Wayne R. Sitler 1936-2025

Mr. Sitler was born Nov. 17, 1936, in Salem, a son of the late Robert and Leah Crawford Sitler, and had made Columbiana his home his entire life.

Wayne was a graduate of the former Fairfield Centralized School and went on to found Sitler Construction with his father Bob. During his career as a home builder, he touched the lives of area families and was loved and respected by those he employed and worked with.

He was a lifelong member of Grace Church, where he served on the consistory and worked on several committees and special projects over many years, and enjoyed being a member of the choir.

A supporter of Special Olympics, he was also proud to be “The Easter Bunny” at Robert Bycroft School. Wayne will also be remembered by many for playing Santa Claus.

He was a member of the Homebuilders Association of Mahoning Valley, a former member of the Fairfield Ruritan Club and served on the Columbiana County Board of Education. Wayne was a kind and generous person who loved his community and the people who have lived there.

Wayne loved to travel and enjoyed his motor home, boating and fishing, and spending many winters in Florida in their motor home. He especially enjoyed his cat, Smoky, and restoring antique vehicles. His pride and joy was his “all original” 1939 Ford pickup he loved to show, which won many awards.

He is survived by his wife, the former Patricia M. Knox, whom he married July 3, 1955. This coming July they would have been married 70 years. Wayne is also survived by his daughter, Autumn “Chris” Neiheisel, and his son-in-law, Steve Neiheisel of Columbiana.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Dale Eugene Sitler.

Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana, with the Rev. Dr. Stephen Cramer officiating.

Friends may call at the funeral home 10 until 11:30 a.m. Saturday, prior to the services.

Burial will be in Columbiana Cemetery.

The family asks that any memorial tributes take the form of a donation to either Angels For Animals, 4750 W. South Range Road, Canfield, OH 44406; or the Robert Bycroft School, 35947 state Route 172, Lisbon, OH 44432.

Wayne was blessed to have many wonderful caregivers. These include The Inn at Old Saybrook, Another Way Home Care, Akeso Home Hospice and Dr. Mark Evans.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.

(special notice)