R. Bruce Killian

R. Bruce Killian, 83, of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, morning August 25, 2007 at his home.A son of the late Edward and Clara (Junkins) Killian, Bruce was born August 5, 1924 at Akron, Ohio.Bruce graduated from Garfield High School at Akron in 1942. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army during World War II. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946 and the continued his formal education at Ohio University where he graduated in 1949. On September 9, 1951, Bruce married the former Frances Haramis and in 1958, they moved to Tuscarawas County.Bruce was employed as the Manager of Beitner Tire at Dover. He retired in 1989 after more than 30 years of service. He attended the First United Methodist Church at Dover and was a member of the Dover Elks. Bruce cherished the time he spent with family and friends. He enjoyed playing golf at Union Country Club with his golfing buddies and he always looked forward to spending Tuesday evenings with his poker buddies. Bruce loved boating with his faithful friend, Reggie the wonder dog. Most of all, he looked forward to the family reunions at the Outer Banks of North Carolina.He is survived by his loving wife, Fran Killian; daughters, Kathleen (Joe) Gherardi of St. Albans, England, Pamela (Kevin) Krause of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania and Natalie McClellan of Onalaska, Wisconsin; one son, Kenneth (Lisa) Killian of Irving, Texas; and grandchildren, Matthew Gheradri, Patrick and Ryan Krause, A.J., Benjamin and Ian McClellan and Kathryn and Caroline Killian.Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Kenward and Francis Killian.Family and friends may call on Monday, August 27, 2007 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover. On Tuesday, a memorial service celebrating Bruce’s life will be held at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church Dover with Rev. Larry Black officiating. In keeping with Bruce’s wishes, cremation will take place and inurnment will be held at a later date.Bruce’s family suggests that contributions be made in his memory to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622, or to the Tuscarawas County Philharmonic, P.O. Box 406, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to the Tuscarawas County Arts Center, 461 Robinson Drive SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.