of Chelsea, Michigan, age 83, died Thursday, October 13, 2016 at his home in Chelsea. He was born April 29, 1933 in Salem Township, Michigan , the son of Louis William. & Alma L. (Inglehart) Esch. Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He retired in 1984 after 30 years with Chrysler. He was a former member of North Sharon Baptist Church. Gene loved gardening and was an avid Tiger’s fan.
On August 9, 1958, he married Norma Jean Bailey, and she survives. He is also survived by three sons, William Eugene (Denise), Edward Floyd (Becky), Fred Louis (Penny); two daughters, Karen Louise White, Sherry Lynn (Tim) Hackworth; a brother, Walter (Mary) Esch of Ann Arbor; a sister, Alice Hadley of Chelsea; a brother-in-law, John Milan of Dexter; a sister-in-law, Carol Esch of Chelsea; 11 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Margaret Guinan, Shirley Brassow, Betty Esch, Doris Esch, Dorothy Milan; and brothers, Lester, Ronald, Eberhart, Lewis Jr.
Funeral services will be held Monday, October 17, 11:00 am at Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea with Rev. Tim Butterfield officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Sylvan Township, Michigan. The family will receive friends 3-7 pm on Sunday, October 16. Memorial contributions may be made to Grass Lake Baptist Church or Chelsea Senior Citizens. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel.