2020
H. Eugene “Gene” Halcomb, 89, of Flora, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday morning, September 20, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Hospital Lafayette. Gene was born on March 13, 1931 in Deland, Illinois to the late Hubert B. and Valla Irene Parker Halcomb. Gene was born during poor times but raised in good times on a farm in Illinois, where he learned to work hard which followed him all of his life. Gene graduated high school from Armstrong Township in Illinois and his life of work began after. Gene became a salesman, selling food on the road in four states. He became aware that his territory had the least amount of sells for years, but in 1 1\2 years he turned it all around and became the number two salesman in the country. That company closed and with Gene’s great work history he became Director of Commercial Cooking at Indiana Power and Light in Indianapolis. All food venders were his customers. Gene’s knowledge and ability to make people feel good made the Senior VP offer to send him to college and Gene enrolled into to Michigan State. After completion of classes at college Gene became as assistant professor at the University of Indianapolis, Indiana University and Purdue University. Doors keep opening for Gene and he receive the US Patton for the design of the Grill O Fry. In 1978, Gene, purchased Commercial Kitchen Supplies and Lafayette Chemical and Paper in Lafayette, IN, where he was very successful for years. Gene was a very proud man serving our Country for four years in the US Navy. Gene followed in his fathers footsteps becoming a Mason. In July of 1952 Gene became a 32* mason and a life time member of the Shrines. He belonged to two Illinois Lodges and was a life time member of the American Legion in Delphi. Gene was a representative of the Masonic Service Association and the State of Illinois District 9. Gene was a quite Christian but new his life was guided by his God. Gene married Lilly McDonald-Turner on August 17, 2011 in Cutler, IN. During he and Lilly’s years of living in Flora they would go on Saturday evenings to Cutler for singing and dancing. They attended the Rossville United Methodist Church and would lend a helping hand wherever needed in the community. Surviving with his wife Lilly are four children, Christy Jo, Jeffery Scott, twins-Corey Alan and Carey Ann. Six grandchildren on his side: Jennifer, Erin, Gary, Ryan, Aidan and Corban. Several other grandchildren in Lilly’s family. One great-grandson: Ryan II and several in Lilly’s family. Gene had two brothers and two sisters. He was the oldest of them all. He has one sister living, Lois Murrell. Gene was truly blessed to have had so many adventures and family during his 89 years on this earth.
Gene’s family invite friends to visit Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Wheeler Family Funeral Home, 204 South Center Street, Flora, IN 46929 from 4 pm till the time of Gene’s celebration of life at 6 PM. Officiating will be Pastor Bob Raschka. Private burial will be at Middlefork Township Cemetery in Potomac, Illinois. Memorials may be given in Gene’s memory the Shrines, envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be given at www.wheelerfamilyfuneralhome.com or Wheeler Family Funeral Home Facebook Page.
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