Gene Archie Pingleton, 69, of Greencastle Indiana, passed away on May 15th, 2025.
Gene was born to Robert and Ardell (Clodfelter) Pingleton on February 5th, 1956 at Edwards Air Force Base, Edwards, California.
Gene graduated from Greencastle High School in 1974. He wrestled and played football at North Putnam High School for 3 years and played as a linebacker for Greencastle’s undefeated football team in 1974. He was also voted as most valuable wrestler and was recruited by several colleges to wrestle for their teams.
During his senior year Gene worked for Eitel’s Flowers. After graduation he attended the Florida Institute of Technology for Oceanography. Gene started working for $1.00 a day at the early age of seven along with his eight year old brother, Ed, at Pingleton Lumber Co., Bainbridge, Indiana.
Later Gene helped build the Pingleton Sawmill in Greencastle and earned awards as a sawyer, and worked there until 2002. He then worked at Putnamville Correctional Facility until his retirement.
Gene is survived by his wife of 29 years, Carrol Pingleton. Gene and Carrol blended their families on May 18th, 1996. Also survived by daughter Carla Ricketts (Bret). Son Ian Pingleton (Vonnie), grandchildren Jessi (Kaden) Faust, Brittany Ricketts, Levi Ricketts, Christian Jaylynn, Mary Pingleton, Luke and Cody Sillery; great grandchild Vanessa Dunnigan, mother Ardell Pingleton, brothers Edward (Sylvia deceased), Lee (Linda), Keith (Trease), Scott (Linda) Pingleton.
Gene was preceded in death by his grandparents, Archie and Mary Pingleton, Ralph and Ruth Clodfelter; uncles Allen Clodfelter, May Clodfelter, Charles Pingleton; aunt Betty Easten, Carolyn Schnighter; son Darrell Coverts, grandchildren Destiny Ricketts.
A celebration of life will be held on June 7th at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 404 Judson Drive, Greencastle, IN 46135.
Arrangements entrusted to Simple Cremation Indianapolis, 6904 S. East Street, Suite E, Indianapolis, IN., (317)361-4516.
