On Monday, December 9, 2024, our family lost it's beloved patriarch Marion Eugene Puterbaugh.  His goal was to make it to 100, but he was just shy by 2 years at the age of 98. He passed peacefully at home with his family at his side.

"Gene", Dad, or Grandpa was a Richmond, Indiana native. Born to George (Willie) Puterbaugh and Lida (Vaness) Puterbaugh on August 29, 1926.  He was the last surviving sibling of Willie and Lida's family. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers; Bill, Ken, and Donni,e and 2 sisters; Alma Martin and Freda Glass.

On August 29, 1947, he married the love of his life, Vera (Felty) Puterbaugh.  They shared over 77 years of marriage together, renewing their vows on their 70th wedding anniversary.  At every family gathering it seemed the story of how they met at the roller skating rink would be brought up, we all know it by heart. Though marriage is not always easy, they set a loving example by always getting their kisses in….

Gene proudly served in the Navy during WW II.  When he was 95 his granddaughter Shelby accompanied him on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., they spent the day there seeing all of the memorials, then came home to a cheering crowd; the welcome home that all our service members deserve.

He was a hard worker, most of his employment time was in accounting at Eaton Gear Works, then he worked at the Palladium-Item until his retirement.  At home he greatly enjoyed gardening; always using hand tools to work the soil, then carefully carrying watering can after watering can out to water each plant oh so carefully. He also loved making and sharing homemade ice cream.

As a Dad, he was a quiet steadfast example of what a good Christian man should be. Sure he could get roused to anger, but not very often. If you were in trouble with Dad, it was something Big.  He was patient, kind, and generally soft-spoken. He was a Sunday school teacher, Boy Scout Master, and Gray Y coach over the years. He enjoyed playing basketball and would generally play any game the kids wanted, especially his grandkids. As recently as 10 years ago, we watched him climb onto a sled with the grandkids and slide down the hill.

His pride and joy were his family.  On more than one occasion when the family was gathered, you could see him pull off to a quiet corner of the room and see a quiet tear of pride slip down his cheek.  One of his last requests was that his family set aside their differences and come together to love one another the way God would want.

Gene is survived by his wife of 77 years Vera (Felty) and two sons; Rick (Susan) and Robb (Kim) Puterbaugh. He was preceded in death by his oldest son Ron (8/6/2014)(Tammy), a grandson Chad (11/25/88), and a grandson Jeffrey (10/02/2009)

He is also survived by grandchildren; Tyler, Toby, Lisa, Michelle, Staci, Christopher, Shelby, Tanner, Bea, and Maddie.  He also had 17 Great Grandchildren and 11 Great Great Grandchildren.

Service was held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Stegall, Berheide, and Orr Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Mathews presiding. He was laid to rest in the family plot in Lutherania Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stegallberheideorr.com