Submitted by: Dan Rich

L. "Gene" Mahan

March 12, 1924 - Nov. 23, 2008

South Bend Tribune 11/25/2008 (Excerpts)
SOUTH BEND - L. "Gene" Mahan, 84, passed away at home following an extended illness. He was born in Hymera, Indiana, son of Howard and Laura Mahan, who preceded him in death. He was brother to Mildred Wood and Doris Rowe, who also preceded him in death, as well as a daughter, Sherry Gump. He married Yvonne Lorraine Hill Harding in 1952. They have spent the past 57 years together on a special journey in a special relationship. She survives as do his sons, Barry W. Harding, Mishawaka, Indiana, and Michael A. Harding (Bobbi) of Granger, Indiana. These boys were very special to him and had been an integral part of his life since they were very small. He was so very proud of them. Also surviving is Sherry A. Harding of Cassopolis, Michigan. Sherry was a part of his life since she was a young girl and he loved her as part of the family. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Rhonda Gene Williams (Warren) of South Bend, Indiana, Michael T. Harding (Kimberly) of Cassopolis, Michigan, Ryan M. Harding (Erin) of Chicago, Illinois, Erin M. Harding of South Bend, Indiana, Colin M. Harding (Jamey) of Chicago, Illinois, and Regan M. Harding of South Bend, Indiana. Four great-grandchildren surviving are Matthew L. Williams of South Bend, Indiana, Cory M. Harding of Cassopolis, Michigan, Colin S. Harding of Cassopolis, Michigan, and Christopher T. Harding of Cassopolis, Michigan.

Gene's many accomplishments include: He attended Mishawaka High School in Mishawaka, Indiana. He was a United States Army veteran, serving in the Army Corps of Engineers in World War II, stationed in the Asia Pacific from 1943 to 1945. He moved to Florida in 1952, residing in Tampa and later in the St. Petersburg area. Later he moved to the Miami area where he worked for the Royal Palm Ice Company of Miami Beach/Coral Gables. Later, Gene was employed by Foremost Dairy of Hialeah, Florida. He returned to the South Bend area in 1962 where he worked for Midwest Distributing of South Bend. He later became the owner/operator for General Oil Company of South Bend, a distribution company for oil products serving the automotive industry. Prior to retirement, Gene was employed by Wekony Distribution, a paint products firm that served north central Indiana. Upon retirement Gene worked at The Office Lounge in Mishawaka, Indiana, as operations manager and bartender with his son, Barry. As an outstanding athlete and fast-pitch softball player, Gene played on the United States Army softball team and traveled extensively to many countries participating in the Armed Forces League as well as in international competition. A lifelong and strong supporter of the University of Notre Dame sports programs, as well as the Chicago Bears, both in good times and bad, kept him enthused and involved in these team's achievements. He also enjoyed working and polishing automobiles, especially convertibles. His most prized possession was a 1956 fire-engine red Buick Electra convertible. Gene spent a great deal of time in recent years as being a constant supporter in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed the opportunities, when possible, to attend many athletic, fine arts events and numerous special activities that involved the family. He was a strong, hard-working, well-liked, respected man who had immense influence and impact on everyone who knew him. His unconditional love and constant support will be missed and always remembered. Gene was an incredible husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his family very much and will be terribly missed by all who loved him. His memory will never be forgotten.