Eugene Dudek Sr.,

Eugene "Gene" McCarthy Dudek Sr., 86, a native of Waco, Texas, and resident of Houma since 1939, entered into eternal rest at 5:35 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, 2006. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Chauvin Funeral Home and from 11 a.m. to funeral time Tuesday at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral. Mass will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church, with burial in Magnolia Cemetery. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Julia Kappel Dudek of Houma; two sons, Eugene Dudek Jr. and wife, Caroline, and John Charles Dudek and wife, Tina, of Houma; three daughters, Linda Nicholas and husband, Hubert, of Gonzales, Nancy Robicheaux and husband, Aaron, of Houma and Marcie Lea Melancon and husband, Steve, of New Iberia; one daughter-in-law, Sandra Usey Dudek of Houma; 17 grandchildren, Danna Caillouet, Eugene Dudek III, Charles Dudek, James Dudek, Tracey Dudek, Katherine Nicholas, Theresa Nicholas, Rick Wiley, Julie W. Steigner, Carey Wiley, Casey Wiley, Mark Melancon, Rebecca M. Cavagnaro, Melanie Melancon, Matthew Melancon, Mike Dudek and Kayla Dudek; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Dudek and Joseph Snider Dudek; one son, Paul Victor Dudek; two brothers, Fred B. Dudek and Raymond Dudek; and one sister, Rosalie Dudek. He was employed by Texaco Marine Department for 16 years and retired from Cenac Towing Co. after 33 years. He was an usher at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, a honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus and a veteran of World War II serving in the Air Force. He was the true patriarch of the family, loving husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by all who loved him.