Robert "Gene" Custer age 79 of Garrett, IN died at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 2, 2008 at Miller's Merry Manor in Garrett. He was born August 25, 1929 in Garrett, IN to Alexander J. and Sadie E. (Grube) Custer. He married Katrina H. Heinzerling on May 29, 1951 in Auburn, IN. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War. Gene was a farmer and worked in machine repair at Garrett Flexible, Electric Motors, and retired from Dana Corporation - Fort Wayne in 1995 after 23 years. Gene was a member of the Garrett United Methodist Church, Garrett American Legion, Garrett Historical Society, and the Garrett Alumni Association. Memorials may be given to the Garrett United Methodist Church,Garrett Historical Society or Garrett Alumni Association. Family and friends will gather with the family from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2008 at Thomas Funeral Home - Garrett, IN. A memorial service will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, October 6, 2008 at the Garrett United Methodist Church, with Dr. Scott Shoaff officiating. You may send a condolence or sign the on-line register book by visiting: www.thomasfuneral home.org Survivors include: Wife - Katrina Custer, Garrett, IN Son - Chad Custer, Garrett, IN Son - Carl and Donna Custer, Garrett, IN Daughter - Cathy and Ellsworth Saxer, Garrett, IN Daughter - Cindy and Roger Shirley, Marietta, OH Daughter - Carrie Custer and Ted Kirschner, Wolcottville, IN Daughter - Clara Custer, Garrett, IN Daughter - Celia and Dennis Omspacher, Garrett, IN Brother - Harold and Anne Custer, Garrett, IN Brother - Wayne and Martha Custer, Garrett, IN Sister - Ruth Ross, Timmonium, MD Sister In-Law - Betty Custer, Garrett, IN Sister In-Law - Lori Custer, Garrett, iN 15 Grandchildren 3 Great Grandchildren Preceded in death by: Brothers - Finley and Dale Custer