William D. Metzger

William D. Metzger, 83, a lifelong resident of New Philadelphia, died Saturday, September 4, 2004 in Doctors Hospital at Massillon following a brief illness.

Born September 22, 1920 in Old Town Valley, he was the son of the late William H. and Ida Pearl Miller Metzger.

Bill had been owner of the former Farmers Feed Service at New Philadelphia. With a keen interest in community affairs, he later became an even more familiar local figure in his position with the County Auditor's Office.

He honorably served his country in the teeth of battle as a member of the 37th Combat Engineers. His battalion was among the first wave of troops that landed on D-Day at Omaha Beach in Normandy. His service was revisited in 1987 when the government asked him to represent the 37th as a featured speaker during re-activation ceremonies that took place for the battalion in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. As a proud veteran, Bill served as Past Commander of the New Philadelphia post of the American Legion, and was a member of 40 et 8.

Bill was a longtime member of the New Philadelphia Lions Club. He spent several decades as the chairperson of the Sight Committee and was a recipient of the International Lions Club�(TM)s highest honor by being named a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Bill loved spending the holidays with friends and family and making the holidays a special time for others. For many years he had served as one of “Santa�(TM)s helpers” for both the Lions club and the Broadway United Methodist Church of which he was an active member.

He also spent many years as a member of the Tuscarawas County Fair Board, was a member of the Old Town Valley Grange, and was a life member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge #510.

His masonic involvement included being a member of New Philadelphia Lodge #177 F. & A.M., Tuscarawas Chapter #38 R.A.M., Tuscarawas Council #109 R. & S.M., the St. Bernard Commandery and the Scottish Rite Valley of Canton.

Bill took great pride in the manicured appearance of the lawn and landscape of his home. A labor of love, he worked hard on it and always took extra time to make sure that everything was perfect. He also enjoyed being outdoors away from home and loved spending time fishing and more recently had especially been fond of travel both domestically and abroad.

He was saddened by the loss of his wife, the former Dorothy Shackelford, who passed away February 26, 2000.

Survivors include: two daughters, Barbara (Daniel) Gopp of Mansfield, and Alicia (Robert) Bryant of Columbus; three grandchildren, Wendy (Roger) Mullins and Abbey (Thomas) Carroll both of Mansfield and Patricia Bryant of Columbus; four great grandchildren, Kathryn and Mackenzie Mullins, Valerie Nicholson and Tanner Carroll; a sister, Mella Staub of Casper, Wyoming; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his beloved companion and best friend for the past four years, Shirley Milner of New Philadelphia.

In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was preceded in death by: three brothers, Harry, John and Harold Metzger; and a grandson, Daniel Brian Gopp.

A service celebrating Bill�(TM)s life will be held Friday, September 10, at 11:00 a.m. in the Broadway United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia. Rev Bill Sowers and longtime family friend Rev. Stuart Barr will officiate. Interment will be in the East Avenue Cemetery where VFW Post 1445 of New Philadelphia will be conducting rites at the graveside.

Friends may call in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home in New Philadelphia on Thursday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. The New Philadelphia Elks will be conducting services at 4:00 p.m. while members of New Philadelphia Lodge # 177 F. & A.M. will be conducting Masonic Services at 7:00 pm.

Those unable to attend or wishing to share a fond memory may sign the online register book for Bill by visiting the “obituaries” link on the funeral home�(TM)s website.

Toland-Herzig, New Philadelphia
(330) 343-8131
www.tolandherzig.com