Christopher Donald Kehl

Christopher Donald Kehl, age 33, of Newcomerstown, died late Saturday, October 2, 2021, in his residence following a brief illness.

Born in Union Hospital at Dover on January 15, 1988, Chris was a son of Charlene Kehl of Newcomerstown and the late Donnie Kehl.

Chris was a 2006 graduate of Newcomerstown High School. Prior to getting involved with Criminal Justice, he worked for his brother, at Mike’s Body Shop in Newcomerstown. Presently he was attending Stark State University where he was studying Cyber Security and Computer Forensics. He was a state-certified Parole Officer and had previously worked under Judge Linda Kate in the Tuscarawas County Juvenile Courts as a Mentor. Most recently, Chris began working with the Cambridge Municipal Court as an Adult Probation Officer.

Chris was a life-long member of the Christ United Methodist Church of Newcomerstown OH. He was also an active member of the BPOE Lodge #1555 and a proud member of the Lone Star Lodge #175 Free and Accepted Masons.

In addition to his mother, Chris will be missed by his siblings, Michael (Julie) Kehl of Newcomerstown, Susan Mitchell of Port Washington, and Stacie (Craig) Stein of New Philadelphia; his grandmother, June Pool of Uhrichsville and his girlfriend, Stefanie Sexton of Canton. Completing the family are his nephews and nieces, Mitchell (Ashley) Kehl, Shannon (Nate) Swigert, Jacob Belt, Erica Belt, Paige McGarvey, and Megan McGarvey; numerous great-nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless friends.

In addition to his father, Chris was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Bud Pool, and his paternal grandparents, Harry and Glenna Kehl.

To Chris, family went much further than just those that were related to him, yet that didn’t mean they meant any less. Chris was a part of a special family that included Josh (Brittany) Kennedy, Aaron (Candace) Hart, Cory (Malori) Stocker, Robb (Autumn) Hendershot, Derek (Savannah) McCune and Kyle (Jenna) Bennett. These gentlemen were not only best friends but brothers who had a bond that has stood the test of time. They always found an opportunity to celebrate life together as one. “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” Chris’ love and loyalty to the people that mattered to him were unmeasurable.

Every Mother’s Day, without fail, he would be sure to send a text to “his ladies” which were very close friends of his mother’s including Jacquie Whitmire, JoAnne Obermiller, Mich Mozena, Shawnee Dunlap, and Lois Donahue. Mich and Chris shared an especially close and trusted friendship. Every day would start with a “good morning” text and many times would be followed with countless heart to hearts along with endless laughs.

Last but not least, Chris had an unwavering love and passion for The Ohio State Buckeyes; the family encourages anyone attending the calling hours and funeral service to wear their favorite Ohio State attire. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 11, 2021, from 4:00 -7:00 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where a Masonic Service will begin at 6:45 PM. A service celebrating Chris’ life will be led by Pastor Bracken Foster and Jim Shamel on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 11 AM in the Christ United Methodist Church, 648 Oak Street, Newcomerstown, OH 43832. Burial will take place in the West Lawn Cemetery at Newcomerstown. A meal and fellowship will follow in the church’s River of Life Center.

Anyone wishing to make a donation in Chris’ name can do so by sending it to Lone Star Lodge #175 C/O Dennis Barlow 59594 Tamela Lane Newcomerstown, OH 43832

“Go Bucks!”