Franklin E. "Gene" Clanin, 90, of Bluffton, passed away Thursday morning, February 8, 2018, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Gene was born in Bluffton, on July 11, 1927, to Russell and Mary (Brown) Clanin.  He married Joan M. Wenger in Bluffton on May 7, 1949; she preceded him in death on December 6, 2013.

Gene served in the United States Army during WWII.  In his early years, he worked for James S. Jackson Company, then for Kauffman and Sons Construction for the next 17 years.  During his semi-retirement, for ten years, he worked for Jerry Thompson Construction, until his retirement.

Gene was a past member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge 242 of Bluffton and a member of the Grover Sheets American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton.  He enjoyed the outdoors and studying military history. In his early years, he also enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include two daughters, Leslie (Frank) Brubaker of Plymouth, and Lona Taylor (Mike Okeley) of Bluffton; three sisters, Lonnie (John) Hacha of Bluffton, Joyce Clanin of Bluffton, Janet Pinkerton of Arkansas; a son-in-law, Doug Riesen of Vera Cruz; seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great granddaughter.

Aside from his parents and wife, Gene was preceded in death by a daughter, Lora Riesen; a grandson, Chad Brubaker; two brothers and six sisters.

Visitation will be on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM., at Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton.  Services will be held immediately following visitation on Saturday, at 2:00 PM, at the funeral home, with Pastor Don Rentschler officiating.  Burial will follow at Six Mile Cemetery in Bluffton with Military Graveside Rites provided by the American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton in conjunction with the United States Army Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.