Jack Renner 1936-2024

Jack was born Feb. 17, 1936, in Canton, to Pearl and Carl Renner of Bolivar.

Jack attended Bolivar High School, where he excelled in basketball, baseball and track, and graduated in 1955. Jack set the Tuscarawas County record for shot put, 10.5 pounds, a record that was never broken. After high school, he attended Ohio University for two years.

Jack married his high school sweetheart, Grace Burkhart, in 1958, and they were married for 59 years until her death in 2017.

They spent a brief time in Chester, Pa., and Mansfield before settling down in Bolivar to raise their family, including their daughter, Anne Acree of Laurens, South Carolina, and son, Wade of Boardman.

Jack was employed and retired from Ford Motor Company in North Canton, where he worked 30 years as a tool maker.

Jack spent 33 years as a member of the Bolivar Fire Department and was president of weekly bingo for 20-plus years. A longtime member of the Bolivar Sportsman Club, Jack started their first trap shoot. Jack was an active member of St. John’s UCC. He was also a social member of the Elks in Dover.

Jack enjoyed golf and travel. He played on more than 200 golf courses during his time and enjoyed traveling with Grace.

After his wife’s passing, Jack sold his home in Bolivar and moved to West Winds Village in Bradenton, Florida. He was active in two golf leagues, neighborhood euchre and poker nights. Jack liked socializing in his golf cart, spending time at the clubhouse and pool, and having his best friend, Wade, visit whenever possible.

Jack was positive, considerate, charming and very funny. He treated friends like family and always wanted to know how you were doing. Jack’s warmth was infectious and people were happy anytime he walked into the room.

Jack lived an authentic and content life and was loved by so many people. Time speeds faster with age and Jack would say how grateful he was that he had gotten to do just about everything he wished, and in many instances, he got to do them twice.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Grace; and his brother, Charles Renner.

Jack is survived by his sister, Carol Ickes; daughter, Anne; son, Wade; and two grandchildren.

Graveside services will be at a later date in Fort Laurens Cemetery.

The Lebold-Smith Funeral Home in Bolivar is handling the arrangements. To share a memory, please visit www.leboldsmithfuneral.com.

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