Eugene E. “Gene” Betz, age 88 of Jasper, formerly of Schnellville, passed away at 8:10 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019 at Northwood Retirement Community in Jasper, Indiana.
Gene was born in Schnellville, Indiana on November 29, 1930 to John J. and Arlina R. (Miller) Betz. He married Marie F. Verkamp on June 19, 1954 in Sacred Heart Church in Schnellville, IN.
He graduated from Birdseye High School. Gene was a U.S. Marine Veteran who served in the Korean Conflict, and a member of the St. Anthony American Legion Post #493 and the Jasper VFW Post #673 where he was a member of their Honor Guards.
Gene retired as a manager for Jasper Automotive Supply after 37 years of service. After retirement he worked part time as a limousine driver, drove for Ruxer Ford in Jasper, Bob’s Auto in Ireland, and drove for the American Cancer Society.
He was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church in Jasper, and previously a member of Sacred Heart and Holy Family Churches, where he was a Eucharistic Minister, a Sacristan, a member of the Holy Name Society, the Serra Club, and member of the choirs. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul, where he served as an officer for many years. He and his wife Marie were recipients of the Simon Brute Award.
He was also a member of the Schnellville Community Center and Conservation Club, and a member of the Singing Seniors.
Gene enjoyed fishing, 4-wheeling, and outdoor activities with family.
Surviving are his wife, Marie F. Betz of Jasper, three daughters, Debbie Rice (Bill) Friendsville, TN, Judy Baer (Tim), Ireland, and Betty Jenkins (Steve), Jasper, two sons, Ken Betz (Ginger), Mooresville, IN and Tom Betz (Jane), Jasper, thirteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, four sisters, Margaret Knies (Linus), Jasper, Sr. Lucia Betz O.S.B, Beech Grove, IN, Frances Schepers, Hopkinsville, KY, and Erlene Gehlhausen (Bernie), Newburgh, IN, two brothers, Joe Betz (Cyrilla), Huntingburg, and Richard Betz (Loretta), Dale, and one sister-in-law, Helen Theising, Schnellville.
Preceding him in death were four sisters, Sr. Bede Betz, O.S.B, Clara Mae Hohl, Josepha Betz, and Augusta Hopf, and two brothers, Lee and Albert Betz.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Eugene E. “Gene” Betz will be held at Noon on Wednesday, February 27, 2019, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schnellville, Indiana, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. The St. Anthony American Legion Post #493 will conduct military gravesite rites.
A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the Noon service time on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Schnellville, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Precious Blood Catholic Church, the Schnellville Community Center, or a favorite charity.
Online condolences may be made atwww.becherkluesner.com
