G. Edward Limbaugh

G. Edward Limbaugh, 65, loving husband and father, benevolent civic leader and servant of God, died suddenly Thursday afternoon, November 20, 2003 in Aultman Hospital. Born in New Philadelphia May 17, 1938, he was a son of the late David Luther Limbaugh and Wilma Florence Amos Limbaugh. A lifelong learner, Ed excelled in academics graduating from New Philadelphia High School in the class of 1956, before enrolling at Kent State University, where he was a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps, and where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He later received a Masters of International Relations from the University of Maryland. Later in life, Ed received an associate degree in both computer science and mathematics. Upon graduation from Kent State, Ed began what became an illustrious and highly decorated career in the United States Army. He served two tours in Vietnam and received the Bronze Star for Valor. While there, he was an aide to General Westmoreland and specialized in Military Intelligence. Over the rest of his 22 year military career, Ed and his family were stationed in Germany, Italy and numerous other stations including teaching military science at Ohio University. Ed retired from service in the Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1984. Upon his retirement from the Army, Ed and his family returned to New Philadelphia, where he became a stockbroker with Merrill Lynch. At the time of his death, he was Assistant Vice President and Investment Associate for his Canton office. An active member of the community, Ed raised his family in the Otterbein United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia. Through his church, Ed returned to Vietnam with his wife and daughter on a mission trip designed to provide much needed medical care to the Vietnamese. He was exceptionally proud of the work that he and other volunteers did for the underprivileged. He was an active member and past president of the New Philadelphia Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, and was the founder of the Rotary Christmas Card Project. Ed held perfect attendance within Rotary for many years by always visiting other Rotary club meetings during his travels throughout the world. Mr. Limbaugh was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Tuscarawas Lodge No. 59, F.& A. M. of Dover, the Atwood Yacht Club, the Union Country Club, Post 1445of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Retired Officers Association, and the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce.Ed was an inspiration to his fellow board members in the Rainbow Connection. His generosity and leadership during his twenty years on the board, embody the work done for disabled children and adults by that charity. Those who knew Ed know that he and his wife, the former Taffy Adams, enjoyed a wonderful life together. Following their marriage on May 11, 1974, they raised a family that includes daughters Lorie Lee (Doug) Tibbitts, Kelly Lynn (Myron) MacNeil, all of San Diego, CA, Shannyn Talia Limbaugh of Denver, CO; a son, Scott David (Melissa) Limbaugh of Martinez, CA; granddaughters Katie Lee, Christa, Jessica, Kayla, and Selina; grandsons Sean, Jess, Kristopher, Grant, Skyler and Noah; a sister, Judy (Elmer) Smith of Reynoldsburg; a brother David Earl (Sandy) Limbaugh of Mineral City, and a nephew he was especially close with, Mark (Patty) Limbaugh of Strasburg, and his sons Gordon, Dillon and Conner; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.He is also survived by his step-mother Alice Limbaugh, and his mother-in-law Mildred Adams both of New Philadelphia. Ed is now in a better place with his parents and an infant granddaughter Madison Lynn, who precede him in death. Friends are invited to call at the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory Sunday afternoon anytime after 2 with the family present from 2 until 4 and 6 until 8 PM. Masonic lodge services will be held in the funeral home at 5:30. Rev’s James Taggart and Don Perks will officiate a celebration of Ed’s life Monday, November 24, 2003 at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary of Otterbein United Methodist Church. Military honors by the New Philadelphia VFW and officers of the United States Uniformed Services will be rendered at graveside services in New Cumberland Cemetery following the church service. Church members will host a reception following the committal service in their fellowship hall.In honor of his service to the Rainbow Connection, the Limbaugh family encourages memorial contributions be sent to the charity via P.O. Box 288, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.