George Metz, 85, of Lakeview, OH, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, with his family at his side and holding his hands.
George was born on Dec. 1, 1935, in Bellefontaine, the son of the late Milton and Lenore (Barnhart) Metz. He was a 1953 graduate of Bellefontaine High School. On Aug. 8, 1964, George married Joanne Ferguson at Indian Lake Community Church in Russells Point. Joanne passed away Nov. 21, 2020. Their more than 56-year marriage was filled with love and happy times, and the two were deeply devoted to each other. George dedicated himself to lovingly care for Joanne for the past several years.
George loved his 32-year career as a locomotive engineer for New York Central Railroad and Conrail. He followed in his father’s footsteps when he started as a fireman on a steam engine. He had a true passion for trains and always had a great story to share. He had a knack for remembering details from his life’s events, adventures, and the people he met along the way.
Following his retirement in 1987, George and Joanne spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona. They loved being a part of the Desert Dawn community where George served for eight years on the Homeowners’ Association Board, with five of those as President. You could always count on him for a quick and efficient meeting. George had fun calling bingo for the community’s Rec Club and using his wide array of skills on the Monday work crew. George and Jo were competitive bocce ball players, having been five-time Desert Dawn tournament champions.
George was a gifted woodworker and handyman. He renovated their home and built his own barn. He shared his talent with others, making items like a changing table and monkey bars for granddaughters Julia and Caroline, and even an entertainment center for daughter Melinda. He made a beautiful oak quilt rack for his daughter Stephanie, which led to dozens that he made as gifts. His mantra was, “If something needs to be done, you do it.” And he was always busy doing something.
George was a faithful member of Indian Lake Community Church, where he served on the Board and as a trustee. He devoted many hours overseeing the church renovation project.
George was a treasured father, grandfather, and uncle. He loved spending time with his family, especially attending his children’s and grandchildren’s games, dance recitals, and any other outing and activity. His children have special memories of long family road trips when they were young.
George treated strangers as friends, and friends as family.
George is survived by his children, Stephanie (John) Boyer of Godsden, Ala., Jeff (Pam) Metz, Bennington, Ind., and Melinda (Taylor) Mattox, Gahanna, and Joanne’s daughter, Deborah Tussing, Jackson Center; grandchildren Mike, Deidra, Darrin, Megan, Jason, Joshua, Julia, Caroline, Scott and Matthew; 12 great-grandchildren; brother Arthur Metz; many nieces and nephews; and special neighbors, Charlie Banning and family. He is preceded in death by siblings, Lorraine Spencer, Allie Diehl, Charlene Mitchell, and Earl Metz. His son Jeff passed away hours after George on Dec. 17, 2020.
Pastors Karen Blackburn and Jim Ellington will conduct funeral services at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Indian Lake Community Church in Russells Point. Visitation is Tuesday, Dec. 22, from 4 to 7 pm, at Shoffstall Funeral Home, 205 S. Main St., Lakeview and one hour prior to services at church. Burial is in Huntsville Cemetery. Due to state Covid-19 pandemic guidelines, attendees are asked to be symptom free, maintain social distancing and wear a facial covering.
Memorial Contributions may be given in Joanne’s name to Indian Lake Community Church.
Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview. Condolences may be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com.