Willard "Gene" E. Milkie

Willard “Gene” Milkie passed away on August 26, 2025, at the age of 91. Gene lived a wonderful life and was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, and a man who put his family, his community, and his faith front and center in his life. He was married to Helen for 67 years and is survived by his son, Duffy, and daughter-in-law, Gina; his beloved grandchildren, Jack (Kendall), Patrick (Kate), Annie, and Kate; and his sisters-in-law Jane (wife of David), Edith “Shorty” (wife of Duane), and JoEllen (wife of Mike). He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers David, Robert, Duane (“Butch”), Roger, and Mike, and his sister-in-law Sue (wife of Robert).

He served in the U.S. Army for four years, and he worked at Whirlpool Corporation in Clyde, Ohio, for 42 years, rising through the ranks to a general manager position. He was a track and field official for over 36 years and was known as the “candy man” because he always had his signature candy pouch ready to offer a piece of candy and an encouraging word to the kids. He loved track and field because it combined individual competition with time in between events to develop friendships.

He spent almost twenty years coaching youth sports, including basketball, baseball, and track. He touched countless lives with his dedication to making those around him better. He served on numerous boards and committees, including the Bellevue City Council for 10 years (4 as President), the Bellevue Recreation Board (including service as Chairman), the Bellevue City Schools Facility Commission, and the Bellevue Historical Society. He was instrumental in the creation of the Bellevue Athletic Boosters, the fundraising for the construction of the Bellevue Athletic Field (BAF Stadium), and later the installation of an all-weather track and the development of the Bellevue Rec Center. He was elected to the Bellevue Rec Hall of Fame in 1989.

He also served on organizing committees for the U.S. Bicentennial Community Celebration and the Bellevue Cherry Festival. He was a longtime member of the Bellevue Eagles and Bellevue Elks. He was a devoted Catholic and served as an usher and lector at Immaculate Conception Church and St. Sebastian Catholic Church.

He had an easy smile and a quick wit and was a friend to all. He lived a wonderful life filled with happiness, hard work, joy, and laughter.

Anyone who knew Gene will smile knowing that, when greeted at the pearly gates with a “Gene, how are you?” his reply will surely be: “Mean, Rotten, and Nasty!”

Those wishing to honor Gene’s memory may do so by contributing to the Bellevue Gridiron Foundation or the Sandusky Central Catholic School Endowment.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 4:00-7:00pm with a recitation of the rosary beginning at 3:30pm at Foos and Foos Funeral Service, 151 Yorkshire Place, Bellevue, OH 44811. A memorial mass will be held on September 6, 2025, at 10:00am at Sandusky St. Mary's Catholic Church, 429 Central Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870.