Doran Eugene Syler

Doran Eugene Syler, 81, of New Philadelphia, passed away Monday, May 4, 2009 in Union Hospital at Dover.A son of the late William and Mary (Nelson) Syler, Doran was born August 27, 1927 at Baltic, Ohio.On October 15, 1948, Doran married the love of his life, the former, Ruth Ott. Together, the couple reared four children, Sandy, Bonnie, Connie and Jodi.Doran had a passion for baseball which included a short stint in the minor leagues as a pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed traveling to Winter Haven, Florida to watch the Cleveland Indians during spring training and he volunteered his time as a coach for the Stone Creek Pony League. Doran was even inducted into the Tuscarawas County Old-timers Hall of Fame in 1990.He was a member of Grace United Church of Christ at Stone Creek and Doran retired from Stone Creek Brick in 1989.He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Ruth Syler; his children, Sandy (Keith) Miller of Dover, Bonnie (Brian) Jousma of Hartland, Michigan, Connie (Ron) Weber of New Philadelphia and Jodi (Dave) Ott of Lexington, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Brian (Angel) Miller of New Philadelphia, Beth (Mac) Aljancic of Dover, Tiffany (Jon) Zettel of Holly, Michigan, Chad and Brandon Jousma both of Hartland, Michigan, Lori Weber of Columbus, Ohio, Jennifer Weber of New Philadelphia and Cassidy and Alex Ott both of Lexington, Ohio; nine great grandchildren and five siblings, Elmer (Kate) Syler of Tennessee, James (Pauline) Syler of Baltic, Clara Young of Columbus, Roberta Beamer and Marilyn Geckler both of New Philadelphia and several nieces and nephews.Doran was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, William Jr, Arlene, Fred and Robert.Family and friends may call on Thursday, May 7, 2009 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Doran’s life will be held on Friday, May 8, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. in the Grace United Church of Christ at Stone Creek with Pastor Paul Houdashelt and Rev. Jim Mason. Burial will follow in Stone Creek Cemetery. Following the committal service, a memorial reception will be held in the fellowship hall in the church.Contributions may be made in Doran’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.