Wesley E. "Genie" "Gene" Caplinger, 84, of Chillicothe, passed 9:20 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2023 at his residence following an extended illness.

He was born July 4, 1938, in Ross County, to the late David Wesley and May Eileen Kellough Caplinger.  On October 22, 2013, he married his companion of 22 years, the former Hazel Coonrod.

In addition to his wife, surviving are children, David E. "Genie" Caplinger, Paul (Marife) Caplinger and James (Irene) Caplinger, all of Chillicothe; 7 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; special cousins, Virginia Hines, Betty Pierce and Everett Kellough; several nieces and nephews including a special niece and nephew, Susan and Jeff Smith, of Chillicothe; and his best friend, Jimmy Kellough.  He was predeceased by a sister and her husband, Carolyn S. and Michael L. McMahon.

Gene was a member of Camelin Hill Church.  He retired from Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library in 2006.  He was the former owner and operator of M.C. Janitorial Service, a former employee of the YMCA and Globe Furniture.  Gene had also owned and operated Caplinger Appliance Repair in Ross County.

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Rick Hartley officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.  Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.

You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com