Willard Fiddler, Jr.

Willard Fiddler, Jr., 92, of Mineral City, passed away peacefully, December 12, 2021, at his loving daughter and son-in-law’s home in Navarre after a period of declining health.

Born in Mineral City, he was the youngest son of the late Willard Sr., and Minnie (Rudolph) Fiddler and attended the Mineral City Methodist Church.

Willard retired from the Timken Roller Bearing Company after more than 40 years of service as a lathe operator and instructor. He also operated a Gulf Gas Station in Mineral City years ago, and was a heavy equipment operator. He was a dedicated hard-working man who provided generously for his family and taught the meaning of hard work, being a responsible, trustworthy person and have a sense of humor.

He loved his family dearly providing wonderful memories of family vacations, camping, boating, water skiing, hunting, fishing and much more. He was an honorable man and respected by many freely sharing his wisdom of life, especially his knowledge of hunting and understanding of guns. Mineral City will miss seeing his driving through town in his shiny maroon, immaculate GMC truck.

On November 12, 1949, he married Vivian Lois Johnson and they shared almost 60 years together. Vivian preceded Willard in death on August 2, 2009, and missed her every day. As a couple, they shared their lives with 3 children, Shelly (Stan) Croston of Navarre, Shaun (Candy) Fiddler of Dundee, and Mike Fiddler of Arizona. Willard and Vivian had 10 grandchildren, Amanda Fiddler of Sandyville, Nicole Fiddler of Tuscarawas County, Cody (Danielle) Fiddler of Carrollton, Katie (Chris) Chappell of Carrollton, Amy (Chad) Hoskinson and natalie (Nick) Gallucci of Canal Fulton, Emily (Osa) Olomu of Okemos, Michigan, Rebecca Barnett of Alliance, Justin Fiddler of Barberton, and Chandy (Dan) Salsberry of Uhrichsville; and 17 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Jane Shaffer of Naples, Florida, and brother-in-law, Bill (Barb) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Vivian, Willard was preceded in death by 4 brothers, 1 sister, and 1 grandson, the late Sgt. Jeremy D. Barnett, the first soldier killed in action from the Tuscarawas Valley in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 17, 2021, from 10 to 11 a.m. with services beginning at 11 a.m. in the Geib Funeral Center, 5600 N. Wooster Ave., Dover, OH 44622. Burial will follow the service in German Cemetery at Mineral City.

The Fiddler family requests that memorial contributions be made to Crossroads Hospice, 10810 E. 45th St., Suite 300, Tulsa, OK 74146.