Eugene Arthur Pullin

July 5, 1928 - Jan. 28, 2010
NORTH LIBERTY - Gene Pullin, 81, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend departed this life on Thursday, January 28, 2010, in his home. Gene was born July 5, 1928, in Mishawaka, IN, to the union of the late Grear and Mildred Pullin. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Anita Barker of Mishawaka, IN. On August 27, 1949, Gene married Janet Crist, daughter of Roy and Edna Crist, also of Mishawaka, IN. She survives along with his sister, Katie Nichols of Ell Cotemile, NY. Gene proudly served in the 6th Armored Division of the United States Army, serving in Korea 1946-1948, and Fort Leonard Wood, MO, from 1950-1951. Gene graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1946 and the Chicago Photography College in 1949. He worked for Studebaker Corporation, Clothing and Demand Studios and Omni Craft. Gene also owned and operated the South Bend Sign Shop. He was a 50-plus-year member of the Masonic Lodge in Mishawaka, as well as the Scottish Rite of South Bend Valley and the Orak Shrine of Michigan City. Gene was incredibly talented. His love for wood working, boat building, and mechanics and Ford Model "A" restorations were a few of his wonderful talents. Forced into retirement in 1990 due to macular degeneration, Gene never complained about his impaired vision. With assistance of special eyewear, he continued to enjoy life and his Model "A" restorations. Gene's projects took a lot longer then normal, but he never complained and when finished, the detail and quality exceeded that of most artists with 20/20 vision. Throughout his life, Gene loved his family and his friends dearly. His kind heart and giving spirit will be missed by all fortunate enough to have had him be part of their life. Gene leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 60 years; three children and their spouses, Cheryl and Michael Molnar of Dale City, VA, Scott and Kathleen Pullin of Wakarusa, IN, and Kathy and Thomas MacDonald of North Liberty, IN; six grandsons and spouses, Todd and Kimberly Molnar of Charles Town, WVa., Chad and Daneliz Molnar of Woodridge, VA, Brent and Jessica Pullin of New Carlisle, IN, Brian and Sarah Pullin of Saint Louis, MO, Travis MacDonald of South Bend, and Bradley MacDonald of South Bend; four great-grandchildren, Olivia Mahon, Aiden Pullin, Joshua Molnar and Presley Molnar. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2010, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 824 S. Mayflower Road. A funeral service will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Porter Rea Cemetery, located in Potato Creek State Park, North Liberty, IN. Contributions in memory of Gene Pullin may be made to the American Cancer Society of Northern Indiana, 601 W. Edison Road, Mishawka, IN 46545; or a charity of the donor's choice. For those who are unable to attend the funeral service, condolences for the family may be made at www.sjfh.net. Published in South Bend Tribune on January 31, 2010