Lestel Lagene “Gene” Earhart, 83, of Winamac, IN passed away at 3:30 AM Friday, August 21, 2020 at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac. He was born on November 24, 1936 in Winamac to the late Lestel Edgar and Matilda Rey [Hickman] Earhart. On November 2, 1957, he married Denise Alva Dommer in Winamac. She passed away on August 11, 2020.
Gene was a hard worker. He retired from NIPSCO (after 30 years) where he had worked as a laborer and later became a supervisor. He had also worked at RCA and a local gas station. In his youth, he worked as a farmhand and as a pin setter at a local bowling alley. He also helped his dad deliver milk. Gene was raised in the Bethel Bible Church.
Gene was an avid bowler and participated in the local bowling league for many years. He was a stamp collector. He enjoyed yardwork and gardening. He also enjoyed listening to country music, watching TV, Facebooking, and playing cards.
Gene loved his family very much, especially spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by:
Penny (Tom) Saltsman, Winamac, IN Daughter
Duane Earhart, New Richmond, WI Son
Brenda (Bob) Lanham, Gosport, IN Daughter
Randy (Jeannie) Earhart, Valparaiso, IN Son
Kerry Earhart, Indianapolis, IN Son
6 Grandchildren: Jeremy, Shauna, Sheena, Jason, Katrina, and Anthony
1 Step Grandson: Tommy
5 Great Grandchildren: Jaren, Aidan, Brystol, McKinley, and Carter
Roselyn Budd Clark, Sister
Carolyn (Howard) Gordon, Sister-in-law
Delores Albee, Sister-in-law
Betty Feightner, Aunt
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins
Preceded in death by:
Lestel Edgar and Matilda Rey [Hickman] Earhart, Parents
Denise Alva [Dommer] Earhart, Wife
Oscar Budd, Brother-in-law
Archie Clark, Brother-in-law
Visitation will be from 5-7 PM EDT Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM EDT Thursday, August 27, 2020 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac with Rev. Edward Clark officiating.
Burial will take place at Koster Cemetery in Francesville, IN.
Memorial Contributions may be to the American Lung Association.
Online Tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac, IN.
