Norman Eshleman, 80, of 833 Oliver Street, Saint Marys, died 7:20 A.M. Thursday, October 7, 2010, at his residence.

He was born June 26, 1930, in Auglaize County, the son of Dewey and Maude (Hertenstein) Eshleman.

He married Shirley Reineke on February 17, 1951; she survives at the residence.

He is survived by his six children: Kathy Henkle of Rockford, Ohio; Cheryl (David) Hasenjager of Saint Marys; Deborah (Rick) Francis of Saint Marys; Scott (Stephanie) Eshleman of Wapakoneta; James (Erinn) Eshleman of Saint Marys; Bobbi (Dave) Whitney of Saint Marys; by eleven grandchildren: Brady Henkle; Andy (Jesse) Francis; Jon Francis; Emily Whitney; Jeff Whitney; Jenny (Josh) Tester; Amy (Greg) Schmidt; Danielle Eshleman; Brennan Eshleman; Amanda (Thom) Young; Brandon Eshleman; by eight great-grandchildren: Gage Schmidt; Carter Schmidt; Ian Young; Ryleigh Young; Bradin Henkle; Noah Francis; Ayden Francis; Olivia Tester; by a brother: Stanford Eshleman of Minster; a sister-in-law, Ruth Eshleman of Saint Marys; by numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Todd Post; a brother, Eldon Eshleman; two sisters: Wanda Engle and Marjorie Eshleman.

Norman was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War era. He retired from the Ford Motor Company in Lima where he had worked for 24 years. He had previously worked at the Saint Marys Foundry. He was also a well known local bartender, tending at many weddings and other social events for many years. He attended Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Saint Marys; was a life member of both VFW Post 9289 and American Legion Post 323 in Saint Marys. He loved sports, woodworking and going to casinos. He really enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Funeral rites will be held 10:30 A.M. Monday, October 11, 2010, at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, Father Anthony Cutcher, officiant. Burial, with full military honors, will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery.
Friends may call from 5-8 P.M. Sunday at the Miller Funeral Home, where memorial donations may be directed to either Grand Lake Hospice or Holy Rosary Catholic Church.