Gene W. Bartrom

Gene W. Bartrom, age 83, of Huntington, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening (March 19, 2013) at the Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesday (March 26, 2013) at the Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington with Rosary services at 9:30 a.m. Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. Tuesday (March 26, 2013) at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Father John Pfister officiating. Private burial will follow at a later date at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington. The V.F.W. Post #2689 will perform military graveside rites after the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or the Disabled Veterans Organization in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN 46750. Gene was a lifelong resident of Huntington, born March 6, 1930. He was the son of Charles E. and Goldia M. (Braden) Bartrom. He graduated from Huntington Catholic High School in 1949. Gene enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950 serving in Japan and Korea. He married “the love of his life” Esther I. Wilcoxson on April 23, 1955 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Huntington. Gene loved motorcycles, sports and most of all, his family. After his Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force in 1954, Gene enlisted with the Indiana Air National Guard 122nd Tactical Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne in 1957. He worked for the Department of Defense until retiring as Master Sergeant in 1985 with 33 years as a service/ electrician technician. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Gene was a past Commander and lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post #2689, serving on the Burial Detail for 50 years giving respect to those who served in the United States Military. He was past Commander for two years with the 40 & 8 of Huntington County where he held the office of Chef de Gare, a member of Voiture #850 American Legion, lifetime member of Roanoke American Legion Post #160 and a lifetime member of the National Air Force Sergeant Association. Survivors include his beloved wife and best friend of 57 years - Esther I. Bartrom of Huntington; three sons - Jerry D. Bartrom of Huntington, Brian G. (Wendy) Bartrom of Van Buren and Wayne A. Bartrom of Huntington; one daughter - Gail D. (Monty) Cocklin of Huntington; one brother - Mark E. (Barbara) Bartrom of South Whitley; one sister - Ruth I. (Bill) Garshwiller of Fort Wayne; eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. His parents, six brothers, five sisters and great-grandson, - Sage Cocklin, preceded him in death.

Gene W. Bartrom

March 6, 1930 - March 19, 2013