Ray Sheldon Bash

Ray Sheldon Bash, age 87, long-time resident of Dover, Ohio and recently of Vermilion, Ohio died Saturday, November 17th.

Ray was born July 24, 1925 in Navarre, Ohio to Clyde J. and Anna (Shoup) Bash. He graduated from Navarre High School in 1943. He worked for Nickles Bakery in Navarre, Republic Steel in Massillon and retired from the Timken Roller Bearing Company (New Philadelphia).

He served in the Army from 1943-1945 with the L Company, 8thInfantry Regiment of the 4th Division. While in battle, he was captured by the Germans in Belgium and held as a POW. He received the Purple Heart(s), Bronze Star, and Combat Infantry Badge.

He was a member of the DAV, Ex-POWs, a charter member of Navarre VFW Chapter 5047, Zoar United Church of Christ and the Masonic Lodge. In Ray's younger years, he enjoyed raising basset hounds, walking in the woods and reading. Ray never met a stranger.

He is survived by three children: Karen (Tom) Nunheimer of Holland, MI, Mark of Dover, and Carol (Gary) Smith of Vermilion, Ohio; grandchildren, Brita (Tom) Culberson of Pana, IL, Sgt. Seth (Belinda) Erickson of Savannah, GA (Ft. Stewart) serving in Afghanistan, Michelle Smith of Dover, OH; three step-grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and long-time friend, Jean Bushman of Massillon, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Anna Bash, a sister, Betty Bose and brother, Robert L. Bash.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November, 20, 2012 from 10-11 AM with service following at 11 am at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover, Ohio with Dr. William C. Haggis officiating. The Dover VFW will conduct a military service at Union Lawn Union Cemetery in Navarre, Ohio. Lunch will follow at the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center in Dover.

Those unable to attend, or who would like to share a fond memory of Ray may do so by visiting the "Obituaries & Flowers" link on the funeral home's website.

Memorials may be made to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, or Wounded Warriors Project www.woundedwarriorsproject.org.