Lester Eugene “Gene” Launder, 69, of The Backwoods of Thornville, passed away at 11:14 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at his residence. Gene was born October 2, 1955, in Zanesville, Ohio, to the late Harold and Carolyn (McCrady) Launder. He was a 1974 graduate of Sheridan High School and a member of South Shore Ministries. Gene was the founder, creator, innovator, visionary and promoter of the Backwoods Fest starting in 1995. He is survived by his wife, Kathy L. (Harlan) Launder of Thornville; son, Matthew (Megan) Shaeffer of Thornville and Jeremy Launder of Crooksville; four grandchildren, Addison, Layne, Aiden and Ryder; one sister, Theresa Moore of Malta; one brother, Mark Launder of Glenford; an aunt, Joy and Larry Parker of Lancaster; his mother-in-law, JoEllen Harlan of Thornville; and a special friend, Jarod Pickett and his son, Jarett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Steve Launder. A Backwoods Celebration of Life for Gene will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2025, in The Backwoods, 8572 High Point Rd., Thornville, Ohio 43076. Bope-Thomas Funeral Home in Somerset is entrusted with the arrangements.