from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Richard D. “Ike” Hostetler, 78, of Sugarcreek, Ohio, died August 17, 2010, at his residence.

He was born April 27, 1932 in Tuscarawas County to the late Lloyd and Ethel (Everhart) Hostetler. Mr. Hostetler had a real passion for life, love of horses, serving his church, and especially loved his family and friends. He was a former member of the USTA.

That passion was evident in that he retired from Norfolk and Southern Railroad at Brewster with 38 years of service, had his Swiss Village Horse Transportation business for many years, and was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ at Walnut Creek where he was a faithful member, choir member and served on the Consistory Board for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Carole (Renner), whom he married July 7, 1950; children, Richard “Rick” (friend Carrie) and Sally (Morris) Christner; son-in-law, Dwight Yoder; grandchildren, Joscelyne Yoder, Zachary (Allison) Yoder and Samantha Yoder; and great-grandchildren, Deegan and Keaton Yoder. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Yoder and his sister, Pauline Warnes.

Services will be held on Friday, August 20, at 11 a.m. at the St. John’s United Church of Christ at Walnut Creek with Rev. Mark Behrandt officiating. Burial will follow in the Ragersville Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday, August 19, from 1-3 and 5-8 p.m. at the Smith-Varns Funeral Home at Sugarcreek and from 10-11 a.m. at the Church on Friday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 210 W. Third Street, Dover, OH 44622 or to St. John’s United Church of Christ, 4858 Olde Pump Street, Walnut Creek, OH 44687.