Wilbur J. "Joe" Simler

Wilbur J. "Joe" Simler, 87, of Sugarcreek, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Ohio's Hospice Truman House, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on February 20, 1938, in Canton, to the late Wilbur J. and Ethel Lenarz Simler, Joe lived a life rooted in hard work, and devotion to those he held dear.

On the very night of his high school graduation, he began a 47-year career at Republic Steel in Canton. He later moved to the chemical lab in Independence, Ohio, and retired in 2003 from the Massillon plant as a Metallographer. Joe took pride in earning the rank of Eagle Scout, an accomplishment that reflected the values he lived by throughout his life. He found joy in simple things: a good book, the satisfaction of fixing something with his own hands, and, in the early years of his marriage, raising beef cattle on the land he loved.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carolyn Cunningham Simler, whom he married on October 3, 1964; his daughter, Carrie (Michael) Clark of Dover; and his grandchildren, Ruan and Remington "Remy" Clark.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. There are no calling hours or services.