Eugene W. Smekens, a man of 97 years, passed away peacefully in the morning on May 20th. He had been residing at Morrison Woods Memory Care since November, where his beloved wife, Joyce Smekens, also found her final resting place last month. Theirs was a love story that spanned 54 years, a testament to the enduring power of love.
Eugene served in the South Pacific as a US Navy Veteran of WWII. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, camper, birder, coin and stamp collector, containering, and gardener. He had a green thumb for growing the best tomatoes in Delaware County. He would walk around the neighborhood carrying peanuts in his pockets, and the squirrels would come down from the trees and approach him to get fed. He loved feeding the birds.
Eugene was born in Bluffton and raised in Muncie by his parents, Henry and Helen Smekens (Groh). He grew up with three siblings: Richard, Janet, and Jim. After graduating from Muncie Central High School, Eugene went to trade school to become a toolmaker. He worked for Moore Company and Borg Warner and then retired after many years from the Delco Battery plant in Muncie.
Eugene is survived by his brother, Jim Smekens; his sister Janet George; his son and daughter, Todd Smekens and Stephanie Fleming; his grandsons, J Ryan Rutter of Muncie, Chris and Matt Smekens of Florida, and Nathan Brown of Kentucky; his granddaughter, Elise Swearingen-Smekens; his great-grandson, Colt Rutter; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Eugene is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Smekens; his daughter, Deborah Brown; his parents, Henry and Helen Smekens; and his brother, Richard Smekens.
Calling hours for Eugene will be held at Garden View Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 11:00 to 12:00 PM. A funeral service will start at 12:00 PM, with Pastor Josh Johnson Officiating. Burial will take place after the funeral at Gardens of Memory Cemetery.