Raymond Eugene “Gene” Goad, 83, of Union Mills, IN, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana in Fort Wayne.
He was born Jan. 6, 1934, in New Carlisle, IN, to Peyton Shirley and Ruth (Bennitt) Goad.
Gene was an active member for many years at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Union Mills, IN. He was a hardworking and caring man. He worked as a successful salesman for most of his working career, primarily in the insurance industry with several companies. He was also a successful business owner before retiring. Gene also worked as a school bus driver for several years. He was Noble Township Trustee for many years. He was well known for his small stature and quick wit. He was always ready with a funny story or joke to share with anyone he met. Gene did not know a stranger and would talk to anyone. With 50 years of continued membership in the Lions Club, he believed in serving the community in which he lived. He was a Charter Member of the Union Mills Lions Club.
One passion later in life was high school athletics and athletes. He attended every game he possibly could to offer his support and encouragement. He became known by many as their number-one fan! He enjoyed the Chicago White Sox, and athletic competitions of all forms.
On Jan. 30, 1960, he married the love of his life, Janet Lee (Emmons), who preceded him in death on April 25, 2015. They spent 55 beautiful years together.
Gene was also preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Stolte and Delores Zeisig; brother, Jim Goad; and infant brother, Frank Goad.
Surviving are his beloved children, Nile Goad of Thomasville, NC, Jeff Goad of Lompoc, CA, Teri (Bill) Zechiel of Plymouth, IN, and Mary Beth (Jim) Meyers of Union Mills, IN; grandchildren, Matthew (Cristi) Goad, TJ Meyers, Rebekah (Chris) Tucker and Samantha Zechiel; three great-grandchildren, Colten, Alannah and Audrey; siblings, Marylin Holman and Dwight Goad; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Goad; brother-in-law, Richard (Nancy) Emmons; sister-in-law, Cathy (Mark) Middleton; brother-in-law, John (Becky) Emmons; and mother-in-law, Esther Emmons. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog, Brutus.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, LaPorte, with Rev. Gretchen Gibbs officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. until the service. Burial will take place at Union Mills Cemetery following the service. A cremation committal has taken place.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Union Mills Lions Club, 104 Union St., Union Mills, IN 46382; South Central Athletic Department, 9808 S. 600 West, Union Mills, IN 46382; or the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.