Eugene Louis "Gene" Springer

It is with sadness in our hearts to share that Eugene Louis Springer, 94, of New Haven, Indiana passed away in his sleep on Saturday, December 21, 2024, while surrounded by family. Born November 18, 1930, in Hoagland, Indiana, he was a son of the late Edgar and Vera (Bearman) Springer. He was a 1947 graduate of Hoagland High School where he enjoyed playing basketball and was a 1947 County Basketball Tournament Champion. Growing up on a farm, he worked hard his entire life. Shortly after high school, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951-1953 as a Sergeant and was a Front Line Observer in the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #330 and the H.B. VFW Post #2457. Returning to his sweetheart and forever love of his life, he married Marlene (Bandelier) Springer in 1953 and they shared 71 more years together before his passing. Gene, also known as "Jock" worked many side jobs as well as his full time job as a supervisor at Phelps Dodge Magnet Wire, retiring in 1985. During his younger years, he enjoyed playing fastpitch softball as a catcher in the local Hoagland area. With his wife, they shared many hobbies lake life (Hogback and Big Long Lake), fishing, traveling, playing cards, watching TV (Fox News, westerns, and sports), bowling (high game of 299) and golfing (11 hole-in-ones). He also liked to work with his hands to fix and build things. He enjoyed cheering on IU and Purdue basketball, Indianapolis Colts football, and for a while, the Chicago White Sox (until they made him mad.) He shared his sense of humor, smile and heart of gold with all who knew him. But Gene’s favorite interest, his pride and joy, was spending time with his family. His memory and legacy will live on for generations. He is survived by his wife, Marlene; his daughter, Marjean (Leonard) Litzenberg; sons, Lloyd (MaryJo), Wendell (Brenda), Darryl (Dorinda), and Lon (Shannon); grandchildren, Trent (Alison), Lindsay (Griffin), Ardimus (Rebecca), Cody (Joy), Olivia, Ethan, and Malayna; great-grandchildren, Mason and Elliot; sister, Marlo (Ron) Smith; brothers, Larry (Pam), Alan (Darla), and Denny (Ninetta); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Besides his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth; and grandson, Brian. Funeral service with military honors will be 5:00 pm on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road, Fort Wayne with visitation beginning at 2:00 pm. Memorials may be made to H.B. VFW Post #2457, New Haven, New Haven United Methodist Church, New Haven, or Parkview Hospice. Condolences and memories may be left online at www.hockemeyermillerfh.com