A business leader and veteran broadcaster, Gene Pemberton is the first full-time chaplain in Major League Baseball. Gene first joined the Astros organization in January 1994. He served as director of community development until becoming the team chaplain in 1997.

He served for 31 years at American Desk Manufacturing Company in various capacities. Before coming to the Astros, he was the vice president of marketing and director of special projects, selling stadium seating for more than 60 sports venues, including the 70,000-seat Georgia Dome.

A long-time basketball and football official, he was honored as a lifetime member of the Southwest Officials Association for 23 years of service. Pemberton officiated in four state basketball tournaments.

Gene has been the color commentator for Temple Wildcat football games on KTEM radio since retiring from officiating in 1986. He and play-by-play announcer Mark McLain have been honored by the Associated Press for best sports play-by-play in their class several times since 1992. The duo also claimed the Dallas Press Club’s prestigious Katie Award in 1993 for best broadcast team in Texas outside the four major markets.

Gene is a past president of the Temple Kiwanis Club and Legion of Honor member, was a deacon for 19 years for Bethel Assembly of God Church, and has been involved in numerous other civic activities, committees and boards.

A native of Cameron, Texas, he grew up in Temple and graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1962. He and his wife, Mary, have three children, and four grandchildren: grandsons Brandon, Andrew, and Jeffrey; and granddaughter Elizabeth.

Please join us to hear what the Lord has put on Mr. Pemberton's heart to share with us.