Virlin R. Stalnaker

Virlin R. Stalnaker, age 85, of The Ohio Veteran’s Home, and formerly of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully late Saturday afternoon, October 23, 2010, with his twin brother at his side. Born August 28, 1925, at Braxton County, West Virginia, he was a son of the late Van and Lula Underwood Stalnaker. Virlin and his twin brother Virl were part of a family of eight children who grew up on the family farm just outside of Dingy, West Virginia. In World War II, Virlin served honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Riverside. He earned the the Pacific Theatre Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the American Theatre Ribbon and the Victory Medal. Once relocated to the Tuscarawas Valley, Virlin went to work for the Marsh Lumber Company, and became a member of the Dover Baptist Temple. He was a passionate gospel evangelist singer, part of a duet with his twin brother, Virl Â? they two were known as The Harmony Twins. For nearly forty years, the duet toured the eastern United States singing many of their own songs and making multiple appearances at radio and television stations throughout the region. During this time, they also produced over 20 recordings.On Febraury 23, 1952, Virlin married the former Phyllis R. Casebeer. The couple spent forty-four years together prior to her death on June 30, 1996. Also preceding Virlin in death is a son, Robert Lynn Stalnaker; two brothers, Kelsie and Thurl Stalnaker and two sisters, Opal Jarvis and Irene Jarvis. Survivors include his twin brother, Virl, who resides at the Ohio Veteran’s Home at Sandusky; a brother, Dana Stalnaker and a sister, Marvis Rollyson, both of Talcott, West Virginia. Numerous nieces and nephews and their families also survive.The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 26, 2010, from 4 to 7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia and again one hour prior to the funeral. Pastor Virl W. Stalnaker, Jr. will lead a funeral service celebrating Virlin’s life on Wednesday, October 27, 2010, at 11 AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Interment with military honors will follow alongside his wife, in East Avenue Cemetery. Following services, the family wishes to invite guests to join them in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the New Philadelphia funeral home, where a meal and fellowship will be shared.Memorial contributions in Virlin’s name may be directed to the Ohio Veteran’s Home, 3416 Columbus Ave Sandusky, Ohio 44870