Donley E. Ott

Donley E. “Gene” Ott, age 95, of Canton, Ohio went to be with his Lord on January 7, 2025. He was born in Pinegrove, West Virginia. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orda A. Ott and Lucinda Barr; his brother, Reverend Stanley A. Ott; and sister, Ruth Schultz.

Gene married Jennice Lorraine Ott on October 30, 1954. They had three sons, Arthur Ott of Parma, John (Peggy) Ott of Alliance and William Ott (deceased). He had three grandsons, Steven (Zia) Ott of N.Y., Joseph (Heidi) Ott of Stow and Devan Ott of Kent. He had one granddaughter, Macie Ott (deceased) and three great-grandsons, Wyatt Ott, Brock Ott and Hans Ott of Stow. He had many nieces & nephews in Connecticut, one nephew, Craig (Beth) Ott of Canton, niece, Julie Ott of Massillon, and niece Jeannine Vargo of Kent. 

Gene's hobbies were woodworking, bowling, hunting, and cooking for banquets and other occasions. He cooked for the Marlboro Volunteers for many years and helped build many homes. 

Gene graduated from Manchester High School in 1947 and served in the Korean War. He Spent 15 months in Okinawa in the 29th Infantry as a Cook then as Mess Sergeant. 

After the Korean War, Gene spent 38 years with The East Ohio Gas Company. During that time, he attended classes at West Virginia University as well as classes in Peoria, Illinois. He also attended classes with his son, John, at Stark Tech. After taking early retirement from East Ohio Gas, Gene went to work with his sons at Ott Electrical Services for 29 years. 

During the 1950s through 1971, he attended the Manchester Church of Christ. He served as Deacon and Elder during that time period. He enjoyed working with the Senior Youth Group for many years helping to make floats for the Memorial Day Parade. Gene also taught Bible School and drove the church bus. He loved the Lord and his church. 

In 1972 he moved to Alliance, Ohio and joined the Marlboro Christian Church. He worked with his wife, Lorraine, teaching small children. He served there as an Elder for many years. Later he became involved in Missions. He made a trip to the Holy Land and also a Mission trip to Haiti. 

In 2018 Gene and his wife moved to The Canton Christian Home in Canton.

A visitation will be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Monday, January 13th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held the following day on Tuesday, January 14th at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Marlboro Volunteers P.O. Box 48, Maximo, OH 44650