Obituaries

November 24, 1936 to August 21, 2020

WINAMAC - Lestel Lagene “Gene” Earhart, 83, of Winamac, passed away at 3:30 a.m., Friday, Aug. 21, at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac.

He was born Nov. 24, 1936 in Winamac to the late Lestel Edgar and Matilda Rey Hickman Earhart. On Nov. 2, 1957, he married Denise Alva Dommer in Winamac. She passed away Aug. 11, 2020.

He is survived by:
Penny (Tom) Saltsman, Winamac, Daughter
Duane Earhart, New Richmond, WI, Son
Brenda (Bob) Lanham, Gosport, Daughter
Randy (Jeannie) Earhart, Valparaiso, Son
Kerry Earhart, Indianapolis, 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:
Oscar Budd, Brother-in-law
Archie Clark, Brother-in-law

Mr. Earhart 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. He was raised in the Bethel Bible Church. He was an avid bowler and participated in the local bowling league for many years. He was a stamp collector. He enjoyed yard work and gardening. He also enjoyed listening to country music, watching TV, Facebooking, and playing cards. He loved his family very much, especially spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 27, at the funeral home with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial will be at Koster Cemetery in rural Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.