Gene Stanley

Gene Stanley, 95, of China Spring, Texas, passed away at her home surrounded by family January 30, 2026. Visitation will be Friday, February 6th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at OakCrest Funeral Home and the Service will be Saturday, February 7th at 10:00 AM at Oakwood Cemetery.

Gene was born on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1930 in Menard, Texas to Henry Jackson Pierce and Annie Lee Thornton Pierce. She had a sister Margaret and brother Jack. She attended school in various cities in Texas and graduated from San Angelo High School in 1948. Gene married W.O. Bill Stanley on July 21,1949 in San Angelo, Texas. Bill and Gene began their life together in Big Spring, Texas where they owned a Dairy Maid restaurant that served hot dogs and ice cream. From there they moved to Sweetwater, Texas and had their first three daughters in just under 3 years and expanded their business to a AAA Drive In. This was the beginning of their hamburger business. Next was the move to Abilene, Texas where they grew their business and welcomed their fourth daughter. In February 1956 they moved to Waco, Texas and made it their home. They welcomed their 5th and 6th daughters and eventually opened Kim’s Restaurant.

Gene raised her daughters, supported Bill in his business ventures, and so enjoyed going from church to church with him beautifully singing hymns together and listening to Bill preach. They would sing all the time, their home was filled with songs and singing, as it was a talent they both shared and brought them both great joy. Kim’s Diner was where friends became like family, and she will always be remembered for the kindness she showed to all who came. She worked tirelessly at Kim’s for many years until 2013 when she retired at age 83 and sold her business after a long 56 years.

Gene loved spending time with family more than anything else. She enjoyed traveling, going to golf tournaments with Bill, playing Gin on Friday nights at Ridgewood, and just about any other activity as long as she was with family, she would always join along with a smile. Gene was affectionately known as ‘Mama’ by all who knew and loved her…not just her children and grandchildren, but their friends as well. You could tell by her smile when she heard someone call out ‘Mama’ that it was her most favorite name. Gene was a member of Crestview Church of Christ. Her faith in Jesus will ripple through generations and be the legacy she has left us with.

Gene is preceded in death by her husband, Bill Stanley; daughter, Connie; parents, Henry and Annie Pierce; sister, Margaret Rogers; son-in-law, Mark Rippen; and great granddaughter, Hadlee Grace Smith. Survivors include her beloved daughters, Donna Wachtendorf and husband Wilbert, Debbie Rippen, Susan Breeland and husband Norman, Wynell Mitchell and husband Lloyd, and Marian McDonald and husband Shallaco; brother, Jack Pierce; thirteen grandchildren, Scott Brown and wife Stephanie, Lynn Rippen and wife Shelley, Karrie Smith and husband Bryan, Sarah Rippen, Deanna Estepp and husband Michael, Jeff Wachtendorf and wife Cassie, Justin Kelly and wife Jackie, Nathan Stanley and wife Megan, Amy Hessel, Jenny Hessel, Josh Wachtendorf, Katy Hessel, and Jared Davis; as well as 25 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Scott Brown, Lynn Rippen, Bryan Smith, Jeff Wachtendorf, Justin Kelly, Nathan Stanley, Josh Wachtendorf, and Jared Davis.

His master replied, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!" ~ Matthew 25:23