Harold Eugene "Gene" Burge

Harold Eugene "Gene" Burge - storyteller, craftsman, glory-days reliver, and fiercely devoted Dad - passed away unexpectedly at his home in Mellott on Tuesday morning, August 26, 2025, at the age of 70. He had been facing health challenges in recent years, but his passing still came as a surprise - he had far more stories left to tell. Gene was born in Crawfordsville on February 19, 1955, to Harold Emory Burge and Beverly Jo Clore Crowder, who surely greeted him in Heaven with open arms and maybe a few questions about what took him so long. A 1973 graduate of Fountain Central High School, Gene started collecting stories early - many of them from his time working on the Allen Brothers farm, and even more from the adventures (and misadventures) he shared with his brother Greg. Their bond was legendary and, depending on who you ask, occasionally criminal (mostly in the "teenage hijinks" category). He loved re-living those glory days with his kids, who could probably retell every one of his greatest hits word-for-word. He worked at Raybestos Powertrain in Crawfordsville for 26 years, where he earned a reputation for being steady, dependable, and maybe a little too enthusiastic about breakroom coffee. He later partnered with Matt Stonebraker in construction, where his woodworking and artistic talents really got to shine. He could build anything - cabinets, decks, swords - yes, swords - often in the same week. His workshop was his kingdom, and it was filled with creations that were equal parts beautiful, useful, and slightly impractical (but in the best way). Gene had a deep faith in God and was reading his Bible when he passed - a small but comforting detail for those who knew how much his faith meant to him. He had a big heart, a quick wit, and a soft spot for animals, kids, and oddly shaped mushrooms. He loved hunting for arrowheads, riding his motorcycle, and playing chess (though not necessarily in that order). Gene was a longtime member of the Crawfordsville Community Church and had also attended First Church of the Nazarene in Hillsboro. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, good humor, and unforgettable stories. He is survived by his daughters, Lori (Greer) Jordan of Attica and Amanda (Joshua) Anderson of Greenfield, and a son, whom he raised as a son from 3 months old, Nathan (Fellanie) Petrey of Mellott - His grandchildren: Mitchell, Mallory, Morgan, Greer, Nick, Katie, Hannah, Marcus, Penelope, Gideon, and Isaac will remember his laugh, his lessons, and his love. His former wife Cindy (Marvin) Spear of New Richmond, the mother of his daughters also survives. He also leaves behind a wide circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and people who probably only met him once but still remember a joke he told. He is preceded in death by his parents and his beloved brother, Gregory Austin Burge - likely already swapping stories with him somewhere that has better coffee and no speed limits. Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Family and Friends Funeral Home in Wingate, with funeral services immediately following at 1:00 PM. Brother Dick Shirar will officiate. Burial will follow in Newtown Cemetery. To share a memory or sign the guest book, please visit www.familyandfriendsfh.com.