Gene Marneal Jones, 82, of La Porte, peacefully passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family.

 

Gene was born on January 26, 1939, on the family farm in Martin County, IN, to Paul H. and Catherine L.(Bouer) Jones.

 

On November 2, 1997, in Charlotte, NC, he married Cynthia Marie Ann Dolezal, who survives.  Also surviving are his sons, David P. (Kris) Jones, Daniel G. (Stephanie) Jones, and Eric J. (Kelli) Jones; stepson, David (Stephanie) Rockbell; and several grandchildren.

 

He was preceded by his father, Paul H. Jones on December 15, 1993; his mother, Catherine L. Jones on January 7, 2000; and sister, Sharon Kay Bohlinger on September 26, 2014.

 

Gene attended Loogootee, IN public schools.  A 1957 graduate, he was active in athletics and the band.  In 1961, he graduated from Indiana University with a BA degree.  Later, he received his LLB in 1963 and was licensed to practice law.

 

Gene proudly served in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a member of the Judge Advocate General Corp.  He was honorably discharged, in 1966, as a Captain.

 

In 1966, he joined the La Porte, IN law firm of NL&K, which later became NLK&J in the early 1970's.  He retired from NLK&J in 2009.

 

Professionally, Gene was a member of all local bar associations.  He was also a member of the American Bar Association, the International Association of Defense Counsel, and the American College of Trial Attorneys, which he was inducted in London, England in 1985.

 

Personally, Gene was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, the Indiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the La Porte American Legion.  A fan of the game of golf, he was a member at Beechwood Golf Course and Sand Creek Country Club.

 

Gene loved the land and the outdoors.  He planted thousands of trees, gardened, and fashioned his own game preserve in La Porte county.

 

A Private Immediate Family Graveside Service will be held.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, 102 G. Street, La Porte, IN 46350 or to the donor's choice.

 

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.