Eugene F. Steiner

Eugene F. “Gene” Steiner, age 93, of Celina, a former Rockford resident, passed away Friday, December 2, 2022,  at The Gardens at Celina.   

He was born March 14, 1929, in Toledo, to Henry Fredrick and Cleo Ellen (Kline) Steiner.

Gene and Mary Evelyn Enyart were married on February 5, 1950.  The couple had celebrated their 70th Wedding Anniversary just months before Mary’s death June 19, 2020.

Surviving are two sons: Dan (Shirley) Steiner and David Steiner, of Rockford, two daughters: Gloria (Jack) Piercy of Goodyear, Arizona and Patti (Dave) Moon of Little Canada, Minnesota, 9 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and a great-great granddaughter, also brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ada Ruth Fast of Celina, Joshua & Peggy Howell of Dunkirk, Indiana, Mae Enyart of Van Wert, and Norma Jean Enyart of Celina.

He was preceded in death by a brother and his wife, John & Virginia Davis, a great-granddaughter, Erika Ché Ripley, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Dorothy & Robert Flore, Donald Enyart, Barbara Enyart, Norma Jean Howell, Mike Enyart, Jerry Enyart and John Fast. 

Gene was a graduate of Toledo Libbey High School, and served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.  He was retired from International Harvester in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he worked as a foreman, and later retired from the Celina Walmart.  Gene had attended the First United Brethren in Christ Church in Van Wert.

A very active man, Gene participated in many activities throughout his lifetime. He had been a lay minister, and at one time hosted a local radio program. Gene served for 8 years as Mayor of Rockford, and also had been a village Council Member for a number of years.  In his 20's, Gene played softball, and other pastimes he enjoyed over the years were: bowling, playing golf with the guys from International Harvester, and camping.    

In 1960, Gene was one of a group of local men who founded the High School ACME Baseball Program.  He had served as President of the organization, and was inducted into the ACME Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.  Gene was very proud of the success of the ACME organization - Ohio's longest running high school summer baseball tournament program.

Graveside Services are being held at 1:00 P.M., Monday, December 12, at Mercer Memory Gardens, Celina, with Pastor Jody Harr officiating.  Military Rites will be conducted at the cemetery by members of Celina VFW Post #5713 and American Legion Post #210.

Memorial Contributions may be made to EverHeart Hospice, 1350 N. Broadway St., Greenville 45331.    

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