Eugene E. "Gene" Lauth, 68, Spencerville, died at 8:23 a.m. April 20, 2013, at Van Wert County Hospital Emergency Room following a sudden illness.

He was born Aug. 15, 1944, in Spencerville, to Howard and Mary Jean Freewalt Lauth, who preceded him in death.

Survivors include a daughter, Ashley (Michael) Johnson of Spencerville; two granddaughters, Chevrolet and Carleigh Johnson; a former wife, Kay (Burden) Lauth of Spencerville; and a brother, Everett (Phyllis) Lauth of Mendon.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Teresa Lynn Lauth.

He retired in 2009 from Ohio Decorative Products, Spencerville, after 47 years of service. He was a member of the Spencerville Invincible Fire Dept. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and woodworking, but he most especially enjoyed taking care of and spending time with his granddaughters.

Funeral services are 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, the Rev. Andrew J. Atkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Spencerville cemetery.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, and one hour prior to the service Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to a fund established for his granddaughters' education.