Paul W. Poetter.  April 18, 1926 - August 29, 2017. Wadsworth, Ohio.

Our father, Paul Wayne Poetter (91), passed away August 29, 2017, surrounded by his loving family at Hospice of the Western Reserve.   He left this earth to join his Heavenly Father; the love of his life, Shirley Marie, and his son, Rick.   Paul was born April 18, 1926 in Marshallville, Ohio to the late Rev. John and Amelia Poetter.

Paul was a resident of Wadsworth for 77 years, graduating from Wadsworth High School in 1944.   He was a 3-sport letterman and was inducted into the Wadsworth Athletic Hall of Fame.   After graduation, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as a radio operator in the Pacific arena during WWII.   A highlight of his life was taking the Veterans Honor Flight in 2009 to Washington D.C.   Following his military service, Paul became parts manager at City Chevrolet, and then at Burt Greenwald Chevrolet for 40 years.   He was a member of the Wadsworth Lions Club and served Meals on Wheels for many years.

Paul  was a devout life-long member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Doylestown, where his father had served prior to his death.   Paul served in many leadership roles throughout his time at Emanuel.   He was the spiritual leader of our family, our rock and example of faith and family.   One of the greatest compliments about our dad (grandpa) was the many times his and our friends would say "your dad is such a great guy."

Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Shirley (Bachman), and son Richard Scott.   He is survived by sons Rodney (Violet) of Ocala, FL, and David (Holly) of Wadsworth;  daughter Nancy (Stuart) Perry of Doylestown; daughter-in-law Mary Ellen Poetter of Wadsworth;  grandchildren Daniel (Connie), Erin (John) Siminerio, Eric, Julie (Mike) Weyand, Jill (Ty) Smith, Carrie (Scott Watts), Jenny (Cody) Ulmer, Brian (Delaney), Mark (Jordan) Perry, Matthew Perry;  and 14 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017, at Emanuel United Church of Christ, 16 Eastern Rd., Doylestown, OH., with Pastor Gaye Santoro, officiating.   Inurnment to follow in church cemetery.  Friends may call from 10:00 am until the time of the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emanuel United Church of Christ.   Online obituary and guest registry are at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com 

  


Paul Poetter
Wadsworth High School
Graduating Class of 1944           

 



Wadsworth Grizzly Football Co-Captains.

Left: Bob Poetter.
Right: Bob White. 

1943 WHS Grizzly Football Team.  Row 1: Tom Garn, Bob Griner, Carl Simcox, Leo Doyle, Bill Gerberich, Ira Griner, Bill Root, John Kelly, Jim Foreman, Jim Tubbesing.  Row 2: Don Gable (Mgr.) Bill Rasor, March Fritz, Art Kramer, Donn Brintlinger, Loren Croskey, Bob Miley, Jack Blough, Paul Poetter, Bob White, Nolan Foy, Hugh MrCreery (Mgr.).  Row 3: Tony Milici (Mgr.) Charles Petit, Ed Wilson, Jackson Hall, Paul Gordon, Dick Rohrer, Donal Starling, Bill O'Brien, Ray Morrison, Russell Willan, Don Burnison (Coach).

Steph Schmeltzer  (WHS 1997), Chair, Wadsworth High School Alumni Association. 524 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281.    Past obituaries, class information, and alumni news is available at www.wadsworthalumni.com.  Please contact us at [email protected] . To view WCTV television programs featuring Wadsworth High School and other Wadsworth news, go to http://my.viebit.com.   Please consider becoming a supporting member of the Alumni Association by sending a check addressed to "WHS ALUMNI ASSOC."  for $10 (annual dues) or $100 (lifetime dues) to Sally Porter, WHSAA Treasurer, 524 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281. Reduced Membership Rates for WHS Alumni Couples! $150 per couple for lifetime memberships; $25 per couple for yearly dues.