Gene Henry Heidlebaugh, passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025 in his home with his loving family by his side. Gene was born on July 23, 1929 on the family farm in Morrow County to the late Henry E. Heidlebaugh and Bessy M. Meckley Heidlebaugh.
Gene was a 1947 graduate of Lexington High School. He went to work for an appliance store in Galion for a short time before working with the Morrow County Co-Op as an electrician and meter reader. While employed at the Co-Op he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict . Gene’s father and boss served on the local draft board and after training Gene was sent “overseas” to Anchorage, Alaska where he participated in the 100 mile march from Anchorage to the northern tip of Alaska to secure the border.
After his military service Gene married the love of his life, Mary Ruth Terman on December 31, 1953. Gene used his knowledge of all things electrical and along with Mary, they opened Lexington Appliances in the downtown area. The family decided to close the appliance store in the mid to late 1950’s and Gene went to work for General Motors where he was a dedicated employee for over 35 years until his retirement in 1992. He bought and assembled one of the first color television set kits when they were first sold. Gene’s family described him as one of the most honest people they know. He was quite humble and enjoyed the simple things in life.
Gene was proud to be born and raised in the Lexington area. He lived all of his life on the same piece of property where the family still currently resides. In his free time he enjoyed watching the evening television news, he read the newspaper and loved watching various videos of police chases on his computer.
He was a member of the United Auto Workers Union as well as a member of the former Steam Corners Methodist Church.
Gene will be fondly remembered by his loving wife, Mary R. Heidlebaugh; his children, Rick (Debra) Heidlebaugh, Donna Lay and Cathy (Michael) Foust; his son-in-law, Steve Fulk. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane Fulk; his son-in-law, Frank Lay; his siblings, Rollin Heidlebaugh, Gerald Heidlebaugh, Edwina Emminger and Helen Courtwright.
A private burial will take place in the Lexington Cemetery. Gene’s family will hold a celebration of his life in the near future.
The Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve Gene’s family and assist them with his final arrangements. To share a fond memory or leave a condolence to the family please visit Gene’s tribute page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com