Ret. Col. Albert C. Gentry

RICHMOND, Ind. – Retired United States Army Colonel Albert C. Gentry passed away peacefully on March 2, 2017. He was born in Marion, Indiana, in 1938 to Virgil and Mary Louise Gentry. Al attended Lincoln High School in Cambridge City and later studied at Earlham College where he earned a degree in economics. Soon after college, Al joined the United States Army and actively served his country at several locations including the U.S. Army Base in Toul, France. Although employed as an industrial engineer at Cooper Industries (Belden Wire and Cable), Al remained a member of the U.S. Army Reserve. During that time, Al was recalled to active duty to fulfill several posts including Commander at Fort McCoy (La Crosse, WI) where he deployed thousands of U.S. troops to Southwest Asia during operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. A pillar of our community, Al dedicated years of his life to improving the environmental and cultural well-being of local Hoosiers as well as attracting countless regional and out-of-state visitors to Richmond. His philanthropic endeavors and contagious enthusiasm seemed endless. For example, inspired by his decades-long membership in SPUR (Society for the Preservation and Use of Resources), Al was instrumental in transforming a neglected riverbed into a vibrant and dynamic natural park and recreation zone through his exemplary dedication to the Whitewater River Gorge Project. Furthermore, as a key member of the Starr-Gennett Foundation, Al helped bring back to life - and to an entire music-loving community - Richmond, Indiana's unique history and groundbreaking role as the birthplace of recorded Jazz. For his work and achievements, Al received the Charles A. Rodefeld Award for Leadership in Philanthropy and the Community. Al is survived by four children, Albert C. Gentry II of Brownsburg, Indiana, Alan Christopher Gentry of Carmel, Indiana, Andrew C. Gentry of Paris, France, and Mary Lizabeth Gentry-Adams; grandchildren, Kelsey Gentry, Zach Owen Gentry, and Alexander Adams; sister, Patricia Wells of Richmond; brothers, Glen D. Gentry and Steven Gentry, both of Richmond; nieces; nephews; and cousins. He is preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, M. Loraine Gentry; grandson, Nathan Evan Gentry; parents; and brother, Jim Gentry. Your visitation for Al C. Gentry is welcome from 4-8 p.m. Friday March 10, 2017, at Doan and Mills Funeral Home, 790 National Road West, Richmond. Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday March 11, 2017, at Doan and Mills Funeral Home followed by graveside services at Locust Grove German Baptist Cemetery, East CR 400 South and South CR 900 East, Henry County, Indiana. Military honors will be provided by the Wayne County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at: www.michaeljfox.org. Condolences may be sent to the family via the guestbook at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.

Ret. Col. Albert C. Gentry

September 30, 1938 - March 2, 2017