Obituary of Kenneth Eugene Deeter, Jr.

Kenneth “Gene” Eugene Deeter, 77, died peacefully in Port Charlotte, FL, on September 26, 2023, with his children and wife at his side. He was born on August 4, 1946, to Kenneth and Edith (Bower) Deeter in Bluffton, OH. He married his beloved wife, Kathleen (Kathy) Miller, in 1976, and they made many treasured memories during their 47 years together.

Gene enlisted in the Army 82 Airborne in 1967 after high school and served during the Vietnam War. Later he joined the Army National Guard where he won awards for leadership.

Upon returning from Vietnam, Gene worked for Ball Metal and for a Dayton company, a job which took Kathy and him overseas to Wales. He eventually worked at and then retired from Whirlpool, but his life was full of other adventures as well; he was an Eagle Scout and he was very proud his two sons became Eagle Scouts as well.  Gene served as a YMCA Counselor, and later he and his wife ran a restaurant in Mt. Blanchard.  Gene loved to dance and make jokes and spoil his grandkids with Christmas gifts. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and a fan of both The Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. He will be remembered for his quick smile, generous spirit, and the laughter he brought to others. He will also be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, and a true patriot who proudly served his country.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth Deeter and Edith Hottman.

In addition to his wife, Kathleen Deeter, Gene is survived by his three children: Bryon (Mary) Deeter of Findlay, OH, Keven (Dr. Kellie) Deeter of Norwalk, OH, and Kristina (Mark) Jolliff of Forest, OH. Gene had 13 grandchildren: Mikael (Morgan) Deeter, Bradley (Mica) Deeter, Dr. Noah Winslow, Nick Winslow, Nate Winslow, Ian Deeter, Shealyn Deeter, Abby Deeter, Kathryn (Mitch) Beagle, Mitchell (Veronica) Jolliff, Kendra (Jake) Shambre, Kylie Jolliff, and Max Jolliff. Gene was also great-grandpa to Emmet and Alaina Beagle, Cayson and Boden Jolliff, Darci Deeter, and Mylie and Maycie Deeter. Survivors also include his sister Cheryl Winstead, brother Walter Deeter, and many extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Monday October 16, 2023, from 10 AM to 11 AM, with a funeral service to begin at 11 AM at Farley Funeral Home, 5900 S. Biscayne Drive, North Port, FL 34287. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 1:30 PM at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.

A celebration of life will take place on Sunday, October 22 at 1 PM at Mt. Blanchard United Methodist Church, 204 St. Main Street, Mt. Blanchard, OH 45867.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, www.t2t.org/donate.

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.