Eugene "Gene" Douglas Stephenson, 71, of rural Columbia City, died unexpectedly of natural causes at 7:46 p.m. January 12, 2023, at his home.

Born on November 23, 1951, in Dayton, Ohio, he was a son of the late Claude E. and Sarah C. (Schmidt) Stephenson. Growing up in Dayton, he attended Colonel White High School, later earning a GED.

Moving to Whitley County, he worked for Magnavox in Columbia City from 1985 to 1999. He completed his work career at Ultra Electronics in Columbia City with 17 years of service.

On June 2, 2002, he married Terry L. Oliver. The couple made their home in rural Columbia City.

Fascinated with the Legend of Big Foot, he enjoyed reading and watching documentaries on the subject as well as alien encounters. During the race season, he liked watching the NASCAR series. Throughout the years, he provided season passes for his family to one of his favorite places – the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

He is survived by his wife, Terry; children, Kendra M. (Joe) Edwards, Eugene D (Mary "Shannon") Stephenson II, both of Fort Wayne, and Nathan R. (Crystal) Stephenson of San Diego; a stepson Michael T. McClure of Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild and siblings, Susan Fabricius, Mel Stephenson, David Stephenson, and Phil Stephenson.

He was preceded in death by brothers, Stephen, Claude "Butch" and Ralph Stephenson; and a stepson, Kyle Johnson.

The funeral service is 11 a.m. Thursday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the Oak Grove Cemetery. Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Gene's honor are to the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo or the Big Foot Research Organization.