Raymond Botdorf

Raymond A. "Skeets" Botdorf, 96, a lifelong resident of Dover, Ohio died early Sunday morning, Aug. 12, 2012 in the Hennis Care Centre at Dover.

"Skeets" retired in 1981 from the Danner Press in Canton where he was an offset press operator for nearly 27 years.

Born June 1, 1916 in Dover, he was the son of the late William and Beryl (Allenbaugh) Botdorf.

"Skeets" was a well known area trumpet player having played in several orchestras including an original member of the Shively Yates Orchestra, Recollections, Lew Woods Orchestra, Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra, Dominic Greco Memorial Band and its predecessor the Dover Concert Band, and the Tuscarawas Senior Center orchestra. He is most remembered for his dedication to thousands of local veterans where he played TAPS during military honors with the Dover VFW of which he was a life member along with several other military organizations throughout a four county area. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II having played in the Army Band and served in the European Theatre.

He was also an active member of the First Christian Church in New Philadelphia where he served as a former Deacon, Elder, Trustee, member of the Master Builders Sunday School Class and active in the tape ministry. He was also a member of the Dover American Legion, New Philadelphia Elks Lodge, Tuscarawas Historical Society, American Federation of Musicians, and was a 1935 graduate of Dover High School. In his earlier years, "Skeets" enjoyed playing golf and bowling and was active in several leagues.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Betty M. (Judd) Botdorf with whom he celebrated 62 years of marriage on June 24; two sons Eric (Linda) Botdorf of Dennison and Brian (Susan) Botdorf of West Chester (near Cincinnati); two stepgrandchildren, Christopher Chadwick and Brooke (Andrew) Meyer; three step great grandchildren, Devin Chadwick and Zack and Luke Meyer; a sister, Jeanette Vasbinder of Dover along with several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services celebrating "Skeets" life will be held Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 at 2pm in the First Christian Church in New Philadelphia with Pastor Jim Borton officiating. Interment will be in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Tuesday from 4-7pm and at the church Wednesday from 1pm until 2pm. Those who cannot attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of "Skeets" may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, 104 3rd St. N.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663