GRANGER - Eugene P. "Gene" Thompson, 91, of Granger, IN, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at his home, after a battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Miriam M. Thompson on Feb. 1, 2008. He is survived by daughters, Susan (Robert) Jones of Bloomington, IN, Janet (Tom) Leazenby of South Bend; sons, David (Marlo) Thompson of Tacoma, WA, William (Lora) Thompson of Lakeville, IN; nine grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Graduating form Tri-State College in 1940 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, he started his career as a designer with Bendix Corporation. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Oberon. In 1962 he and his long time friend Max Fisher, started South Bend Drafting Supply Company, until they retired in 1988. He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, South Bend. He valued family and friends, and was an avid woodworker, photographer, and enjoyed waterskiing until age 88. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2009 in Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Road, with Rev. Mary Hubbard officiating. Burial will follow at Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park Cemetery, Granger. Friends may visit with the family from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 29th in the funeral home. In Eugene's honor contributions may be sent to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637 or American Heart Association , 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.