Russell Stahl

Article Photos

Russell Lee "Sonny" Stahl, 66, of Republic, died Thursday morning, July 3, 2008, at Mercy Hospital of Tiffin.

He was born March 3, 1942, in Fremont, to Russell M. and Marjorie (Shultis) Stahl. In 1975, he married Susan I. Martin, and they later divorced.

Survivors include his best friend and son, Ryan Stahl of Republic; a daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Matthew Facemire of Newark; his fiancee, Annette Vassalle of Republic; a grandson, Charles Facemire of Newark; five sisters, Mary Jane (Jim) Ewell of Norwalk, Donna Michener of Republic, Dorothy Schiefer of Chatfield and Shirley Loriat and Patricia Berridge, both of Fort Wayne, Ind.; two brothers, Louis Bowman of Tiffin and Carl Stahl of Virginia Beach, Va.; and many nieces and nephews. He also is survived by his loyal companions, Hiker and Allie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Rachel Hensinger; and a dear friend, John E. Colwell.

Mr. Stahl served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was a member of the Ohio Harness Horsemens Association, Seneca County Horsemens Association, the U.S. Trotting Association and the Tiffin Eagles. He was a lifetime farmer, harness horse owner, trainer and driver. He also spent time as an auctioneer.

Sonny was an avid sports fan and was a loyal follower of the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. He enjoyed his daily visits with treasured friends and colleagues at the Tiffin fairgrounds and the harness horse family. He enjoyed watching his son follow his footsteps in the harness horse industry.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at Lindsey-Olds Funeral Home, 3085 S. SR 19, Bloomville, with the Rev. Jeff King officiating. Burial will be at Farewell Retreat Cemetery, Republic.

Visitation will 6-8 p.m. Monday, July 7, 2008, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.