Cloyd Eugene "Gene" Lacey

LACEY Cloyd Eugene "Gene" Lacey, age 89, of Columbus, passed away Saturday, November 10, 2007 at Riverside Methodist Hospital. He was born March 12, 1918 in New Lexington, OH to Freda and Russell Lacey. Graduated from New Lexington High School as valedictorian and was a 1941 graduate of The Ohio State University. Gene was a World War II U.S. Army Veteran serving overseas. After 32 years of service at Nationwide Insurance Company, Gene retired as Senior Vice President of Finance. He was a member of Beta Alpha Psi, accounting honorary, listed in Who's Who in America and long-time member of Bethel United Methodist Church. Gene is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Jane; beloved children, Thomas Lacey, Melinda (James) Houfek and Janene (Kurt) Paulus; beloved grandchildren, Richard (Audra) Lacey, Robert (Crystal) Chrisman, III, Chelsea Chrisman, Nathanael Paulus, Kelsey Paulus; and four great-grandchildren. Gene was a loving and caring husband, father and friend to many. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing and was an ardent OSU fan, who was a 1937 member of the first Block "O". Gene was modest and humble, creative and productive with a subtle sense of humor. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 14, 2007, at RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High Street, Worthington, OH 43085 with Pastor Tom Keene officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday at the funeral home from 12Noon until time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 1220 Bethel Rd., Columbus, OH 43220 in Gene's memory. Condolences for the family may be sent to www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com "Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries"