Bert C. Shanower

Bert C. “Ed” Shanower, age 89, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully under the care of Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia on Friday, November 23, 2012.

A son of the late Olen and Cora (Mathias) Shanower, Ed, as he was known to family and friends, was born at Burton, Ohio, on September 23, 1923.

In 1944, he entered into the United States Army and served in the Central European and Asiatic-Pacific Theatres as an Infantryman during World War II.

On August 23, 1947, Ed married the love of his life, the former Dola Zimmerman, in her family’s home and shared 62 years of marriage prior to her passing on May 3, 2010.

For many years, Ed worked as a mechanic for the Ford Garage at Sugarcreek and later operated the Walnut Creek Sohio Garage. He ultimately retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation at New Philadelphia.

He was a member of the Baltic American Legion, the Baltic Conservation Club and the First United Church of Christ at New Philadelphia. He enjoyed playing golf at Five Waters and playing cards with his family.

Ed is survived by his children, Judy (Bob) Yakley, Don (Becky) Shanower, Ralph (Terri) Shanower, all of New Philadelphia and Ray (Barbara) Shanower of Strasburg and grandchildren, James (Leann) Yakley of Dover, Stephanie Yakley of Uhrichsville, Shane Shanower of Stone Creek, Shana (David) Norman of New Philadelphia, Rocky (Courtney) Shanower of Sugarcreek, Sarah (Scott) Whiddon of New Philadelphia, Eddie Shanower of Dover, and Randy Shanower of Massillon; his step-grandchildren, Ryan (Cindy) Beach, Matthew (Darcee) Beach, and Taylor Beach; ten great-grandchildren, Ava, Aiden, Evan, Mallory, Daniel, Rigsby, Raleigh, Silas, Scenic, and Brendan as well as three step-great-grandchildren, Willow, Hudson, and Remi.

Nine siblings, Mildred Rood, Harlan “Joe” Shanower, Ruby Pishney, Marjorie Harkness, Phyllis Bland, Kenny Shanower, Olive Werstler, Corlin Shanower, and Jack Shanower as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.

In addition to his parents and wife, Ed is preceded in death by a brother, Clarence Shanower and a sister, Florence Brogan.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 26, 2012 from 1-3 and 6-8 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A service celebrating Ed’s life will be led by Reverend Jeffrey Gerber on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 10:30 in the Dover Geib Center. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Dover Burial Park. A reception will follow in the Hospitality Room of the Dover Geib Center.

Memorial contributions in Ed’s name may be directed to The First United Church of Christ, PO Box 422, New Philadelphia, Ohio. 44663 or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.