Harold E. "Gene" Pace

Harold E. (Gene) Pace, (age 91), of Bloomington, IN, passed away December 12, 2022. He was born December 7, 1931, in Bedford, IN, to Clyde Sr. and Mabel (Davis) Pace. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Clyde Jr. Pace, George Pace, Charles Pace, sisters Alice Cronin and Phyllis Gilbert, nephew Steven Cronin, niece Bonnie Miller, and nephew Brian Gilbert. He joined the U.S. Air Force at the age of 19. After the Korean War broke out, he was among those who immediately volunteered to go to Korea. After completing his military service, he moved to Brookfield (Chicago suburb), where other siblings now lived. His brother George sang and played the guitar. Gene would sometimes accompany George when there was an audience. George decided the names “George and Harold” didn’t sound right for country music singers, and that “George and Gene” sounded much better. From that time on, he was Gene. He had a great sense of humor, laughed easily, and liked to joke, and family and friends appreciated his unpretentious demeanor. Gene met Joyce Cunningham on a blind date in January 1958. It was “love at first sight” for both. They were married eight months later (9/6/58). Their first son, Jeffrey (Jeff), was born in 1966 and then twin sons, David and Robert (Bobby) in 1968. Gene’s temporary jobs included mailman, salesman, and railroad detective in Chicago. He was hired at 3M Company as a sales coordinator, Their family moved from Brookfield to Bloomington in 1973. Gene initially went into the building business with brothers and a nephew. He improved every house he owned, whether as a homeowner, an investor or a landlord. He worked for Sears until his retirement. He found a welcoming church family within the Bloomington Christian Science Church, where he liked to help with House and Grounds. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce, by his children and their spouses – Jeff, David (Marie), Robert (Kaya), by grandchildren Nathan, Ben, Lawson, Nigel, Sarah, Stephen, Ethan, and Christopher, by Dagmar Pace (wife of deceased brother, Chuck), by Voy Gilbert (husband of deceased sister, Phyllis Gilbert) and by nieces, nephews, and cousins. There will be a “Celebration of Life” on Thursday, December 15, 2022, 1:00-2:30 PM at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 South Old State Road 37, Bloomington, IN 47401. Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com Donations in the name of Harold Pace may be given to the Salvation Army or Community Kitchen or the charity of one’s choice.

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Harold E. "Gene" Pace

December 7, 1931 - December 12, 2022