Eric Philip Gribble

Eric Philip Gribble, age 68, of New Philadelphia died Tuesday, August 19, 2014 surrounded by his family and friends following a courageous eight month battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Born at Dover, Ohio on August 7, 1946, Eric is a son of the late Constance Irene (Willis) Gribble-Lax and Carl Fredrick Gribble.

He was a 1964 graduate of New Philadelphia High School and attended Muskingum College and Kent State University. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

Upon his return from the service, Eric was employed by Southeastern Equipment Company for 19 years and joined Red Hill Development where he worked for eight years as an oil field tender prior to his retirement.

Eric was a lifetime member of the New Philadelphia VFW and also held membership with the New Philadelphia Am-Vets.

A loving and caring individual, Eric enjoyed boating, dancing, watching his grandchildren’s sporting activities and spending time with his family.

Best known as “Goose” “Pappa Grib” and “Daddy Eric” he is survived by his wife, Cynthia Mae (Herron) Gribble; a son, Shawn (Rebecca) Gribble; a daughter, Heather J. Gribble all of Dover; step-daughters, Melissa M. Herron of Dover and Tanea (Spencer) Levengood of New Philadelphia; grandchildren, Timberly, Justus, Jaylin, Holden, Kamora, Jansen, Shelby, and Bridget; and step brothers, William Lax, Jr. and Jeff Lax. Completing the family are numerous nieces, nephews, and many life-long friends.

In addition to his parents, Eric was preceded in death by his step-father, William Lax.

The family will greet guests on Friday, August 22, 2014, from 5-8 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating Eric’s life will be held in the funeral home’s chapel on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 10:30 AM with military honors to follow. Following the service, all are invited to share in a meal and fellowship in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home.

Memorial contributions in Eric’s name may be directed to American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad Street, Canfield, Ohio 44406 or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.