Kenneth E. Lawver

Kenneth E. Lawver, 83, of New Philadelphia, died Tuesday, April 3, 2012 in Union Hospital at Dover.

A son of the late Wesley E. and Mary Jane (Thomas) Lawver, Kenneth was born September 23, 1928 at New Philadelphia, Ohio.

Kenneth attended Roswell Schools and on November 31, 1950 he enlisted with the United States Army serving in the Korean Conflict with the 16th Armored Engineer Battalion. He then received his honorable discharge on September 8, 1952.

On November 20, 1954, Kenneth married the love of his life, the former Frances E. “Nancy” Hupp at Liberty, Indiana. Together the couple raised four children, Georgia, Kenny, Jim and Roger.

He was a 31 year employee of Hercules Engine at Canton, Ohio. Kenneth was a life member of the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 and was a 21 year member of the New Philadelphia Moose Lodge.

Kenneth was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially with his grandson. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and working in his workshop making special gifts for family and friends. Kenneth will be remembered for his generous spirit and his willingness to help others.

He is survived by his loving family who referred to him as Poppy which include his wife, Nancy of the home; his daughter, Georgia (Rudy Crockett) McCauley of Kernersville, North Carolina; three sons, Kenny (Kathy) Lawver of New Philadelphia, Jim (Kelly) Lawver of Tuscarawas, Roger (Heidi) Lawver of Dover; a special neighbor who he considered a son, Richard (Dana) Reardon of New Philadelphia; his grandchildren, Lindsay Gold and Derrick Conrad of Tuscarawas, Tamara Crockett of Charlotte, North Carolina, Theodros Crockett of Mason, Tennessee, Abby (Josh) Kimble of Tuscarawas, Allison (Chris) Summers of Akron, Amber Lawver of New Philadelphia and Kyle Lawver of Tuscarawas and his great grandchildren, Jordan and Ava Conrad and Elliot and Claire Kimble all of Tuscarawas.

Completing the family are his brothers, Glenn (Bonnie) Lawver and William “Bill” (Faye) Lawver both of New Philadelphia; special neighborhood children, Carson, Caitlin, Zoie, Luke and Drake; many nieces and nephews; his beloved cat, Rose and beloved dog, Grace.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Mildred Dummermuth, Bernice Rankin, Isabell Sherrets, Bessie Meryo and Mary Jane Cunningham and his brothers, Wesley, Howard and Donald Lawver.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 6, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. A funeral service celebrating Kenneth’s life will be held on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 2 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Harry Milligan officiating. The New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445 will render military honors at the funeral home following the funeral service. Following the military honors service, a luncheon will be held in the funeral home. In keeping with Kenneth’s wishes, cremation will follow the services.

Contributions may be made in Kenneth’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.