Kenneth Ault Obituary

Kenneth E. "Gene" Ault

Kenneth E. Ault "Gene", age 82, of Wayne, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 4, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home. He was born July 3, 1943, in Fostoria, to the late Joseph Kenneth & Thelma E. (Rothenbuhler) Ault.

Ken always liked to tell people how to remember his name. He would say his name is Ault,, which rhymes with salt,, and if you can't remember, it, it's not his fault. He was a poet and didn't know it till he looked at his feet,, and they showed it like Longfellow.

Ken graduated from Elmwood High School, where he was known for the way he played bass drum in the band. After graduation, he started college and was then drafted into the Army, where he served as a Crypto Accountant. Following his service, he completed his college education and earned his teaching degree. He taught school for a short time, then worked at Allied Signal, formerly known as Honeywell, and continued to substitute teach for a while.

He married Regina Suter and later divorced; they had two children, Jeffery and Michelle. He later married Doreen K. Lindley May 17, 1986.

Ken became interested in fixing up houses and renting them out. This, combined with his job, kept him very busy, but he still wanted to do more. Ken wore many hats in his life; he liked getting involved in the community and politics.

In his spare time, he became involved with Wayne Volunteer Fire Department and served as a member of Wayne Village Council, which sparked his interest in political and community involvement.

He left Village Council and ran for Township Trustee. Ken was a trustee for Montgomery Township for four terms and was elected as Democratic Central Committeeman. He was on Wood County School Board, Northwest Ohio School Board, State Auditors Advisory Board, Wood County Health Advisory Board, Wood County Emergency Management, Wood County Historical Board, Boy Scout Commissioner, Habitat for Humanity, member of Otterbein Nursing Home Board, Board for Committee on Aging, was a US Army Reserve Ambassador for State of Ohio, and later became an Ambassador Emeritus for State of Ohio. He was also a member of Albert Bowe American Legion Post No. 338, where he served as Chaplain, and also served as County Chaplain, 32nd Degree Mason.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Doreen; children, Jeffery (Carol) Ault, Michelle (Jason) Yelverton; grandchildren, Casandra Ault, Jared Ault, Justin Yelverton, Evan Yelverton, Spencer Yelverton and Blake Yelverton; sisters, Irene Althaus and Sharon Fisher; stepsister, Jean (Charley) Ladd; stepbrothers, Lloyd (Linda) Fite and John (Joyce) Fite; stepbrother-in-law, Roy McCurdy; and many nieces, nephews, stepnieces, and stepnephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Joseph Kenneth and Grace (Fite) Ault; mother, Thelma; sisters, Bonnie Sue Everding and Lois (Byers) Lippert; and stepsister, Carlene McCurdy.

Friends will be received from 3-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Barndt Funeral Home in Wayne. Additional visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Barndt Funeral Home, where a Celebration of Life Service will begin at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ron Merritt officiating. Burial will be at Bradner Cemetery with military honors performed by Albert Bowe American Legion Post No.338.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Wayne Volunteer Fire Department.

Online condolences can be sent to Ken's family at www.barndtfuneralhome.org.