Gene Hafft

Eugene “Gene” Hafft, 84, of Versailles passed away at 3am, Monday, December 12, 2022 at Grand Brook Memory Care in Greenwood. He was born near New Marion on July 25, 1938, the son of Everett and Helen Handlon Hafft. He was married to Phyliss Horton on April 23, 1963 and she preceded him in death on August 8, 2007. Survivors include one son Jeff (Karen) Hafft of Versailles; two daughters Jackie (Martin Jr.) McNeelan of Franklin and Jennifer (Woodrow) Alley of Indianapolis; 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; one brother Ron Hafft of Bloomington. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and his sister Nina Jo Ruble.

Mr. Hafft was a 1955 graduate of New Marion High School. He was a veteran of the US Army, serving from 1961 to 1963 with the 502nd Transportation Unit. In civilian life Gene spent his career as a truck driver, driving for Reliance Electric in Madison for over 30 years. Gene was a member of the Versailles Baptist Church and the Versailles Lions Club, both of which he was very dedicated to. In 2010 Gene was named a Melvin Jones Fellow, a coveted award presented by Lions International.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 17 at 3pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Rev. Richard Burcham officiating. Burial will be in the Shelby Cemetery. Visitation will also be on Saturday beginning at 1pm. Memorials may be given to the Versailles Baptist Church or the Versailles Lions Club in care of the funeral home.