Gene L. Nicodemus
October 2, 1947 - September 19, 2019

Someone who never knew a stranger, was very outgoing , and always willing to help anyone in need, are just a few ways to describe Gene Nicodemus. A few events that occurred in history in 1947 include the invention of the transistor, the mobile phone, Polaroid's "Land " instant photo camera, and on October 2, 1947 Keith V. and Evelyn Frances (Hollenbaugh) Nicodemus welcomed the birth of Gene Nicodemus in Wolf Lake, Indiana.
He was the first born and grew up on the family farm. As a child, Gene hopped the fence into the bullpen, but his dad was outside and able to pull him out before he was hurt. That earned him a whop on his backside!
As a teen, Gene was big into American muscle cars, member of FFA and a 10 year member of the Whitley County4-H fair. Gene was a lifetime resident of Columbia City, attended Columbia City Joint High School. He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a member of the 553 Engineer Company and earned the rank of SP5/E-5. Gene was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Medal, and Markmanship Medal. He was proud to be an American and was sure to talk to anyone who served in the military.
Gene worked for the City of Columbia City as an electrician for over 25 years until his retirement in 2008. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, in addition to teaching, playing, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Gene met his future wife, Evelyn at a service station on Main Street in Columbia City cruising around town one day. On June 12, 1971, he married Evelyn E. Kyler in Pierceton. Some of the best times Gene had in his life were when he married his wife and when his daughters were born and camping at Lake Michigan on the fourth of July. He once shot a deer and while it was still alive and was able to walk it home.
In his free time, Gene could be found watching hunting, fishing, woodworking, cooking, or military history shows on TV, in addition to NCIS, COPS, Survivor, and any John Wayne movies.
Gene will always be held close in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Gene L. "Wally" Nicodemus, age 71, of Columbia City, IN, passed away at 4:02 a.m. on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at his daughter's home.
Survivors include his loving daughters, Leslie (Denver) Saylor and Monica (James) Wagner, both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Lucas Wagner and Emersyn Wagner; sister, Janet (Bruce "Mike") Johnson, of Churubusco; brother, William Nicodemus, of Columbia City; sister, Charlotte Nicodemus of New Mexico; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Evelyn Nicodemus; and sister-in-law, Patty Nicodemus.
Friends may call on Monday, September 23, 2019 from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services for Gene will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday September 24, 2019 at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Oak Grove (Compton) Cemetery, Columbia City, with military honors rendered by the Whitley County Korean War Veterans. Memorial contributions in memory of Gene may be made to Disabled American Veterans or Columbia Township Fire Department. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family an online condolence.

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