Eugene L. Beckner, age 96, of Hobart, IN passed away February 11, 2016. He was born November 24, 1919 in New Castle, IN. the son of Lewis C. and Grace F. (Surface) Beckner. On December 28, 1942, he married his beloved wife Norine (Frederick) Beckner who survives him.

Also surviving are son Carl (Anita) Beckner; daughter, Amy (late James) Mears; grandchildren; Kimberly (Jason) Fikes, George (Kelly) Porumb, Jonathan (Delesia) Zarych, Ryan Zarych, Grace Elizabeth Beckner; great grandchildren, Tyler, Corey Fikes, Stephanie Fikes-Pentland, Myles, Maddalyn Porumb; Catherine, Melissa, Delesia Zarych; nephew, Dennis (Ann) Beckner; nieces, Dawn (Darrell) Rule, and Rebecca (Gerald) Funk,

Preceded in death by his father and mother and brothers James and Charles Beckner.

He was a resident of Hobart since 1929, and a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Hobart. He was an Army Air Force veteran of WWII, 1941-1946. Gene was an honor student of the first class to graduate from Purdue Calumet Extension. He was an employee of the Standard Oil Co. engineering department for 28 years. He enjoyed drawing, music, dancing, genealogy, playing cards, fishing and travel. Gene played tuba in the Hobart High School National Championship Band 1933-1938 under the direction of William D. Revelli. He enjoyed collecting historical data on the band which is donated to the Historical Society. He also designed the Revelli band shell in Hobart Festival Park. After he retired in 1981, he helped to form a band which was called The Rusty Pipes. Today it is the Hobart Area Concert Band conducted by Susan Williams in which he enjoyed making many new friends and playing his tuba. He also played in The German Band of Hobart and was a member of the Hobart Elks Lodge.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, February 14, 2016 from 2:00-8:00 pm. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road Hobart, IN 46342. A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 15, 2016 at 10:00 am at First United Methodist Church of Hobart, 654 East 4th Street, Hobart, IN 46342 with Rev. Rebecca Smith officiating. There will be additional visitation at church from 9:00 am until the time of service. He will be laid to rest in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Hobart. Memorial contributions given to the First United Methodist Church of Hobart, or the Hobart Historical Society would be greatly appreciated. For more information please call 219-942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.