Eugene “Gene” P. Hern, 82, of Enon, Ohio, passed away on March 30, 2024, in Springfield, Ohio. He was born on Sept. 9, 1941, to the late Paul Warren and Francis Ruth (Drake) Hern in Columbus, Ohio.
Gene graduated from North High School (Columbus) in June of 1959 and began his undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University. Gene took a step away from school to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Marine Corps beginning in 1961 and fulfilling his commitment in 1967. Throughout those years, he returned to school, eventually graduating in 1974 from OSU with a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Endocrinology.
Gene’s career included his work at Fels Research Institute in Yellow Springs, Ohio, taking part in diabetes research. He then moved on to work at Wright State University, serving as associate director of Research and Sponsored Programs until his retirement.
He enjoyed officiating soccer for both SAY and the USSF including teaching classes for new officials. Gene treasured watching a variety of sports, favoring the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds and, being one himself, The Ohio State University Buckeyes.Walking his dog Damascus by the river, hunting, and being with family and friends filled up other free time.
Gene is preceded in death by both his parents. He leaves behind his loving wife Lynn (Roberts) Hern, of 58 years; his two children, Kimberley Hern, of North Olmsted, Ohio, Erin (Adam) Clevenger, of Enon, Ohio; a sister, Judith Ann Hammond, of Hilliard, Ohio; five grandchildren: Thomas, JC, Alyson, Madison, Alexander; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Gene will be remembered for his kind, generous heart, his outgoing and friendly personality, witty sense of humor, and love for animals and his family. “He is a great man who will be greatly missed.”
In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations in his name to Gene’s chosen charities: Wounded Warrior Project, Paws Assisting Veterans, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Burial took place on April 16, 2024, at Dayton National Cemetery.
