Gene always kept himself busy with one project or another. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and was an original founder of Bear Creek Camp. Throughout the years, he helped the community in any way possible. He was active with the Boy Scouts and the Hadley Rod and Gun Club in his younger years. Many may remember him working the booth at the Sheakleyville Fair or tagging along on Boy Scout fishing trips to Canada. In later years, he loved spending time at Goddard State Park and played an instrumental role in developing the butterfly garden at Commodore Perry School. He was deeply involve in his grandchildren’s lives, always showing up and being their biggest fan. He was “Papa Free” to so many children and was dearly loved by all.

Knowing the love and dedication Gene gave to the community, his family has set up a GoFundMe account for any donations that his friends and family would like to contribute in his honor. Donations will go to The Friends of Goddard State Park and to Commodore Perry School to help support the Butterfly garden that him and his wife worked so hard to help create.