Eugene T. "Gene" Schamel Sr.

SCHAMEL, Sr., Eugene T. (Gene)
Age 86, of Kettering, passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016. He was born to Robert J. & Ludwina F. (Bergman) Schamel on April 6, 1930. Gene was a proud member of the Chaminade High School class of 1948. After graduation, he organized many reunions & functions that promoted a strong bond with the “Men of Chaminade.” His athletic ability earned him a football scholarship to the University of Louisville & later a baseball scholarship to the University of Dayton; he was awarded varsity letters at both universities. As an accomplished pitcher, he was offered an opportunity to try out for the Cincinnati Reds. Gene worked with his parents at the family-owned L & B Hardware stores which led to his career as an award-winning District Sales Manager with the Ace Hardware Corporation. He shared his talented voice by singing at countless weddings. He was a member of many singing groups, including the St. Mary, St. Rita, Immaculate Conception & St. Charles choirs, the Eintracht Singing Society, & the Dayton Choraliers. Gene was preceded in death by his loving wife, & singing partner, of 41 years, Barbara A. (Fitzharris) Schamel, brother & sister-in-law, Robert & Barbara Schamel, and sister & brother-in-law, Shirley & Howard Kramer. He is survived by his son & daughter-in-law, Gene Jr. & Karen (Wolff) Schamel; grandchildren, Caitlin (Charles) Muncy, Kevin, Emily, & Michael Schamel; great-grandchildren, Henry, Hudson & Ella Muncy; brother & sister-in-law, Donald & Peggy Schamel; sisters-in-law, June King, Theresa (Paul) Ahlquist; & many nieces, nephews, & friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thurs., Jan. 5, 2017, at 10:30 AM, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4500 Ackerman Blvd., Kettering, OH, celebrated by Fr. Thomas Gaeke. Burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery. Family will receive friends Wed., Jan. 4, from 5-8 PM at Westbrock Funeral Home, 1712 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethany Lutheran Village, Attn: Resource Development, 6451 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH 45459.