Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Lester E. “Gene” Wood
Lester E. “Gene” Wood, longtime Lancaster resident and United States Army Veteran, has devoted his life to serving his community and supporting fellow veterans. During his nearly 45 years of public service, 38 were as Fairfield County Recorder, where he helped implement the Veterans Identification Card Program, making it easier for veterans to verify their service when applying for benefits and recognition. He also encouraged veterans to record their DD 214 discharge papers, ensuring their military records were preserved and accessible. His leadership earned him the distinguished Gold Quill Award in 2009, presented by the Ohio Recorders’ Association to individuals who significantly advance the modernization of public records.
Today, Gene continues to honor veterans through his volunteer work with the Lancaster Ohio Veterans Burial Detail, a nonprofit organization that provides military honors at veterans’ memorial services across Fairfield County. He has also contributed to the community through the Lancaster Lions American Flag Program, charity golf outings, bowl a thons, and other local events.
Gene’s unwavering dedication, both during his military service and throughout his civilian career, makes him a deserving inductee into the Fairfield County Veterans Hall of Fame.