Delmar Gene Hess

Delmar Gene Hess Jr., known to his family and friends as “Gene” or “Geno,” 72, of Vermilion, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at his home with his loving wife by his side following a lengthy illness.

He was born on June 5, 1954, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 60 years, moving there from Bellefontaine.

Gene graduated from Vermilion High School in 1972. He worked for Ford Motor Company in Lorain, where he achieved his Millwright status. He retired in 2008 after 32 years of dedicated service.

He was a member of UAW Local 425 and the Vermilion Fish and Game. Gene enjoyed traveling with his wife, Evie. Together, they traveled to 49 states and visited 40 National Parks, making it a tradition to visit a new National Park every year.

Gene also cherished time spent with family and friends. He enjoyed making maple syrup with friends, deer hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle and four-wheelers, and camping. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Family and friends will fondly remember Gene as a man who lived life on his own terms and always did things his way.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Evelyn “Evie” Hess (nee Snyder); daughters, Amy (Tim) Hess Johnson of Akron and Adrien Hess of Clearwater, FL; grandchildren, Autumn and Peyton Johnson; brother, Drew (Karen) Hess of Amherst; sister, Diana Green of Oklahoma; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Delmar Gene Hess Sr.; mother, Jeaniece (nee Holderman) Prince; and brother, Dennis Hess.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, OH 44089. Friends may also call on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Private inurnment will take place at Rugby Cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at Nivalis Hospice - Westlake for their compassionate care.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Lung Association of Ohio, 6100 Rockside Woods Blvd., Suite 260, Independence, OH 44131, in Gene’s memory.

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.