Ralph Emerson Shidaker

Ralph Emerson Shidaker, 81, of Dover, died Friday, April 15, 2011 in Hennis Care Center at Bolivar following a period of declining health.A son of the late Charles and Julia (Loveday) Shidaker, Ralph was born May 17, 1929 at Goshen, Ohio.Ralph attended Midvale Schools and on November 25, 1950, he married the former Faye Haney. Then on January 25, 1951, he enlisted with the United States Army and served in Korea.He retired in 1985 from Stewart Excavating where he worked as a truck driver. He previously worked as a truck driver for Boltz’s Beverage at Dover, Fame Beverage at Canton and Muelhoffer Beverage at Roswell. Ralph was a life member of the New Philadelphia V.F.W. Post #1445.Ralph had a passion for music. He played guitar and enjoyed country western and bluegrass music. He also sang on the radio in 1949. He was also an avid woodworker and enjoyed carving trucks.He dearly loved his family and cherished the time spent with them. They will remember him well for his great sense of humor and for being a great “prankster”He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Faye Shidaker; his children, Sherry Downing of New Philadelphia, Shirley (Companion, Jim Abel) Arnold of Tuscarawas and Ralph C. (Cindy) Shidaker of Dover; his grandchildren, Melinda (Scott) Batton, Richard Downing, Jason (Maureen) Downing, Scott Malloy, Chris (Kelli) Malloy, Adam (Ashlee) Shidaker and Ashley Shidaker; and his great grandchildren, Christian Reilly, Jacob and Thomas Batton, Logan and Mya Downing, Alexus and Max Malloy and Madison and Kayelee Shidaker.Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Audrey Vesco, Marie Zuchegno, Edna Donahue and Helen Hammond and two brothers, George Shidaker and Gene Metzger.In keeping with Ralph’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours or services and cremation will take place through the care of Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory. Private family services will be held in the Geib Funeral Center at Dover at a later date.Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home website.Contributions may be made to the Hospice House c/o Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622.Geib330-343-5506www.geibcares.com