Gilbert "Gil" Fenton Fennell

Gil was born on February 13, 1939, in Youngstown, Ohio to George H. Fennell and Maude N. (Fenton) Fennell. He was the eldest of five children: Claudia (Wisser), Perry, Lou and Ronald.

Gil graduated from East Palestine High School with the class of 1958. Over the years he remained very close to many classmates. He received several technical and trade certifications in Tool and Die and was employed by General Motors for 31 years as Tool and Die superintendent in Lordstown, OH.

Gil met his soulmate Betty (Rapp) Fennell at the tender age of 14 and as he always said, “when you know, you know.” Gil and Betty were high school sweethearts and married in 1959, celebrating 63 years this past June. They were blessed with three children: daughters Natalie (Bernard) of Clermont, FL., Lisa (Smith), and son Matthew (Carolyn) of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Gil and Betty raised their family in Columbiana, OH where they were active members in the community and Grace Church. Gil was further blessed with five grandchildren: Lindsay (Tony) Cochran of Springboro OH; Kevin (Casi) Herstine of Dayton, OH; and Dean, Caden, and Britton Fennell of Mt. Pleasant, SC. Gil was also the proud great-grandfather, otherwise known as Papa, to Camdyn Cochran of Springboro, OH and Coen Herstine of Dayton, OH.

Gil had a passion for Corvettes and football which started as a high school player and transitioned to a diehard Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Go Bucs!! He was an avid golfer and after retiring in 1999, Gil and Betty moved to Silverthorn County & Golf Club in Brooksville, FL in 2001 where they enjoyed endless sunshine, the game of golf, and many warm and wonderful friendships.

Gil was preceded in death by his parents George and Maude, daughter Lisa Kay, and brother Lou.

At this time, services will be held in Florida at Mariner United Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 28th at 11:00a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Memorial Fund of either: Mariner United Methodist Church, 7079 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609 or Grace Church, 140 S. Main Street, Columbiana, OH 44408.