single mother, Gene quickly became a steady and positive influence on her children: Lidj, Zebulin, and Ayslin. When Gene and Meshel married on July 4, 2001, he lovingly stepped into the role of a devoted father figure for all three.

Gene pursued many hobbies throughout his life. During his high school years, he helped his family with farming and carried that love of the land into his adult life, inspiring his sons to carry on the tradition. Gene was also known for his incredible artistic talent; in 1999, he began earning certifications in Bob Ross art, eventually certifying in Seascape, Landscape, Wildlife, Floral, and Portrait painting. Combined with his love of flying, he developed a passion for Remote Control (RC) Aircraft. Although some of his RC planes spent more time being built and repaired than they did in the air, his love for the hobby never wavered. He was awarded first place in the Novice Class of the Mooreland Radio Control Flyers. He proudly displayed his beautiful artwork and RC planes in the windows of Gene Born Machinery.

He was a remarkable husband and father to seven children, as well as a cherished presence in the lives of his many grandchildren and great‑grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Louise Chase, and her husband, Bill; and his son-in-law, Brian Dee Black.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Meshel; his children, Corina (Jeff) Srygley, Monica Post, Clinton (Tonya) Born, Clayton Born, Lidj Hunter (Amy Stevens), Zebulin (Crystal) Reves, and Ayslin Reves (Peter Wooten). Gene’s grandchildren include Sasha Brothers (Matt Schwartz), Rowdy (Nataley) Born, Colt (Miriam) Black-Srygley, Holden (Regan) Born, Shyan Post, Ariel (Jake) Rains, Logan Post, Kaitlin Born, Jennifer Srygley, Benjamin Born, and Matthew, Hudson, Hadlee, and Malcolm Reves. His great‑grandchildren include Maverick Rains, Mason Srygley, Bennett Born, Briggs Born, and Ellis Born, with two more expected soon.

Gene will be remembered for his gentle spirit, unwavering dedication to family, and lifelong passion for flight. His legacy will continue to soar in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Memorial donations may be made to the
Follett Volunteer Fire Department
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
P.O. Box 276
Vici, OK 73859.