Eugene Leroy Huffer, 91, of Columbus

Eugene Leroy Huffer, 91, of Columbus, passed away at 2:34 p.m. on Sunday Feb.ry 7, 2021 at Miller’s Merry Manor in Hope.

He was born Dec. 19, 1929 in Brazil, Indiana, to Lloyd Lester and Thelma Francis Harris Huffer. Gene married Carolyn June Mackey Rigsby July 14, 1979 and she preceded him in death Oct. 12, 2013.

Gene is survived by his sister, Carolyn Richards of Columbus; sons Greg and Jeff of Columbus; daughters, Lou Ann Nyberg of Columbus and Karen Misner of Decatur County; stepdaughters, Alysa (Mike) Jones of Forest City, NC, Kimberly Rowe Taylor of Greenwood and Pamela Haynes of Cornelius, NC; daughter in law, Kathryn Rigsby-Galisin of Rocky Mount, NC; four grandchildren; five great grandchildren; eight step grandchildren and four step great grandchildren.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carolyn; his daughter Kathy Sue; his stepson, Samuel Rigsby; his brother, Lloyd Edwin and sisters, Jo Ann Crouch and Judith Beckett.

Gene served as a supply sergeant in the Indiana National Guard for three years. Gene began his career at Cummins Engine Company in 1951 and worked there in supervision until his retirement in 1983.

In his younger days Gene was an exceptional basketball and softball player. He enjoyed watching and following all sports, and was an avid Pacers, Colts and IU fan. Gene was a sportsman who loved hunting, fishing and trapping. In later years he enjoyed driving around the local country roads checking out the wildlife in the area with his faithful dog Marcus. Gene took great pride in his garden. Rarely would you find a weed in it. He also enjoyed cooking and baking.

Gene spent most of his life living in the Newbern area. He was a long-time member of the Newbern United Methodist Church. Gene’s life was welled lived. He was a good neighbor and a good friend to everyone in the community that he knew. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Gene was cremated per his wishes and a private family graveside service at Newbern Cemetery will be held at a later date due to the inclement weather.

Memorial contributions may be donated directly to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 10th St., Columbus, IN 47201.

Online condolences may be expressed to the Huffer family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.