Tributes

Eugene “Gene” Tobias was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the blessed age of 78 after battling an aggressive form of Alzheimer’s disease. Gene was born on July 19, 1947, in far Southeast Bexar County around the Calaveras Lake area to Joe and Sarah Tobias. He attended East Central High School, class of 1965, where he was captain of the football team, excelled in shop and motor trades classes, and met his future wife, Ute Achtstatter. After high school in 1966, Gene enlisted in the Air Force Reserve with his best friend from the third grade, as an airframe mechanic where he worked on a variety of aircraft during his 36 years of service. The aircraft he worked on ranged from the C-130 Hercules, F-4 Phantom, B-52 Stratofortress, and C-5 Galaxy. Towards the end of his service, he undertook special restoration projects of a German Messerschmidt ME-262 jet and an American Martin B-10 bomber. Both aircraft are on display today at the Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. Gene retired from US Air Force Reserves in 2002. In his civilian time, Gene wanted more than working as a steel fitter at a metal fabrication plant to support his new wife and baby son. A fellow reservist encouraged Gene to apply to the San Antonio Police Department where he began his training as a police cadet in 1974. Upon graduating, he first served as a patrolman on the west and southside patrol units of San Antonio. While still serving as a patrolman, Gene was able to earn his private pilot certificate by joining the Ft. Sam Houston flying club that was based out of the Martindale Army Airfield. With his newly obtained pilot’s license, Gene applied and was accepted into the SAPD helicopter unit, based at the Marina Parking Garage in downtown San Antonio. He easily transitioned into rotary-wing aircraft and was involved with many fast-paced missions including the 1979 Fiesta Battle of Flowers Parade sniper event where he flew SWAT officers low over Broadway Ave. to incapacitate the shooter. With a young baby girl now in the family, Gene started to explore advancement within the police department. He began to study for the detective exam in the 1980s and was successfully promoted to Detective Investigator, but sadly that required him to transfer out of the helicopter unit. He served in various units from robbery, crime scene investigation, task force, and many joint-organization operations bringing down the bad guys. He performed his job well, but his love for flying never left. In the late 1990s, a position materialized with the helicopter unit that utilized his skillset, and he rejoined the flying unit one more time. Upon his return, he served as mentor to new pilots, setting up a maintenance program for work that would be conducted in-house, and eventually working in the unit with his son, Bryan. Gene retired from the SAPD in 2010. He is loved by many and will be sorely missed. Survivors include his wife of 56 years; Son Bryan and his wife Lisa; Daughter Brenda and his only grandson “Little” Bryan; Brother Kevin; and Pearl, his beloved cat and companion as well as several grand-dogs, grand-cats, grand-possum, extended family and close friends. Also, special acknowledgment to Tommy Lee Reeder and Sierra Reyes and the entire Elara Hospice team for their exceptional care and commitment in helping to care for Gene as well as our entire family throughout the hardest time of our lives. If you knew Gene, you know that no one was a stranger to him. He was known by many and loved by all. An avid lover of animals big and small there was never an animal that went hungry or lacked care and love. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to the Animal Defense League and/or Midgard Animal Rescue and Sanctuary or any local animal rescue organization of your choice in Gene’s honor. If you are unable to donate, just show any animal some love. Love goes a long way. Heaven has gained a treasured soul. We lost a good one. He will live forever in our hearts.

Tributes

Eugene Bernard Tobias

July 19, 1947 - October 5, 2025