Gary Wayne Eiben

Gary Wayne Eiben, 76, of Taylor, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital in Round Rock, Texas.

Gary was born on September 3, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas to Reinhold and Nelda (Bachmeyer) Woelfel. He grew up with two younger brothers. When their mother married Paul Eiben, he adopted the boys and joined in raising them. After his untimely death, their mother married J.C. Boney, a loving and devoted stepfather, and three sisters and another brother were born into the family. Gary attended school in Thrall and then joined the Army, serving three years in Germany. After his military discharge, Gary spent time working in cotton gins in Lubbock, Texas, and other places. While working in Austin, Texas, Gary met Carolyn Wiebusch in September 1969 and they were married on December 13, 1969. To this marriage were born two children: Janet Lynn and David Wayne. After spending time working in construction, roofing, excavating, and gravel hauling, Gary went to work for the University of Texas as a carpenter until his retirement in January 2003. Gary loved deer hunting and spent time hunting in Colorado, New Mexico, South Texas, and locally. Gary and Carolyn spent time travelling to Mississippi, Alabama, Oklahoma, and places in Texas to visit family and friends and to go fishing. After retirement, Gary and Carolyn spent time raising cattle and helping their grandchildren with their County Show animals. Gary loved to spend time on his tractors; shredding or moving hay bales. He continued his love of carpentry work, whether it be building tables, deer stands, or even two small houses. He enjoyed cooking beef stew, chili, banana pudding, dressing, and his famous hot sauce; all of which he happily shared with others. Gary was so proud of his children, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren, and all of their accomplishments, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary the accomplishments were. He treasured and loved his whole family, his many friends, the Lord, and his beloved dogs. He was a simple man who never knew a stranger.

Gary is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Kenneth Eiben.

Gary is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Carolyn; daughter, Janet Preuss (Kevin); son, David Eiben; grandchildren, Clayton Anderson (Stefanie), Brandie  Preuss and friend Bryan Knowlton, Dana Marler (Chase); and great-grandchildren, Brooklynne Kennedy and Bryson, Braxtyn, and Braddox Anderson; brothers, Stephen Eiben, Jeffrey Boney; sisters, Cindy Shaw, Brenda Valdez, and Susan Rohlack.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Taylor, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.