Eugene Mccormick

Eugene McCormick, age 88, of Liberty died at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, August 25, 2016 . A Union County native, he was born July 15, 1928 to Clifford and Mildred Haag McCormick. Eugene graduated from Short High School and was active in several sports and many activities including 4-H. In 1948 he married his High School sweetheart, Jean West, and they started farming with his Dad, and lived in the family homestead. To that union three children were born; Gary McCormick (Susan), JoAn Cain (Bob), and Elaine Patterson (Ray). They had several grandchildren including Monica Johnson (James), Andy McCormick, Casey Matandwa, Jennifer Sudduth (deceased), Joshua (Erin) Phenis, and Lisa Gayhart (Gary). Step-grandchildren include Dana Risch (Damian), Geoff (Pam) Patterson, and Amanda Patterson. He also had 25 great-grandchildren. When possible he enjoyed their activities. He is also survived by his sister, Maxine Felton, sisters-in-law Ruth Logue and Catherine Jones, and by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer Sudduth, and a son-in-law, Tony Phenis. Eugene was a member of Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church and served in several activities there. He and his wife, Jean, were Youth Counselors for several years. In 1972 he founded the ministry of God’s Nightcrawler with the South Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. He and his wife served this ministry 8 1/2 years. This ministry took youth and adults on Christian Retreats to many states. His favorite was hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains. Eugene farmed with his son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Susan McCormick. In his early years of farming he was a promoter of 4-H, serving on various county boards. In 1962, he was asked by Purdue University to go on a People to People farm tour to Russia. Along with his family, he hosted many foreign exchange students from several foreign countries. In retirement years he drove for the Union County Transit and worked as custodian at Southview Courts for fifteen years. Eugene was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and was a good example to them. The family thanks Reid Hospital Hospice for their loving care of Eugene. A funeral service celebrating his life will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2016, at Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Scott Bell officiating. Interment will follow in College Corner Cemetery. Friends may visit at the church on Sunday, August 28, 2016, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. where memorial contributions may be made to Edwards Memorial United Methodist Church ~ 4 W. Seminary Street ~ Liberty, IN 47353, for the purpose of hiring a Youth Leader. Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Fosdick Chapel, in Liberty is assisting the family with the arrangements. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, go to www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.