Birthel Dynes

Birthel E. “Gene” Dynes, 93, of Berne passed away Thursday, November 19, 2020, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. He was born September 24, 1927, in Jay County to Birthel and Katie (Kneuss) Dynes. He was married August 30, 1957, to Shirley Coats.
He was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corps, serving at the end of World War II and being honorably discharged in 1948 after attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. It was during his time of service that he participated in the Berlin Airlift, bringing supplies and humanitarian aid to West Berlin following the blockade established by the Soviet Forces.
He attended the First Missionary Church in Berne. He was a field supervisor for NAAS Foods (Red Gold). He also was employed and retired as a manager for the Indiana Employment Security Division for over 25 years. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, helping his family, metal detecting and eating out. Something he enjoyed most was when his family gathered around to sing. He had a gentle spirit and was a favorite uncle to many.
He is survived by his son, Jeff (Mary Ann) Dynes of Berne; daughter, Linda (Doug) Schwartz of Berne; and four grandchildren, Kelsey (James) Sallee; Nicole Dynes; Turner Schwartz; and Michael Dynes.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on August 5, 2011; three sisters, Sylvia Fry; Selma (Barnett) Sheffer; and Frances Shepherd; and two brothers, Lawrence Dynes; and George Dynes.
Out of concern for the public and relatives who are at risk, private services will be held by his immediate family at the First Missionary Church in Berne. Burial will be at Antioch Cemetery in rural Portland. After the funeral service, a recording will be available on the First Missionary Church website and social media outlets. Please follow the link for First Missionary Church website at https://fmcberne.com.
Memorials may be made to the First Missionary Church Mission Fund or Forgotten Children Worldwide in Bluffton. These memorials may be sent to Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, 520 N. 2nd St., Decatur.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.