Francis “Gene” Hoar, lifetime resident of Fort Branch, died on July 3, 2013 at the age of 88.

Gene lived a full life, the majority of which was spent as the loyal and loving companion of his wife of 67 years, Maxine (Buck).

In 1942, while attending Fort Branch High School, Gene was drafted into the U.S. Military to fight in WWII. Originally stationed in London, he drove an ammunition truck and was part of the D-Day +6 invasion of Normandy. A bout of appendicitis prevented Gene from participating in the Battle of the Bulge, and was able to return the US August 10th, 1945. Less than a month later, Gene and Maxine were married on September 7, 1945.

After being honorably discharged from the service on, November 11, 1945, Gene worked passionately as a railroad conductor for C & EI. On his frequent trips from Evansville to Chicago Gene became a loyal Cubs fan, and remained devoted to the team throughout his life.

Despite these accomplishments, Gene will be best remembered and most missed for the love and adoration he gave Maxine and his daughters Hope (Denis McCoy) and Tina (Ron Perkins). Four grandchildren, Amanda, Tyler, Abbey, Spencer, also shared in the privilege of calling Gene theirs.

He remained a beloved local personality brimming with kindness and wit throughout the entirety of his life. His loved ones take great comfort in knowing that they need only mention Gene’s name around town should they ever need a reminder of the impact his spirit had on those who knew him.

He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Branch, Haubstadt American Legion 19, Evansville Scottish Rite, Evansville Hadi Shrine, Fort Branch Masonic Lodge 696, and Ft. Branch VFW Post 2714. At the VFW, Gene was fondly remembered for years of service at the local Bingo night.

His family is eternally grateful to the members of the community whose generosity and commitment to Gene’s care allowed him comfort in his final days.

.Services for Gene will be on Saturday, July 6, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Stodghill Funeral Home located on Hwy. 168 West in Fort Branch, IN, Rev. Cory Atkins will be officiating.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 5, 2013 from 4 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home, where Masonic Services will be conducted by the Fort Branch Masonic Lodge # 696 at 7:30 PM that evening. Burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Fort Branch, IN, where the Fort Branch VFW Post #2714 and the Haubstadt American legion Post # 194 will conduct military graveside services.