Eugene Gene F. Naftzger

Eugene F. Naftzger, 82 of Lima passed away 10:41 a.m., Friday, September 14, 2012 at St. Rita’s Medical Center. He was born on September 7, 1930 to Raymond Barr and Irene M. (Engle) Naftzger and they preceded him in death. On February 13, 1954, in Rockaway, New York, he married Joan Ann Whitley and she survives in Lima.

Mr. Naftzger is survived by his children, Linda (Ed) Fisher of Lima and Thomas (Bambi Rumer) Naftzger of Cridersville. He is also survived by six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Eugene retired from the United State Air Force in 1975 after 26 years of service working in Material Control. He then was employed by Lima Cadillac.

Eugene loved serving his country even at the cost of family separation, having served during the Korean Conflict and three tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Lima where he served as an usher, was a Past President of the Parish Council, and he helped with Sunday breakfast at the church. He was an avid bowler, a member of VFW. Post 1275, the American Legion Post 96 and was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose. He loved fishing and camping at Indian Lake, he loved tending to his fireplace in his home, and liked having breakfast with his friends at the Kewpee.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by a son, John Naftzger and three brothers, Bernard, Robert and Charles Naftzger.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, September 17, 2012 at St. Rose Catholic Church with the Revs. J. Norbert Howe and David Beck, concelebrating. Entombment will follow in Gethsemani Mausoleum where Wright Patterson Air Force Honor Guard will have the graveside military rites.

Friends and family may call Sunday, September 16 from 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at Siferd-Orians Funeral Home. A Parish Rosary service will be held at 3:30pm and a VFW Post 1275 prayer service will be at 7 pm.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. John’s Catholic Church or to the Air Force Memorial Association.

Condolences can be made at www.siferd-oriansfuneralhome.com