Gene P. Gillenwater

Albert Gene Paul Gillenwater was born on May 7, 1938 in Columbus, Ohio and passed away at his home in Canyon Lake, Texas on March 1, 2019. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Miriam Gillenwater and siblings, Edward Gillenwater, James Gillenwater, Mitzi Mooring, Joann Hunt and Norma Jean Gillenwater. He is survived by sisters, Rose Caudy (recently deceased on March 25, 2019) and Judy Richards; ex-wife, Mary Stephens; children, Paul (Jeannie) Gillenwater, Debi Gillenwater, Bill (Connie) Gillenwater and Deanna (Andy) Hartmeier; grandchildren, Paul Jr. and Becca Gillenwater, Christina Ross, Irish Bateman, Betsy (Chris) Durant, Becky (Matt) Fox, Cassie Gillenwater, Michael and Brandon Tomassone, Hannah and Hayden Hartmeier. He is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Angelina, Christopher and Alex Durant and Desiree Giillenwater as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Gene loved his family and friends and was always there for him. His generosity and fairness accompanied a sense of humor and a love of life. He had a variety of interests ranging from motorcycle riding, piloting small aircraft, camping, cooking, and especially music. He played the bass and guitar for several years, including jam sessions with budding celebrities during the mid-1950’s-1970’s, and continued playing for pleasure throughout his life. Gene also loved traveling, taking family vacations and collecting classic cars. He was a truck driver for 25+ years, owned Gene’s Ice and Bait and The Hideout Bar, both at Canyon Lake, Texas before closing and retiring. He was a long-standing member of the Reynoldsburg Fraternal Order of Eagles #3261. Please come celebrate Gene’s life with his family on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at the Venice Club, 5440 Hildebrand Rd., Columbus, Ohio. Family visitation will begin at 2:00, service at 3:00 and refreshments following until 6:00. Contributions may be made in Gene’s memory to St. Jude’s 800-822-6344.