C. Eugene Wingert

Charles Eugene “Gene” Wingert, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2024 at Quincy Village in Waynesboro, PA. Born on his home farm January 22, 1936 in St. Thomas, PA, he was the son of the late Charles Myers Wingert and Mary Belle Keller. Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Betty Pittman Wingert, son Randy Wingert and sister Janet Unger.

Gene had an outgoing personality, marked by his love for farming, politics, his community and conversation. He was a graduate of St. Thomas High School.

From 1979-1987 he was the Regional Director for the PA Department of Agriculture in Harrisburg PA under the Thornburgh administration. He was also the Northeast Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Stabilization and Conservation Service under George H.W. Bush in Washington, DC from 1989-1991.

Gene dedicated his commitment to agriculture by his involvement and leadership positions in multiple agricultural organizations. He served as Director of the National Pork Producers Council and was recognized in 1971 as a Pork All -American. He was Director and first President of the PA Pork Producers Council and was proud to serve on the Penn State University Agricultural Council. He contributed his time to many PA organizations including the State Council of Farm Organizations, Beef Council, Livestock Association, Farm Bureau State Board, State Farm Show Committee and the Cattleman’s Association. In 2022, Gene was especially proud to receive the PA Livestock Association Heritage Award honoring his decades of service for the livestock industry in PA. He also served on the Franklin County Farm Bureau, Franklin County Fair Board, South Central Pork Producers, and Franklin County Extension Service. 

Because of his love for politics, he was an active member of his local GOP Committee and in 1998 ran for State Representative for the 90th district. He dedicated countless hours supporting and campaigning for many representatives, judges, senators, and governors in his lifetime.

Gene was a lifelong member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Parish in Williamson, PA where he served on the church council. He was a member of the St. Thomas Planning Commission, St. Thomas Volunteer Fire Company, George Washington Lodge No. 143 and a lifelong member of Mount Parnell Lions Club. He received the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for dedicated humanitarian service to Lions Club International Foundation.

Gene is survived by his daughters Carol Wingert Horn and Teresa Wingert Chrencik (husband Mark); his son Jere Wingert and (wife Carol); seven grandchildren, Andrea, Kate, Eric, Sarah, Matthew, Nicholas and Samuel; and eight great-grandchildren, Kieran, Kailey, Xavier, Hattie, Jack, Theodore, Henry and Lucy. 

Gene’s legacy of passion and dedication to agriculture and politics, and his service to his community and country will be remembered by all who knew him. 

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation and gratitude to SpiriTrust Lutheran Hospice and all staff at Quincy Village who assisted and comforted Gene with care during his stay.

Services will be held 10:00 AM, Monday, October 7, 2024 in St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 7061 Lincoln Way W, St. Thomas, PA 17252 with Rev. Matthew Kayhart officiating. Burial will follow in St. Thomas Cemetery.

A Masonic service will be held at 5:30 PM Sunday evening in the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, PA. The family will receive friends following the Masonic service from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the funeral home as well as one hour prior to the service in the church Monday morning.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Gene’s name to Mt. Parnell Lions Club, 7398 Hawk Road, Mercersburg, PA 17236 or to Quincy Village Benevolent Fund, 6596 Orphanage Road Waynesboro, PA 17268. 

Online condolences may be expressed at geiselfuneralhome.com.