Donald Gene French

Dec. 9, 1943 – Dec. 13, 2021

Donald Gene French, 78, Crawfordsville, passed away on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 at St Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born in Crawfordsville on Dec. 9, 1943, to the late Ralph Henry and Alleen (Morrison) French.

Mr. French graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1962 and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked as a grinder operator at Raybestos Powertrain, where he retired after 39 ½ years. On July 29, 1967 he married the love of his life of 54 years, Delores “Dee” Conner, who survives. He had a passion for woodworking and sold many of his wood pieces at different craft shows. He loved to visit and talk and was one that never knew a stranger. He was a member of the Scroll Saw Club and Cross Roads Nazarene Church.

Survivors include his wife, Delores “Dee” Conner; three sons, Michael (Sherry) French of Brazil, Gregory (Tricia) French of Waynetown and Scott (Shon) French of Hillsboro; a brother, Raymond (Carole) French of Waveland; a sister, Peggy (Kenny) Ferrand of Fla.; five grandchildren, Taylor, Sam (Raeleigh), Lacey, Hanna and Eli; one great-granddaughter, Brooklynn; and one great-grandson on the way, Malakai.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Richard, Dennis and Henry French; two sisters, Patricia Earl and Beverly Sanders; and infant sister, Mary French.

Cremation was chosen with a visitation at Sanders Priebe Funeral Care, 315 S Washington Street, in Crawfordsville on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021 from 4 p.m. till the time of the memorial service at 6 p.m., with Pastor Mark Roberts officiating. The service will be live-streamed and recorded which can be viewed on his obituary page at www.sandersfuneralcare.com.

Memorial donations may be given to the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County. Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com