Elmer Eugene 'Gene' Pohlenz

RICHMOND, Ind. – Elmer Eugene ‘Gene’ Pohlenz, age 88, of Richmond, died Sunday, February 28, 2016, at Westminster Village in West Lafayette, Indiana. Born January 4, 1928, in Richmond, Indiana, to Walter Rudolph and Laura Marie Neff Pohlenz, Gene was a life-long resident of Richmond. He was a 1946 graduate of Richmond High School and attended Purdue University. Gene was a U.S. Army veteran. He worked at Moto-Mower, was an auto mechanic with his cousin ‘Red’ for 10 years at Red & Gene’s Automotive, and retired from ALCOA as a Research and Development Engineer after over 25 years. Gene was a member of Richmond Lodge No. 196, F. & A.M., Loyal Chapter 49, Order of Eastern Star, Richmond Commandery No. 8, Knights Templar, Whitewater Valley Marine Corps League, Old Trails Rifle & Pistol Club, and President’s Council at Purdue University. He was an instructor for the 4-H Gun Safety Program for over 25 years. Gene attended Faith Trinity United Methodist Church. He enjoyed music, fishing, and shooting sports. Survivors include his daughters, Sherry (Robert) Hoyt of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Therese (Doug) O’Brien of Lafayette, Indiana; sons, Eric (Susan) Pohlenz of Lebanon, Ohio, and Hahns (Deborah) Pohlenz of Lafayette, Indiana; step-daughters, Cindy (Dan) Talley, Sandy (Tom) Dixon, and Marianne (Ray) Charlton; grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two nephews; and many friends. He was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Barbara June Rexrode Pohlenz, who died in 2005; daughter, Laura Smith; parents; brother, Walter Pohlenz; and first wife, Marilyn (Baldwin) Schuckman. Visitation for Elmer Eugene Pohlenz will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond with a Masonic Service at 6:45 p.m. Funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 3, 2016, at Doan & Mills Funeral Home with Chaplain Dawn Bodi of Westminster Village officiating. Entombment will be in Earlham Memorial Mausoleum with military honors provided by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to: Wayne County 4-H, for the Shooting Sports, 861 Salisbury Road North, Richmond, Indiana 47374 or Purdue University Research Foundation, Kurz Purdue Technology Center, 1281 Win Hentschel Boulevard, West Lafayette, IN 47906. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Elmer Eugene 'Gene' Pohlenz

January 4, 1928 - February 28, 2016