Gene L. Hamlin, age 70, of Norwalk passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic surrounded by his loving family. Born December 11, 1954, in Sandusky, he graduated from Perkins High School in 1973. Gene then married the love of his life, Kathy (Lowery) on May 17, 1980, and they moved to Norwalk where they would make their lives and raise their family. He worked as a manager at Napa Auto Parts in Norwalk until his retirement in 2016.

A veteran of the United States Army, Gene was a simple and honorable man. He enjoyed political talk shows, true crime dramas, and listening to country and classic rock music in his back yard. He would joke that there wasn't any good rock music after the 1970's. The most important thing to Gene was his family and he cherished the time that he spent with those he loved, especially his grandsons. He enjoyed being a dad, and was a wonderful and involved father, but his daughters say that he LOVED being PawPaw. A kind and generous spirit, Gene gave the ultimate gift in his death by becoming an organ donor.

Left to cherish Gene's memory are his beloved wife of 45 years, Kathy; two daughters, Cindy Hamlin of Norwalk and Robin (Steven) Fleming of Lexington; grandsons, Maverick and Wyatt; siblings, Connie Clark of Sandusky, Shirilene McLaughlin of Sandusky, Steve (Melody) Hamlin of Sandusky, Nick (Addie) Hamlin of Sandusky, and sister-in-law Jacalyn Hamlin of Sandusky; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Pearl (Gruber) Hamlin; and a brother, Robert Hamlin.

Family and friends are invited to visitation at the Eastman Funeral Home, 49 W. Main St., Greenwich, OH 44837 on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, also at the funeral home, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Bob Hudberg officiating. Interment will follow services on Saturday at Edward's Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. On-line condolences can be left for the family at www.eastmanfuneralhome.com.