Albert Eugene "Gene" Behm, 90, Celina, died at 5:10 a.m. July 17, 2014, at Van Wert Manor Nursing Home.

He was born July 23, 1923, in Celina, to Albert Elsworth and Marie P. Stephenson Behm. On Dec. 31, 1950, he married Verna G. Pifer, who survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Donna (Carl) Pond and Debra (Jim) Gibson, all of Rockford, and Dana (Gary) Linn, Celina; a sister-in-law, Lanora Behm, Celina; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

A brother, Rex Behm, is deceased.

A life-long farmer, he was employed as a Chevrolet mechanic for 50 years - first at Kerns Chevrolet in Celina and then at Riley Chevrolet in Rockford. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, serving in England during World War II. He was a member of Mount Tabor Church of God and the VFW, both of Celina, and the Mercer County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed socializing with friends, traveling throughout the United States and fishing at Rice Lake in Canada.

Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home, Rockford, the Revs. Tim Hollinger and Richard VanHorn officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Rockford.

Calling is 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to the church.

Condolences may be left at ketchamripley.com.