Donald E. "Gene" Carter

We grieve but will celebrate and honor the life of Donald Eugene Carter who died peacefully on May 2, 2025, at Shawnee Manor. “Gene” was born on May 13, 1929, to Donald L. and Edith Ruelle Carter, the oldest of four brothers. On March 13, 1949, he married Marjorie Swartz, and they built a 73-year-long life together. He worked locally for the State Highway Department, Lima Packing House, and Westinghouse Electric Co. While working inside the Westinghouse Aerospace Division, he became the Lead Design Draftsman and was an integral part of the Engineering team working on the Power Inverter system for the Apollo 13 spacecraft. He left Westinghouse to become the Plant Manager of Baumfolder Corp in Sidney, OH. After a successful career there, in 1982 he and his son started PTC INC, in Lima, from which he finally retired for good around 1987. That company eventually grew into a successful plastics manufacturing operation with over 200 employees. In the late 60s and early 70s, he was elected to the Village Council and joined the Waynesfield Volunteer Fire Department. He was dedicated to the fire dept and became Fire Chief, the position in which he served for many years. His successful tenure as Chief resulted in implementation of several new pieces of fire apparatus as well as recruiting and training volunteers to start the first EMS squad in Wayne Township, which is still in service today. Upon his retirement, they built a beautiful home in the country, where he inherited a 150-tree apple orchard which he loved and cared for. He also discovered woodworking and golf. Golf was to become his greatest passion, golfing nearly every day for the next 35 years. Gene is survived by daughter, Sherry (Tom) Grove, son, Randy (Alice) Carter, daughter, Lori (Dale) Madaj. His grandchildren include Chet (Linda Yang), Doug (Amanda) and Eric Barton; Brad (Brandie), Nate (Jamie) and Wes (Carley) Madaj; Lott Carter and Ashley (Brendan) Thompson. He has 16 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is sister-in-law, Vickie Carter. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and brothers, Marion, Frank and Rick, along with sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Carter. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, May 6, at 11 a.m. at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Pastor Greg Wack officiating. Please make any memorial contributions to Waynesfield Fire Department. Arrangements are under the direction of the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, Wapakoneta, where condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com.

Donald E. "Gene" Carter

May 13, 1929 - May 2, 2025