Eugene Franklin Ely

Eugene Franklin Ely, born October 18, 1936, in Fort Wayne, to his parents George Franklin Ely and Thelma Irene (Pearson, Ely) Johns, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his family. Eugene attended James H. Smart Elementary School, Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he met his childhood sweetheart whom would later become his wife, Barbara Jean (Seibert) Ely. Eugene "Gene" and Barbara "Barb" both attended Southside High School, Fort Wayne, Indiana. Gene went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps. Gene served as a Machine Gunner in the 2nd Amphibious Reconnaissance Company, Fleet Marine Force, Atlantic where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. After serving in the military, Gene became employed at Slater Steels Corp., Fort Wayne, Indiana, as a steel worker for most of his civilian career until he retired. Gene enjoyed fishing the waters of Canada and snowmobiling the trails of Michigan. But Gene's favorite hobby was ultralight aircraft flying. Gene loved to fly "low and slow" and take in the scenery below him. Gene was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Wayne where he was baptized. Gene was preceded in death by his father, George Ely, his mother, Thelma "Irene" Johns, his step-father, Charles "Charlie" Johns, his brother, Wayne Ely, and his daughter, Debra (Ely) Freeman. Gene is survived by his wife, Barb Ely, his half-sister Mary (Ely) Larr, his son David Ely, his son Dennis Ely, and his daughter Dyana Ely. Gene is also survived by his grandson Derrick, his grandson Paul, his granddaughter Kandice, his granddaughter Michelle, his granddaughter Samantha, his granddaughter Olivia, and his grandson Jacob. Please celebrate his life in your thoughts and prayers. Memorial service will be on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 11:00 am at D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home (8325 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804). Burial will follow the service at Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery.