Reverend Mr. Robert “Gene” E. Staker (June 27, 1936 – March 4, 2017)

Reverend Mr. Robert “Gene” E. Staker, 80 of Zanesville, died 7:36 AM, Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Genesis Morrison House Hospice. He was born Saturday, June 27, 1936 in Zanesville, the son of Robert F. Staker and Mary Virginia (Fulmer) Staker.

Gene worked as Shipping Manager with the Ohio Ferro Alloy Plant in Philo, until transferring to Montgomery, Alabama, where he worked for Simetco (Ohio Ferro Alloy) until his retirement in 1998, with over 40 years of service. Upon retirement Gene returned to the Staker Family Farm in Zanesville.

Deacon Gene was a dedicated and faithful member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church. In 1983 he was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate by Bishop James Griffin at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus, and served as Deacon with St. Nicholas until his transfer to Alabama in 1985. While in Alabama, Gene served as Permanent Deacon with Our Lady Queen of Mercy Catholic Church in Montgomery. Upon his return to Zanesville in 1998, he once again served St. Nicholas as Deacon and sacristan until 2016.

Gene enjoyed farming the family farm, spending time with his family, dedicating his time to the work of the Lord and his Church. Gene was a loving and caring husband, father and grandfather.

Gene is survived by his wife, Mary Lou (Wolfe) Staker, whom he married June 29, 1957; two sons: Douglas (Kristine) Staker & Kerby (Melissa) Staker both of Zanesville; one daughter: Kama (Richard) Botelho of Pickerington; nine grandchildren: Joshua (Mary Beth) Swingle, Christin (William) Lavelle, Maryellen (Bart) Sims, Ryan Staker, Caitlin Staker, Tierney (Alex) Ford, Braydon Staker, Ashley Botelho & Haley Russell; nine great grandchildren: Raegan Sherfey, Sydney Lavelle, Scarlett Sims, Krosby Sims, Cheyenne Swingle, Christian Lemon, Harland Botelho, Kane Russell & Blade Russell; two brothers: John Staker of Canal Winchester & Jim (Teresa) Staker of Duncan Falls; one nephew: James (Heidi) Staker; two nieces: Trina Dunkle and Ashlee (Jeffrey) Schmidt; four great nieces and four great nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may call from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Thursday, March 9, 2017, at the Hillis, Combs & Nestor Funeral Home, 935 Forest Avenue, Zanesville, where a Christian Vigil will be held at 7:45 PM. Reverend Deacon Staker will Lie In State from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, Friday, March 10, 2017, at Saint Nicholas Catholic Church, 935 Main Street, Zanesville where a Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM with Fr. Martin J. Ralko as Celebrant. Deacon Staker will be laid to rest in Deacons Circle in Mount Olive Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 955 East Main Street, Zanesville, Ohio, 43701 in Gene’s memory. To sign the online register book or to send a personal condolence note please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com