Eugene A. "Papa Gene" Taylor, 88, of Mishawaka died Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at home. Born on March 25, 1923 to Don and Cleta (Sibert) Taylor, he was a graduate of Mishawaka High School and was a US Marine Corps veteran and member of Mishawaka V.F.W. Post #360. Gene was a very unique and well-known individual, who named his former riverfront home "Gene''s Landing", sporting an 18'' lighthouse in the front yard. He was often seen driving his homemade paddleboat or seaplane raft along the river. Gene also competed regularly over the span of almost a decade, in the Senior Olympics, where he repeatedly won numerous medals. Gene is survived by his wife, Jean L. Taylor; daughters, Lana (William) Jungjohan of White Pigeon, MI; Jackie Bissell of Walkerton, Barbara (Rian) Kelsey of Elkhart and Carol (Jimmie) Kulcsar of South Bend; son, Earl (Linda) Williamson of South Bend; sister, Waneta (Roger) Bock of South Bend; grandchildren, Melissa (Shannon) Lynn of Bremen, Jamie Williamson of Edwardsburg, MI, Heather (Larry) Radersdorf of Granger, Daniel (Kristi) Kulcsar of South Bend and Michelle (Chris) Ballard of White Pigeon, MI; and thirteen great-grandchildren including Samantha & Racheal Ballard. Gene was preceded in death by his daughter, Sandra Taylor and brothers, Glenn & Morris Taylor. Funeral Services 1:00 Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy, with Rev. Dr. M. Gregory Timmons of First Christian Church of Mishawaka officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to services. Calling also on Tuesday from 1-4pm at the funeral home. Burial in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family''s preferred memorial is The Center for Hospice, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, Indiana.
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