Cecil Eugene Neff, Jr

Cecil (Gene) Eugene Neff Jr., 88 of West Chester, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2021. Born to Cecil Eugene Sr and Methyl (nee Caswell) Neff on February 28, 1932 in Easton, Ohio.

Gene graduated Eaton High School in 1950; while there he won more than 15 sports related letters, more than anyone in the school’s history. Gene led the school in state tournaments in basketball, football, baseball, and track; and has been named All American in the Preble County Hall of Fame.

While offered over 40 college scholarships, Gene accepted a basketball scholarship from the University of Kentucky (UK) and coached by Adolph Rupp, the team won the South Eastern Championship in 1951.

As a Junior, he signed a pro baseball contract with the Detroit Tigers, where he played until he was honored to serve in the Special Services in the US Army during the Korean War.

After the war Gene received his bachelor’s degree and master’s from UK. Where he met and married the love of his life Jane and had two children.

Gene was part of the original teachers who established the Lakota School District, where he and Jane taught and coached until 1968. Gene then worked for General Electric both in the plant and as the director of the GEEAA Park for over 50 years and served on the board of the GE Credit Union.

Gene also played for the senior Olympics in volleyball and basketball where he won numerous medals during his tenure.

Preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Eugene and Methyl Neff, his wife, Jane T. Neff and sister, Martha Belle Parks.

Gene is survived by his two loving children, Roger (Kimberly) Neff and Kelly (Doug) Bates, four grandchildren, Gabe Neff and Douglas, Brenden and Morgan Bates.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 15 ^th from 10:00am-11:00am with a funeral service at 11:00am all at Mueller Funeral Home, 6791 Tylersville Road, Mason, Ohio 45040. Interment to follow in West Chester Cemetery. MASKS ARE REQUIRED and social distancing will be observed.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the University of Kentucky Athletics in Gene’s name at [email protected] .

Mueller Funeral Home is honored to serve the Neff Family. 513-398-9100.