Eugene Johnico, Jr.

Eugene "Gene" Johnico Jr., 75, passed away Saturday, August 12, 2023. Gene was born to Eugene Johnico Sr. and Walsie Mae Keck, in Talihina Oklahoma on November 6, 1947. Gene is survived by his children; Eugene Francisco, Felicia Ann, Melody Ann, and Adrian Talley Johnico. He is also survived by 3 daughter-in-laws; Jessie, Deborah and Lesley as well as his precious niece, JoAnn Zucker and grandchildren Nikolas, Carson, Christian, Matthew, Maggie, Jett and Aidan Johnico. Gene will reunite with Thelma Diane Johnico Nevarez, Uncle Carl Zucker, Aunt Ella, Aunt Hutsy, Aunt Ruby, nephew and niece, Donny and Dottie, cousin Bruce, brothers Robert and Daniel, as well as his beloved pet pomeranian, Shakira Johnico. As a young adolescent, Gene moved to Los Angeles California to take part in The Indian Relocation Act of 1956. Gene was a talented athlete who excelled in baseball and played semi-pro baseball in California. Gene was away from his immediate family until he was 68 years old and finally was able to move to Texas on November 11, 2014 to be cared for by his twin daughters. Gene fought his battle with cancer for 8 long years. Despite spending much of his time in and out of the hospital, he never lost his sense of humor, wit and passion for all the things he loved to do like playing pool, playing poker with Melody, watching his favorite sports teams: LA Rams and Dodgers,and his beloved OU Sooners! He formed many treasured friendships within his pool hall community and was known to his friends as "Choctaw" and had the reputation of the best pool shark player around. He had a great ability to make others laugh and smile with his sarcastic humor. Gene was so proud to be an Oklahoma Choctaw and loved reading and sharing facts on Native American history, culture and native people represented on national and international stages. He was also a sports enthusiast and could relay news, facts and opinions on a variety of sport topics. Gene took pride in his knowledge of "all things" and loved to debate or challenge you with his wisdom. Gene gave us the gift of the Johnico name and he loved to brag to his friends about his children and grandchildren and all their accomplishments that were honoring the Johnico name. Gene was never the world's greatest Father or Grandpa but he was the PROUDEST. Visitation will be on Sunday, August 20th, 2023 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at McCarn Funeral Service in Talihina, Oklahoma. Services will be on Monday August 21st, 2023 at 10:00AM at McCarn Funeral Home Chapel in Talihina, Oklahoma with Bro. Raymond Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at the New City Cemetery in Talihina, Oklahoma. Services have been entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

Eugene Johnico, Jr.

November 6, 1947 - August 12, 2023