Willard Wilt

Willard E. “Gene” Wilt, 87, of Rushsylvania passed away Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at Heartland of Bellefontaine. He was born in Bellefontaine on January 1, 1929 to the late Vernon and Helen (Browning) Wilt. Gene was also preceded in death by three sisters, Louise Cummins, Maryann Harrod and Marylou Fish; son Bob Wilt and son-in-law Jerry Downing.

Gene worked for the railroad and spent many years working at the Roundhouse in Bellefontaine. He then went to work for Rockwell International in Kenton as a welder and later retired after 28 years. Gene was an avid fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes and was a member of the Logan County Friendly Senior Center. He was also a member of the Rushsylvania Church of Christ and attended the Rushsylvania United Methodist Church.

Gene is survived by his wife, Betty Jean (Spillman) Wilt, whom he married on September 25, 1946 at the Hardin County Fairgrounds. He is also survived by their children: Linda Downing, Bonnie (Mike) Hamilton, both of Rushsylvania, and Terry Wilt of Columbus; four grandchildren: De De (Mike) Doss, Heather (Andy) Godwin, Jerry (Jennifer) Downing and Mike (Daphne) Hamilton; eight great-grandchildren: Joel Doss, Tucker Downing, Holden Downing and Gage Downing, Kelsey Godwin, Hayden Godwin and Kyla Godwin and John Hamilton; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, Bellefontaine on Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 5-8pm. Pastor Lloyd Ferguson will officiate the funeral on Monday, May 2, 2016 at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will be in Rushsylvania Cemetery.

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