David C. Wardell

David Curtis Wardell, age 70, of New Philadelphia died Monday June 18, 2012, in Aultman Hospital at Canton following a brief illness.

A son of the late Glenn R. and Eunice (McCann) Wardell, Dave was born at New Philadelphia on July 9, 1941.

He attended New Philadelphia High School and began working for his father in the daily operation of the family dairy farm and drove truck for a period of time for a number of area firms. At the age of 25, Dave went to work for the Tuscarawas County Road & Bridge Department where he served as a heavy equipment operator and foreman for 32 years.

As a young man, Dave worked alongside his father at Wardell Equipment where he learned a great deal about mechanics by assembling new farm machinery as it was being put out for sale. The knowledge Dave held for mechanics proved to be useful in a number of ways; he restored vintage tractors as a hobby, and became known as the neighborhood lawnmower repair man. For many years, he ensured his neighbor’s lawnmowers were kept in top condition by performing annual maintenance and blade sharpening, enjoying the work, and often doing so out of the goodness of his heart.

In addition to his love for mechanics, Dave loved to hunt and be outdoors which made him a perfect fit as the caretaker for the Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery a job which he held for many years.

He leaves behind his wife, the former Linda Carpenter, whom he married on July 17, 1975 in the Sharon Moravian Church; three sons, Donald (Carol) Wardell of Newcomerstown, Thomas Wardell of New Philadelphia, and William (Heather) Wardell of Middleburg, Florida; and a sister, Patricia (Richard) Housel of New Philadelphia.

A grandson, Matthew Wardell of Dover; four granddaughters, Tiffany (Nick) Rettos of Baltic, April Wardell of Newcomerstown, Taylor Wardell of Port Washington, and Emma and Abigail Wardell of Middleburg, Florida; as well as four great-grandchildren complete the family.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Wardell and his beloved dog, a boxer-mix named Penny.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 25, 2012 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Reverend Dennis Rohn will lead a funeral service for Dave in the Sharon Moravian Church on Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at 2:00 PM with the family greeting guests one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in the Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery.

Following services, the family would like to invite those in attendance to join them in the church Social Hall for a time of food and fellowship.

The family requests memorial contributions in Dave’s memory may be directed to Sharon Moravian Church, PO BOX 385, Tuscarawas, Ohio 44682.