Eugene (Gene) Carr went to be with his Lord Wednesday, March 2 at the age of 97. He was born July 22, 1924, in Hinckley, Illinois to Archie and Wilhelmina (Troeger) Carr, the fifth of 15 kids. The family moved to Michigan in 1937.
He married the love of his life, Helen Wright, in 1946 and they were blessed with two daughters, Patricia (Hank) Seyfarth and Bonnie Knowlton; two granddaughters, Megan Stewart and Heidi Rader; a grandson, Spencer Seyfarth; great-granddaughter, Helena Rader; and the Schlaman family.
Gene’s life was a testament to his devotion to God, family, and country. At the time of his death, he was the oldest member of the Lawrence United Methodist Church. He served in the Army as part of the 2nd Armored Division “Hell On Wheels” during World War II, driving a tank in Europe. He was a member of the American Legion in Lawrence, and the last World War II veteran in the area. He was also an active member of the Lawrence community for over 80 years, serving on the Village Council for 18 years and as the mayor for seven and one-half years, during which time, he lobbied the state for the water tower at no cost to the Village residents. He also believed in working hard and playing harder and had many toys at various times, including 10 antique tractors and several motorhomes and travel trailers. Gene wore many hats during his professional career, including plant superintendent and truck driver. Helen and Gene traveled to all 50 states, and he loved to tell anyone who would listen about their travels.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, nine brothers; four sisters; son-in-law; and a great- grandchild. He will be greatly missed by his remaining sister, Geneve (Carl) Flickinger, many nieces and nephews, too numerous to mention, as well as many others non-related to whom he was “Uncle Gene” or “Grandpa Gene”.
Visitation was held at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6. A celebration of life service will be held March 7, at 11 a.m. at the Lawrence United Methodist. Friends and family joined in for Gene’s Last Ride to interment at Hill Cemetery, Lawrence Township.
Memorials may be made to the Lawrence UMC or the Lawrence American Legion Hess-Eastman Post 174.
Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
