James E. “Gene” Wicker, age 94, of Greenfield, passed away on Sunday, April 24, 2016, at Springhurst Health Campus. He was born on October 5, 1921, in Hancock County as the son of William and Lelah (Boles) Wicker.
He graduated from Westland High School in 1940. Gene married June (Hall) on June 15, 1946, in Charlottesville, Ind. He served in the Army with the 135th Infantry Division during World War II in North Africa and Italy. He was awarded a Silver Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, a Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars for service in the Eastern Mediterranean Theater.
After honorable discharge, Gene returned home and worked for many years as a mechanic and welder. He is remembered fondly for having the ability to fix anything that was brought to him. He retired from Chrysler Corporation, Shadeland Electric plant in 1981.
An avid outdoorsman, Gene enjoyed boating and fishing in his spare time. He and June spent many hours gardening and maintaining their property. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather.
Gene is survived by his sons, David G. (Marilyn) Wicker and Daryl S. (Anjanette) Wicker, both of Greenfield; sisters-in-law, Gleeda Hall of Sturgis, Ky. and Pat Hall of Greenfield; four grandchildren, David (Tonda) G. Wicker, Jr., Michelle (Mike) Hall, Stephanie Wicker, and Melanie (Chad) Hilton; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Lelah (Boles) Wicker; wife, June Wicker; and brother, William T. Wicker.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 28, at Erlewein Mortuary and Crematory, 1484 W. U.S. Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 29, at 10:30 a.m. at the mortuary. Pastor David Oakes will be officiating. Burial will follow at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown with military rites presented by the Greenfield Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be sent directly to Disabled American Veterans, 2439 West 16th St, Indianapolis, IN 46222 or envelopes will be available at the mortuary.
Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to [email protected].
