Eugene “Gene” D. Pizel

Eugene D. Pizel died September 15, 2016 while walking his dog in Garland, TX at the age of 67. Gene was a Registered Architect, Registered Interior Designer, Landscape Designer and Space Planner in Texas and member of American Institute of Architects and the Texas Society of Architects at the time of his death.

Gene is survived by his sister Brenda Craig of Wichita, Kansas and significant other Dr. Charlene Clements of Dallas, TX as well as his beloved dog Starla who has been adopted by Brenda.

Gene was born on April 28, 1949 north of Kanarado, Kansas to Chester and Norma Pizel both deceased now. He attended a one room schoolhouse there for his first 6 years and graduated from Goodland High School in 1967. He graduated from Colby Community College in 1969 with his Associate of Arts degree. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University in 1974 . He had no children but sponsored two international high school exchange students for a semester.

His entire architectural career was spent in the Dallas metroplex beginning the year after graduation from Kansas State University. His experience includes 658 Projects representing churches, healthcare facilities, winery, industrial buildings, office buildings, sport centers, restaurants as well as commercial and residential landscape projects. He was especially proud of the many hotel projects he worked on including Sheraton South Padre Island Beach Resort, Sheraton Texarkana, Sheraton Centre Park Hotel Arlington, Sheraton San Angelo, Sheraton Inn Sherman, Aloft Hotel, Residence Inn Mayo Clinic, and Hotel Bentley, Alexandria, Louisiana. He also worked on 67 expansion projects for Wal-Mart stores. He designed Oakwood Cellars Winery & Tasting room which was the first winery in Dallas. His awards include a Designer Circle Award from Lodging Hospitality magazine, awarded a Best Bar award from Restaurant and Hotel Design magazine and 3 Award of Excellence awards from Sheraton Corporation. He was active in Toastmasters and Rotary Club for a number of years.

He was member of the Unity Church of Dallas Choir for over 15 years and performed with them at Carnegie Hall with conductor John Rutter’s “Mass of the Children” in 2006. He also performed in the musical presentations of “Anything Goes”, “Best of Broadway” and Hallellujah Chorus to name a few.

He was an active volunteer for many organizations including the Sustainability Summit at Eastfield College in 2011, Professional Design Showcase at International Center 2010, Habitat for Humanity 2009-1010, Preservation Dallas 2005-2015 where he won an outstanding volunteer award in 2006, and North Texas Irish Festival 2002-2016 with Charlene. He became an honorary Irishman although very proud of his Czehoslovakian heritage.

Gene loved animals and had a special gift allowing him to communicate with dogs and cats. He rescued several dogs and cats during his life. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Garland Animal Services and Adoption Center, 600 Tower St, Garland, TX 75040 or to Unity Church of Dallas Music Department.

A Celebration of Life service for Geneis scheduled for 1 pm on December 10 at Unity Church of Dallas, 6825 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230 with a reception to follow at the church.