Gene Edward Wessel, 82, of Franklin, Indiana passed away May 31, 2016. The son of Troy and Myrtle Clayton Wessel, Gene was born October 19, 1933 in Linton, Indiana.

In 1996, after 24 years, he retired from International Harvester (NaviStar). Gene was a 52 year member of Centre Lodge No. 23, Life Member of the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite, Devol Lodge No. 766, High Twelve Club, Bartimaeus Lodge, Murat Shriners and Shriners International.

Gene is survived by his wife, Barbara L. Ogle Wessel of Franklin; daughters, Cindy L. (Flois) Burrow of Noblesville, Anita (Bill) Knowles of Greenwood and Karen Sue Glanton of Greenville, GA; Holly Patel fondly introduced as our adopted daughter; grandchildren, Austin Allen, Zachary (Kristen) Allen, Sarah Knowles (Eddie) Schmitt, Kevin (Leigh) Burrow, Kimberly (Jerry) Mace and Kelly Burrow.

Masonic Service at 11:00 a.m. June 4, 2016, followed by funeral services with Rev. Cleon Wright officiating at Forest Lawn Funeral Home - 1977 S. State Road 135, Greenwood. Burial at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home starting at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Scottish Rite Restoration Fund or to the Indiana Masonic Home Foundation.