Richard L. "Rich" Shetler

Richard L. “Rich” Shetler, 75, of Navarre, passed away unexpectedly, at his home,  Thursday afternoon, July 24, 2025, following an extended period of declining health.  Born in Massillon, July 13, 1950, a son to the late Wayne and Marilyn “Pete” (Ivey) Shetler, Rich graduated from Fairless High School with the Class of 1968.  He had worked as a truck driver for several area firms including Huth Ready Mix & Supply and retired after 44 years of safe driving for Nickles Bakery.

Rich was a life-long learner.  He had a very strong sense of duty, and he cared very deeply for his friends and neighbors in the community he and his family called home.  He served as a captain with the former Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Dept. and was one of the first fully trained firefighter paramedics working in Stark County.  He served with the Brewster VFD and was instrumental in founding Stark Ambulance Service.  Rich was also involved in civic leadership, serving sixteen years as Bethlehem Township Trustee.  He developed a keen interest in politics and in 2000, challenged the late Ralph Regula to represent the 16th US Congressional District.  He also cultivated a deep understanding of the commodities, livestock and agricultural markets and became an active trader.

While his health allowed, he was a faithful and active member of First Lutheran Church in Beach City where he had been the church organist for 55 years.  In his leisure time he loved traveling here and abroad, ocean cruises, and more than these, spending quality time with his wife and family.

Predeceased by his parents; Rich is survived by his wife, Ann (Lower) Shetler, of the home, their children, Jennifer (Brian) Melegari, of Inman, SC and David (Torina) Shetler, and grandson, Foy Shetler, all of Daytona Beach, FL.  Also surviving are his brothers, Jim (Patty), Clyde, and Chuck (Teresa) Shetler.

Family and friends will mark Rich’s passing with a Last Alarm Ceremony conducted by the Stark County Firefighter’s Association, at the Erie Valley Fire & Rescue Station – 34 South Main Street, Navarre, Ohio 44662, at 7:00 Thursday evening, July 31, 2025.  His children and grandson will deliver the eulogy.  The family has requested no additional flowers.  Please consider instead, a memorial donation to The Fairless Food Cupboard – PO Box 44, Navarre, Ohio 44662.

Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon has been entrusted with arrangements.  Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added here to Rich’s on-line guestbook.

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