Gene L. "Obie" Obermeyer

Gene L. “Obie” Obermeyer, 78, passed away peacefully at his home in Kokomo, surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. He was born on August 5, 1946, in Kokomo to Clarence and Mildred (Chism) Obermeyer.

A 1964 graduate of Northwestern High School, Gene built a successful career at the Chrysler Corporation Casting Plant, where he worked in skilled trades as a machine repairman until retirement. He was known for his strong work ethic, pride in craftsmanship, and dedication to doing the job right. Gene’s hands were rarely still—he believed in the value of hard work and passed that ethic on to his family.

He married Ann “Marty” Willis on August 24, 1985. Together, they shared a life rich in love, deep friendship, meaningful adventures, lively rounds of golf, and cherished time with family and friends. Though life brought both joy and hardship, Gene held a quiet faith that carried him through.  He was a active member of the Greentown Masonic Lodge and was a 32nd degree Mason.

Gene was a Little League champion catcher, a talented carpenter and woodworker, an avid golfer, and a skilled water skier. He was known for his humor and outgoing nature. Gene never met a stranger and had a gift for making people laugh.

Gene found joy in the unique personalities and accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Marty, and his children Kelly (Michael) Karickhoff, Stacy (Trent) Odell, Wendy (fiancé Nicolas Cipriano) Johnson, son Anthony (April) Obermeyer; and his stepsons Brad (Bridget) Willis, Doug (Robin) Willis, and Tim (fiancé Amanda Siler) Willis. He was the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 16 great-grandchildren. A special thank you goes to his grandson Nick, who lovingly assisted with Gene’s care in his final days, and also Lisa and Shyanna from Compassus Hospice.

Also surviving are his sister, Rita (John) Pepka, his brother, Don Obermeyer, brother-in-law Mike (Shirley) Conger, sister-in-law Elaine Conger, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Patricia Witter, granddaughter Karley Johnson, brother-in-laws Dennis Conger and Henry Conger, sister-in-law Sue Reavis, and his faithful dog, Scruffy.

A funeral service celebrating Gene’s life will be held at 2:00 pm. Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Trent O’Dell officiating.  Friends are invited to visit with the family and celebrate Gene’s life from 4-7 pm Friday, August 1, 2025 at the funeral home.

Gene's legacy lives on in the stories told, the laughter shared, the work he proudly accomplished, and the lives he touched along the way.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/indiana.  Messages of Condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.