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Eugene McCleese Obituary
EUGENE MCCLEESE
Eugene "Gene" McCleese, 87, passed peacefully in his sleep early Friday morning, December 11, 2015.
Eugene was born to the late Herman and Bess Phipps McCleese on May 24, 1928 in Garrison, Kentucky. He grew up as the youngest of eleven children and attended New Boston High School.
A man of countless interests and talents, Gene retired in 1980 after 30 years as a brick mason and supervisor from Empire Detroit Steel in New Boston, Ohio; worked for numerous construction companies, was a licensed auctioneer, a 41-year veteran blacksmith, and continued to be active even after retirement as a state licensed nuisance trapper.
Gene, and his wife of 19 years, Violet Ruth Campbell, enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends and was known as a welcome host in later years. Even when struck by several illnesses, Gene's positive, easygoing demeanor and familiar tales made caregivers and family alike smile.
Gene is survived by his wife, Ruth; his son, Tony (Michelle) McCleese, of Wheelersburg, Ohio; and daughter, Tammy Jo (Dan) Reiser of West Chester, Ohio; three grandchildren: Amy (Kevin) Ashworth of Louisville, Kentucky, Nathan Reiser of Frederick, Maryland, and Emmalee Reiser of Cincinnati, Ohio; one great-granddaughter, Nora Pearl Ashworth; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by several loving half-brothers and sisters.
He was preceded in death by brothers: Herman Jr., Paul, Rupert, Wayne, John; and special nephew, John Paul McCleese; sisters: Mollie Harrison, Sara Larsen, Gladys Chaney, Beulah Phillips and Eula McCleese; and his parents: Herman Sr. and Bess.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 19, 2015 at F.C. Daehler Mortuary Company in Portsmouth with Chaplin Peter Michael officiating. The family will receive friends from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday at Daehlers. Private interment will be held at the convenience of the family.
The family is grateful for the many condolences, and in lieu of flowers, donations to SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662, are appreciated.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eugene McCleese
Troy Gahm
December 9, 2021
It´s been 6 years and seems like last year. Miss you my friend. You would have loved seeing the deer I´ve taken last few years.
Troy Gahm
December 9, 2020
Gene was one of a kind. I could spend hours listening to his stories. The pranks he played on my dad. I miss both of them
Dale Jesse McCleese
January 12, 2016
Gene was really the only "grandfather" in the McCleese family I had, he will be greatly missed, Ruth, Tony our prayers are with you.
December 20, 2015
Ruth so sorry for your loss. Stay strong.
Jeanie Lamerson
Becky Taylor
December 20, 2015
Ruth, I am so sorry to hear of Gene's passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Barb Stout
December 20, 2015
Ruth, you know he shoed my horses for many years, and always loved it when he came around.
i am proud to call him AND you my friends.I'm glad you had these past years together. take care, Barb Stout
December 19, 2015
Ruth and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. We loved visiting with Gene when he bought flowers. He loved them!
He was such an interesting and knowledgable person and will be greatly missed.
John & Shirley McClay
George Shoemaker
December 18, 2015
Ruth,
So sorry to hear of your loss. You have my deepest sympathy.
troy gahm
December 18, 2015
My condolences Ruth, I was proud to call him my friend. I will miss him greatly.
amber cooper
December 18, 2015
Gene was one of the sweetest men I have ever met. He always met me with a smile. He was my absolute favorite patient. I am heart broken to hear of his passing. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and sweet wife ruth.
Aaron Adams
December 15, 2015
Deepest sympathy from Kathy & Aaron to Tony. I remember just a few years ago, Jack Fremont & Gene coming to deer camp and sharing their hunting stories with the group!
Donald E. Barnett
December 15, 2015
I have had many "bear"hugs from Gene. he was a long time friend. I lived across the ally in New Boston, and knew the Family . Kelly was one of my friends at that time. Am very sorry to hear of his passing .
Tami Whitby-Scott
December 15, 2015
Uncle Gene is the type of man you want your son to grow up to be, the type of man you want your daughter to marry..he will be greatly missed because he simply was the best, our family is missing one of its brightest lights
Daniel McCleese
December 15, 2015
My Great Great Uncle Gene was very special- he was like a brother to my Grandfather John Paul McCleese. Gene helped passed down many traditions to the strong-willed McCleese boys. His love for life was contagious and the times I was able to enjoy his company were always very impressionable. I was proud to be able to help mix mortar for a Gene and Tony fireplace and chimney built for my grandfather that we shared many memories and holidays around. It is sad to see another member of this Great generation pass. The kids my age (32) and younger are going to miss out on a lot of knowledge without Gene and those like him to pass it on. My heart breaks that time is so short here on earth. See you in the clouds Uncle Gene, save me a spot I have a card trick to show you when I get there. love- Daniel sorry we can't make it to the service we are baptizing Amelia (my daughter) this weekend here in Virginia. Aunt Ruth I'll say a prayer for you.
Wayne McCleese
December 15, 2015
My uncle Gene was actually my great uncle and my Dads uncle, (John Paul McCleese) but he was always uncle Gene. Our Dad would always take us to visit him. I was always impressed with him even as a small boy. I could write about uncle Gene for days. He will be missed. Big Baer hug RIP Uncle Gene.
Elaine Gahm Brown
December 15, 2015
Gene was our neighbor many years ago in Minford. He would build bonfires while all the kids in the area sleigh rode off Hickman Road. Great times,great man.
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