LONGTIME AUTO DEALER EUGENE BOTHE PASSES AWAY
Eugene Bothe, a longtime auto salesman in Brenham, has passed away.
Tegeler Toyota shared news of Bothe’s passing on Tuesday. He was 92.
A Brenham native, Bothe began selling vehicles in 1953. In 1974, he became the sole owner of Rankin Motors, which would be called Bothe Ford, and owned the dealership for 12 years. After selling the dealership to the Appel family, he went on to sell vehicles at Tegeler Toyota starting in 1993. He was Tegeler’s longest-tenured employee and was well-known for his catchphrase, “There’s no deal like a Bothe deal.”
During his 90th birthday celebration, Bothe received a signed letter from Governor Greg Abbott and a proclamation from City of Brenham officials, declaring April 28th as “Mr. Eugene Bothe Day”.
Tegeler Toyota called Bothe “a friend, a mentor, and a bright light in our days.” The dealership added, “Known and loved by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him, his kindness, dedication, and unwavering spirit left a lasting impact on all of us.”
Visitation will take place on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Brenham Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church.
He sold me my 2011 Tacoma I still have today. What a great guy!
Gene Bothe helped so many people without anyone knowing!
What an all-around great Person and Friend. We would see him dancing, especially at Shelby’s Harmonie Hall even when he was approaching his 90’s. May he Rest In Peace.