Carl Eugene "Gene" Lewis

Carl Eugene “Gene’” Lewis of Tipton passed away on December 23, 2024 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born on April 28, 1941 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to Helen Keele Bean. He was raised by Helen and her husband Gerald Bean.

Gene grew up in Mount Vernon, Illinois where he was active and successful in sports including football, basketball, and baseball. Gene’s shining moment was winning the Illinois State Jr. High basketball tournament with his team in 1957.

In 1971, Gene married Helga, who had three children from a previous marriage. Gene, who had two of his own children from a previous marriage, brought the children together under one roof. Gene and Helga’s son, James, was born a few years later. They relocated the family to Tipton, Indiana in 1974 where he owned and operated the Ben Franklin retail store. In later years, Gene provided services for the Allstate Insurance Company, and owned the Workwear Trading Company. His last job was owner and director of various international student exchange organizations. Gene and Helga, themselves, hosted many international exchange students over many decades.

Gene was an avid sports fan, with basketball being his favorite sport. He had an incessant love for Tipton High School and Indiana University basketball programs specifically. Gene and Helga were loyal fans, never missing a Tipton basketball game for over 45 years. They enthusiastically supported not only the essence and spirit of Tipton basketball, but that of the individual players, coaches, and support staff. They provided service and support when and where they could. 

Gene’s other love was for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Liam, the oldest of the great-grandchildren, held a very special place in Gene’s heart because of their common love of sports.

Gene is survived by his wife Helga, their children Pam Tina, Tom Nellessen, Carl Lewis, Sue Lewis, Kay Ensinger Meyer and James Lewis, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by children from previous marriage, Kary Lewis, Christina Lewis and David Lewis.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Young-Nichols Funeral Home on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Visitation will be 12:00-2:00 p.m. with the service at 2:00 p.m. and burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery. Online condolences for Gene’s family may be made on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Memorial donations in honor of Gene should be made to THS Boys' Basketball program, 619 S. Main Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.