Harlan L Foltz

Harlan L. Foltz, 89, of Zanesville, passed peacefully away at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 at the Cedar Hill Care Center. He was born May 5, 1921, in Bowersville, Ohio, a son of the late Rev. George and Esther Wilcox Foltz. The family moved to Irville, Ohio when his father accepted the position of minister at the Nashport United Methodist Church (now Nashport-Irville United Methodist Church). His mother was organist for the church. He was an educator for the majority of his career in the West Muskingum Local School District. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan and his Masters Degree in Education from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He began his career teaching mathematics at Reeseville High School in Reeseville, Ohio, where he graduated from high school. He continued teaching mathematics at Hopewell High School. In 1952, he became principal at Hopewell High School and continued in that position for 25 years. He completed his career as a computer science teacher at West Muskingum High School. He was involved in coaching numerous successful athletic teams in basketball, baseball and golf. He enjoyed seeing people learn. He was a member and former lay minister of the Mt. Sterling United Methodist Church, where he was a faithful servant to the Lord and the community. He enjoyed music and sang for the church. He served in the United States Navy in World War II and was inducted into the Muskingum County Veterans Hall of Fame in 1998 for service to his country and his community. He was also a member of the American Legion National Trail Post #756, AMVETS Post #1992, Jacksonville Lodge #85 F&AM of Brownsville and the Newark Ski Club and was a 32 Scottish Rite Valley of Cambridge, Knight of York Rite of Honor, Aladdin Shriners, Royal Arch Masons and Cyrene Commandery Knights Templar. Harlan is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 64 years, Ruth Johnson Foltz, whom he married December 29, 1946; a daughter, Diana (David) Ables of Nashport; a son, Gregg (Linda) Foltz of Decatur, Illinois; his brother, Arthur (Betty) Foltz of Nashport; 3 grandchildren, Kim (John Darnell) Ables, Mindy Smith (Kevin) Dawson and Joshua (Stephanie) Irby; and 5 great grandchildren, Justin Darnell, Tucker and Halle Smith and Ireland and Griffin Irby. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Foltz Purdy. Friends and family may call from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday, February 13, 2011 at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Ave., Zanesville with Masonic services being held at 5:45 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, February 14, 2011 at the funeral home with Rev. Charles Norris officiating. Harlan will be laid to rest at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery. The United States Navy in conjunction with VFW George Selsam Post #1058 will hold full military rites at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Sterling United Methodist Church, 8185 Hopewell Road, Hopewell, Ohio 43746. To send a note of condolence, a sympathy card, words of comfort or comfort food to the Foltz family: www.bolin-dierkesfuneralhome.com. The family extends thanks to Dr. Moore, Dr. Hernandez and the wonderful staff at Genesis-Good Samaritan Hospital, Cedar Hill Care Center and Genesis Hospice Services for their wonderful care of dad. We are appreciative of all of your efforts.