Valentine, Eugene David 96, a longtime resident of Pinellas County, passed away on December 15, 2017. He was born at home on July 27, 1921 in East Canton, Ohio to Silvio and Ida (Edith) Valentine. He spent his younger years on a farm in Ohio before hopping a freight train at age 17 to live with an uncle in Chicago. While living in Chicago he was learning to become a chef at his uncle's restaurant. With a desire to serve his country, Eugene enlisted in the Marines in 1939 and was based in San Diego with the Marine 32 ^nd Platoon. After receiving a medical discharge from the Marines in 1941 he returned to Ohio and worked at Hercules Motor Company. When World War II broke out he again chose to serve his country. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines and served until December 1945. After World War II he returned to Canton, Ohio and opened a Pure Oil Service Station.   Eugene had many civic leadership roles including presidency of the local chapters of Junior Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, Chairman of United Way Campaign, and Exhalted Ruler of the Elks. Eugene was also active in the Gasoline Dealer's Association. In 1952 he married the love of his life Roberta (Bobbie) Johnsten and embraced the family life. Fed up with the tough winters of Ohio, Eugene and the family moved to Florida in June 1967. He retired from Montgomery Ward at the age of 63. He and Bobbie spent their retirement years enjoying their grandchildren, travelling the country with an RV, meeting many new friends and reconnecting with relatives and past friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Deane, and his siblings Clara, and Joseph. He is survived by his loving wife, Roberta, sons James (Anne) of Atlanta, Dwight (Lisa) of Tierra Verde, Dale of Atlanta, and daughter Susan Stone (Mike) of St. Petersburg; 11 grandchildren: Robert, Jeff, Clayton, Steven, Rachel, Amanda, and Trent Valentine, Christopher Stone, Kelly Haupfear, Sophia Faro, and Bradley Engert; 6 great grandchildren: Ryker Valentine, Reagan, Elijah, and Wyatt Haupfear, Vivienne Faro and Jacob Miranda. His surviving sibling is his sister, Virginia Hedleston of Canton, Ohio.

Eugene will be remembered for his love of family and friends, creative cooking recipes, sense of adventure, and passion to travel.

The family would like to thank the staff of Freedom Square for their devotion to the care of Eugene in his final years. As Eugene's health declined he became increasingly dependent. The nurses, aides, therapists and other support staff met the challenges with professionalism and compassion. In addition, the Bay Pines Veterans Administration has provided services and care for nearly 40 years. The VA is commended for the care they provided to Eugene over the years.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to: Disabled American Veterans dav.org

Service: January 5, 2018 at 12:45 pm at the Bay Pines Veteran's Cemetery