Kenneth E. “Gene” McWhorter, 63, of Flora, died at7:17 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012, at Seton Hospital in Lafayette.

    Born Dec. 4, 1948, in Casey County, Ky., he was the son of Nannie “Maggie” (Qualls) Morris of Mulberry and the late James Kenneth McWhorter.  He graduated from Carroll High School in 1967. From 1970 to 1976 he served in the U.S. Army and was an air traffic controller in Vietnam.

    He married Donna Moore Robinson on Feb. 15, 2002, in Flora, and she survives.

    Gene was an over the road semi driver for 15 years and was a shag truck driver for Singletree Hitching in Flora for eight years. 

    He was a lifetime member of the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization, east of Kokomo, and served on the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.  He was an avid NASCAR and NHRA fan.  He enjoyed camping with his grandchildren, working on cars, and watching auto auctions.

    Surviving with his wife and mother are a daughter, Tiffany Leuck of Lafayette; a granddaughter, Shawnda Gidel, who was raised in the home; two stepdaughters, Tracy Seamster (husband, Mark) of Kokomo and Kristina Robinson Taylor (husband, J.R.) of Sarasota, Fla.; a stepson, Terry Robinson Sr. of Flora; three sisters, Mary Rowland of Kokomo, Bertha “Bert” Pippenger of Ellettsville, and Faye Mocherman (husband, Dennis) of Pittsboro; a half-sister, Jocena Shake (husband: Steve) of Glasford, Ill.; a special man, like a son, Jeff Perry; grandchildren, Jerald Leuck, Leanna Leuck, Rachel Kidwell (husband: Brandon), Brianna Wilburn, T.J. Robinson, Adrienne Robinson, Tre Robinson (girlfriend: Hannah), Tyler Robinson, Justin Robinson, Will Taylor, Clarissa Taylor, Courtney Taylor, and Cassie Seamster; and a great-granddaughter, Kyleigh Lucas.

   He was preceded in death by a stepson, David E. Robinson, and a stepgrandson, David E. Robinson Jr.

   A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization, 8313 E. 400 S., Greentown, 46936.

    In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization.

    Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com.

    Hippensteel Funeral Home, Lafayette, is entrusted with care.