"It’s great to be a Mason!”

Punching a fist in the air like an exuberant band leader, Gene exclaims, “It’s great to be a Mason!” At age 76, in spite of serious health issues, Gene’s bright, optimistic grin and twinkling eyes make him a popular resident at Texas Masonic Retirement Community.

“I’m a third generation Master Mason. I had the privilege of my father conferring all my degrees on me. My years involved in East Fork Lodge #650 in Wylie and in Plano Lodge #768 gave me great opportunities and lifelong friends,” said Gene.

Gene’s voice breaks as he holds up his left hand and points to a Masonic ring. “One of the most meaningful things that ever happened to me in Masonry was my close friend’s widow giving me his ring. I was waiting in line with my brothers for officer installation at Plano Lodge. She walked up to me and said, ‘He’d want you to have this.’ What an honor--I wear it to remind me of him and what Masonry and the brotherhood means to me.”

A native Texan, Gene grew up in Irving. In 1967, he followed work opportunities to Plano including stints with Brookshire’s Grocery, Carnation Foods, 7-11 convenience stores, Bonanza Steakhouses, Proctor & Gamble, and more. Throughout those years, Gene provided for his wife and daughter, plus pitching in to help his mother, mother-in-law, an aunt, and brother-in-law.

“I’ve worked in grocery, retail, and restaurant management or as a rep selling to those folks all my life. You know those businesses don’t offer much in the way of retirement plans, so I’m grateful and very happy to be living at TMRC.”

A third generation Master Mason, Gene was honored recently with a 50-year pin. His leadership includes serving Plano Lodge #768 as an endowed Past Master and being recognized with the Golden Trowel Award.

"I need to be right here at TMRC. Everybody is here to help and I sure appreciate it.”

In recent years, Gene experienced serious health issues including high blood pressure, diabetes, and balance problems due to neuropathy.

“I’m over the hill and I know what the next part of my journey is gonna be like,” said Gene. “I need to be right here at TMRC. Everybody has met or exceeded my high expectations. Everybody is here to help and I sure appreciate it.”

The No Mason Left Behind Project helps provide older Texas Masons and their qualified loved ones with all-inclusive 24 hour a day/7 days a week accommodations at Texas Masonic Retirement Community—including medical services and nursing care. The cost of these benefits exceeds $2.5 million annually.

Want to make a personal donation to the No Mason Left Behind Project? You can use our secure online donation service or print out and mail in a donation form. We look forward to recognizing your kindness and benevolence. A complete list of recognition awards and amenities is included below the donation buttons and in the online donation form.

Donations from Lodges, Chapters, Councils, OES, and other Masonic organizations make a tremendous difference!
Check our Lodge Donation Summary for more information about donating and recognition for your Masonic organization

       

Recognition for Your Personal Donation
(Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$50 - $99 Membership Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be  recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$100 - $499 Honor Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$500 - $999 Tribute Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be honored with a desktop award for your home or office
• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

$1,000 - $4,999 Legacy Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be honored with a large desktop award for your home or office
• You will be recognized by the Master of Ceremonies at Family Day and on a special major donor poster displayed at Texas Masonic Retirement Community year around
• You will be saluted at this level in a video displayed on the TMRC website, in the TMRC e-newsletter, and on social media.
• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a special annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

 $5,000 or More - Regency Level Donation
You are honored with these recognition amenities

• You will be honored with a large wall plaque for your home or office
  
• You will be recognized individually by the Master of Ceremonies at Family Day and on a special major donor poster displayed at Texas Masonic Retirement Community year around
• You will be saluted at the highest giving level in a video displayed on the TMRC website, in the TMRC e-newsletter, and on social media.
• You will be recognized at this donation level in Honor Rolls displayed on posters and banners at Family Day, on the TMRC website, and at the TMRC booth at Grand Lodge
• You will receive a spehttps://yourtmrc.org/donate/2021-honor-roll/cial annual lapel pin and a subscription to our quarterly e-newsletter.
  (Our donation year begins Sept. 1 and ends Aug. 31 of the following year)

Your donation of any amount is appreciated and helps provide for Texas Masons and their loved ones.