Gene & Jan Farison Family Fund

This designated fund was created by Gene & Jan Farison to support three local causes—the Marion Palace Theatre, United Way of Marion County, and their faith home, Epworth United Methodist Church. The Farisons view the Palace as a priceless community treasure and United Way as a pivotal organization for addressing community challenges.

The Gene & Jan Farison Family Fund echoes the couple’s deep community activism, back to 1975 when Gene and partner Jack Hottinger created the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger Funeral Home, now part of Snyder Funeral Homes. After nearly 40 years of service to the community, Gene still helps with arrangements, visiting hours and funerals for his many dear friends.

Gene has served in numerous civic leadership roles with the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce, CAN DO!, United Way, ADAMH, Bank One Marion, the Marion Palace Theater and Bowling Green State University’s Foundation. He and Jan are active members of Epworth and volunteer in many capacities there. Jan is an active volunteer with Mobile Meals and TWIG I’s Well-Baby Clinic.

The couple’s favorite pastimes are boating on Lake Erie, fishing, traveling, and watching Duquesne University football, where their son, Scott, is on the coaching staff.

The couple also have a daughter, Corrie Farison Viola, who now prioritizes her time with motherhood, after a career with Bank One.