MOUNT VERNON – Eugene "Gene" Staats, 91, of Mount Vernon, passed away and entered his heavenly home on Sunday, Feb. 7, 2021, while at the Laurels of Mount Vernon.
Gene was born on Aug. 28, 1929, in Mount Vernon, the son of Rollin and Clara Pauline (Dowds) Staats. He graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1949 and soon entered the U.S. Army. He served as a private first class in the 39th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion during the Korean War.
He met his beloved wife Marilyn Ramsey in February of 1954, and they married in August of that same year. The couple was blessed with two children, Pamela and Gregory.
Following his military discharge, Gene went to Holbart Welding School. Upon graduating from there, he worked for Cooper Energy Services for 41 years as a welder before retiring in 1994. He was a member of the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church since 1954, where he served as an usher and on numerous committees.
Gene enjoyed working with his fruit trees and loved making apple cider. He also enjoyed investigating his family genealogy and would often call people to ask about the family history. Next to his love for Jesus Christ his Savior, his greatest joy was his family. Some of Gene's memories were trips to Myrtle Beach with family.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Marilyn; a daughter, Pam Bosch of Plain City; a son, Greg (April) Staats of Mount Vernon; grandsons, Wesley Staats of New Albany, Caleb (Jodi) Staats of Pataskala, Gabriel (Sara Hamilton) Staats of Texas and Joshua (Lesley Barkschat) Staats of Fredericktown; a sister-in-law, Jeri Staats of Mount Vernon; and nieces and nephews, Rod Staats, Shannon (Kris) Staats and Niki (Ryan) Mack.
Besides his parents, Gene was preceded in death by a sister, Catherine Myers; and a brother, Ron Staats.
The family will observe a private service and burial. A Celebration of Life service will be held later this spring, with Pastor Jerry Ernst officiating.
Memorial contributions in Gene's name may be made to the Mulberry Street United Methodist Church.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is honored to serve the family of Eugene "Gene" Staats.
