Gene D. Maley , age 86 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 16, 2019 at his residence following an extended illness.  He was born December 28, 1932 in Elwood, the son of Haman and Margaret (Guard) Maley.  He was a 1950 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.  Gene served on the Orca, Pine Island, and Essex Navy ships during his tenure.  Gene married the love of his life, Janet J. Lindley, on July 25, 1959, and they shared over 60 years of marriage together.  He worked for the Public Service Company of Indiana (Claire Power plant) as a stock room manager, and he retired in 1990 after nearly 20 years of service.  Gene also formerly worked as a Milkman for Sutters and Best Ever Dairy for many years; as well as a delivery man for Omar Bread Company.  He was formerly a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Elwood and currently a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Elwood where he enjoyed attending before his illness.  He and Janet were active members of the 50-Plus Club in Elwood.  Gene was also formerly active in the Knights of Pythias and was an accomplished bowler in numerous leagues at Well's Bowling Lanes in Elwood.  Gene will be remembered as a person who could fix anything, and he enjoyed widdling wood in his spare time.  He was also an avid sports fan and cheered on the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers.  For many years, Gene and Janet enjoyed numerous trips to casinos, and Gene was known to win on several occasions.  More than anything, Gene will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed by his family.

Gene's family includes his wife of 60 years, Janet J. Maley of Elwood; 3 children, Marjorie (husband Bill) Huffman of Elwood, Toni Maley of Elwood, and Joseph (wife Dorothy) Maley of Bloomington; 3 grandchildren, Jade Guard, Renee Maley, and Jonathan Huffman; 2 great-grandchildren, Jordan Maley and Reed Pless; and a niece, Kimberly (husband Steve) Snipes.  Gene was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ralph (and wife Delores) Maley; and an infant great-grandson, Jalen Guard.

A memorial service celebrating Gene's life will be conducted at 5:00 pm on Friday, September 20, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Mae Leech and Rev. Phil Votaw officiating.  Military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Navy and Elwood V.F.W. honor guard at the conclusion of the service on Friday at the funeral home.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 pm prior to the memorial service on Friday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.   Memorial contributions are suggested to the Morrisett Center Food Pantry or the Elwood Heritage Center through the funeral home where envelopes will be provided.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.