Joseph George Whisler, age 90, of Marion passed away on Friday, August 15, 2014, at 7:32 a.m. in the Marion General Hospital.
He was born in Willard, Ohio on June 26, 1924 to Joseph G. and Mary (Lukinac) Whisler.
He was truly blessed to have married his beloved wife of 54 years, the former Geraldine Steiner, on August 23, 1947, who preceded him in death on December 10 of 2001.
Joseph is survived by his current loving, caring wife, the former Barbara J. Armatrout Ernsberger whom, once again being blessed, he married on January 31, 2005 and with whom he attended Berean Baptist Church.
Joe graduated from Willard High School in 1942 and entered The Ohio State University that Fall where he became a member of the freshman football team before entering the U.S.Navy in early 1943. Serving in World War II, he received his honorable discharge in February of 1946, with much of that time being spent in various naval operations in the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions.
Following his naval career he returned to Ohio State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree, also playing football for 3 seasons from 1946 through 1948, and was voted “Most Valuable Player” for the Buckeyes in 1948.
He was first employed as a teacher and head football coach at Jackson High School in Jackson, Ohio from August, 1949 until May, 1952. In August, 1952 he moved to Marion, Ohio and was employed by the Marion City School system as Director of Pupil Personnel, and remained in that position until his retirement in 1981.
Along with his wife Barbara, other survivors include 1 son; Larry (Mimi) Whisler of Marion, Oh., 1 daughter; Susan (Kevin) Croman of Marion, Oh., 2 grandchildren; Kate Hickman & Leah Schuster, 2 great grandchildren; Marty & Emily Schuster, 3 step grandchildren; Melinda Combs, Pamela Marino, & Ed Ernsberger, and 8 step great grandchildren.
Friends may call at the Boyd-Born Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 19, 2014, from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 1:30 p.m. Rev. Charles Reed will officiate and burial will follow in the Marion Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the Marion Co Veterans Council.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Marion Salvation Army. Online condolences may be sent to www.boydbornfuneralhome.com.
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