Gene Louis Haywood, Sr.

Gene L. Haywood, Sr. Gene Louis Haywood, Sr., 80, of Madison passed away January 13, 2017 at Tri-Point Medical Center. He was born September 17, 1936, in Conde, South Dakota, the son of the late Elmer and Helen (Marko) Haywood. He married the love of his life Maxine Meister on August 8, 1959 in Groton, South Dakota. Gene was a US Navy Veteran serving his country during Vietnam. During that time he served as Senior Chief Machinist Mate in the Navy for 21 years before retiring in 1974. Gene graduated from Lakeland Community College and worked for 16 years at Cleveland Electric Illuminating at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant before retiring in 1991. He was a member of the American Legion in Madison. In his leisure time he enjoyed rebuilding cars, fishing, golfing, and traveling with his family. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Maxine; daughters, Lori (Ken) Kovachy of Perry, and Susan (Eric) Schauer of Willoughby; sons, Gene (Renay) Haywood, Jr. of Painesville, Richard Haywood of Painesville Twp., and Christopher Haywood of Fort Myers, FL; ten grandchildren, Pete (Dee), Amanda, Mary (Marcos Sr.), Robin, Jennifer (Jay), Ian, Justin, Adam, Brenden, and Zac; two great-grandsons, Apollo and Marcos Jr.; nephews, Dean and Mark; and niece, Stacy. Gene was preceded in death by his son, Daniel Haywood; brother, Ronald Haywood; and his parents. A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison. Burial will follow at Madison Memorial Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #112. Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 12 PM until the time of service at 1:00 PM. Charitable contributions may be made in Gene's name to Disabled Veterans Association at www.dav.org. Online obituary and condolences at www.behmfuneralhome.com