W. Gene Elliott

Wilbur "Gene" Eugene Elliott, 85, of Frankfort, passed away Monday evening, August 21, 2023, at Grant Medical Center, Columbus.

He was born in Ross County, on May 29, 1938 to the late Wilbur W. Elliott and Pauline (Porter) Elliott, the oldest of 12 children. Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1955. While in Philadelphia, he met his future wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Hendrick. They were married from May 9, 1957, until Betty's passing on April 18, 2017. Gene's service on several Atlantic Fleet ships included a cruise with two of his brothers and participation in the blockade of Cuba during the 1962 Missile Crisis. After leaving the Navy as an Engineman 2nd Class in 1965, he followed his father to the railroad. Known as "Doc" to his co-workers, Gene advanced from brakeman to locomotive engineer and operated trains throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky before retiring in 2000.

Surviving are his children Pamela (Christopher) Givens, of Frankfort; Terry Sams, of Chillicothe; and Scott (Nancy) Elliott, of Kingston; as well as 17 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents and wife, Gene was preceded in death by siblings Donald Elliott and Brenda Swindler, daughter Elizabeth "Paula" Romans, sons-in-law Billy Romans and John Sams, and grandson Nicholas Romans.

Gene was an avid horseman, boatsman, and hunter and a skilled leathersmith and mechanic. More than anything, he was proud of his growing family. He cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and his generosity toward them was limitless.

Friends may call on Sunday, August 27, from 3-5:00 p.m. at Haller Funeral Home. Military graveside service conducted by the Ross Co. Veterans Honor Guard will follow on Monday, August 28, at 11:00 a.m. at Friends Cemetery, Londonderry. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Gene's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 , or online at www.stjude.org