RICHMOND, Ind. – Gene P. Schultz, age 91, of Richmond, Indiana, died Monday, September 19, 2022, at Reid Health.
He was born September 28, 1930, in Troy, Ohio, on a farm on Horseshoe Bend Road, to Paul W. and Mary Ethel Weaver Schultz. He was a 1948 graduate of Troy High School, and acquired college credits at University of Dayton, Miami University, Wittenberg University, University of Denver, University of Colorado, and Earlham College. Gene was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, attaining the rank of technical sergeant.
His work effort included Aeroproduct Operations GMC in military logistics and contracts; Martin-Marietta in Littleton, Colorado, in logistics on the Titan I, II, and III programs; Beech Aircraft in Boulder, Colorado, in configuration management for the Apollo and LEM programs; AVCO in Richmond in military contracts; and Excello Corporation in Greenville, Ohio, in sales and marketing. He retired in Richmond in 1994 from Harris-Allied Broadcast Division as Director of Worldwide Marketing.
Gene also worked in stained glass starting in 1962, and his business was known as “The Glassman.” He repaired stained glass in many Richmond homes and churches in a 100-mile radius as well as designing, building, and installing new windows and panels in homes, businesses, and churches. Gene’s home church, First English Lutheran, was a recipient of his work. He designed the new east wall, entrance panel, and atrium windows, and the design and repair were donated to the church by The Glassman for his family. Gene also played the large brass bells in the First English handbell choir for many years.
He was involved in racing for many years, beginning in 1949. Gene was a driver for 19 years and the balance as an official in various organizations including ASA, SCCA, USAC (midget, sprint, and silver crown series), IRL, NASCAR, CART, UMRA, and most recently as technical director for NALMS (Northern Allstars Late Model Series). Gene worked at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, beginning in 1970, and the Brickyard 400. He had racing friends from coast to coast and border to border who will miss his genuine interest, friendship, and contributions to the sport.
Gene was active in numerous organizations. First English Lutheran Church had been his spiritual home since 1967. He belonged to Concord Grange #2689 Patrons of Husbandry in Miami County, Ohio, and had been a member for over 60 years. Gene also has held memberships in the Stained Glass Association of America, Preserve Richmond, Historic Landmarks Foundation of America, Contract Managers Association, Red Devil Pride, AVCO Management Club, United States Automobile Club, Sports Car Club of America, United Midget Racing Association, Northern Allstars Late Model Series, 4-H of Miami County, Boy Scouts of America, Hayes Arboretum, Piqua Community Chorus, Society for Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Singing in America, Indy 500 Oldtimers Club, and Royal Coach Sports Car Club.
Survivors include his children, Steven (Lynette) Schultz of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Vanessa Osborne of Greenwood, Indiana, and Scott (Autumn) Schultz of Muscatine, Iowa; grandchildren, Julie (Mark) Adkins, Paul (Bethany) Schultz, Abigail Schultz, Christopher (Renee) Osborne, Chelsea (David) Shipman, and Patrick Schultz; brother, Roger D. Schultz and family of Corydon, Indiana, and sister, Alice (Dan) Rasor of Oakwood, Ohio; nieces; nephews; cousins; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Ruth Butts Schultz, to whom he was married on March 31, 1956, and his parents.
Visitation for Gene P. Schultz will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 23, 2022, at First English Lutheran Church, 2727 East Main Street, Richmond. Funeral service will follow at 6:30 p.m. Friday, September 23, 2022, at First English Lutheran Church with Pastor Chip Belanga officiating. Graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 24, 2022, in Riverside Cemetery, 101 Riverside Drive, Troy, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Hand-in-Hand Adult Day Care, 2727 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374 or Alzheimer’s Association, 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240.
Condolences may be sent to the family via the guest book at www.doanmillsfuneralhome.com.