Darell E. "Gene" Zink, Jr

On March 4, 2026, Darell E. “Gene” Zink, Jr., died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 79. Born on July 29, 1946, in Houston, Texas, Gene was the son of the late Darell Sr. and Lois Ruth (Ingalls) Zink. From an early age, Gene displayed a deep sense of curiosity, determination, and leadership; qualities that would later distinguish him as a visionary in business, education, and civic life.

Gene’s academic achievements were exceptional. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Vanderbilt University, an MBA from the University of Hawaii, and a Juris Doctorate from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law. His accomplishments were recognized throughout his career: in 2016, the University of Indianapolis awarded him the Doctor of Humane Letters, and in 2020, he was named a Fellow of the Academy of Law Alumni by the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, honors that reflected his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and intellectual rigor.

Professionally, Gene was known as a strategic thinker, a bold innovator, and a trusted steward of major institutions. As Executive Chairman of Strategic Capital Partners, LLC, he oversaw strategic planning, investment decisions, fundraising efforts, financial reporting, and investor relations. Before founding SCP, Gene co-founded Duke Realty, where he served as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer. Over his 26-year tenure, he helped transform Duke Realty from a regional owner-operator into a $10 billion NYSE-listed real estate investment trust, widely recognized for its performance, integrity, and fiduciary excellence.

Gene’s professional foundation began in public service and the law. He served as a Captain in the United States Air Force before embarking on a legal career as a partner at Bose McKinney & Evans, joining Duke Realty in 1982.

Beyond his corporate success, Gene was devoted to improving the quality of life in Indianapolis and beyond. He was an active volunteer with Newfields, serving on its Buildings & Grounds Committee. His board leadership extended to the Ivy Tech Foundation, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana, and the Indy Chamber, where he also served as Chairman. He dedicated significant time to educational and philanthropic institutions, serving as President of the Park Tudor School Board of Trust, the Park Tudor Foundation, the CICOA Foundation, and the Pleasant Run Foundation. He also served as a director for United Way of Central Indiana, Fifth Third Bank (Indiana), People’s Bank, VEI, Windrose Medical Properties Trust, and Kite Realty Group.

One of Gene’s most impactful legacies is his work in expanding educational opportunities. He was a co-founder and past President of the board of the Challenge Foundation Academy, an inner-city charter school that has earned state and national recognition for its success in educating students from underserved neighborhoods. Together with his wife, he also co-founded The Gene and Mary Ann Zink Poverty Institute at the University of Indianapolis, continuing their shared commitment to addressing poverty and empowering future generations.

Gene is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Mary Ann (Thomison) Zink; his daughter, Elizabeth “Lisa” Donahue (Joe) of Woodinville, WA; his son William “Will” Zink of Indianapolis; his sister, Lucianne Hunsperger (Wayne) of Englewood, CO; and his beloved grandchildren William, Madeleine “Maddie”, and Hollins Donahue, and William “Liam” Zink, Jr. and Claire Zink. Gene’s family was his pride and joy, and his legacy of strength, compassion, and leadership will continue to live on through them.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan – Broad Ripple, 1305 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org.