Gene A. LaFollette

Gene A. LaFollette, 84, of Carmel, passed away December 18, 2024. He was born January 11, 1940 in Greencastle, Indiana to the late William Arthur and Josephine (Reed) LaFollette. He grew up in Carmel, Indiana and was employed by Duffens Optical for over 50 years.

Gene was a loving father and grandfather, loyal husband, wonderful brother, and dedicated worker. He enjoyed trains, working in the yard and around the house, watching Westerns and MASH, and was proud of his French/Cajun heritage.

Gene is survived by his wife, Alice LaFollette, daughter, Pennie Skinner, brother Gary (Sally) LaFollette of Carmel, sister Shirley Thurston of Noblesville, grandchildren Luke Skinner, Lexi Skinner, Stephanie (Bryan) Damrell, and Candice (Andrew) Hughes. Great grandchildren Alexander Damrell, Ruthi Hughes, Peter Hughes, Merilynn Hughes, Shepherd Hughes, and Jeshua Hughes. He is also survived by a bunch of stray cats, squirrels, birds, racoons, and other wildlife he kept fat and happy around his property.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine (Reed) LaFollette and William LaFollette, his brother, Ronald LaFollette, and his daughter, Jennifer (LaFollette) Williams.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024 from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM followed by a service at 1:00 PM at Leppert Mortuary – Carmel Chapel, 900 N. Rangeline Rd., Carmel, Indiana. Burial to follow service at Carmel Cemetery.