Nelson "Gene" Rupard, 86, of St. Marys, OH passed away 4:10 p.m. Friday September 26, 2025 at JTDM Hospital, with his daughters and grandkids at his bedside. He was born June 27, 1939 in Winchester, KY to Nelson and Katherine (Everman) Rupard. On September 17, 1959 in Dayton, OH he married Juanona Blair, who died December 19, 2000.

Survivors include: daughter Debra Kable of St. Marys, OH; daughter Sonya (Jeff) Steinke of St. Marys, OH; 9 grandchildren; 17 geat-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; members of the extended Blair and Stacey family; and caregiver Maggie Bruner-Harner of St. Marys, OH.

Preceded in death by: father Nelson Rupard; mother Katherine Rupard-Orr; wife Juanona Rupard; son Nelson E. Rupard, Jr.; son Ronald Rupard; great-granddaughter Kennedy Schreiber; brother Gordon Rupard; sister Anna Stacey; and son-in-law John Kable.

He retired from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in St. Marys, where he was a production employee for many years. His memberships included social affiliations with VFW Post #9289, Eagles Lodge Aerie #767 and American Legion Post #323, all in St. Marys.

An accomplished musician, he shared his talent as a guitarist for several classic Country & Western bands, including "The Country Notes". Gene developed lifelong friendships with many other musicians, and considered himself especially fortunate for having the opportunity to play music with his two (now deceased) sons, Nelson and Ronnie. 

He will be remembered for wearing his "Mean Gene" hat whenever he went out. Other interests included camping and riding motorcycles. Gene was still driving his Polaris RZR off road vehicle at the age of 84.

Rites are scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday October 2, 2025 at the Miller Funeral Home 1605 Celina Road (Ohio 703 West) in St. Marys. Visitation 4 - 7 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to his family to defray final expenses. Condolences may be expressed and memories shared with Gene's family via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net or the Miller Funeral Homes Facebook Page.