By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
January 3, 1941 — June 21, 2026
Lafayette, Louisiana
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Gene C. Ebner passed away surrounded by the love of his family and the many memories of a life well lived. He was a kind, intelligent, and generous man whose presence brought comfort, strength, and steadiness to those who knew him. His life was marked by devotion to his family, service to his country, hard work, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that made each day meaningful.
Gene was the beloved husband of 65 years to Velma Hebert Ebner, and their long marriage stood as a beautiful example of faithfulness, partnership, and enduring love. Together, they built a life centered on family, shared values, and mutual respect. He was a devoted father to his daughter, Karen Ebner Sonnier, and her husband, Dwayne, and he took great pride in the family they shared. Gene was a loving grandfather to Hunter Sonnier and Hayli Richard and her husband Darian, and he cherished the joy of being a great-grandfather to Rosie Richard. He was also blessed to have another great-grandchild on the way, a blessing that brought him great happiness. He is survived by his brothers, Richard Ebner and wife Debbie, and John Ebner and Jeannette Luque, as well as his sister, Alice Sue Breaux. He was preceded in death by his parents, John C. Ebner and Blanche King Ebner.
Gene was a graduate of Lafayette Senior High School, Class of 1959, and he went on to earn his Bachelor Degree from SLI, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. He valued education and carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man who understood the importance of learning, discipline, and perseverance. His education helped shape the thoughtful and capable man he became, and it served him well throughout his personal and professional life.
He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War as a First Lieutenant. His military service reflected his sense of duty, courage, and commitment to something greater than himself. Those who knew Gene understood that his patriotism was not only expressed through service, but also through the integrity and responsibility with which he lived his life.
Following his military service, Gene began his career in commercial laundry equipment distribution. Through hard work, determination, and a strong business sense, he later began his own business in that industry. He also owned laundromat facilities in the Lafayette community for many years. Gene was respected for his work ethic and his ability to build and sustain a successful livelihood through dedication and perseverance. He approached his work with intelligence and care, and he earned the respect of those who worked alongside him and those who knew him as a businessman.
