Arlen "Gene" Schmidt

Arlen "Gene" Schmidt, 92, of Marion, passed away at 5:17 a.m., on Friday, Dec. 12, at Colonial Oaks Health & Rehabilitation Center in Marion. He was born in Gas City, Indiana, on Saturday, Feb. 4, 1933, to Louis and Vera (Brown) Schmidt. On Sept. 25, 1999, he married MaDonna Bovie, who survives.

Gene graduated from Mississinewa High School and served in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Gene worked in aviation and electronic repair for the Federal Aviation Administration until his retirement.

Gene attended Grace Community Church. He was an amateur radio operator and had received his private flying license. He loved all things to do with planes. He enjoyed woodworking in his "man cave." He played the guitar and loved to sing, especially at church. Gene will be remembered as a strong-willed family man and devout Christian who could fix anything when he put his mind to it. He will be missed dearly.

In addition to his wife, MaDonna Schmidt, survivors include his son, Timothy G. (Sandy) Schmidt of Marion; step-sons, Timothy Harvey, Sr., of Marion and Rodney (Cindy) Harvey of Marion; step-daughter, Susan Adaway of Marion; grandchildren, Timothy (Kathryn) Schmidt, Jr., of Sweetser, Tiffany (Roger) Sparenberg of Boswell, and Donovan Adaway of Marion; 11 step-grandchildren; great-granddaughter, Hayden Sparenberg; great-grandson, Rainn Sparenberg; sister, Bonnie Gerber; sisters-in-law, Clarice Schmidt and Carolyn Schmidt; plus several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Louis E. Schmidt; mother, Vera Schmidt; brothers, Dale Schmidt and M. Wayne Schmidt; sister, JoAnn Heath; and half-brother, Willis Schmidt.

The family will receive visitors from 12 noon to 2 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 18 at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion.

Immediately following the time of visitation, a funeral service to celebrate Gene's life will begin at 2 p.m., with Rev. Dr. Tom Mansbarger officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.

Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com