Gene Edward McDonald, age 88, of Wellston, passed away Friday, September 20, 2024, at his home.  He was born August 14, 1936 in Athens County Ohio, son of the late Hubert Dean McDonald and Dorothy E. Eslocker McDonald.  Gene was a former Superintendent at the Danis Company in Dayton from where he retired.  He was a veteran of the United States Army, a member of American Legion Post 371 in Wellston and Elks Lodge #466 in Jackson and attended Hope Church in Wellston where he served on the board of trustees.  Gene was an excellent cook and baker and in his spare time he loved to golf and enjoyed playing cards and going fishing.  He is survived by his children, John McDonald, Jean McDonald, and Joseph McDonald; grandson, Louis McDonald; siblings, Jack McDonald, Sallt Price, Sue Bicknell, Donna Hebdo, and Deborah Williams; step-children, Lee Anne Palmer and Jamey Tilley; step-grandchildren, Larissa Palmer and Brandon Palmer; step-great-granddaughter, Brinlee Palmer; along with several nieces and nephews.  Besides his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Barnhouse McDonald in 2021.  In keeping with Gene's wishes, there will be no services and cremation followed his passing.  Arrangements are under the direction of the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.