Gene C. Oiler, age 81, of Gallipolis, died Wednesday morning Feb. 4, 2015 at Holzer Medical Center. Born November 10, 1933 in Middleport, Ohio he was the son of the late Rev. George and Georgia Frazier Oiler. In addition to his parents he was preceded by 1 Sister, Mona Neal.
Gene retired from the Southern Ohio Coal Company as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of United Mine Workers Local #1886 where he served as president for 30 years, and upon retirement was elected to member emeritus of UMWA. He was in the United States Air Force Veteran. He attended Spilman Church in West Columbia, WV.
Gene is survived by his Wife; Mary Russell Oiler of Gallipolis; 4 Sons; Eric Oiler of Marietta, Mike Puckett of Texas, Rusty Russell of Cheshire, and Greg Russell of Gallipolis; 3 Daughters; Lisa Oiler (Randy) Phillips of Racine, Angie (Teddy) Swartz of Gallipolis, and Teresa Russell of Gallipolis; 10 Grandchildren; Shasta Blankenship of Gallipolis, Jesse Russell of Hawaii, Greg Russell (Tannya Henry) of Gallipolis, Samantha Russell, Mary Beth Russell, Nathan Russell all of Gallipolis, Emily Phillips of Racine, Travis Swartz, Ashley (Tyler) Swartz Evans of Oak Hill and Travis Swartz of Mason, WV. 3 Great Grandchildren; Garrett Blankenship and Caleb Blankenship of Gallipolis, and Tynlee Evans of Oak Hill; 2 Special friend daughters; Regina Russell Brown and Lori Hamilton Russell; Many many adopted grandchildren who knew him as 'Papaw Gene'' and loved him dearly; and by 2 Special Friends, Dave Lawson and James Bowles. Gene will be missed by many many people including his union workers, his neighbors, his friends, and family and all who knew him.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM. Saturday February 7, 2015 at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Pastors Paul Voss, Kelsey Henry and Chuck Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 11:00 AM. until the time of service. Pallbearers will be: Dave Lawson, Paul Barrett, Jerry Turner, Orley Vore, Bob Sebring, and Ken Greene. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Rusty Russell and Greg Russell. Military Funeral Honors will be presented at the cemetery by the Gallia County Veterans Funeral Detail. Memorial contributions can be made to the Spilman Church, Spilman Lane, West Columbia, West Virginia 25287 An online guest registry is available at www.waugh-halley-wood.com