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(Lifelong Resident Of Fayette)
FAYETTE—Gene K. Metz, age 87, of Fayette, went to be with the Lord on Friday afternoon, Aug. 21, 2026, at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, following a brief illness.
Born May 11, 1939, in Fulton County, he was the son of the late Donald and Voneta (Kline) Metz.
A lifelong Fayette resident, Gene was a 1957 graduate of Gorham-Fayette High School. After high school, he selflessly served his country as a member of the United States Army, serving stateside during the Korean Conflict. After his military discharge, Gene pursued a higher education at Stautzenberger Business College in Toledo.
He married the former Judith A. Rupp on June 5, 1965, in Tedrow. Together, they raised two daughters and enjoyed over 35 years of love and companionship before her sudden passing on April 29, 2001.
Gene was a lifelong farmer and entrepreneur who had a great passion for his work. In addition to farming, he built a successful career at Sauder Woodworking in Archbold, where he ultimately earned the role of vice president of its sales and marketing. While he formally retired in the early 1990s, Gene continued working at his farm daily until his passing.
Gene was an active lifelong member of the Fayette Church of the Nazarene, where he served for many years as a board member. He also belonged to the Fulton County Farm Bureau and was an active supporter of his community.
He enjoyed traveling, hosting family meals and spending time with his family. He had a great sense of humor and zest for life. His favorite teachable saying was, “today is the first day of the rest of your life.”
Surviving to cherish his memory are his two daughters, Valarie (Paul) Keefer and Amy (Jason) Metz-Simon, both of Fayette; grandchildren, Logan (Brittany) Keefer, Spencer Keefer, Dylan Keefer (Autumn Rock), and Claudia Metz; step-grandchildren, Julia (Addison) Gray and Jordan Simon; four great-grandchildren; his devoted farmhand and friend, Brian Myers of Fayette; and his former wife, Brenda (Shinabery) of Arizona.
The family will receive friends for visitation at the Fayette Church of the Nazarene on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, from 2 to 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, beginning at 10 a.m. until the funeral service for Gene begins at 11 a.m. Pastor Andy Reynard will preside. Burial will follow next to his beloved late wife Judy in Pleasant View Union Cemetery in Fayette.
Memorial contributions in honor of Gene are suggested to benefit the Building Fund at the Fayette Church of the Nazarene. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.marryfh.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Marry Funeral Home, Fayette.
