Gene W Thorne

Gene Wesley Thorne, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the age of 79, surrounded by his family. Born on July 21, 1946, Gene lived a full and joyful life marked by humor, resiliency, and deep love for the Buckeyes.

A passionate reader, Gene was rarely seen without a book in hand—often several at once. He was also a fiercely loyal Ohio State Buckeyes fan. He never missed a game and recorded every one: victories were saved and re-watched and treasured, while losses were promptly discarded.

Gene loved spending time with his family, especially during lively card games of Spades, Hearts, 7-Up, and Scum. He’d often jokingly say, “Check your guns and knives at the door,” knowing how competitive things could get—especially given his uncanny ability to count cards, even when multiple decks were in play.

A proud United States Navy veteran, Gene served as the Communications Engineer aboard the guided missile destroyer Claude V. Ricketts. He later retired from General Motors as a Maintenance Supervisor and went on to enjoy a second career as a teacher, where he was known for his good-natured threats to “knock down the wall,” followed by his signature routine of knocking on the classroom wall from top to bottom. Gene had an extraordinary gift for making people laugh and loved being just a little ornery.

Gene was the son of the late Wesley Eugene and Murele Bessie Thorne (Downing). He is survived by his children, Wesley Eugene Thorne II and Valerie Hunt (Troy); his grandchildren, Logan Hunt and Ciara Mitchell (Ryan). He was the oldest of seven children: Roberta Wasmus, Michael Thorne, Bonnie Sutton, Leona Suplee, Herb Thorne, and the late Richard Thorne. He also leaves behind his step-son, Daniel Thimmes (Erin), and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Halteman-Fett & Dyer Funeral Home in Lancaster, Ohio. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Greenfield Township Cemetery in Carroll, Ohio. The family will greet visitors on Saturday beginning at 10:00 a.m.