Today, we mourn the loss of Retired Sheriff Kenneth W. Etzwiler. Sheriff Etzwiler served as the 34th Sheriff in Ashland County from 1973-1992.
Kenneth William Etzwiler, 86 of Ashland passed away early Thursday, August 5, 2021 in the Good Shepherd Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
He was born on December 22, 1934 in Loudonville the son of the late William and Mary Margaret (Stouffer) Etzwiler. Kenny was a 1952 graduate of Loudonville High School. He proudly served in the United States Army. Kenny married the former Louise Swainhart on September 23, 1967.
He retired in 1992 after more than 20 years as the 34th Ashland County Sherriff. He was previously employed as a Sergeant with the Loudonville Police Department and a Trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Throughout his life he was an avid animal lover. Kenny along with his wife, Louise raised dogs and enjoyed both the outdoors and wildlife.
He was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Ashland Eagles Aerie #2178, Moose Lodge #1383, Elks Lodge #1360, Post #88 of the American Legion, Ashland County Conservation League, and the Buckeye State Sherriff’s Association.
Kenny is survived by one daughter, Candice Cranmore of Tiffin; two sons, Kim (Cathy) Johnston of Phoenix, Arizona and Kirk (Mindy) Johnston of Ashland; four grandchildren, Jamie (Rick) Brightbill of Ashland, Stacey Cranmore of Georgia, Jeff Johnston of Phoenix, Arizona and Kari (Chad) Emmons of Ashland; six great grandchildren, Morgan Cranmore, Carter and Clair Brightbill, and Hayes, Lyla, and Reed Emmons; one sister-in-law, Beverly Richardson of Loudonville; and one brother-in-law, Ted (Patty) Swainhart of Perrysville.
In addition to his parents, Kenny is preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Mrs. Louise Etzwiler who passed on September 27, 2018; three brothers, Weldon, Larry, and Leland Etzwiler; one sister, Eileen Deibler; one granddaughter, Jody Cranmore; two sisters-law, Norma Paullin and Carol Waddell; one brother-in-law, Roger Swainhart; and a son-in-law, Dan Cranmore.
Funeral services will be held, Friday, August 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in the Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home with Reverend Kevin McClain officiating. Interment will follow in the Miller Cemetery where the Ashland Veteran’s Honor Guard will conduct full military honors. Friends may call one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Associated Charities, 240 Cleveland Avenue, Ashland, Ohio or to Ashland County Humane Society, 1710 Garfield Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home’s website at denbowfh.com.
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
