EUGENE D. WOOFTER

April 30, 1964 - July 10, 2013
SOUTH BEND - Eugene D. (Gene) Woofter, 49, passed from this life on July 10, 2013. He was born on April 30, 1964 in South Bend, the son of Merle and Ann (Sulok) Woofter. He was preceded in death by his father, Merle, on August 25, 2004. Gene is survived by his mother, Ann Woofter of South Bend; son, Daniel E. (Krystal Pinkowski) Woofter of Mishawaka; granddaughter, Alayna Woofter; and brother, Michael Woofter of San Jose, CA.

Gene was a Mason of the Council Oak Lodge. He was very interested in science fiction. He collected comic books, was active in science fiction conventions and was easily found at the movies when he had the time.

Gene was committed to being a police officer. He was involved in the St. Joseph County Explorers program while in high school. He was a 1983 graduate of Clay High School and graduated from the Indiana Police Academy on December 9, 2004. Gene worked as a police officer for the Roseland and New Carlisle Police Departments. He strove to serve and to protect the communities for which he worked. Gene also worked with the IUSB Police Department as well as Security at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. He gave of himself in service during his life, and wished to give of himself after his passing by being an organ donor. Gene's gift of service and sacrifice will be something for which he will always be remembered, as well as his unique sense of humor, infectious smile, quick wit and joke-telling.

Visitation will be held at Palmer Funeral Home - Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN from 5:00 - 7:00 pm Wednesday, July 17, 2013. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday, July 18, 2013 in the funeral home, with burial to follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the American Diabetes Association, 1701 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311, or the Indiana Masonic Home (retirement home for members), 690 State Street, Franklin, IN 46131. Online condolences may be left for the Woofter family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Jul. 15, 2013.

11/18/2022 EJS