Penwell Turner Funeral Home - Shelby, Ohio

Francis C. Whisler

Francis C. Whisler, age 84, of Shelby, died Saturday, December 19, 2020 at Primrose Retirement Community in Mansfield where he had resided for the past three and a half years.

Francis was born February 25 ,1936 in Shelby, the son of the late Ambrose and Margaret J. (Hanrahan) Whisler. He was a 1954 graduate of Union High School and thoroughly enjoyed gathering with his classmates each month for food and fellowship. Francis retired as a Chief Master Sergeant after 39 years of service with the Ohio Air National Guard at Mansfield Lahm. After retirement, Francis worked for 15 years at Meijer in Ontario. For 11 ½ years, he served on the Crestview School Board of Education and, for many years, volunteered for Franklin Township Fire Department. Together with his late wife, Ruth, he enjoyed camping for many years where they made many friends and memories, especially fishing with his grandsons. Francis loved nature- from farming God’s land to watching deer roam, it gave him great pleasure.

Francis is survived by his 4 children: Diana (Gary) Kerr of Grove City, Russ (Kathy) Whisler of Ashland, Lori (Dale) Dye of Marion, Tim (Lisa) Whisler of Mansfield; 7 grandsons: Kevin (Stephanie) Kerr, Andy (Ashley) Kerr, Ryan (Avery) Whisler, Daniel Whisler, Joseph Whisler, Jacob Whisler, and Austin (Brook) Whisler; great grandchildren: Caleb, Hailey, and Sara Kerr and Locklyn and Rowan Kerr; 2 brothers: James (Dory) Whisler of Florida and Richard (Brenda) Whisler of South Carolina; a sister-in-law: Joyce Whisler of New Washington; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife: Ruth Eileen (Feaster) Whisler on February 24, 2013; and his brothers: Thomas Whisler and Jack Whisler.

The family would like to thank Francis’ classmate from Union High School who have remained lifelong faithful friends, his former Shelby neighbors who always looked out for him and assisted with anything he needed, and for the nursing staff at Primrose for their great care.

Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, December 27, 2020 from 2-5 pm at the Penwell Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where a rosary will be recited at 4:45 pm.  Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby with Fr. John Missler and Fr. Chris Mileski concelebrating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the Crestview Scholarship Fund and left in care of the funeral home.

Appropriate ways to express sympathy for those unable to attend may be done by leaving an online condolence at www.PenwellTurner.com or by leaving a comment on Francis’ obituary on the funeral home’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/PenwellFuneral.

Memories & Condolence

  1. Melanie (Hammett) Milks says:

    So sorry to hear of Francis’ passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have lots of good memories shared with your family. Wishing you much comfort and peace in the days ahead.

  2. Traci moorhead seibert says:

    Lori and Family –
    My sincere sympathy is sent to you. Peace and prayers.

  3. Rick and Pat Burns says:

    Our deepest sympathies to all of the family. We knew Mr. Whisler as a school board member, and with Mrs. Whisler, as true Crestview Cougars, caring and involved. Our blessings to you all.

  4. LtCol Len Sipe 179th AW says:

    Chief Whisler was always a perfect gentleman. I was privileged to have served with him. My condolences

  5. Kathy Montgomery says:

    I’m so sorry for your loss. As a former nurse @ Primrose I can say it was an honor to care for Francis & he was always kind to the staff.I will always remember on the day I retired he walked the entire building looking for me to say good- bye. Thats just the kind of guy he was. May God bless you all.

  6. WANDA HARRIS says:

    My sincere sympathy to all of you. Francis & your mom, Ruth were very good friends with my mother Donna (Alt) Hicks. I remember meeting them at Marion popcorn festival & for a concert in Lima! We always had a good time. I’m sure they are reunited in heaven!
    Cherish the good memories!

  7. Joni Young says:

    My deepest sympathy to all the Whisler family. A fun loving sharing couple. They were such great friends and support to my mom (Donna Hicks) when my dad passed away. I know they enjoyed family life and those grandkids. Hoping knowing both are reunited in heaven will bring you comfort. In our thoughts and prayers.
    Jim and Joni Young

  8. Janet Woodard says:

    Your extended family in Toledo wants to reach out to all of you to let you know that you are in our thoughts and prayers with the passing of your dad. Your family has been a part of our family for as long as I have been alive. During that time, we have shared many laughs, pot roast dinners and even doughnuts when you came to visit! There were many good memories made over the years. Thank you for sharing your mom and dad and your family with us. Your dad will be missed by us all but there is comfort knowing that he is now with your mom, where they will be celebrating Christmas together once again.
    Love, Janet & Tom Woodard Jerry and Sue Lattea Dale and Jody Lattea

  9. Susan Kirkendall says:

    Our sympathy to all the Whisler family. We are so sorry that we cannot pay our respects at this time. As a cousin I have always thought the most of Francis. Always a very nice person. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Dick & Susan Whisler Kirkendall.

  10. Jodi (Pifer) Mechling says:

    So sad to hear about Francis’ passing. Such fond memories of growing up and visiting with him and Ruth everytime we came back to Ohio. Prayers to all of the family. Miss all of you.

  11. Cheryl pifer says:

    I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Susie Clark sent me the paper notice to let me know.
    I loved your Mom and Dad and they were so good to us, you all were so lucky to have them as parents.
    We had our family Christmas yesterday and many stories about our two families . Loved hearing them.
    Doug was not with us (he is getting over COVID) so missed stories of the escapades ofTim and him.
    praying for all of you and hope to see you again one day. Love ya

  12. Jim Trout Family says:

    Sorry to hear Francis passing. Thoughts and prayers for the family. God Bless, Jim Trout Family

  13. Carolyn Heimlich says:

    DEAR LORI & DALE

    WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AT THIS TIME . YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS

    CAROLYN & JOHN

  14. Ron & Eileen Mawhorr says:

    Sorry to hear of the death of my cousin Francis. Ruth and I were close for years. My parents Faye and Charley Boyce loved all you kids.. Our deepest sympathy to all the families.

  15. Jill (Fox) Brown says:

    I’m so very sorry to read about your fathers passing. Happy thoughts when you think about our parents in heaven having a class reunion.

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