Gene Leon Roepke

Gene Leon Roepke, age 84 of Taylor, Texas and lifelong resident of Williamson County passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Gene was born to Leo and Ida Fuessel Roepke in Taylor, Tx on December 1, 1941.

Gene was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Taylor, Tx. He attended several area schools including Jonah, Taylor, Hutto, and ended in Thrall before graduating from the University of Common Sense at the top of his class.

Gene worked at Waterloo Gin for 6 years alongside helping his dad on the farm. When his dad passed away, he continued farming for several years. After that he went to work for R&T Automotive and then in 1983 he went to work for his brother, Jimmie at Wheels Fantastic, Inc. He was a great employee. When he did a job, it was done perfect no matter what it was. He always enjoyed it when some of his hot rod buddies would stop by and visit. He loved going to car shows and showing his 54 Chevy or his 69 Chevy PU which he won many awards for. He also loved going to swap meets, drag races, and circle track races.

Gene married Melba Gene Machu on July 7, 1985, at the Taylor Brethren Church and they were blessed with 33 years of marriage until her death.

The last 5 years of his life he enjoyed spending time with his “special” lady friend, Mary Kelso. Jimmie and Cindy would like to thank Mary for all the love and care she gave Gene during the last few years of his life.

Gene is preceded in death by his by his parents, Leo and Ida Fuessel Roepke, his wife Melba Roepke, his nephew Brian Lee Roepke, and numerous aunts’ uncles and cousins.

Gene is survived by his brother Jimmie and his wife Cindy Roepke. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Serving as pallbearers: Wayne Decker Ethan Machu Howard Machu Dennis McDaniel Larry Joe Roepke Oscar Vera