Virgil Redman

Virgil Dale Redman, age 84, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday, April 17, 2008, surrounded by his loving family.Known as Dale to all, Mr. Redman was born on May 11, 1923, to the late Luther Ray and Mary Helen Corpman Redman at New Philadelphia.Like many of his generation, Dale found himself entering the workforce prior to completing his formal high school education. As World War II began, Dale quickly found himself as an inductee of the United States Army. On February 15, 1943, Mr. Redman began his active duty for the freedom of his country.Dale soon earned the merits of a sharpshooter as a member of the 45th Infantry Division known as the “Thunderbirds”. His company was responsible for holding the grounds that had been secured by the allied forces in the early morning hours of January 22, 1944 invasion of Anzio, Italy. Less than a month later, February 17, 1944, during a firefight at the Anzio area, Dale was carrying wounded soldiers to safety. Unknowingly, he had been wounded. For his heroic efforts, Mr. Redman was not only awarded a Purple Heart for injuries sustained during battle; but he also received a Bronze Star in appreciation for his valor during duty.Following his injury, Dale continued to serve as a Military Policeman. His primary duty was to serve as a guard aboard ships that were used to transport captured German soldiers to the United States. After his formal separation on February 6, 1946, Dale decided that he would like to complete his education and return to high school. In doing so, Mr. Redman became a graduate of the class of 1948.On November 16, 1957, Dale married the former Laura Moran. Together the couple raised 4 children in the New Philadelphia home.As the family recalled, his ability to make light of any situation often found him in as much hot water as the children themselves.Over the years, Dale was quite active in sports. He was probably best known for his participation in many baseball and softball activities in the area. He played, managed, umpired and coached many teams throughout North East Ohio. In 1994 he was inducted into the Tuscarawas County Baseball Hall of Fame. Even at the age of 76, he could be found “on top of the hill” at Tuscora Park playing softball for the Tuscarawas County Senior’s League.Dale was also a well known face at area bowling alleys. While he never hit a perfect game, he always managed to beat his wife by at least a few pins. He was also a former president of the Dover/New Philadelphia Bowling Association.In addition to baseball and bowling, golfing was a passion of Dale’s as well. On any given nice day he could be found at Five Waters Golf Course always working on perfecting his game.When he wasn’t participating in a sporting activity, Dale spent his days for over 23 years as a rural mail carrier for the United States Postal Service.In addition to his wife of over fifty years, Laura, he is survived by two sons, Bob (Janet) Moran of Newcomerstown, Lance (Karen) Redman of Pickerington; two daughters, Vicki Redman of the home, and Sue (John) Calhoun of New Philadelphia; and a brother Jerry (Mary Lou) Redman of New Philadelphia.Seven grandchildren, Amanda (Jimmy) Ray, Kristin, Molly, and Sarah Calhoun, Blake and Bethany Redman, Mike Belknap; a great-grandchild, Mason Ray; and numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to his parents, Dale is preceded in death by a brother, Raymond Redman; and two sisters, Marjorie Chakford and Carol Moran.The family will receive friends on Monday, April 21, 2008, from 5:00 PM â?? 8:00 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating Dale’s life will be led by Pastor Brian Flood on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at 10:30AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. The Carl C. Stoller Post #1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW will hold Military grave side honors. Following the committal, the family would like to invite guests to join them in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia funeral home for a time of food and fellowship. Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home’s website.In appreciation for their exemplary care and compassion, the family wishes for memorial contributions in Dale’s honor to be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, Ohio 44622. Whether it was teaching his family members to stand on their head’s or treating anyone who was willing to make the trip for ice cream to the former Goshen Dairy, Dale used his mild demeanor to teach his family and others to look at the positive things in life; and for that simple lesson he will be sadly missed.