David R. Warther

David R. Warther, 84, a lifelong resident of Dover died Saturday morning, March 19, 2011 in the Hennis Care Centre following an extended illness.

Dave was born July 2, 1926 in Dover, the son of the late Ernest "Mooney" and Frieda (Richard) Warther.

Following his military service in the U.S. Navy in 1946, Dave joined his father, Mooney in developing and operating the Warther Museum & Cutlery Company in Dover. He dedicated his life to preserving his father's carvings and keeping them in their hometown of Dover. He and his family have often used the museum to promote the Tuscarawas Valley through various community projects and fundraising events including the annual Union Hospital Christmas Tree Festival.

Dave believed strongly in serving his community and was a Life and Honorary member of the Dover Kiwanis Club where he served twice as its president. He also cofounded the Tuscarawas Valley Tourist Association. He was recipient of the Zeisberger-Heckewelder Award and the Paul Sherlock Award (highest honor given for Ohio tourism). After graduating from Dover High School in 1944, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific aboard the U.S.S. St. Louis. He attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover. He and his wife, Joanne served as Parade Marshalls in both the Dover Halloween and Christmas parades.

Dave is survived by his wife Joanne (Carl) Warther with whom he would have celebrated 62 years of marriage this July 15; five children Carol (Dana) Warther Moreland, David (Mary Ruth) Warther and Dan (Julie) Warther all of Dover, Mark (Pat) Warther of New Philadelphia and Lisa (Mike) White of Arvada, Colorado; a daughter in law, Elaine Warther of Dover along with fifteen grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Dave was preceded in death by two sons, Dale and Richard Warther; three sisters, Alice McGuire, Wilma Ash, and Florence Jensen; one brother, Tom Warther and his mother in law and father in law, Mary and Lester Carl.

Friends and family may call at the Warther Museum on Tuesday from 1-3 and 6-8pm. Fr. Matt Hoover will officiate a celebration of Dave's life Wednesday, March 23. 2011 at 11:00am in the Warther Museum. He will be laid to rest in the Calvary Cemetery at Dover, where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors. A reception will follow at the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Dave may sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com
Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover is handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 1815 W. Market St. Suite 301, Akron, Ohio 44313


TOLAND-HERZIG, DOVER
330 343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com