Franklin “Gene” Kreider, 82, a lifelong resident of Whitley County, died Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at his home.

He was born Jan. 28, 1934, in Whitley County, a son of Riley and Tressa (Roberts) Kreider. He graduated from South Whitley High School. On Feb. 2, 1955, he was united in marriage to Shirley K. Newell. He began working construction for D and C Construction and retired from Gripco.

He had been attending New Hope Wesleyan Church.

Surviving relatives include his wife: Shirley; three children: Sharity (Brad) Coble, South Whitley; Nicolas (Beth) Kreider, New Haven; and Jill (Rick) Burton, Columbia City; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters: June Smith; and Lavon Wyatt; and a brother: Samuel Kreider.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 4, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to New Hope Wesleyan Church.