Charles "Chuck" Leo Muhs

Charles Leo "Chuck" Muhs, 86, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully under the care of Ohio's Hospice at the Truman House following a period of declining health.

Born on March 29, 1938, in Olney, Illinois, Chuck was the son of the late Leo Anthony and Katherine Elizabeth (Hahn) Muhs. After completing his formal education, he worked for over 20 years as plant manager at Kex Products in Olney, Illinois. During his time in Illinois, he was an active volunteer with the local fire department and the Boy Scouts of America. Chuck also took on various side jobs, including roofing and electrical work, due to his natural talent as a jack of all trades.

In 1985, Chuck relocated to Ohio and joined 31 Inc. in Newcomerstown, where he managed sales and operations. Two years later, he and his business partner acquired the company. Under his leadership, 31 Inc. became a globally recognized manufacturer of professional tire repair, TPMS, and supplies. Chuck was also a key figure in the establishment of the company’s sister operation in China, and he had the opportunity to travel internationally throughout his career.

On February 10, 1990, Chuck married Shirley I. Martin, and together they shared 35 years of marriage. They built their first home in Stone Creek, where they started raising beef cattle. This hobby eventually led them to relocate to a log cabin on their own acreage, where they expanded their herd. After long 12-hour workdays, Chuck would return home to care for the cattle. He was also passionate about collecting both large and small Oliver tractors, as well as fishing and camping. Chuck’s faith was an important part of his life, and he was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover.

Chuck will be deeply missed by his wife, Shirley; his children, Steven Muhs and Cheri Boone, both of Stone Creek, Jacqueline (Ted) Ley of Houston, Texas, and Roger (Deidra) Casteel of Stone Creek; his grandchildren, Gustave Muhs, Levi Kaser, Nathan Boone, Sara Fanning, Renee Muhs, Miranda Ley-Bradshaw, Bethany Pace, Brooke Conner, Lucas Ley, Kristyn Orr, Kyle Casteel, and Casey Casteel; 18 great-grandchildren; siblings, Jim (Thelma) Muhs, Urban (Marilyn) Muhs, and Carolyn (Pat) Elie, all of Illinois; sister-in-law, Audra Muhs of Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in passing by his son, Phillip Muhs; his great-granddaughter, Aubrey Orr; his brother, Robert Muhs; and his son-in-law, Gene Boone.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. Father Jimmy Hatfield will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph Catholic Church on Tuesday beginning at 11 a.m. 

Memorial contributions in Chuck’s memory may be directed to Ohio’s Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.