Harold E. Fenton

Harold Eugene Fenton, 93, a faithful servant of God, his family and his friends, passed away peacefully in the Community Hospice House with his family by his side, on Thursday, July 2, 2015, following a short battle with cancer.

Born outside of Newcomerstown, on August 27, 1921, Harold was the son of the late Leo F. and Jennie (Gray) Fenton.

His childhood was filled with cherished memories of tending to the family peach orchards, working alongside his father in the coal mine, and enjoying his time in a high school band with friends. After Harold graduated from Newcomerstown High School in 1939, he continued his formal education alongside his brother, Dale, at Bliss Electrical School outside of Washington, D.C.

He worked a brief time at JB Electric before he joined the United States Army and began his military service on his birthday in 1942. While in the service, Harold worked in dental labs with his fellow comrades until his honorable discharge in 1946.

In the spring of 1946, Harold met his future bride, the former Sara J. Ulrich at a dance in Tuscora Park. They knew they had found their lifelong partner and friend, and on September 14, 1947, they promised to love and cherish one another in Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia. It was there they continued to grow in their faiths and nurture their children and grandchildren throughout their lifetimes. Much like a Morning Dove, Harold and Sara were “Mates for Life”, with her proceeding him in passing in 2006.

The family peach orchard had afforded Harold and his family the opportunity to purchase land on Ray Avenue, and together with his father and brothers, they developed what is today Fenton Brothers, Inc. They labored for many months to build the facility with their own blood and sweat, and the company continues its success under the leadership of 4 sons of the three original Fenton brothers.

He showed Christ’s love to all he met, and his devotion to his family was unwavering. Harold never missed a sporting event, concert, birthday party, Sunday dinner, or Wednesday morning “coffee date” with his three granddaughters, Amy, Kelly, and Lindsey. A round of golf on the course with his dear friends and family also made his day.

Harold and Sara were blessed with three sons, Thomas (Ellen) Fenton of New Philadelphia, Chris (Jackie) Fenton of Dover, and the late Ronald Fenton; five granddaughters; Amy Fenton and her companion Matt Hickin, Kelly (Chris) Schoelles, Lindsey (Mark) Rosneck, Brooke and Jennica Fenton; and five great-grandchildren, Olivia and Owen Schoelles, and Nolan, Audrey, and Eleanor Rosneck. Harold’s brothers, Leo Fenton and Dale (Faye) Fenton, both of New Philadelphia, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends, Charles and Karen Graham of New Philadelphia, complete the family.

Friends are invited to call Monday, July 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Hom at New Philadelphia where Lutheran Church Council Services will commence at 8 p.m. Rev. Lee Eilert will lead Harold’s funeral service Tuesday morning at 11 a.m. in Emmanuel Lutheran Church at New Philadelphia with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in East Avenue Cemetery where the New Philadelphia V.F.W. will render military honors. A reception will be held in the fellowship hall at the church following the committal service.

The Fenton family requests that memorial contributions in Harold’s memory be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 East High Avenue New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.