Robert Henry Gels

Robert Henry Gels, age 88, of Eaton, OH passed away peacefully on Monday, September 7, 2026 at the Greenbriar Nursing Center in Eaton surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 1, 1937 in St. Henry, OH to the late Henry A. and Anna (Broermann) Gels.

Bob was a U.S. Army Veteran and served on the Preble County Honor Guard for many years; and was a member of Visitation Catholic Church in Eaton.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Norma Gels; son Tom Hayes; sisters Eileen Bruns, Lois Ann Brunswick, Mary Lou Weis and Janice Hart; and brothers Kenneth Gels and Ralph Gels.

He is survived by his daughter Jane (Ron) Mobley of Eaton; son Jeff (Teresa) Gels of Eaton; daughter-in-law Marie Hayes of Eaton; grandchildren: Emily (Kevin) Schaeffer, Carrie (Bryan) Baldwin, Erin (Angus) Acton, Tommy Hayes, Jr. (Kelsey Black), Jacob (Katie) Hayes, Nikki (Aaron) Ivey, Annika Gels, J.T. Gels; 6 great grandchildren; brother Frank “Bud” Gels; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, September 14, 2026 at the Visitation Catholic Church, 407 East Main St., Eaton, OH with Father Jedidiah Tritle officiating. Interment will follow at Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton. Memorial contributions may be sent to Knights of Columbus or Buckeye State Sheriff Association in Memory of Tom Hayes. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.gardfuneralhome.com.