Gene Dessecker

Gene Dessecker, 94, of Dover passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021, at Park Village Health Care Center in Dover.

Gene was born on July 29, 1926, in Warren Township. He was the son of the late Karl and Ada (Durbin) Dessecker. He was drafted into the United States Navy on July 27, 1944 and honorably served our country during World War II until he was discharged on July 22, 1946.

On July 20, 1947, he married Joan Morrison, who preceded him in death on July 8, 2018. He was also preceded in death by two sons; Richard and Jack Dessecker; his daughter, Joyce Dessecker; brothers, Dale, Melvin (Mary), Dennis, and Jerry Dessecker; along with his brother-in-law, Ralph Keller.

Gene retired in 1981 from the Dover Post office where he was a letter carrier for 34 years. He also worked for Dick Klar Athletic Supply for 27 years. He was a member of the Winfield United Methodist Church and a past president of the Dover Board of Education. He played the drums for the Bugle Corp and White Clefs. He was the past president of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, past president of the Dover Tornado Club, and Kiwanis. Gene was a Dover Little League coach and the co-director of the Tuscarawas County Senior Center Travel Division for 17 years. He was also a mentor for the Dover Basketeers.

He leaves behind his sons; Ronald (Lois) Dessecker, Randy (Rosemary) Dessecker, Rod (Sylvia) Dessecker; his sister, June Keller; sisters in-law, Beverly Dessecker, Jean Dessecker, and Rhea Dessecker; daughter in-law, Cynde Dessecker; along with 13 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.


Gene's family would like to express their appreciation for the exceptional care he received from the staff at Park Village Nursing Home.

Friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory in Dover on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, from 1-3 pm and 5-7 pm. A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at 11:00 am with Pastor Bob Mathias officiating. Burial will take place at Dover Burial Park next to Joan. To sign an online guestbook or watch a live broadcast for Gene, visit the obituary link on the funeral home’s website. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic masks will be required and social distancing will be practiced.

Memorial contributions can be made to Winfield United Methodist Church, 5247 OH-516, Dover, OH 44622.