Eugene "Gene" Meinerding

Eugene “Gene” Meinerding

Gene Meinerding passed away May 26, 2026 at Jag Health Care in Union City, OH, where he has been lovingly taken care of by their expert staff for the past 13 years. He was born November 25, 1933, son of the late Herb and Mary (Fawler) Meinerding. He was a 1951 graduate of Ft. Recovery High School and always an Indian. Gene proudly traced his family heritage to Oldenburg, Germany with the first Meinerding's settling in the Ft. Recovery, OH area in 1849. Gene loved watching college basketball.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Bennie (Clear), his twin sister Jeanete, sister Donna Chitum, brother Tim, daughter Becky Harshman, and grandson Matthew Eugene Lewis.

Gene served on the front lines during the Korean War in the United States Army where he received a Bronze Star for heroism for saving the life of his commanding officer during heavy enemy fire. While home on leave from Fort Knox, after returning from Korea, Gene managed to total three cars in one weekend and when asked about that during the time he said, "They don't make cars like they used to!" Gene was an avid golfer but couldn't keep his driver straight but he could putt with the best of them. He was also an excellent pool player and at one time owned "Meinerding's Pool Hall" in Union City. 

Gene is survived by his son Tony of Union City, OH; his daughter Jo Ann Keen (Todd) of Union City, OH; step mom Cheryl Meinerding of Greenville, OH; his son-in-law Greg Harshman of Union City, IN; his sister Mary Jo Stump (Larry) of Hudson, Wi; his brother Jack (Ginny) of Union City, OH; his brother Herbie of Winchester, IN, his sister Amy (Scott) Peason of Ft. Recovery, OH; his grandsons Toddy Keen (Kye) of Union City, OH, James Keen (Summer) of Union City, IN, Jay Harshman of Muncie, IN; his granddaughter Abby Harshman of Union City, IN; and five great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter and many nephews and nieces.

As per Gene’s wishes there will be no public services, he would want instead, for people to root for Indiana Hoosier Basketball! A celebration of life will be held later at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reichardfh.com