Gene Paul Griss, 85, of Maumee, passed away Monday, May 4, 2026, at The Toledo Hospital. He was born December 29, 1940, in Toledo, Ohio, to Fredric and Florence (Lynch) Griss.

Gene graduated from Maumee High School in 1958 and proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. On December 17, 1971, he married Danelle "Dannie" (Pemberton), and they shared 18 wonderful years together until her passing on May 10, 1990.

A lifelong resident of Maumee, Gene dedicated over 34 years of service to the 180th Fighter Wing. He achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was an avid sports memorabilia collector and a devoted fan of the Boston Red Sox and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

He is survived by his children: Erin (Greg) Chonko, John Griss, Ryan (Lisa) Griss, and Katie Griss; grandchildren: Megan (Brendon) Chonko, Tommy (Gracie) Chonko, Jake (Jessica) Chonko, Josh (Liz) Chonko, Devan Hoerner, and Aria and Adeline Griss; brother, Robert (Judy) Griss; sister-in-laws Judy Donald and Annmaire (Patrick) McClellan and several nieces and nephews: Jim (Linda) Eckhart, Kathy Eckhart, Colleen (Tom) Lopez, Mike Eckhart, Alex Griss, Rocky Donald, Reggie (Stephanie) Donald, Amber (Zach) Rader, and Codi Sellers.

In addition to his wife, Dannie, he was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Kathleen Jefferies; his brother-in-laws, Edwin Jefferies and Randy Donald; and his nephew, John Eckhart.

A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 104 W. Broadway Street, Maumee, Ohio. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Gene's name to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Maumee, Ohio. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gene Paul Griss, please visit our flower store.