STRYKER, Ohio — Gene Carlin passed away peacefully in his home after a short battle with cancer on Monday, October 27, 2014, in Stryker, Ohio, at the age of 78. A Williams County resident his whole life, Gene was born on January 27, 1936, in Stryker, Ohio, to Russel and Gladys (Elser) Carlin. He graduated from Stryker High School in 1954. He married Ivyl Stamm, his high school sweetheart, on February 11, 1956. Gene worked for Metal Forge as a production coordinator for 40 years. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Stryker. He was a firefighter with the Springfield Township Fire Department for 28 years. He served on the First National Bank Board for 20 years, officiated high school basketball for 15 years. He also served on the Stryker Library Board, and Stryker Village Counsel. He also was a big Ohio State fan and loved his Buckeyes. Survivors include his wife Ivyl; four daughters, Deb (Jeff) Payton of Angola, Indiana, Kelly (Rick) Shelton of Freetown, Indiana, Sandy Carlin of Germantown, Maryland and Brenda (Tyler) Short of Stryker; nine grandchildren, Nicholas Carlin of Angola, Indiana, Justin Payton of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Zac (Rachel) Shelton of Columbus, Indiana, Kirby (John) Brooks of Indianapolis, Indiana, Aaron Shelton of Columbus, Indiana, David and Devon Bearden of Germantown, Maryland, and Nolan and Natalie Short of Stryker; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Beverly (Ed) Brown and Elaine (Don) Lethers of Defiance, and Connie (Rusty) Cramer of Stryker; and several nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Harold "Tub" Carlin. In honor of Gene's love for the Buckeye's, show your respect by wearing your Ohio State University attire for the visitation Sunday, Nov. 2, from 2-8 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church, 701 S. Defiance St., Stryker. Services will be held Monday, Nov. 3, at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church, Stryker, with Pastor Dane Mueschke officiating. Memorials in the name of Gene Carlin may be given to the First Lutheran Church, Stryker, or Community Health Professionals/Hospice, Bryan. Grisier Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.grisierFH.com.