Joseph Wayne Witcher

Joseph Wayne Witcher, age 81 of Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 while in the care of Community Hospice House.

A son of the late James and Sylvia (Rapert) Witcher, Joseph was born at Corning, AR on September 11, 1933.

Following his graduation from Corning High School, Joe furthered his education at Arkansas State and Rockford College at Rockford, IL.

He went on to work for 26 years for the Woodward Governor Company at Rockford, IL. His adventurous spirit later led him back to Arkansas where he owned his own farm, sold real estate and owned and operated a restaurant. Joe later began working for Georgia-Pacific as a chemist and retired on April 1, 1997.

In 1999, Joe met his wife, Shirley, and on May 7, 2000, the couple married at Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They made their summer home in Ohio and during the winter months, enjoyed the warmer climates of Arizona, Texas, and Arkansas where they often visited with Joe’s family.

Joe enjoyed his membership at Jerusalem Church and in his free time, he loved hiking, walking, gardening, and traveling.

In addition to his wife, Joe is survived by his family that includes his children, Marlene (Tom) Zavagli of Queen Creek, AZ, and Joseph W. Witcher, II of Bayou Vista, TX; a brother, Glenn Witcher of Hot Springs, AR, two sisters, Joyce Farmer of Hamburg, AR, and Sharon (Larry) Shear of Wabash, IN; step-children, Dan (Lisa) Allison of Hamburg, AR, Debra Van Dorsten of Canton, OH, Dolla (Joe) Koval of Helena, OH, Brenda Young of New Philadelphia, OH, Nancy (Tony) Cozad of New Lexington, OH and Darla (Kenny) Kerns of New Philadelphia, OH.

Completing the family are four grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, 12 step-great-grandchildren, a great-great grandson and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will greet guests on Sunday, April 19, 2015 from 2:00 – 3:30 PM in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover where Rev. Frank Sapp, Jr. will lead a memorial service celebrating Joe’s life beginning at 3:30 PM. Immediately following the service, all are invited to share in a meal and fellowship in the Geib Hospitality Center.

Instead of floral tributes, the family requests memorial contributions in Joe’s name be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663