Gene Walter Flora was born at home on February 11, 1932 in Amboy, Indiana to George W. and A. Ruth (McHenry) Flora. He is predeceased by his parents and a brother, Jack Dean (deceased in 1935). He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Indiana University, where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
On April 5, 1953, in Elkhart, Indiana, he married M. Jane Jones, who survives. He entered the US Army during the Korean War, serving in the 11th Airborne Division from 1953-1955. He worked as an insurance adjustor and special agent for USF&G from 1957-1968.
He also held a CPCU certification. He moved his family to Elkhart where he became manager of the Elkhart Credit Bureau in 1969, until the Credit Bureau was sold in 1988. After retirement from the Credit Bureau, he was employed for 8 years as a courier for St. Joseph Capitol Bank in Mishawaka.
He was a member of the Elkhart Rotary Club for over 40 years. He was also a member of Grace United Methodist Church, South Bend, Indiana, for over 60 years, where he lovingly served his church family in many ways, most notably as a member of the Chancel Choir, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Chairman of the Worship Commission. Surviving, along with his wife, Jane, are: Children: Mark (Carol) Flora, Granger, Indiana; Tim (Susan Powers) Flora, Lafayette, Colorado; Jill (James) Hillman, South Bend, Indiana; Grandchildren: Elizabeth(David) Schurger, Timothy (Rebecca) Flora, Gregory W. (Kimberly Wagner) Flora, Geoff W. and Sean Flora, Conor, Chris and Clark Hillman; one Great-Granddaughter, Margaret Jean Flora; and one dear cousin, Cindy (Donald) Layman, Peru, Indiana.
A shy quiet youth, he grew to be a man of many words. He loved to share his stories, his knowledge of cars and the Indianapolis 500, and anything to do with armed services aircraft. His love of family was obvious, and sharing meals with friends and family was his greatest pleasure.
He was kind and generous of spirit, making friends wherever he went. He was a loving husband who was happiest living life with his beloved Jane. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 15, 2018 at Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S. Twyckenham Drive, South Bend, IN.
Friends may visit with the family from 5:00- 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN and one hour prior to the services Thursday at church. In lieu of flowers, Dad would want you to take your family to dinner. If you would like to give a memorial please consider the John Long and Jane Flora Music Endowment at Grace United Methodist Church, 3012 S. Twyckenham Dr., South Bend, 46614.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. palmerfuneralhomes.com Donations may be made to: Grace United Methodist Church 3012 S. Twyckenham Drive, South Bend IN 46614 Tel: 1-574-288-4789 Email: grace@gracemethodist.org Web: www.
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