Leon Gene DeLauter, 88, a resident of Wabash, Indiana, passed away at 1:30 a.m., Sunday, December 21, 2025, at his residence. He was born on May 31, 1937, to Domer Leon DeLauter and Genivieve F. (Young) DeLauter in Canton, Ohio.

Gene was a graduate of Wabash High School. He married his true love, Mary L. Day on August 28, 1954-a marriage that would last seventy-one years.  With a talent of working with his hands, Gene's career as an electrician flourished at General Tire in Wabash, Indiana and carried him through until his retirement.  He had a servant's heart and once retired steadily committed to giving back to his community and family.  Gene was a master craftsman not only adding to his one home over the years, but various civic projects locally.   A small volunteer offer to tend a few flower beds at the Wabash City Parks Department turned into a full-time maintenance job.  He was a life-long learner, passionate about Wabash County and U.S. history and served as a member of the Wabash Historical Society.  History also fueled his wanderlust as he would travel afar to visit museums and the president's homes across the country.  He made the journey to Germany to find the foreign exchange student that lived with his family in high school and granddaughter in China.  Music was another cornerstone of Gene's life.  Gene was a member of the Wabash Church of the Brethren where he sang in the choir.  He played a potpourri of instruments by himself or with his children and grandchildren including the guitar and harmonica, which he always kept in his pocket.  Although he felt one's voice was the greatest instrument of all as you could use it to sing your entire life.  He and his wife, Mary, were awarded Distinguished Citizen in 2005 for their various community service projects. Most of all, Gene was a beloved anchor for his family believing that time spent together was sacred.  He loved his family beyond measure. 

Gene is survived by his wife, Mary L. DeLauter of Wabash, Indiana; one son, Jack DeLauter of Wabash, Indiana; three daughters, Jeanie (Tony) Cooper of Silver Lake, Indiana, Jane (John) Unger of Wabash, Indiana, Joyce (Daryl) Knotts of Converse, Indiana; six grandchildren, Carrie (Andrew) Brunson, Candie Cooper, Mary Knotts, Calvin Knotts, Reese (Layne) DeLauter, and Sterling DeLauter; three great-grandchildren, A.J. Brunson, Giselle McCoart, and Wyatt DeLauter; sister, Caryl (John) Flesher of Roann, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, David DeLauter.  

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana. 

Visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials may be made to the Wabash County Museum, 36 E. Market St., Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Leon Gene DeLauter's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com