Eugene Ellsworth Colville

Eugene E. Colville 87, a life-long resident of Indianapolis, died on March 13th in the loving care of his children. He passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Gene Colville was born to Dale and Grace Colville on August 19, 1925. He graduated early from Arsenal Technical High School, enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces (Lieutenant) and was a B-29 navigator during World War II. A member of Sigma Nu, Gene graduated from Butler's College of Pharmacy in 1948. He was a pharmaceutical representative for Eli Lilly for 35 years. His childhood sweetheart and wife of 61 years, Ruthellen Pohlar Colville, predeceased him in 2009. Gene was always known as a caring and helpful neighbor. He was a long-time, member of Castleton United Methodist Church and a friend and mentor to generations of medical students, residents and interns at the IU Medical Center. In 1966 he founded, with other neighborhood parents, Skiles Test Youth Baseball in Lawrence Township. In 47 years it has grown to one of the premier youth baseball and softball programs on the northeast side of the city. A long-time member of the Broad Ripple Sertoma, he was also a scout leader who loved to camp, hunt and fish. He is survived by four children: Mark Colville (Linda), Bruce Colville (Cindy), Dr. Craig Colville, M.D. (Janet) and Leah Colville, four grandchildren: Kathryn, Matthew, Jay and Grace, three nephews and a niece. His older sister, Virginia, passed away last month in North Carolina. Gene Colville was an annual ticket holder to the Indianapolis 500 for over 65 years. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held on his favorite weekend of the year: 500 Race Weekend.