Francis Gene Holman, 86, of North Manchester, died at 8:05 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015 at Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.

Holman was born in in Benton, Ill. Dec. 17, 1928 to Orpha Holman and Gladys (Kelley) Holman, who survives. Holman was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1950-1954. He started working for Controls Co. of America in Illinois in September of 1958. He then moved to North Manchester in 1975 to be plant manager at Controls until his retirement in December of 1994. He married Nancy Davis Sept. 14 1963, and she survives.

He graduated from LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby Junior College in June 1956, and later graduated from the University of Illinois in June 1958. He received his private pilot’s license in March 1972. Gene and Nancy enjoyed many winters in Pearce, Ariz. after retirement.

Surviving Holman are his son: Jon Holman, North Manchester; one daughter: Jennifer (David) Bauer, Claypool; a sister: Martha Yauch, Granville, Ill.; and one grandson: Jacob Bauer, Warsaw.

He is preceded in death by one daughter, Alison Gene Holman.

Funeral services wil be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114 W., North Manchester, and will be officiated by Pastor J.P. Freeman. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the funeral. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials can be sent to Animal Welfare League, PO Box 1906,
Warsaw, IN 46581 or Humane Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, IN 46992.