Harold Gene Kimes

Harold Gene Kimes died at home on November 16, 2023, after a brief illness. Gene was a godly man who lived life wholeheartedly. He was devoted to his family and friends, loved to laugh and have fun, embraced all adventures and any good project, and served others with joy. He was grateful for his country and cherished its freedoms. Gene was a blessing to all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

Gene was born April 10, 1938, in Navarro County, TX to parents Charles Edwin and Mary Jewel Kimes. The family lived on a rural ranch but moved to the small town of Kerens, TX so he and his brother Kenneth could attend school. Their upbringing taught the brothers to become outdoor enthusiasts. Gene’s love of the outdoors and gardening continued throughout his lifetime.

While attending Kerens High School, Gene enlisted in the Texas National Guard. Later when pursuing his Bachelor of Science degree at Trinity University he joined its ROTC program. He graduated from Trinity in 1959 and entered the US Army with the rank of second lieutenant. Gene served three years as an armor officer with duty stations at Ft. Hood, Ft. Knox KY, and Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.

Gene resigned his army commission in 1963 to pursue a career in education. He taught science in San Antonio before joining the staff at Trinity University as Assistant Director of Admissions. While working at Trinity, he completed a Master of Education degree majoring in Counseling and Guidance. In 1970, he enrolled in the Doctor of Education degree at East Texas State. There he met Barbara Ann Day Reynolds, and they married in 1971. In 1973, after receiving their doctorates, they moved to Killeen, along with Barbara’s daughter Alison. Gene helped establish a new institution, American Technological University, where he taught and held various administrative positions including President.

In 1982, Gene made a career change and became a stockbroker with Dean Witter Reynolds, which later became Morgan Stanley. As a financial advisor, he provided clients with investment strategies and portfolio management. He conducted stock market seminars, taught advanced investment courses at area colleges, and presented a daily stock market report on radio station KNCT FM.

After Gene’s wife, Barbara, died, Gene met and began dating Kathie Hughes Daniel in 1987. He quickly fell in love with her, but she was hesitant about remarriage. Gene worked hard to win her over. They married May 5, 1990, and shared 33 wonderful years together. They especially enjoyed traveling and hosting memorable family trips.

In 1998, Gene joined the Development Office at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor as Director of Planned Giving and held that position until he retired in 2014. He often said that this was the best job he ever had, working with the outstanding alumni and staff of UMHB. He was a proud fan of The Cru football team and enjoyed attending games.

Outside of work, Gene was involved with Community Bible Study for 22 years and served the last 11 years as a Regional Director and trainer. He firmly believed that God was always in control no matter what the circumstances. He was guided by one of his favorite scripture verses, Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” He participated in church and civic activities, Rotary International, and other local organizations.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents and brother and is survived by his wife Kathie, her children, Britt Daniel, Katie Daniel, Christopher Daniel, his wife Judie, and their children Logan and Ellie; Alison Reynolds, her husband Patrick Snook, and their son Oliver; and Gene’s sisters-in-law, Sylvia Kimes and Andi Hughes.

A service in celebration of Gene’s life will be held Thursday, December 14 at 2 pm at Temple Bible Church, 3205 Oakview Dr., in the Creekside Building, The Commons. Dossman Funeral Home, Belton, is overseeing arrangements.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Bible Study, 790 Stout Rd.,Colorado Springs, CO 80921, online at www.communitybiblestudy.org/donate/  or to the Gene Kimes Endowed Scholarship in Nursing at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 900 College Street, Box 8409, Belton, TX 76513, online at advance.umhb.edu