Ralph Edward ZERKLE

Ralph Edward “Ed” Zerkle, age 82, of Saint Paris, OH passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at 5:42 a.m. in his residence. Born on April 14, 1933 in Champaign County, Ohio, Ed was one of eleven children of the late Harry Claude and Goldie (Lutz) Zerkle. He married Rita Dianne Long on September 1, 1957 and she survives. He is also survived by three children and their spouses: Roxanne and Bart Shively of Fletcher, OH, Brent and Leigh Ann Elliott Zerkle of Proctorville, OH, and Lou Ellen and Eric Werry of Bidwell, OH. He was a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren: Grant (Brittany) Zerkle of London, OH, Samuel (Emma) Powell of Saint Paris, Jessica (Cole) McConville of Columbus, John (Brittany) Shively of Fletcher, Joseph (Lyssa) Shively of Fletcher, Jessica (Ryan) Ashworth of Gallipolis and Julia (Chris) Chapman of Ironton; and thirteen great grandchildren: Gavin, Ethan, Owen, Carson, Olivia, Brayden, Grace, Lexi, Haley, Kaitlyn, Bryceton, Carter and Paisley. Many nieces, nephews and extended family members survive. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by seven brothers: Harry, Harold “Jack”, Howard, Homer, Roger, Robert and Ronald Zerkle and three sisters: Betty June Wilkes, Dorothy Zerkle, and Nina Pond. Ed served his country in the U.S. Army from June 4, 1953 to May 17, 1955. He was a member of the St. Paris United Methodist Church. After thirteen years of employment by the St. Paris Post Office, Ed became an insurance agent with McInturff Insurance Agency, St. Paris, in 1971. Ed and Rita purchased the business in 1975 and it is still in operation. Ed served his community for many years on the St. Paris Public Library Board, the Spring Grove Cemetery Board, the Champaign County Veteran’s Service Commission, The Pony Wagon Historical Museum Board, and The Graham Boosters Club. He was a member of St. Paris Knights of the Pythians Lodge # 344 where he was the financial secretary. He was a member of Keith Cretor’s American Legion Post #148 where he was the financial officer and AmVets Post 88 Troy. He enjoyed his friends at the Troy Fish and Game Club, the Urbana Moose Lodge #1215, and Lakeland Golf Course, Saint Paris. Ed had a wonderful work ethic, and he was always ready for a good prank. He will be sadly missed by his family and many friends. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Atkins-Shively Funeral Home, 216 S. Springfield Street, Saint Paris, Ohio with Reverend Dave Kepple of the St. Paris United Methodist Church presiding. Burial will follow in Spring Grove Cemetery, N. Heck Hill Road, Saint Paris. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ed’s memory may be made to the Pony Wagon Historical Museum Inc., P.O. Box 602, Saint Paris, Ohio

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