WOOSTER – Samuel Sam R. Stutz, 89, of Wooster, Ohio passed away, Friday, March 9, 2012 in Smithville Western Care Center following an extended illness.
He was born December 3, 1922 in Dover, Ohio. Sam was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazel (Hensel) Stutz and three brothers, Russell, Jack and Billie
He graduated from Dover High School in 1940. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force as a Sergeant with the 559th Bomb Squadron and provided air support during the Normandy Invasion of WWII. Upon his discharge from the Air Force, Sam went to work for the East Ohio Gas Company in Dover. He was transferred to the Canton office and continued to work for 26 years.
During this time, Sam began his political career as a Ward Councilman, President of Canton City Council and President of the Stark County Regional Planning Commission. He continued in the political arena as the Chairman for Regula for State Representative, State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives. Sam continued with Congressman Regula as his administrative assistant until retiring in 1989.
Sam was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Canton and a Past Master of the New Philadelphia Lodge #177 F & A.M. Prior to his death, Sam was the oldest living Past Master of the New Philadelphia Lodge. He joined the Shriners on May 31, 1980 as a member of Tadmor Shrine of Akron. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Wooster Elks. He was a member of the Wooster United Methodist Church. Sam loved gardening, politics, Ohio State football and boating on Willowdale Lake.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Marylou (Smith-Wolf) Stutz; sons Jeff Stutz, Douglas (Gayle) Stutz and daughter Beth (Kirk) Bletzacker all of Canton; stepchildren Don (Sharon) Wolf of Orrville, Bev (Steve) McKelley of North Canton and Sherri (Jim) Stroud of Wooster; 6 grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and 9 step-great-grandchildren.
Sam’s wishes were to be cremated. A celebration of his life will take place on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. David Wilcox officiating. Friends will be received at the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster on Monday, March 12, 2012 from 6-8:00 p.m.
Those who wish may make contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne Co., 2525 Back Orrville Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or to the Alzheimers Assoc., Greater East Ohio Area Chapter, 70 W. Streetsboro St., Suite 201, Hudson, OH 44236.
Memorial Contributions
Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne Co., 2525 Back Orrville Rd., Wooster, OH 44691 or to the Alzheimers Assoc., Greater East Ohio Area Chapter, 70 W. Streetsboro St., Suite 201, Hudson, OH 44236
Service
Tuesday March 13, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the funeral home
Visitation
Monday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home
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