Gene Bachman

Gene Gordon Bachman, 88, peacefully passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Ascension Providence Hospital, surrounded by family.

A visitation with family and friends will be from 6 to 8 pm on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at Pecan Grove Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at Waco Memorial Park at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023 with Dr. Cary Killough officiating.

Born to Lester Koplin and Alma Clara (Rice) Bachman on September 22, 1934, in Easton, Pennsylvania, as their first child, Gene graduated from Easton High School and was drafted into the United States Army in 1957. While serving as a sergeant at Fort Hood, he met Nancy Catherine Jacobs, and they were married on August 2, 1958.

Following his military service, he began his career within the automotive industry, in Waco. In the mid-1970s, he opened Gene Bachman Autos on Franklin Avenue. He quickly gained a reputation as a fair and honest car dealer, as recognized by his many repeat and referred customers.

He loved attending his grandchildren’s band, sporting, and various activities, as he traveled around the state with his daughter, Jennifer. He also enjoyed country music and trips, with Nancy, to Branson, MO, and the Grand Ole Opry, in addition to being an avid car enthusiast and NASCAR fan. Through faith, he was a Baptist.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Rodney Bachman, all of Easton, PA, his father and mother-in-law, O.M. and Marguarette Jacobs, of Waco, and nephew, Brian Frey, of North Carolina.

Left to always cherish his memory are loving wife of 64 years, Nancy Bachman, of Robinson, son Gordon Bachman and wife, Christi, of Houston, daughters, Melissa Roberts, of Waco, and Jennifer Bachman-White, of Robinson. Grandchildren, Stephanie Congdon and husband Kameron, of China Spring, Catherine Merrill and husband Zach, of Des Moines, Iowa, Austen White (Bridgett Jackson), of Anna, Michael White (Megan Santos), of Waco, and Christopher Bachman, of Houston. Sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Maynard Frey, sister-in-law, Darleane Bachman, all of Easton, PA. Nieces, Allison, Eileen, Sharon, Shelley, and nephew, Keith, all of PA, and a host of cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels of Waco, the Salvation Army of McLennan County, or a charity of your choice.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Providence Ascension surgeons, physicians, nurses, and technicians on 4 East and 4 North for their thoughtful care for our husband, father, and grandfather.