Donald Eugene Urban, Sr.

Donald 'Gene' Urban, Sr.,87, of Massillon, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025, with his wife, Barbara, by his side. Gene was born on December 7, 1937 in Massillon, Ohio, the son of the Harold and Geraldine (Schall) Urban.

As a child growing up his family vacationed at Long Lake, Michigan. He graduated from Ashland College and Ohio State University with a Master's degree in Education. He taught at Franklin Elementary for many years. He met the love of his life, Barbara Bristor, through his best friend. They were married on February 24, 1962. They moved to Alpena, Michigan where he accepted a teaching position. He coached football and basketball. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, boating, and snowmobiling. He was actively involved at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Alpena, MI. After living there for 45 years and raising three children, he moved back Massillon to watch his beloved Massillon Tigers. As his health declined he always said, "I can not 'go home', until my Tigers win another State Championship", which they did in 2023. He was actively involved at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where he served on church council, lector, and assisted with Communion.

He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara L. Urban, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage; children, Donald (Val) Urban, Jr., Denise (Rod) Borchard, and Kelly (fiance' Owen Johnson) LaPratt; grandchildren, Geoffrey (Chevy) Hoeksema, Lauren (Joe) Finazzo, Matt Urban, Kyle (Katie) Urban, Carley (Brandon Love) Hoeksema, and Brandon (Haley) Urban; 6 great-grandchildren with 2 more on the way; 7 step-grandchildren; special nieces, Cindy Byard, and Marilyn (Walt) Douglas; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Edward 'PeeWee' Urban, and Bob Urban.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025 from 10- 11 am at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, with a Celebration of Life at 11 am. Please be sure to wear your Massillon Tigers apparel to honor Gene. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church: 4275 Lincoln Way W., Massillon, OH 44647. To share a message with Gene's family, please sign the online guest book.