Gene E. Waddell

Gene Edward Waddell, a beloved family man, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, at the age of 92 in Niles, Michigan. Born on March 9, 1933, in New Paris, Indiana to the late William and Grace (Clover) Waddell, Gene would grow to build a life as enduring and admirable as his own character. 
 
Gene's early days were spent in the heart of Indiana, where he learned the value of hard work and dedication. These traits carried him through his service in the United States Army, a time during which Gene's strength and fortitude were solidified. Upon returning to civilian life, he spent two years as an Internal Auditor and Accounting Supervisor for Curtiss Wright Corp. in South Bend; eighteen years as Director of Systems Development, Programming, and Management Information Systems Operations for CTS Corporation in Elkhart; twenty years as Group Leader/Manager-Systems Development with the Information Technology section of the Walgreen Co. in Deerfield, Illinois, retiring from Walgreens in 1998 at age 65. . 
 
Alongside his professional accomplishments, Gene was a devoted husband to his wife, Sue (Abbott) Waddell. The couple was united in marriage on September 1, 1957, in South Bend, Indiana. They shared a loving partnership filled with mutual respect and admiration until Sue's passing on December 13, 2011. Gene and Sue were blessed with a son, Douglas (Patsy) Waddell, who along with his children, Jeremy Trevathan and Ryan Waddell, brought immeasurable joy to Gene's life. 
 
Gene was not just a man of work but also a man of leisure and hobbies. His passion for automobile restoration was known among his peers, revealing a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering patience. He was a dedicated member of Beta Alpha Psi and found camaraderie and a sense of achievement in the office of Secretary of Wings, Inc. Flying Club for several years, during which time he earned his Private Pilot and Commercial Pilot licenses, with ratings in both single and multi-engine aircraft. Always embracing a sense of adventure, Gene loved the freedom and thrill that came with riding his motorcycle, an activity that spoke to his independent spirit. 

A graveside service will take place in the Mausoleum at Riverview Cemetery in South Bend, IN on Monday, February 9th, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Palmer Funeral Homes – Bubb Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with final arrangements.  

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