John W. “Johnnie” Shultz, age 72 longtime Sunbury area horseman and trainer died Monday evening, January 10, 2011 at Country View in Sunbury following a short illness.
He was born on June 11, 1938 in Delaware County to the late John W. an Esther (Frye) Shultz.
A graduate of Big Walnut High School Class of 1956, he then entered the US Navy. Following his service to country, he returned home and worked as a truck driver with the Galena Brick Company.
John operated John Shultz Stables and trained hundreds of horses. Well known on the racing circuit across the nation, he was most proud of “Bubba Dunn”, his winner of the Yonkers Trot in 2002.
A member of the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Assoc., United States Trotting Assoc., Delaware County Harness Assoc., Sparrow Lodge No 400 F. & A.M., Sunbury V. F. W., Sunbury Eagles, and Sunbury First Baptist Church.
Always the encourager, he was most proud of his girl’s and grandchildren. A man of the open road, he enjoyed riding his Harley Road King. Gentle and faithful, he was a loyal man. One who never knew a stranger, his warm smile and friendly nature will long be remembered.
He is survived by his girls: DellAnn (Joe) Kuhn of Sunbury, Darla (Ernie) Gaskin of Anderson, IN, Melody (Scott) George of Sunbury, Jona (Keith) Baer of Sunbury, Kila (Ronnie) Steck of Marengo, Amber (Chad) Hankins of Centerburg, Son: Jimmy (Allie) Zarley of Delaware, 16 Grandchildren,, 7 Great-grandchildren, Sisters: Joan (Gene) Fuller, Jane (Gary) Davis, Sister-in-law: Bonnie (Roger) Higgins of East Alton, IL, several nieces & nephews, and countless friends.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years: A. Mardell (Wilcox), Son: Ronald Williams, and infant Brother: John Jr.
Friends may call Monday 4 – 8 p.m., with Masonic services at 8:30 p.m. at DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, SR’s 3 at 61, Sunbury, where funeral services will be held Tuesday 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow with military honors provided by the Delaware County Veterans Assoc. in Sunbury Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions: Big Walnut Friends Who Share, P.O. Box 424, Sunbury, Ohio 43074.
Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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