Gene Baldwin, 83, of Defiance, peacefully passed away on Monday, December 25, 2017 at his home in Defiance.

He was born on November 2, 1934 to Wilbur and Kathryn (Feeney) Baldwin in Defiance. Gene proudly served our country in the U.S. Army.  In June, 1988 he married Donna (Eis) Baldwin, who resides in Defiance.

Gene was a member of Defiance Church of the Nazarene. His memberships also include Eagles #372, Elks #147, and he was a charter life member of AMVETS. He worked for over 34 years as a millwright at General Motors, retiring in 1999. He is a DHS Football Hall of Fame Member, who still holds many records for Defiance Football. In addition to that, to cheer on his alma mater, Gene has held the same football season ticket seats ever since the DHS stadium was built. He enjoyed bowling, dancing, and playing cards. He will not only be missed by his family, but by so many good friends he had through the years.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Donna Baldwin of Defiance, sons, Jeff (Denise) Baldwin of Defiance, Todd (Rhonda) Baldwin of Defiance,  daughters, Jill (Bill) Wolfe of Lima, and Jocelyn (Richie) Evans of Defiance, seven grandchildren, 1 great-grandson, brother, Guy Baldwin, sisters, Ellen Reed, Mary Ellison, and Linda Spears. Gene was a proud sponsor of several exchange students, his international children, Bekki Kramm of Berlin, Jennie Meinsma of  The Netherlands, Theresa Tumewu of Leipzig, Germany, and Claudy DeScoope of Guatemala.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Charlene Schlegel.

Visitation will be held from 2-8 pm on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, and for one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 29th at Defiance Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Donald Leonard officiating. Burial will follow the service at Evansport Cemetery, with graveside military honors accorded by VFW #3360.

Memorials are suggested to the church.