Eugene Alan Nye

Eugene (Gene) Alan Nye, peacefully passed away from natural causes on March 12, 2023, in Kalamazoo, MI; he was 93 years old. He lived a full life centered around his family. Gene was born October 6, 1929, he grew up in Kalamazoo with his parents Almonte & Marie Nye, and his brothers, Almonte, Wayne and Terry. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1947, where he was a member of the football team and Varsity Voices.  

After graduation, he married the girl he met at the neighborhood soda shop, Norma June Hubert, who preceded him in death. They raised four children, Marilyn Miller, Mike Nye, Nancy Ambs, and Judy Childress, in rural Oshtemo Township west of Kalamazoo.

Gene liked fishing, golfing, bowling, shopping for collectables at auctions and flea markets, and fussing over his cars. Outside of being with his family, nothing else gave him as much joy as his vehicles. He had a sweet tooth, and a sweetness about him, that endeared him to others.

In his career, Gene worked in the paper mills of Kalamazoo, often logging seven days a week. After his well-earned retirement, he and Norma moved to Colon, MI to be closer to Marilyn, who took care of Norma as her health declined. He returned to Kalamazoo for the last three years of his life, where he was cared for by his daughter Nancy.

Gene would tell you that his greatest accomplishment in life was starting a close knit family that blossomed into a clan. His 4 children, 8 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren, filled his life with meaning, and visited him often. For that reason in particular, he felt he was a lucky man.

The Nye family is being cared for by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 129 S. Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49097 (269) 679-5622.