ELKHART -- Eugene Claude "Gene" Linzy, 76, of Stratford Commons Apartments, died at 8 a.m. Tuesday (Dec. 16, 2008) in The Hospice House of Elkhart.

He was born March 18, 1932, in East St. Louis, Ill., to Claude R. and Mary E. (Young) Linzy. On May 19, 1950, he married Lorraine E. Goldsmith in Cincinnati.

She survives along with three sons, Eugene A.R. (Kathy) Linzy of Lawrenceburg, Ky., Michael A. (Pat) Linzy of Vandalia, Mich., and Keith L. (Robin) Linzy of Union, Mich.; one daughter, Jenny I. (Abdul) Alfartusi of Elkhart; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Robert (Martha) Linzy of Cincinnati; and one sister, Patricia "Patsy" (Bob) Simpson of Brookville.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Donald Linzy, and one sister, Betty J. Linzy.

Mr. Linzy worked in the RV industry for more than 30 years as an upholsterer, retiring in 1995. After retirement, he and his wife traveled throughout Indiana and Kentucky to various flea markets and gatherings, where they sold hand-crafted leather belts, buckles and other leather accessories.

He was an accomplished photographer and enjoyed using his computer to process and edit his photos. He was an avid reader who enjoyed Zane Gray westerns.

Friends may call one hour prior to the 11 a.m. Saturday funeral service at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, ELCA, Elkhart. Pastor Mark A. Kloess will officiate. Burial will follow in Little Pine Cemetery, Goshen.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, assisted with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to The Hospice House of Elkhart (Center for Hospice and Palliative Care), 22579 Old U.S. 20 E., Elkhart, IN 46516.

Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences