Raymond E. Bercaw

Raymond E. Bercaw, 78, of New Philadelphia and formerly of Strasburg died Saturday, May 5, 2007 at Union Hospital.

Born September 15, 1928 in Fairhope, Ohio he was a son of the late Clyde and Helen Engle Bercaw. Ray was also preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Bercaw; grandson, Shaun Bales; stepmother, Bernice Bercaw and a stepson, John Green; step grandson, John Myers.

He was employed as a manager at several IGA stores within the community, owned and operated Bercaw Catering and had retired from the Meese-Bierie Funeral Home.

He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in Strasburg where he served as a Deacon, Elder and was the Sunday school superintendent. His passion in life was his music, especially playing the organ.

Ray will be sadly missed by his wife of 30 years, Shirley Meese Bercaw; son, Doug (Pam) Bercaw of Strasburg; daughter, Lynda Bales; stepson, Bob (Cynde) Green of Dennison; stepdaugher, Vicky Myers of Uhrichsville; two sisters, Laura (James) Lance of Strasburg; Ann (Dick) Haubert of Wilmington, Ohio; sister in law, Carol Bercaw of Canton; three grandchildren, Chanda Bercaw, Corey (Jaclyn) Bercaw and Jennifer Hunt; six step grandchildren, B.J. (Rebecca) Green, Tiffany Hamlin, Michele Myers, Mandy Green, Chad Green and Tabitha Affolter; three great grandchildren and 11 step great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 11:00 am in the St. John United Church of Christ at Strasburg with Rev. Gary Friend officiating. Interment will be in the Grandview Union Cemetery at Strasburg. Friends can call in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes and Crematory at Dover on Wednesday from 5-8 pm. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Ray may do so by visiting the on line obituaries link on the funeral homes website.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John United Church of Christ Organ Fund at 516 N. Wooster Ave. Strasburg, Ohio 44680.

Toland-Herzig
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com