Kenneth M. Sopher
Kenneth M. Sopher, age 87 of Dover, died Monday, April 30, 2018, in the Community Hospice Truman House following a period of declining health.
Ken was a Nationwide insurance agent for 38 years and founded Sopher Insurance Agency in New Philadelphia.
Born July 4, 1930, in Venango County, Pennsylvania, he was son of the late Ralph and Melissa (Gadsby) Sopher. In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by his grandson Greg Sopher; his sister Marion Hovis; and five brothers, Isaac, Lester, Leroy, Raemond and Dale Sopher.
Ken was an active member of the Dover First United Methodist Church. Service to his community was very important to him, having been active in the Dover American Legion, Tuscarawas chapter of the Masonic Lodge, New Philadelphia Lions Club, and co-founder of the Teen Driving Roadeo that promoted driving safety among local high school students and recently celebrated its 24th anniversary. He also was active in the Republican Party. He graduated in 1946 from Grove City High School in Pennsylvania and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He most enjoyed spending time with his family.
Ken will be sadly missed by his family, which includes his wife of nearly 67 years, Mary (Montgomery) Sopher, whom he married on Sept. 7, 1951; five children, Edward M. (Yongmi) Sopher of Green, Ohio, Bill of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, Pamela (Stan) Racketa of Stow, Ohio, Nancy (Dennis) McCartney of Bolivar and Doug (Melanie) Sopher of New Philadelphia; 13 grandchildren, Michael, Nicholas and Annie Sopher, Matthew, Lisa and Paul Racketa, Jill Davis, Dr. Stephen and Scott McCartney, Erin Spradling, Vicki Simmering, and Andrew and Stephanie Sopher; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services celebrating Ken’s life will be held Monday, May 7, beginning at 11 a.m. in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover with Rev. David St. Aubin officiating. Interment will be in the Dover Burial Park, where the Dover VFW will conduct military honors. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Those unable to attend may sign the online guestbook by visiting the funeral home's website at www.tolandherzig.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.