Lowell "Gene" E. Bricker, 93 of Franklin passed away on Saturday, September 20, 2025. He was born on August 14, 1932, in Celina, Ohio to the late John and Mabel Bricker.

Gene leaves behind five boys Daniel (Christi) Bricker, Jim (Kristy) Bricker, Ronald (Donna) Bricker, Jeffery (Lynda) Bricker and Larry Bricker; 14 grandchildren; 34 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. He is proceeded in death by both parents; his wife Valour and five brothers Earl Bricker, Carl Bricker, Lester Bricker, Bevan Bricker and Don Bricker.

Gene grew up on the family farm in Mercer County, Ohio where he attended the county elementary school. While he did not pursue further formal education, he was a lifelong learner. He later completed a correspondence course in Business which served his entrepreneurial ventures for the rest of his life.

Gene owned and operated a poultry processing business in Portland, Indiana and sold "dressed" chickens to grocery stores and restaurants throughout Indiana. He later became a partner in three KFC restaurants after leaving the poultry processing business.

Gene moved from Ft. Wayne to the south side of Indianapolis in the mid-1960s and purchased the lease for a full-service truck stop restaurant which he operated for 17 years. In the mid-1980s he purchased franchise rights for Indiana of "Potatoes Etc." with the first store opening in the newly remodeled Greenwood Park Mall. He would later open more Potatoes Etc. stores in Washington Square, Evansville and Ft. Wayne.

Gene's most important decision was inviting Jesus Christ to be his savior and Lord. Gene and Valour Bricker served faithfully at Center Church on the south side of Indianapolis while raising their family of five boys. They later joined Vineyard Community Church founded by their son Jim Bricker.

Gene loved God and loved people, he knew no stranger and could engage anyone in conversations that most often included a joke.

Visitation will be Friday, September 26, 2025 from 10:00 AM until the time of service at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. A funeral service will begin at Noon at the funeral home. Gene will be laid to rest next to his wife Valour at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

Psalms 100:5 "For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."