Birthel "Gene" E. Dynes

Birthel E. “Gene” Dynes, 93, of Berne, Indiana passed away Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.

Gene was born September 24, 1927 in Jay County, Indiana to the late Birthel Dynes and the late Katie (Kneuss) Dynes. He was united in marriage to Shirley Coats on August 30, 1957. She preceded him in death on August 5, 2011.

Gene was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps, serving at the end of World War II and being honorably discharged in 1948 after attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. It was during his time of service that he participated in the Berlin Airlift, bringing supplies and humanitarian aid to West Berlin following the blockade established by the Soviet Forces.

He attended the First Missionary Church in Berne.

Gene was a field supervisor for NAAS Foods (Red Gold). He also was employed and retired as a manager for the Indiana Employment Security Division for over 25 years.

Gene enjoyed woodworking, fishing, helping his family, metal detecting, and eating out. Something Gene enjoyed most was when his family gathered around to sing. He had a gentle spirit and was a “favorite uncle” to many.

He is survived by a son, Jeff (Mary Ann) Dynes of Berne, Indiana; daughter, Linda (Doug) Schwartz of Berne, Indiana; four grandchildren, Kelsey (James) Sallee, Nicole Dynes, Turner Schwartz, and Michael Dynes.

Gene is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Dynes; three sisters, Sylvia Fry, Selma (Barnett) Sheffer, Frances Shepherd; and two brothers, Lawrence Dynes and George Dynes.

Out of concern for the public and relatives who are at-risk, private services for Gene will be held by his immediate family at the First Missionary Church in Berne with burial to follow at Antioch Cemetery, rural Portland. After the funeral service a recording will be available on First Missionary Church website and social media outlets. Please follow the link for First Missionary Church website at https://fmcberne.com/ .

In lieu of flowers, Gene’s family would recommend memorials be given to the First Missionary Church Mission Fund or Forgotten Children Worldwide in Bluffton, Indiana. These memorials can be sent to Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur at 520 N 2 ^nd Street Decatur, Indiana.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne, Indiana.