H. Gene Tester, 65, Wapakoneta, died at 9:25 a.m. Feb. 1, 2014, at his residence. He fought a 5 1/2-year battle with multiple myeloma, and passed away peacefully with his family and close friends at his bedside.

He was born Oct. 4, 1948, in Celina, to Howard and Wilma Schultz Tester. His mother survives in Wapakoneta.

On Aug. 21, 1971, at Westview United Methodist Church in Cridersville, he married Cathy J. Archer, who survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Jennifer (Rick) Axe, Wapakoneta, and Kristina (Damon Martin) Tester, Marysville; a son, Joshua (Jennifer) Tester, Wapakoneta; three grandchildren, Dillon Axe, Olivia Tester and Camden Tester; a sister, Annabelle Zwiebel, Wapakoneta; a father-in-law, Vernon (Linda) Archer, Wapakoneta; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Marilyn Jean Archer, and brother-in-law, James Zwiebel.

He was a 1966 graduate of Wapakoneta Sr. High School. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he served during the Vietnam War and was a lifelong farmer. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Moulton, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8445 in Wapakoneta and the National Rifle Association. He was a hard-working man and a bit of a jokester. His favorite pastimes included fishing, following sports of all types and watching game shows on television. Above all, he dearly loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Funeral rites are 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home West Chapel, St. Marys, the Rev. Joy Miller officiating. Burial with graveside military honors will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, St. Marys.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Wounded Warriors Project or James Cancer Hospital of OSU Medical Center.

Online condolences may be expressed via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.