Elbert Eugene Files, Jr. was born in Houston, Texas, on Jan. 17, 1935, to parents, Elbert Eugene Files, Sr. and Birdie Belle Perry Files. Gene entered Heaven’s Gates on June 11, 2026, at the age of 91.
He proudly served our country in the US Army from March 1954 to March of 1956. Gene retired after 35 years as an Iron Worker, with 31 of those years being dedicated to Local 84. Some of his most notable projects included the St. Louis Arch, George R. Brown Convention Center, South Texas Nuclear Project and the Budweiser Brewery.
He loved being outdoors taking care of Files Farms founded by his father in 1959. He dedicated himself to being a good steward of this land and working to pass on a legacy for his family.
He is remembered by his family as a loving man, who instilled the characteristics of love, honor, honesty, integrity, and a good work ethic; putting God and family above all.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Elbert Eugene and Birdie Belle Files; beloved son, Terry Eugene Files; precious daughter, Margaret Lynne Files; brothers, Ken Files, Don Files and sister JoAnn Sausley.
Gene is survived by his loving wife of 67 ½ years, Margaret Files. His children; Greg Files and wife Tina, Billy Files and wife Wendy; Daughter-In-Love Janice Files. Grandchildren; Heather Martin and husband Chad, Jessica Foxworth and husband Robert, Justin Files, Logan Files and wife Shelby, Becca Russell and husband Nick, Miranda Tucker and husband Corey, Savannah Singhaus and husband Drew, Kayla Molnar and husband Austin, Jaken Herman and wife Brooklyn, Rose Files, and Jared Files; 20 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandson. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held in the Pace-Stancil Chapel on Sunday, June 14, 2026 from 6-8pm. Funeral Service is scheduled for Monday, June 15, 2026, at 10 a.m., in the Pace-Stancil Funeral Home Chapel with Rev, Joshua A. Ray officiating. Burial will follow at Ryan Cemetery in Tarkington. Pallbearers for the service will be grandsons Justin Files, Logan Files, Jared Files, Jaken Herman, Corey Tucker, Robert Foxworth, Austin Molnar and Chad Martin. Drew Singhaus will be an honorary pallbearer.