Eugene "Gene" L. Gay, 92, formerly of Elkhart County area, passed away on Friday, June 11, 2021, in Hendersonville, NC. He was born June 3, 1929, in Bristol, IN to the late Arthur Theodore and Bessy (Kuntz) Gay.

Gene is survived by children, Thomas Hoctor, Gregory Gay, Theodor "Ted" (Terry) Gay, Sherry (Charles) (Hoctor) Stille; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sister, Betty Kurtz; and numerous extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents; loving wife of almost 67 years, Myrtle O. (Hartman) Gay; brothers, Larry, Lavon, Chester, Franklin, John, and Herbert Gay; and sisters, Georgia Marsh, Sharon Fulcher, Maybelle Graybill, Doris Rarrat, and Wanita Smith.

In accordance with Gene's wishes, cremation was chosen. A celebration of life gathering will take place on Friday, September 10, 2021, from 5-7 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. Military honors will be rendered at 6:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Prairie Street Cemetery beside his wife at a later date.

Gene graduated in 1947 from Jefferson High School in Goshen. He served proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart in 1952. Gene worked as a small engine repairman for various companies over the years. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing solitaire and other card games with his friends and family. Gene was a lifetime member of the DAV and enjoyed traveling to many states in America with his family. He will be greatly missed.