Paul R. Shibler

Paul R. Shibler, age 93, of Altercare, Navarre, and a former resident of Dover, North Canton and Brewster, died Thursday, November 27, 2014.

Born April 21, 1921, in Canton, he was a son of the late Raymond H. and Elma (Baker) Shibler. Paul attended Canton McKinley High School but did not graduate, having left school to work; he was awarded his diploma in 2010. He served honorably with the 99th Division, Second Battalion, 394th Infantry of the United States Army during the Second World War in the European Theatre. Paul fought in the Battle of the Bulge, and was in the first infantry division to cross into Germany. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his leadership, courage and devotion to duty.

Following his service time, he returned to Ohio and married a young widow, Gail E. (Lawrence) Brown, in the former Dover United Brethren Church. The couple shared nearly sixty-seven years of marriage prior to Gail's passing on May 12, 2013. Paul was employed by the Republic Steel Corporation, Canton, for forty-three years, retiring in 1984.

He was a member of the Dover Alliance Church, where he served as head usher. Paul was also a former member and usher at the Community Christian Church in North Canton. He was a member of the American Legion, Promise Keepers and the Tusco Travelers. A good and faithful Christian man, Paul enjoyed studying The Bible and writing about his thoughts in relation to faith. In his spare time, he liked to work with wood, crafting small religious, household and whimsical items for family and friends.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth D. (wife, Doris) Brown of Canton; his two daughters, Rebecca (husband, Gary) Rinehart and Clara Jo (husband, Jerry) Hatley, both of Florida; eight grandchildren, Kenneth R., Susan E. (husband, Jerry Krueger), Keith D. (wife, Jennifer) and Kelly P. (wife, Amy) Brown, Terry (wife, Monica) and David Rinehart, Kimberly (husband, Steven) Roberts and Shawn (Stacy) McArthur; eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gail, on May 12, 2013; and by his two brothers, Richard and Harold Shibler.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, 246 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia, on Sunday, November 30, 2 5 p.m. A funeral service will be held Monday, December 1, at 10 a.m., in the funeral home, with Paul's grandchildren, Revs. Kelly and Susan Brown, and Pastor Keith Brown officiating. Immediately following the service, military rites will
be conducted just outside the funeral home. There will be a luncheon in the Dover Alliance Church. Burial will be private in Sunset Hills Burial Park, Canton. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Paul, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the Toland-Herzig website.

The family suggests that contributions in Paul's memory be made to the Dover Alliance Church, 228 E. Third St., Dover, Ohio 44622.