Thursday, August 20th, 2020
Edward Voisard
Edward J. Voisard, 90, of Saint Marys, died Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at Otterbein Saint Marys Retirement Community.
He was born August 14, 1930, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of William and Viola (Watren) Voisard. He married Patricia Cianciolo on May 3, 1952; she preceded him in death on December 8, 2013.
He is survived by his 6 children: Victoria (Jim Garrett) Voisard of Harrodsburg, Kentucky; James (Barbara) Voisard of West Manchester, Ohio; Deborah (Pat) Denney of Saint Marys; Thomas (Kristi) Voisard of Faucett, Missouri; Robert (Karen) Voisard of Cincinnati; David (Sherry) Voisard of Saint Marys. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren; by 23 great-grandchildren; by 1 great-great-grandchild. He is survived by two sisters: Clara Jane Kayser of Lima; Ruthann Voisard of Lima.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; Sister, Marlene Voisard; brothers-in-law Dale King and John Kayser.
Ed grew up in Russia, Ohio, and graduated from Russia High School in 1948. He served as a staff sergeant, US Air Force , 47th Bombardment Wing, during the Korean Conflict. He attended North West Missouri Teachers' College. He retired after 41 years of service at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Saint Marys.
Ed started the next chapter of his life after retirement. He dedicated his life to serving others and was active in many organizations and causes, including: Boy Scouts of America District Commissioner; Little League Coach; American Legion Post 323 Past Commander; American Legion of Ohio State Commander; Auglaize County Veterans' Service Commission; United Way of Auglaize County; Buckeye Boys' State.
He received many honors for his commitment to community: Buckeye Boys' State Hall of Fame; the Saint Marys Builder of Bridges Award; The Goodyear Spirit Award; Legionnaire of the Year; American Legion Department Commander of the Year; the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.
He was extremely active in the work of the American Red Cross, and responded to 26 national disasters to provide relief to victims, including the crash of Flight 800 and also the attack on September 11, 2001. He served in New York City for several weeks following the attack. He received the highest honor bestowed on Red Cross volunteers, the Clara Barton Award.
He was a member of American Legion Post 323, and Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Saint Marys.
Ed went to Emergency Medical Technician school and worked for many years with Grand Lake Medical Transport, transferring patients to other hospitals for treatment. He was a longtime employee at Miller Funeral Homes, serving as funeral staff. He will be fondly remembered by many families for his formal United States Flag presentation at funerals. He also cared for the horses and drove the horse drawn hearse at Miller Funeral Homes.
Ed will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his dedication to his family and work, and for his faith.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 A.M. Saturday, August 22, 2020, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Reverend Alex Witt, celebrant. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery.
Friends may call from 4-8 P.M. Friday at the Miller-Long and Folk Funeral Home, 314 West High Street, Saint Marys, where memorial gifts may be given to the American Legion Post 323 Scholarship Fund. Friends may also call from 9:30-10:30 on Saturday at the funeral home.