James E. 'Gene' Middleton

James E. ‘Gene’ Middleton age 78, of Lima died 3:33 a.m., Tuesday July 19, 2016. He was born Aug. 15, 1937 in Carey, Ohio to the late Rueben and Lucille Black Middleton. He married Shirley Ann Tully July 18, 1962 and she survives in Lima.
Gene had worked in the warehouse for Scottlad Foods for over 40 years. He was a member of the Wapak Eagles and the Lima Moose. He enjoyed going to casinos, fishing and bowling. His four legged friends were Kitty Cat and Abner.
Additional survivors include children: Brien (Renee) Middleton of Bluffton, Deanna (Terry) Bateson of McComb, Janelle (Don Krontz) Chandler of Columbus Grove and Jeanine Middleton of Lima; 7 grandchildren: Jeff (Crystal) Middleton, Michelle Middleton, Joe Chandler, Nikki Chandler, Justin (Christina) Krontz, Tera Bateson and Kara Bateson, great grandchildren Joe Chandler, II, Kayson Krontz and Andrea Krontz, a brother Bill (Sharon) Middleton of Marion and a sister Carol (Jerry) Febus of Elida.
He was preceded in death by his stepfather Clarence Mason.
The family will receive friends noon to 2 Thursday, July 21 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. The funeral will follow at 2 with Pastor Don Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery near Uniopolis.
Memorial contributions may be given to The Allen County Humane Society.