Estel Link

Estel B. Link, 86, of Mansfield, died Monday, June 14, 2010 at Hospice of North Central Ohio. Born June 7, 1924 in Blaze, Kentucky, he was the son of Samuel and Martha Wallace Link. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and received a Purple Heart. Estel was employed by Empire Detroit Steel for 37 years. He loved horses and animals, raising several on his farm. Estel also loved country music, with George Jones being his favorite, so much so that every dog he had was named 'George'. He was 'Grampa Link' to all the neighborhood children and will be sadly missed by anyone who knew him.

He is survived by three children and their spouses, Delma Phillips, Billy and Sharon Link, and Dennis and Tammy Link; special son-in-law, Kenneth Phillips, Sr.; grandchildren, Renee Phillips, Kim Bryant, Kenneth Sheryl Phillips, Jr., Vicki Reip, Billy Shaun Link, Jr., and Kelley Link; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one brother and sister-in-law, Clifton and Jewell Link; and two sisters, Shirley Wallen, and Hester Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his three children, Jewell Link; four brothers, Ezra, William, Clarence, and Lowell Link; sister, Ethel Sparks; and infant daughter, Tammie Link.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 17, 2010 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Rd., Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home conducted by Rev. Glenn Phillips. Military graveside services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio.