Loran Francis Stutz

Loran Francis Stutz, 91, of Winterset, Ohio, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2024, at Southeastern Regional Hospital in Cambridge, with his family by his side. Loran was born on July 7, 1932, a son to the late Joseph and Pearl (Chenevey) Stutz, near Mt. Hope, Ohio.

He graduated from St. Charles Preparatory School in Columbus, and then continued his college education there.

Loran is a U.S. Army Korean Combat Veteran, who served as tank commander in many battles including Pork Chop and Old Baldy during the Korean War. After discharge, he attended the Embry Riddle Aviation School in Florida where he graduated as an airline mechanic. He then worked for the airlines in both upper Michigan and Washington D.C.

Loran was a Catholic who volunteered for the Catholic Brotherhood for two years at Glenmary Missions. He was a member of Christ Our Light Catholic Church where he served as CCD teacher and church lector for 25 years. Loran gave well over 25 gallons of blood to save lives of countless others.

On January 22, 1966, he married Shirley (Cox) Stutz, who survives him. They have four children, Dr. Rick Cox, and Lora (Doug) Meredith of Winterset area, Jeff (Jane) Cox and Doug (Dr. Kelly) Stutz of Newark, Ohio.

The couple were blessed with eleven grandchildren: Nolan (Emily) Cox, Rory (Jacob) Stelzer, Amy (Chris) Damele, Kevin (Nicole) Cox, Mitchell (Kate Siefert) Cox, Noah Stutz, Avery Stutz, Wyatt Meredith, Warren Meredith, Josie Meredith, and Weldon Meredith.

Great grandchildren are Ricky and Hugh Stelzer, Dominic and Samuel Damele, Everette T. Cox, Ella K. Cox, and another one expected in June.

Siblings who survive are Genevieve (Samuel) Gasbarre of Richfield and Mary (Charles) Williams of Massillon. Deceased siblings are Marcella (Peter) Draculich of Alliance, Walter (Eva) Stutz of Wooster, and Joseph (Martha) Stutz of Danville.

Loran was employed as County Executive Director of Coshocton ASCS (USDA) office for 32 years, the position from which he retired to life on his Guernsey County Beef cattle farm. During his tenure, he received many community service awards, as well as the 1991 Administrator's award for Service to Agriculture.

Loran's approach to life was founded on Faith, Family, Friends, and Freedom. One of his greatest joys was serving as a member and a secretary of the Guernsey County Honor Guard for many years.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 4-7PM at Thorn Black Funeral Home in Cambridge. Additional calling hours will be held the following day, Friday, February 2, 2024, at St. Benedicts Church from 12-1PM, with a Mass immediately following at 1:00PM. Burial will follow at Center Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the Guernsey County Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Guernsey County Veterans Council, P.O. Box 572, Cambridge, Ohio 43725.