Charles E. "Gene" Zech, age 85 of Anderson and formerly a longtime resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Bethany Pointe Health and Rehabilitation Center in Anderson following therapy after an earlier hospital stay and other health issues.  Gene was born September 12, 1933 in Anderson the son of B.R. and Grace (Steele) Zech.  He was a 1952 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later served in the 3 ^rd Army Division of the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Gene married Ruth A. Fleener on September 2, 1955, and they shared nearly 64 years of marriage together.  Gene worked at Delco Remy in Anderson for 42 years as a skilled Toolmaker, and he retired in February of 1993.  He was a lifelong member of the Harmony Christian Church in Leisure where he had served as a Deacon; a member of the U.A.W. #662 in Anderson; and a member of the Elwood American Legion.

Gene's favorite pastimes were boating with his family at their home on Lake Tippecanoe and watching I.U. and Indiana Pacers basketball on television.  Gene and Ruth moved from Elwood to Anderson in recent years to be closer to their son as a result of challenges in their health.  Although Gene had been in declining health for several months, he always had a smile for everyone and continued to be an example of courage, patience, and love for his family who provided constant care and support.  Gene was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.

Gene's family legacy includes his wife, Ruth A. Zech of Anderson; son, David E. (Nancy) Zech of Anderson; daughter, Mary Ann (Tommy) Minniear of Logansport; sister, Neva Sue Walton of Pennsylvania; 3 grandchildren, David (Beth), Derek, and Brian (Adrian); 3 step-grandchildren, Jamie (Joey), Jennifer, and Christy (Erik); 2 great-grandchildren, Jennifer and Christopher; 5 step great-grandchildren, Brock, Kennley, Zayden, Eron, and Nahyla; and sister-in-law, Nina (Bob) Kelsey of Muncie. Gene was preceded in death by both his parents and 2 siblings, Scott and Lois.

A funeral service celebrating Gene's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Wayne Jocelyn, former Harmony Church pastor and close friend of the family.  Burial will follow in Knox Chapel Cemetery in rural Fairmount and will include military honors by the U.S. Army and Elwood V.F.W. Honor Guard.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Wednesday prior to the funeral at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to Harmony Christian Church or the American Heart Association through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.