Gene Wiggington, Jr.

Gene Wiggington Jr., 65, of Midland, IN, died Saturday, December 26, 2020 in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family. He was born on September 7, 1955, in Beech Grove, IN, the son of Gene Wiggington, Sr & Rosealee Catherine (O'Hara) Wiggington-Helms, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Linda McCaully on February 14, 1977, and she preceded him in death on May 3, 2012. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Crane and by his son-in-law, Lonnie Peoples. He married Calleen Colegrove on September 28, 2019, and she survives. He is also survived by his two daughters, Christina Wiggington-Peoples and Jennie Wiggington; by his son, Daniel Wiggington; by his grandchildren, William Peoples, Olivia Peoples, Luke Peoples, Blake Peoples, Clayton Peoples, and Gabriel Wiggington; by his brother, Will & Diane Wiggington; by his brother-in-law, Steve Crane & wife Debbie; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Gene grew up all over the United States, and over the course of his life, lived in or visited every state in the union with the exception of Hawaii. He proudly served in the Indiana National Guard for a time and would go on to work for a number of residential, commercial, and industrial heating and cooling companies before going into business for himself. Outside of work, Gene could often be found in God's creation. An avid outdoorsman, few things brought him more life than camping, hunting, fishing. In fact, he even lived in the woods for a period of time, as he was prone to enjoy the silence and solitude of the wilderness over the noise of modern life. He didn't keep these passions to himself but passed it on to local Boy Scouts. Along with Senator John Waterman, Gene taught the incoming generations how to appreciate and harness the potential of the natural world around them, as his ancestors had done before him. Anyone who knew Gene could attest to the fact that he was proud of his Native American heritage, as evidenced through his involvement with the Sullivan County Indian Council. A member since its formation in 2003, he was able to share his people’s stories with local children through this medium, and was able to educate his community about fire keeping and knapping as well. Though he was, by all accounts, quite the jokester, Gene was truly a good-hearted person who tried to help people to the best of his ability. He left an impact that will be felt in the hearts of all who knew him for years to come. It was Gene's wish to be cremated without public services. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is in charge of arrangements.