Merrill “Gene” Petry passed away on June 3, 2020 in Linton, Indiana. Gene was born near Richmond, IN in Wayne County on February 1, 1936 to Raymond Everett Petry and Mary Lou Tiefel Petry. 

The family moved to Clay City, Indiana when Gene was pre-school age.  He attended and graduated from Clay City High School with the class of 1954.  He was also a graduate of Coyne Electrical Institute in Chicago, IL.  

Following graduation, he worked for Westinghouse Electric Company in Indianapolis, IN until serving with the United States Air Force Reserves from 1957 to 1962.  He was stationed at San Antonio, Texas, Colorado Springs, Colorado and Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.  

Gene worked for Richmond Power Light Company in Richmond, IN from 1959 to 1964, and from 1964 until retirement from Peabody Coal Company for 28 years.  He was an Electrical and Power Line Design Supervisor designing power lines, construction and maintenance for surface and some underground mines for the Midwest Division of Peabody Coal and Energy Company.

Gene served for 10 years as a member of the Linton-Stockton School Board.  He served in various offices and President for 3 years as well as a Representative of the School District on Co-op organizations.  He was always a supporter of the Athletic, Arts and Music Departments as well as an advocator of teachers and workers of the School System. 

He was a member of the Linton First United Methodist Church, a 50 year member of the Clay City F & AM 560; Columbian Chapter of OES in Linton; and 50 year member of the BPOE Elks.  Gene was also a member of the Zorah Shrine of Terre Haute and Scottish Rite of Terre Haute.

Gene had many hobbies, but wood working, building birdhouses and furniture was one of his favorites.  He also enjoyed sporting events at the local school as well as the Big Ten teams on television.   

He especially loved his family, daughters and their families, brothers and their families and extended nieces and nephews.  Grandchildren held a special place in his heart and we always laughed about some of the things we all enjoyed in the “woods”.

His 84 years of life were the definition of love and devotion to his family, friends and God but also long years of struggling and strife following a debilitating stroke.

The later years were filled with new friends and caregivers to whom he came to love and loved him.  The family truly appreciates the friendship and care of Gene during this time.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Karen Hubbell Petrys.  Daughters: Debra Petry Keller and son-in-law Dr. Paul Keller of Florida, Kathy Petry Herndon and son-in-law Eric Herndon of Jasper.   Grandchildren to whom he was “Pappy”:  Taylor Keller Livingston and husband Matt; Rachael Keller, Isaac Herndon and Elise Herndon.

Brother: Max Petry and sister-in-law LaVonne Petry; Sister-in-law Beverly Petry and former Sister-in-law Mary Rowe.  Brother and Sisters-in law; Jim and Carol Hubbell and Jerry and Linda Hubbell. Also surviving are several cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Donald Petry and Robert Petry, Mother and Father-in-law Roy and Jane Hubbell, Brother-in-law Barry Hubbell, Niece Jessie Hubbell and Great Niece Adrienne Hubbell.

Celebrate his life with family and friends in a calling at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home on Sunday June 7, 2020 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm with a Masonic Service starting at 4:00 pm.  There will be a Private Funeral Service on Monday, June 8, 2020 at Linton First United Methodist Church with Pastor Ben Biggs officiating.  

If friends and family would choose, they may honor Gene with a donation to the Merrill Gene Petry Scholarship for a Linton Stockton Student entering the field of Electrical Science through the funeral home by mailing a check to 140 E. Vincennes St., Linton, IN 47441.

Online condolences may be shared with Gene's family at www.welchcornett.com.