Gene Carroll Dumas, 83, of Manistee, peacefully passed away on October 14, 2021. Gene was born in Greenville, Michigan on May 31, 1938, firstborn son to Norman and Luella (Peterson) Dumas.
Following in the footsteps of many family members before him, Gene knew from the time he was a little boy that he wanted to be an ironworker. Gene graduated from Manistee High School, Class of 1956, and went on to learn the ironworking trade. Throughout his career, Gene was a skilled and talented laborer. Toward the end of his career, he went on to become a business manager for the Ironworkers Local 340. He remained a proud and active member of the Union in retirement.
On July 12, 1963, Gene married Kathleen "Kathe" Cook, with whom he had his three children. On August 31, 1975, Gene married Nancy (Dixon) Rengo. Gene and Nancy enjoyed 43 years together before her passing on November 18, 2018. Gene and Nancy often attended parties and social events where they could always be found on the dance floor. Gene especially loved dancing, and nobody could "limbo" lower than him. In their retirement, Gene and Nancy enjoyed spending winters in Florida, frequenting yard sales, spending time with friends, boating, and fishing. In his younger years, Gene could often be found racing "The Vindicator" at the Kaleva Dragway. He loved spending time outdoors and was an avid hunter and gardener. Gene would never turn down a fish fry or a fishing trip with family or good friends.
Gene is survived by his children Annemarie Dumas Hammond of Zephyrhills, Florida; Carol Dumas, and David (Pamela) Dumas of Manistee; Step-Daughters Rebecca Rengo, Amy Rengo (Charles Brooks), Lisa Rengo George, and Sara (Edward) White; Grandchildren Gregory (Cyrilla) Staffeld, Brent Dumas, Angela Staffeld, Michael Northrup, Eric Northrup, Raymond Denk, Jefferson Denk, Caitlin Brooks, Griffin Brooks, and Weston Brooks; Great-grandchildren Xavier Northrup, Gabriel Northrup, Hailee Najdowski, Finnagan Nicholson, Madelinn Staffeld, Ellah Gurizzian, and JR Denk; Sister-in-law Linda Dumas, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and union brothers.
Gene was predeceased by his parents Norman and Luella Dumas; brothers LaVerne Dumas and Dale Dumas; and sister-in-law Gilpha Dumas.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Gene's life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Manistee on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 2:00pm with Reverend Dennis Rahn officiating. The family will receive guests an hour before the service at the church, and a luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Gene was a cancer survivor, and in lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
The Oak Grove Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of arrangements.