Donald E. ”gene” McInnes

Donald E. “Gene” McInnes, age 84, of Dover and formerly of East Canton, died early Monday morning, September 5, 2011, in Hennis Care Center at Dover following a brief illness.A son of the late James and Caroline Jentes McInnes, Gene was born at Canton, Ohio on May 13, 1927. He was a 1945 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and served as a member of the United States Army from 1954-1956 as a member of the 82nd Airborne.On June 26, 1949, Gene married the love of his life the former Arlene R. Silke and as a couple reared two daughters.Gene began a career in plastics manufacturing in 1957 with Dover Molded and with Merit Plastics where he worked as their plant superintendent until 1969. In 1971 he became the President and Owner of M and R Plastics, Inc. of East Canton and remained with the company until his retirement in 1986. During his ownership of M and R, Gene enjoyed working alongside each of his employees and was very proud of not only each of them but the products they took a role in producing. Following his retirement, Gene and Arlene relocated to Florida for 14 years prior to returning to the Tuscarawas Valley in 2000. In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking having made many wall decorations as well as numerous large furniture pieces for his family and friends. Additionally, Gene enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends and was especially fond of the trip in which they had the opportunity to golf all along the Eastern Coast of the United States.In addition to his wife of 62 years , Gene leaves behind two daughters, Cynthia (Jerry) Coulter of Cedar Falls, Iowa and Caroline (Gary) Zedell of East Sparta, Ohio and a brother, Carl “Jack” McInnes of Visalia, California.Three grandchildren, Travis Coulter, Scott (Eileen) Zedell and Angela (Jessi) Miller; five great-grandchildren, Gary Lee, Zachary, Andrew, Alexis and Ethan as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth Froelich and Daniel McInnes and two sisters, Rena Hamilton and Ruth Maurer.Cremation care will be conducted through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover. The family will receive friends during a memorial visitation on Friday, September 9, 2011, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover.The family requests memorial contributions in Gene’s name may be directed to The American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, Ohio 44406.”Miss Me But Let Me Go”When I come to the end of the road, And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in gloom-filled rooms, Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little–but not too long, And not with your head bowed low; Remember the love that we once shared Miss me–but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take, And each must go alone. It’s all a part of the Master’s plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know, And busy your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me – but let me go. -Betty Miller-