Julius E. "Gene" Colon, age 68 of West Carrollton, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Kettering Health Network – Main Campus surrounded by his loving family. He was born on March 20, 1956, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of the late Verna G. (Tincher) and Joseph G. Colon.

He was a graduate of the West Carrollton High School Class of 1974. Gene was a former employee of Dayton Reliable and a Purchasing Agent for Ferco Tech, LLC with over 24 years of combined service.  He was a former motorcycle funeral escort for Dayton Funeral Escort and worked for Dayton Mortuary Service as a removal specialist for local funeral homes. He was a volunteer coordinator for the Montgomery County Sherrif's Department from 2002 to 2012, he was a volunteer firefighter & Captain for Jefferson Twp. Fire Dept. and a volunteer firefighter for the City of West Carrollton with over 20 years of service to both departments. Gene also volunteered for the Greater Dayton Human Society, and Dayton Firearms. Gene was an accomplished and award-winning Trap Shooter. He was an ordained minister, and Gene assisted families with funeral services and officiated his first wedding. He enjoyed fishing and especially spending time with family and friends.

Preceded in death by his dear friend Frederick J. "Fred" Beard on February 16, 1983, his brother David Colon.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Tamara Rae "Tammy" (Tilton) Colon, his son Casey Colon and wife Melani, his daughter Kelley Prenat and husband Zach, the apple of his eye, his best friend and grandson Gage Prenat, his 2 sisters Sherry Sparks and Beverly Culbertson, dear friends Wally and Don, his fur baby "Willow", as well as numerous other family members and many friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the Swart Funeral Home, West Carrollton with Rev. Dr. Joel Getts officiating. Burial will follow at Miami Valley Memory Gardens in Centerville. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the funeral home.

If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, 1661 Nicholas Rd., Dayton, Ohio 45417 in memory of Mr. Gene Colon.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at the Miamisburg Moose, 2110 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg, Ohio 45342. Please bring a covered dish and celebrate Gene's life with his family.

Please share memories and condolences at www.swartfuneralhome.com. Expressions of Sympathy, Love, and Thinking of You cards may be sent to The Family of Mr. Julius E. "Gene" Colon, C/O Swart Funeral Home, 207 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton, Ohio 45449.