Bernard E. "Gene" Ankney, 67, of Defiance, passed away on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. He was born on March 26, 1957 to Donald and Barbara (VanScoder) Ankney in Defiance, Ohio. On June 30, 2009 he married Cynthia Miller who survives. Gene worked at Johns Manville for over 44 years until his retirement in March, 2020. He enjoyed fishing, boating, camping and hunting. Gene was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, and NASCAR - driver #6 Mark Martin. He will be greatly missed by his family and many good friends. Gene is survived by his loving wife Cynthia Ankney of Defiance, his sons Chris (Angie) Ankney of Defiance and Shane (Sara) Ankney of Montpelier, OH, stepsons, Allen (Kalli Brigle) Chandler and Joseph (Angel Sprow) Addington, all of Defiance, nine grandchildren; Brooke (Travis), Zac, Kye (Paige), Braleigh, Jorja, Max and Alex, and his sisters, Rebecca Ankney and Shelby (William Southam) Anderson-Southam, all of Defiance. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Donald E. Ankney, Jr. and Samuel Ankney, sisters, Rose LaFountain and Sara Miller, and nephew, Joshua Ankney. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 27th at the funeral home, with Celebrant Deb Miller officiating. Gene will be laid to rest in Riverview Memory Gardens. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice.