Milton Eugene “Gene” Bear, 87, a native of Zionsville, died May 11, 2016.� Gene was born July 5, 1928 in Indianapolis to William F. and Stella M. Foster Bear.Gene was an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Army.� After his service to his country, he began a long and successful career in the insurance industry, specializing in property & casualty insurance.Gene belonged to and was very involved with several organizations.� He was a 39 year member of Charles F. Frank Masonic Lodge in Zionsville, Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite, a Noble of Murat Shrine Temple, and the American Legion Post 79 in Zionsville.� He was also honored with being made a Sagamore of the Wabash and a Kentucky Colonel.Gene is survived by his wife, Dorothy M. “Dodie” Bear; his twin brother, Donald Bear; his children, Christie L. Barnhorst, Susan D. Bear, Michael E. Bear, David K. Bear and his wife, Amy Cunningham Bear, and Steven D. Bear.� Also surviving are his grandchildren, Joseph Barnhorst, Ryan Ludlow, and Carly Martin.� Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter-in-law, Lori Hine Bear, and his grandson, Andrew Barnhorst.Visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm, Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Salem United Methodist Church, 6701 S. 775 E., Zionsville with a Masonic Memorial Service beginning at 7pm.� A funeral service will be held 10 am, Wednesday, May 18, 2016 also at the church.� Burial with military honors will immediately follow the service at Salem Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org.
