Eugene Edward "Gene" Erne

Eugene E. "Gene" Erne of Kalamazoo, MI






Gene, age 89, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2015, following complications from hip surgery.

On August 6, 1925, he was born in Terre Haute, IN to Eugene C. and Eva Dell (Peyton) Erne. A U.S. Navy veteran, he proudly served in the Pacific during World War II. Following his discharge in 1946, he completed his education and graduated from Indiana State University. In 1950, he and Constance M. Derhammer were married and celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary prior to her death in 2006. He was a high school teacher for one year then worked in sales, retiring from Precision Steel in 1990. After retirement, he returned to teaching courses at Kellogg Community College. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Battle Creek, a Mason and a Shriner. Gene enjoyed sports, racing, reading, music and traveling to all 50 states. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia Bell and Lola Sparks; his son-in-law, Tom Warren and his nephew, Robert Sparks. Survivors include his daughters, Cam (David) Vossen and Marta Warren; two granddaughters, Heather (Jody) Harback and Danielle Warren; three great grandsons and three nieces.

Gene's family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12th at the Farley Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Richland Chapel, 9170 East D Avenue (M-89). The Graveside Service to celebrate Gene's life will be held on Friday, March 13th at 1:00 p.m. in Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta with the United States Navy Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full, military honors and Rev. Thomas J. Ott, Senior Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Battle Creek, officiating.. Memorial contributions in Gene's honor may be directed to the SPCA of Southwest Michigan, 6955 West KL Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or to a charity of one's choice.