Herman W. Smitley

Herman W. Smitley, 89, of Dover, died Saturday, April 24, 2010 in his home.

The son of the late John & Amanda Alleshouse Smitley, he was born August 5, 1920 at Dover, and grew up in Limpytown in Holmes County.

Herman was a hard worker and was employed by the former Truck Coal Company and later Kimble's, where he held a variety of positions from overseeing and operating the dragline to welding.

His family is very proud of his service to our country. During World War II, he was in the Army's 330th Infantry Division and was involved in the European Theater.

Since 1945 he had been a member of the Dover Alliance Church. Over that time he served the church in a variety of areas including Sunday School, where he was both a teacher and a past superintendent, and on the board of Elders for many years, even serving in an honorary capacity in later years.

Herman also loved his music. He was one of the founding members of the Gospel Strings, a local band that, since 1976, has spread the Gospel through music to nursing homes and church groups.

A devoted husband, Herman was saddened by the loss of his wife of 63 years, Ruth Lawrence Smitley, on January 25, 2004.

His is survived by a loving family that includes: four children, Art (Jane) Smitley of Dover, Sandy (Manuel) Galvan of Marana, AZ, Don (Pat) Espenschied of Shavertown, PA, and Dave Smitley of Sugarcreek; 15 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.

Along with his wife and parents, a grandchild, great grandchild, two brothers and a sister preceded Herman in death.

To celebrate Herman's Life, a funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 28, at 11:00 a.m. in the Dover Alliance Church. Pastor Tim Steiner will officiate. Following the service, the Dover VFW will perform military rights at the church. Burial will be in the Ridgecrest Memory Gardens. Friends may call in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Herman by visiting the obituaries link on the funeral home's website.

The family suggests that memorial gifts be made to either: Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. 3rd St., Dover, or to the Dover Alliance Church, 228 E. 3rd St. Dover.

Toland-Herzig
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com