Edward Joseph Harstine

“God knew the time had come, even though we were not ready. Seven years without his bride, now reunited for eternity.” Edward J. Harstine, 73, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 25, 2021 after a courageous battle with Covid.

Born in Newcomerstown, Ohio on March 15, 1948 to the late Paul and Bernice (Robinson) Harstine, Ed dedicated his life to his family, his community and former students. Ed graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1966 and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Malone University in 1973. Ed received his Master’s Degree in education from the University of Dayton in 1982. Ed served the Ridgewood Local School District as a teacher from 1969 – 1983 where he began teaching before graduating from college dud to a teacher shortage and again from 1990 – 1999 as Principal of Fresno and Plainfield Elementary as well as Special Education Director. He also worked at the former County Office supporting all students from the county. After retirement in 1999, Ed worked as a GED Coordinator at Job and Family Services for many years and finished out his working career on a lawn mower at Rivergreens Golf Course.

On June 28, 1975 he married Geraldine (Foster) Harstine and together they raised a son and two daughters. Geraldine preceded him in death in August 2014. Travis (Alba) Harstine of Coshocton; Misty (Tim) Siddle of West Lafayette and Jennifer (Nick) Hahn of Coshocton all survive him. He had six grandchildren that he was extremely proud of and loved to support at all of their activities in the community. Alexis Harstine of Columbus; Allan Harstine of Coshocton; Abby and Emmie Siddle of West Lafayette, and Bailey and Kendall Laudick of Coshocton will all miss having their grandpa sideline to cheer them on at their activities. Ed was especially excited to have volleyball or football games 6 nights a week this fall sports season.

Ed was a 49 year member of Newcomerstown Elks Lodge 1555. During his time as an Elks member, he served as Exalted Ruler from 1977-1978 and also served as a Trustee on many different occasions. Ed took great pride in selecting area students as recipients for the yearly Elks Scholarship. He also enjoyed coordinating the corn stag dinner each year. In his younger years, he served as the Ridgewood Rec Director and was a basketball official. He was also a lifetime member of the West Lafayette United Methodist Church.

Along with his children, Ed is survived by his sisters Mary Kay Norman of Columbus; Peggy (Stu Thompson) Mitchell of Cooperdale; brother Jeff (DeeDee) Harstine of Florida; sister-in-law Rita Shaw of West Lafayette; brother-in-law Jerry (Nancy) Foster of Sugarcreek and sister-in-law Susie (Tim) Robison of Indiana. He also leaves behind many special cousins, nieces, and nephews, and special friends and neighbors Kay and Wilson McCoy, and George and Becky Miller. Family that passed before him include both parents, wife, brother-in-laws Dean Foster, Jim Shaw, Jim Foster; sister-in-law Nancy Foster and in-laws Dan and Virginia (Brown) Foster.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at West Lafayette Baptist Church. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 11:00 am at West Lafayette Baptist Church officiated by Pastor Dan Eggan. A burial will follow the funeral service at Fairfield Cemetery.

The family requests that masks be worn at all times during the calling hours and services to help control the spread of Covid-19.

Memorial donations can be made in Ed’s name to the Newcomerstown B.P.O.E #1555 Scholarship Fund.

An online memorial can be viewed at www.given-dawson-paisleyfh.com