Harold E. "Gene" Strait, 73, of Greenville, died July 21, 2007, at Wayne Hospital, Greenville.

He was born Feb. 5, 1934, in Darke County, to Charles M. and Alma Rudolph Strait. He married Mary L. Coblentz, who died Feb. 19, 2004.

Surviving are two sons, Galvin, Greenville, and Mike (Candi) Melling, Ansonia; four daughters, Mary Lou (Charlie) Putman, Westerville, Teresa (Mike) Batten, Ansonia, Brenda Strait, Melesa Westfall and Carla (Danny) Helm, all of Greenville; a brother, Tim, of Tennessee; a sister, Betty (John) Waggoner, North Star; and 12 grandchildren.

Deceased are three brothers, Clarence, Charles Jr., and Wayne Strait; and a sister, Maxine Newland and a infant sister.

He retired from the former New Idea plant, Coldwater. He was a member of the former New Weston United Methodist Church, and currently attended the Church of Christ, Greenville. He also was a member of the United Steel Workers of America Union.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home, Greenville, the Revs. Tyler Gray and Charlie Morgan officiating. Burial is at Shook's Chapel Cemetery, near Rossburg.

Calling is 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to the Cancer Association of Darke County.

Condolences can be sent to www.oliverfloyd.com.