Edward A. McGinness

Edward “Rusty” A. McGinness, 85, of Dover, went to be with the Lord Monday, June 27, 2005, after a long battle with Bladder Cancer and Neuropathy.Born May 5, 1920 in McKees Rocks, Pa, he was the son of the late George H. and Louella (Sproal) McGinness, Sr.After attending school in McKees Rocks, Pa, Rusty began his service to the country joining the U.S. Army in January 1942. He was assigned to the 5th infantry division: “C” Company, 11th infantry battalion and 7th combat engineers. While in the service, he served in five major battles including the “Battle of the Bulge” for which he received the Bronze Star.After being honorable discharged from the service, he began his career in Pennsylvania and then in Ohio where he owned and operated McGinness Bros. Coal Co. along with his brother, George H. McGinness Jr. After his brother’s death, he continued operating the business for more than 50 years. In addition to operating the coal company, he also owned and managed the Harvard Corp. of Evansville, Wi. for 30 years, The Harvard Corp. manufactured filters and filtration systems for most fluids used in industry.An active member of the community, Mr. McGinness was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of New Philadelphia, the New Philadelphia Lodge #177 F. A. & M., the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch, the Grand Council, Commandary, and 32nd degree Scottish Rite, the Tadmore Temple of Akron, O. and the Tuscarawas County Shrine Club. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #222, New Phila. In addition, Rusty was a life member of the Dover Historical Society; the Society of Fifth Division U.S. Army, the Historical Construction Equipment Assoc., the Elks Lodge #1263 at McKees Rocks, Pa., the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, and the National Pike Stream, Gas & Horse Assoc., Brownsville, Pa. He had a keen appreciation for “steam” and all antique equipment and machinery. His hobbies included restoring a 1927 Erie steam shovel and in the year 2000, he donated it to the National Pike Steam, Gas & Horse Association in Brownsville, Pa. Rusty was truly a friend to all and a mentor to many.Rusty is survived by his wife, Kathryn Mae Daughtery Russell, whom he married in September of 1991; one nephew, George H. McGinness, III who has been “like a son”; one brother, Donald McGinness of Harlingen, TX,; one sister, Thelma F. Johnson, of Coconut Creek, Fl.; one sister-in-law, Louise McGinness of Stubenville, OH.; and four nephews and two nieces.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Olive Pauline Rose, whom he married February 1957; one brother, George H. McGinness Jr.; and two sisters, Luella C. Ghee and Mercedith Simpson. Visitation will be Thursday, June 30, 2005 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. An Elks services will begin at 5:45 p.m. and a Masonic service will conclude visitation at 7:45 p.m., both in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating Rusty’s life will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, 217 East High Ave. New Phila. with the Rev. Mike Seely officiating. Burial will be at East Avenue Cemetery in New Philadelphia where the Dover VFW will present military honors. A reception will immediately follow at the Geib Family Center following the committal.The family requests that memorial contributions honoring Rusty’s life be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County 201 w. Third St. Dover, OH 44622, and The First Presbyterian Church, 217 East High Ave. New Philadelphia, OH. 44663.