Raymond Eugene "Gene" Canary, 95, lifelong resident of Franklin, IN passed away Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis, IN.

He was born December 18, 1928 in Franklin, IN to Orien Bass Canary and Neva Elaine (Drayer) Canary.

Gene was a 1947 graduate of Alva Neal High School in Franklin, IN.

After graduating high school, Gene worked at Deer and Son International Harvester in Franklin painting farm equipment and after their closing, he continued to paint and repair farm equipment at his farm in Franklin up to the last few years of his life.

Gene also farmed the family farm in Franklin on which he lived his entire life.

He also had a gift for aviation, building his own bi-plane and having his own landing strip on the farm for his use and others to use.

His great gift was restoring military artifacts including ammunition and donating them to various U.S. Military Bases including Grissom Air Force Base and Dover Air Force Base personally delivering them.

Survivors include his son Terry L. Canary of Franklin, IN, nephews David Canary (Liz) of Franklin, IN, Gregg Canary (Mark) of Indianapolis, IN and Jeffery Canary (Deborah) of Shelby County, IN.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty R. (Wagoner) Canary on September 13, 2006 and his brother Jerry A. Canary on December 21, 1998.

A time of gathering and celebration of Gene's life will take place Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 2PM until 6PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary, 300 South U.S. 31 (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com.  Information 317-738-0202.