Don F. Loudenslager, age 80, of Morral, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, March 22nd, 2014.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Reva, children; Douglas (Barbara) Loudenslager of Ostrander, Deborah (Michael) of Marion, Diane (Robert) Novotny of Medina; grandchildren; Sarah (Aaron) Clevenger, Stephanie (Christopher) Dunn, Michelle (Chad) Mattix, Michael (Caitlin) Ralph, Jennifer Loudenslager, David (Shaylynn) Loudenslager, Christopher Loudenslager, Emily (Carl) Snodgrass, Jamie O’Neill, as well as seven great-grandchildren.
Don is also survived by his brother and life-long farming partner Roy (Judy) Loudenslager, sister Jane (Ralph) Brown, brother-in-law Wayne (Lill) Shifflet, numerous nieces and nephews and Ron and Rick Craycraft who have been part of the Loudenslager farming operation for many years.
Don was preceded in death by his parents Forest and Catherine Holdridge Loudenslager.
Farming was Don’s passion and along with his brother and father operated a successful crop and livestock operation that was known for innovation and conservation stewardship. Following the footsteps of his father he was an active promoter of agriculture serving as an officer of the Ohio Pork Producers, founder of the Ohio State Fair Pork Pavilion and the Marion County Pork Producers Concession at the Marion County Fair. He served 45 years as a District Supervisor for the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District and served several years on the State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
Don served as President and Vice President of the Ridgedale Local Schools Board of Education, Trustee for Salt Rock Township, ATI Swine Advisory Board, Marion County Extension Advisory Board, Marion County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Marion County Pork Producers Board, Marion County and Ohio 4-H Advisory Committees. Ohio Agriculture Council, Ridgedale Young Farmers, Ohio Corn and Soybean Associations, and Life Member of the National FFA Alumni Association. His entire life was spent as a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and served on various administrative boards and committees.
Don was known for his love of farming, family, toy tractors and supporting young people through 4-H and FFA. An avid farm toy and tractor collector he was recognized by the National Toy Farmer magazine in 2011. There was rarely a farm toy that did not catch his eye and many joined his collection.
He was very proud to be recognized as “Cooperator of the Year” by the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District, Pork Industry Excellence award from the Ohio Pork Producers, Ohio and American Farmer Degrees, Honorary Ohio and National FFA American FFA Degrees and as a member of the National FFA Band.
The family has asked David Loudenslager, Christopher Loudenslager, James O’Neill, Michael Ralph, Chad Mattix, Christopher Dunn, Aaron Clevenger, and Carl Snodgrass to serve as pallbearers.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 25th from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church, 249 East Center Street in Marion, Ohio. The funeral will be on Wednesday, March 26th at 10:00 a.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church with the Reverends David Hoffman and Daniel Kiger officiating. Burial will be in Grand Prairie Cemetery. The Boyd-Born Funeral Home is honored to serve the Loudenslager family during their time of need.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking that memorial contributions be made to the Marion Community Foundation, 504 South State Street, Marion, Ohio 43302 where the Loudenslager Agricultural Leadership Fund will be established to provide scholarships and support for young people pursuing agricultural careers. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.boydbornfuneralhome.com
About Marion Online Obituaries
