Earl H. Funk of Athens died Friday evening, May 14th, 2010, at O’Bleness Memorial Hospital, Athens.
Born August 8, 1930 in Athens, he was the son of the late Earl L. and Ruth V. Hall Funk. He was a 1949 graduate of Athens High School and later attended Ohio University.
His life was one of love, care, and commitment centered around family and community. Following a first date on May 14th 1949, he had an enduring love affair with his wife Pat that lasted 61 years to the day.
He was dedicated to the Athens community. An active member of the Athens business community, Earl was a fixture on Court St. for over 35 years where he owned and operated Sports Inc. and later played a key role in establishing Capstone Properties with his son.
He was a member of the Athens Merchants Association as well as the Kiwanis Club of Athens, where he had 46 years perfect attendance from 1964 through this year. A former Scout Master, the Athens native was a lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America.
With his wife they restored the oldest frame house in Athens County, originally built in 1807, which became their home in 1998.
Beginning with the purchase of his King Midget Supercycle in 1949 (from King Midget cofounder and future father-in-law Dale Orcutt), upon which he courted his future wife, he was a devotee to the King Midget cause. A founding member of the International King Midget Car Club, his donated vehicles are now on display at the Athens Historical Society and Museum on Court Street.
He cherished all his friendships, of which there were many, and friends and acquaintances alike could always count on his sense of humor and loyalty.
Earl is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia L. Funk, of 57 years, a son, David L. (Cristina) Funk of Ithaca, NY; daughter Rebecca E. (Paul) Conrath of Athens; four grandchildren, Cristina Penaranda (Hans Dooms) of San Francisco, CA, Christopher W. Holliday of Athens, Jacob M. Riggs and Lucas Earl Riggs of Albany; his mother-in-law Louise Orcutt-Lee of Athens; and son-in-law Mark Riggs of Albany.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by grandparents Edward and Mary Reiber Funk and George D. and Sylvia Young Hall.
Friends may call Today (Sunday) 6-9PM and Monday 12:00 Noon to 1:00PM at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, where Athens Kiwanis Club will hold services Sunday at 6:00PM. Memorial service will be conducted Monday at 1:00PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to The Plains United Methodist Church Building Fund, 3 N. Plains Rd., The Plains, Ohio 45780.
The family extends thanks to all the friends that have provided help during Earl’s recent illness.