from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — John W. “Johnnie” Shultz, 72, a longtime Sunbury, Ohio area horseman died Jan. 10, 2011 at Country View in Sunbury following a short illness.

He was born June 11, 1938 in Delaware County to the late John W. and Esther (Frye) Shultz. A graduate of Big Walnut High School, Class of 1956, he then entered the United States Navy. Following his service to his country, he returned home and worked as a truck driver with the Galena Brick Company.

Mr. Shultz operated John Shultz Stables and trained hundreds of horses. Well known on the racing circuit across the nation, he was most proud of Bubba Dunn, the winner of the 2002 Yonkers Trot.

He was a member of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association, the USTA, the Delaware County Harness Association, Sparrow Lodge No 400 F. & A.M., Sunbury V.F.W., Sunbury Eagles, and Sunbury First Baptist Church.

Mr. Shutz is survived by his daughters, DellAnn (Joe) Kuhn, Darla (Ernie) Gaskin, Melody (Scott) George, Jona (Keith) Baer, Kila (Ronnie) Steck and Amber (Chad) Hankins; son, Jimmy (Allie) Zarley; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters, Joan (Gene) Fuller and Jane (Gary) Davis; sister-in-law, Bonnie (Roger) Higgins; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, A. Mardell (Wilcox); son, Ronald Williams; and infant brother, John Jr.

Friends may call on Monday (Jan. 17) from 4-8 p.m., with Masonic services at 8:30 p.m., at DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, SR’s 3 at 61, Sunbury, where funeral services will be held on Tuesday (Jan. 18) at 11 a.m. Burial will follow with military honors provided by the Delaware County Veterans Association in Sunbury Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to Big Walnut Friends Who Share, P.O. Box 424, Sunbury, OH 43074.