Mr. Holcomb was born July 14, 1919, in Wadsworth, Ohio, to the late Raymond E. and Gertrude M. Holcomb. He attended Wadsworth Public Schools and graduated in the class of 1937. He was a 1942 graduate of Bluffton College and received a Master's
degree from Akron University, 1963.
Mr. Holcomb was a
World War II 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 six grandchildren, five 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 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hilliard Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman St., Wadsworth, Ohio. Service will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 11a.m. 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
