John Eugene "Gene" Burton, of Houston, TX, passed away at his recent residence in Ames, IA on March 14, 2013. Gene, age 94, was born San Antonio, TX.
As a youth, Gene collected stamps, played trombone, fished, and became an Eagle Scout. He worked on construction of the Houston ship channel after graduation from Harlandale High and prior to joining the Texas A&M University Corp of Cadets. Gene entered the Army in 1942 and was assigned to duty in the Philippines where he worked to repair tanks. Following WWII, he returned to TAMU, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering.
After an early career in the oil and gas industry, Gene joined the Johnson Space Center as an aerospace engineer in 1960. His team tested space equipment in extreme conditions before it could be incorporated into NASA missions. Gene had many great memories of his days with the NASA space program. He helped build the Lunar Lander for the first man on the moon and aided during the rescue of the Apollo 11 astronauts through tests performed by the engineering team from Building # 17.
Gene always enjoyed fishing, through many weekend jaunts to East Texas for bass and fun-filled trips to Galveston for deep sea fishing. His green thumb brought him success in growing orchids, bromeliads and roses. Gene wished to be remembered as a kind, hard working person who enjoyed his life very much. Gig 'em Aggies!
Gene was preceded in death by his brothers, Glenn (Marines) and Bertie (Navy) and his wife, Jo. He is survived by his step-children Jovy Jergens of Portland, OR and Albert Jergens, DVM, as well as his grandson, Travis, nephews, nieces and many friends. A burial service and interment with military honors will be held in San Antonio, TX.

On line condolences may be directed to: wwwgrandonfuneralandcremationcare.com