Gene C. Zeller, Jr., 79, of Lebanon, passed away Friday, June 19, 2026 at the Hershey Medical Center. He was the husband of the late Lynette E. (Mack) Zeller.

Born in Reading, Pennsylvania on December 13, 1946, Gene was a son of the late Gene and Vera (Wenrich) Zeller.

Gene achieved many accomplishments during his life. He spent two and a half years in the Army reserves during the Vietnam era. He spent 20 years as a steel worker and during that time also served as the union treasurer and secretary for many years. He then spent 15 years as a car salesman during which he started pursuing a college degree in counseling and theology. After retiring from sales, he went on to serve many years as the Chaplain for Wernersville Correctional Center.  His last full time job was with Revelations of Freedom as a counselor and advisor for men seeking addiction recovery. During that time he earned 3 degrees, the last being his Doctorate in Theology. At the time of his death he was serving as a Pastor for Hope Fellowship Church.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. He was an avid N.Y. Yankees fan.

Gene is survived by three children, Melissa, wife of Ralph Peer, Stacy, wife of Scott Lorah, and son Michael, husband of Carol (Newhouse); a brother, John, husband of Katie; and two sister-in-laws, Pam and Patty; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 2:00pm at St. Thomas Church, 536 N Main St, Bernville, PA 19506. Light refreshments and visitation with family will be held immediately following in the social hall. Thompson Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with the arrangements. The family welcomes your memories and messages in our online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com