Raymond D. Holcomb, 98, of Wadsworth passed away Nov. 23, 2017. He was born July 14, 1919 in Wadsworth, Ohio to the late Raymond E. and Gertrude M. Holcomb.

Mr. Holcomb attended Wadsworth Public Schools and graduated in the class of 1937. He is a 1942 graduate of Bluffton College and received a Master’s degree from Akron University, 1963. Mr. Holcomb is a WWII veteran having served with the 1st Infantry Division of the Army, landing on Omaha Beach, Normandy, France on D-Day and serving through Liberation.

In 1943, Mr. Holcomb married Lucile Tschantz of Dalton, Ohio. After returning from the European Theatre, he was an elementary school principal in Wadsworth for 37 years.

Throughout his life, Mr. Holcomb was involved in many activities in Wadsworth: Grace Lutheran Church, Little League, Lion’s Club, and City Council. He was named Wadsworth’s Male Citizen of the Year 1992 and inducted into the Wadsworth Sports Hall of Fame. In addition, Mr. Holcomb enjoyed golf, bowling, carpentry, and studying Wadsworth history. He especially loved coaching the youth of Wadsworth in a variety of sports. He was an ardent Red Cross blood donor, reaching the 21 gallon mark. Mr. Holcomb will best be remembered for his quiet leadership, generosity, and affection for his hometown.

Ray is survived by his children Ann (Jerry) Steiner, Norman (Janice) Holcomb, Deborah (Carol Kerr) Holcomb, Mary (Mark) Shaffer; others include his sister-in-law Jean Holcomb, as well as 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. His wife of 67 years preceded him. The Holcomb Family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at The Arden Courts of Bath for the wonderful care and support shown to our father and our entire family.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the Hilliard Rospert Funeral Home 174 N. Lyman St. Wadsworth Ohio. Service will be conducted Wed. Dec. 6 at 11AM at Grace Lutheran Church 146 High Street Wadsworth Ohio. Private interment at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Building Fund, 146 High Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281.

Hilliard Rospert Funeral Home
330-334-1501
www.HilliardRospert.com