Gene Rasheta

My deepest condolences to the family. Gene and I worked at different petrochemical plants along what was called the "Rubber Plant Road" long ago, but we belonged to the same OCAW local. After I left Neches Butane and became a reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise, Gene was always an excellent contact during contract negotiations. He was a dedicated union man but always was open to discussing both sides of any issue in an intelligent and unbiased way. Plus, he trusted me to quote him correctly during strikes when he was in late-night consultations with federal mediators. Gene could be the coolest of the cool while holding out for the best interests of the workers he represented. I know that most who remember him then will join me in missing him now, as we offer sympathies to loved ones who will miss him more.

Gene and my dad, Lefty Haven, were good Union buddies. I always enjoyed seeing and talking to Gene around town. Condolences to his Family from the Haven family.

Gene was an operator at A/S where I was a shift pipefitter and one of the things that you could depend on that if Gene called in a repair order, he needed it, he was a very dedicated operator and if you will one of the few synthetic rubber pioneers, we seen the rubber industry go from 13000 miles per set of tires to over a 100,000 miles capability. When he was on the Drainage District #7 board he helped to eliminate a ponding of water during heavy rains at the corner of Ave 8 and Gulf in Port Neches, where I lived at that time his help was greatly appreciated, and most of us that lived there are gone from there, but the improvement is still working. May God give you Peace, and good health!