Lloyd "Gene" E. Etchison

On Thursday, September 2, 2021, Lloyd “Gene” E. Etchison, of Carmel was called home at the age of 85. The world has lost a remarkable husband, father, son,  grandfather, and a friend to many.  Gene was born February 22, 1936, in Elwood, the son of the late Chandos Leon and Georgia (Waymire) Etchison.  He married Barbara “Ann” (Swart) Etchison, who preceded him in passing on July 12, 2019.  It is noteworthy that he was able to rejoin his bride in heaven, on what would have been their 67^th anniversary.

“Can’t Never Did Anything!” was a phrase often said by Gene to his sons and that was a way of life for him.  The unfortunate accident resulting in the loss of his left arm at age 10 from a shotgun discharging as it fell to the ground from a tractor, did not hinder Gene’s determination for success.  Instead of finding problems, he found solutions to make things work in his world.  Gene rewired a clutch to the other handlebar so he could ride a motorcycle, participated in sports, played the trumpet and harmonica and could filet fish faster than and two-armed person. A random idea with a friend led him to build a houseboat in his garage so he could make lifelong memories with his family and friends on Morse Lake.  Gene’s guts, grit and discipline made one forget that he was not like his peers or needed to be pampered.

Providing for his family was a top priority. A goal of having his loving wife Annie at home to raise his four boys, Gene taught himself to wear many hats. A self- made man, Gene was an avid reader devouring self-help books, and was well-known for his positive outlook. His early career of selling fertilizer to farmers, led to becoming a successful salesman for Harvestore Inc.  Gene’s work ethic and friendly mannerisms changed the landscape of central Indiana as these “Tall Blue” storage structures sprung up while he made lifelong friends of his customers.  Later, he became owner of a Harvestore Dealership to further advance his career.  Always willing to try new endeavors, Gene became a franchise owner of Arni’s of Cicero, for a number of years before retiring. He was very proud of hosting a Men’s Breakfast on Friday mornings and serving the people of the area at his restaurant

This amazing man was a tremendous example of not knowing any limits and never focusing on the negative.  He was very proud of his family and excited knowing that his legacy lives on with the next generations.  He will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to gather from 4:00 to 8:00 Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Flanner Buchanan-Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am Thursday, September 9, 2021, At Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Road.  Graveside services will follow at Aroma Methodist Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

He is survived by three sons, Don E. (Susan) Etchison, Robert “Duane” (Leeanne) Etchison and Darin L. (Jenine) Etchison; grandchildren, Zachary and Nathan Etchison, Chandos (Kelsey) Etchison, Chelsea (Michael) Listenfelt, Colin Etchison, Courtney (Cody) Miller, Gentry and Joseph Etchison, Andrew, Luke and Matthew Etchison; great grandchildren, Elliott and Audrey Etchison, Skyler, Sophia, Spencer and Stella Listenfelt, and Madden Miller; and two brothers, Dallas (Marilyn) Etchison and Harry Kiphart. He was preceded in death by a son, Chandos “Dean” Etchison and a brother, Carl Etchison.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hamilton County Special Olympics. Please visit flannerbuchanan.com to sign the online guest register.