Eugene Kelsey Obituary

Eugene Edward "Gene" Kelsey

Eugene Edward "Gene" Kelsey, 93, of Findlay, passed away Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at Brookdale Assisted Living.

Gene was born Sept. 11, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, to Earle and Margaret Kelsey. He married Evelyn Tompkins on June 28, 1953, and she preceded him in death. Gene was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his son, Douglas (Dawn) Kelsey; daughter, Debra (James) Slough; six grandchildren, Ashlee (Jack) Busching, James Slough, Nathan (Stephanie) Kelsey, Andrew (Devon) Kelsey, Paige (Stephen) Montgomery, and Taylor (Meghan) Kelsey; and 10 great-grandchildren, Madalyn Busching, Lyla Busching, Jase Busching, Asher Montgomery, Jaden Montgomery, Theadore Montgomery, Daisy Montgomery, Lennox Kelsey, River Kelsey, and Cecilia Kelsey.

Gene graduated from South Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1948. He attended Indiana University Fort Wayne for one year and graduated from International Business College in Fort Wayne with degrees in Business Administration and Accounting. Gene joined Marathon Oil Company upon graduation, where he was employed for 32 years. After retiring from Marathon, he worked at Keneco Distribution and was President of Hancock Christian Clearing House from 1999-2014. Gene and Evelyn were recognized locally and by the state for their work at the Clearing House. They were inducted into Ohio State Senior Citizen's Hall of Fame in 2013.

Gene was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen's Minister. He was a Staff Sergeant in U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Gene also served on many local boards and committees. He was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan and was grateful that he lived long enough to see the Cubs win the World Series. One of Gene's favorite pastimes was writing poetry, many of which were published in The Courier.

Gene's funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, Findlay. Pastor Jessica Commeret will officiate. Inurnment will be at Knollcrest Gardens, east of Findlay, where full military rites will be conducted by Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hancock Christian Clearing House or Gene & Evelyn Kelsey Fund @ The Community Foundation.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.