Franklin E. "Gene" Williams

Franklin E. “Gene” Williams, 80, of Wapakoneta, died 1:30 a.m., Tues. June 16, 2015, at Lima Memorial Health System with his family at his side. He was born Feb. 11, 1935, in Allen Co., OH, the son of Harold Franklin & Vivian E. (Harrod) Williams. On May 3, 1958, he married Jacqueline J. “Jackie” Ashe, and she survives. Other survivors include, 2 daughters, Teresa “Terrie” (Roger) Dillon, Spencerville, Joni (Gregg) Ruppert, Wapakoneta, 2 grandchildren, Joseph (Monica) Thrush, & Jordan Ruppert, 1 step-granddaughter, 2 step-great grandchildren, 5 sisters, Mary Neeley, Russells Point, OH, Ruth Ann (Jake) Linn, Waynesfield, Sharon (Randy) Packman, Russells Point, Darla Williams, Lakeview, Pat Williams, Lima, 2 brothers, William “Bill” (Charlotte) Williams, St. Johns, OH, Glenn (Lana) Williams, Waynesfield, a sister-in-law, Kathy Williams, Wapakoneta, numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sue Harrod, 2 brothers, Lawrence & Robert Williams, and a brother-in-law, Joseph Ashe. Gene worked in quality control and retired in 1992 from Ford Motor Co., Lima Engine Plant, after 35 years service. He was a 1953 graduate of Lakeview High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Wapakoneta. His other memberships included the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie #691, Hamer Lodge #167, F. & A.M., Wapakoneta Chapter #183 R.A.M., the American Legion Post #330, and the Wapakoneta Country Club, all of Wapakoneta. He was a past member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, and the Antioch Shrine. His hobbies included playing golf, reading, woodworking, gardening, but most especially he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was an avid fan of The Ohio State University. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Sat. June 20, 2015, at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with Rev. Dr. Kimberly Pope-Seiberling officiating. Burial is to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W. Post #8445. The family will receive friend 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., Fri. at the funeral home. A masonic memorial service will be 8:00 p.m., Fri. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church, or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Franklin E. "Gene" Williams

February 11, 1935 - June 16, 2015