Gene H. Kiefer

Gene Howard Kiefer, 92, of Copley passed away on November 14, 2024. Born in Akron, Ohio on December 11, 1931, he was preceded in death by his devoted wife Dorothy (Dot) of 68 years, his parents Irvin and Oda Kiefer, and sister Joann Hillegas. 

He is survived by his daughter Rhonda Kiefer, sons Thomas (Deb) Kiefer and David (Dina) Kiefer; grandchildren Joy, Joshua, Jill, Jessica, Breanna, and Brooke; six great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, other family members, and friends, including Laurie Willer and best friend Rod Whitt.

Gene graduated from East High School in 1949 and, later, the University of Akron with bachelor's and master's degrees. He served in the U.S. Army for almost 3 years, worked as Head of Retail Accounting for B.F. Goodrich for 28 years and CFO at Stan Hywet for 8 years before retiring. He had a photographic memory.

Gene accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior on January 16, 1977 and was a longtime active member of The Chapel on Fir Hill and TLC Sunday school class.

He had a motor home and loved to travel across the country and to more distant places including Israel, Prince Edward Island, and Alaska. He took his family on many wonderful summer vacations to the beaches of North Carolina.

Gene became known for his public speaking and gave dozens of presentations to various community groups on songwriter Irving Berlin, the Doolittle Raiders, the miraculous conversion of Mitsuo Fuchida, Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, and Abbott and Costello. Several may be viewed on Youtube under his name. He rarely used any notes or charged a fee.

Gene loved music, had perfect pitch, played violin at an early age, and sang in his church choirs. He participated in bowling and golf leagues, scoring a hole in one and an eagle in his late eighties. He maintained his lovable sense of humor to the very end.

He was an active member of the Copley Seniors, Fairlawn Seniors, Tuesday bridge group, World War II round table, and served as a poll worker for many years.

Gene was highly respected for his sterling integrity and demonstrated Christ's love through his kindness, fair mind, peaceful nature, and benevolent spirit. He was extremely generous and giving to many people and charities. He will be greatly missed by all.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, calls, cards, and visits.

Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. SATURDAY November 23, 2024 at the Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory (85 N. Miller Road, Fairlawn, Ohio 44333) with Judge Todd McKenney officiating. Family and friends may visit beforehand from 10-11 AM. Burial will be at Moore’s Chapel Cemetery in Bath. In lieu of flowers, family requests that any donations be made to the Haven of Rest (175 E. Market Street, Akron Ohio 44308) havenofrest.org. 

Services in care of Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel 85 N. Miller rd. Akron, OH 44333.