Judge Harlan Robert Spies

Judge Harlan Robert Spies, 76, of Dover, Ohio died Friday, January 25, 2002 at New Dawn Health Care Center following a courageous six month battle with cancer.

Harlan was born May 12, 1925 in Dover, the son of the late Roger M. and M. Inez Spies of Dover.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie Ann Lieser Spies, who died on November 30, 1980 after her own lengthy battle with cancer; along with two sisters, Ruby M. Spies and Roberta Ohliger.

He is survived by three children, Andrew J. (Joan) Spies of Jupiter, Florida, Amanda (John) Spies Bornhorst of New Philadelphia, and Katherine (Michael) Spies Giumenti of Westerville, Ohio; five grandchildren; Jacob and Josef Bornhorst, Nicholas and Marshal Giumenti, Alexandra Spies and another expected grandson; one brother, Roger (Mary) Spies of Dover; and three sisters, Audrey (James) Sehl of Ocala, Florida, Miriam (Robert) McMillen and Shirley (Paul) Vance both of Dover.

Harlan was a 1943 graduate of Dover High School and a 1949 graduate of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Upon returning to Dover, he worked for Joy Mfg. Co. and Greer Steel Co. He graduated from the William McKinley School of Law in 1954. After several years in private practice, Harlan honorably served Tuscarawas County by holding public offices of County Court Judge, Assistant County Prosecutor and County Prosecutor, Probate-Juvenile Court Judge, and Common Pleas Court Judge over a span of 32 consecutive years from 1959 through 1990. During each of his three terms on the Common Pleas Court bench, Harlan earned recognition for Outstanding Judicial Service from the Ohio Supreme Court and was honored with the Golden Gavel Award for long, meritorious and honorable service upon his retirement from the Ohio Supreme Court.

A lifelong resident of the area, Harlan was a member of the Brandywine Grange, Past Exalted Ruler of the Dover Elks Lodge, Dover Masonic Lodge, and member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Dover. Harlan was active in the founding of numerous community enterprises, including Starlight School and Workshop and the Dover Little League. He was involved in many civic activities including area Cancer Crusades, Heart Fund Drives, and United Community Drives. His civic dedication lead to numerous honors, including Distinguished Service Awards from the Dover Junior Chamber of Commerce and Dover Jaycees. During his retirement, Harlan greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, playing golf and tennis, and dropping in at auctions to add to his antique collection.

Harlan was a dedicated father, grandfather, Judge, and citizen of Tuscarawas County and will be greatly missed. Harlan will be fondly remembered by all of us for his sense of humor, love of family, and dedication to the betterment of life for the citizens of Tuscarawas County.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 30, 2002 at 10:30 am in the Broadway United Methodist Church at 120 Church Ave. S.E., New Philadelphia with Rev. Jim Spencer, Rev. Glen Shedlock, and Atty. William Kyler officiating. Interment will take place in the Dover Burial Park. Calling Hours will be held Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home in Dover and at the church one hour prior to services on Wednesday. Elks services will be held Tuesday at 6:45 pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Judge Spies may sign the online register book by visiting the “online obituaries” link on our website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The Honorable Harlan R. Spies and Marjorie A. Spies Memorial Fund established at the Huntington National Bank to sponsor the Hospice Care Room for terminally-ill patients at Union Hospital, which will be newly built as part of the current renovation project. Contributions may be made payable to the “Spies Memorial Fund” and forwarded to the Huntington National Bank, P.O. Box 100, Dover, Ohio 44622 for this purpose. In this way, the family hopes to honor Marjorie and Harlan�(TM)s lifelong philosophy of looking forward, not back.