David A. Dressler

Dr. David A. Dressler, 86, of Copley, passed away at Cleveland Clinic Akron General on Sunday, October 14, 2018. He was surrounded by his wife, all five children, and family who loved him dearly.
He was born in Wheelersburg, Ohio on February 11, 1932 to Donald and Anna Margaret (Moore) Dressler. His family later moved to Massillon, Ohio, where he met the love of his life, Patricia McLaughlin. They graduated from Massillon's Washington High School, class of 1949. An avid Buckeye fan, David graduated in dentistry from The Ohio State University and proudly served as a dentist in the US Air Force from 1956 to 1959. In 1960, he established his dental practice in Copley, Ohio, where he and his wife served the community for 37 years until a sudden illness necessitated his retirement.
Dad was known for his kindness, gentleness and dry wit. His hobbies included fishing, camping, tennis, rose gardening, woodworking, playing the piano, amateur radio (KD8V), and most of all regularly attending the countless activities of his children and grandchildren. He served in many ways in the community, as a coach of youth sports, as well as helping to establish an Amateur Radio Club for Copley-Fairlawn Schools. Two years ago, the Ham Radio Room in the middle school was named in his honor. David was a member of First Baptist Church of Massillon, and in 1960 became an active member of Copley United Methodist Church, serving in many positions over his 58 years there, enjoying teaching Sunday School the most.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Paul and Donald; sister-in-law, Dorothy Dressler; brother-in-law, James Gest; and daughter-in-law, Michele.
He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Patricia (McLaughlin) Dressler; children, Jane (David) Richard of Copley, Scott (Debora) Dressler of Copley, Charles (Kelly) Dressler of Wadsworth, Barbara (David) Knabe of Copley, and Susan (Craig) Zeerip of Fremont, Michigan; 16 grandchildren, Steven (Amanda) Richard, Katharine (Bill) Wobser, Emily Richard, Abigail, David, Andrew and Dan (Sofia) Dressler, Ryan (Kelly), Michael (Jen), and Kevin (Theresa) Dressler, Connor and Carson Knabe, Justin (Jena), Brandon (Joanna), Collin and Lauren Zeerip, Jacob and Jared Greissing; and 3 great-grandchildren, Theodore Dressler, Jack Zeerip, and Briana Zeerip. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Beth Gest of Issaquah, WA; brother-in-law, James (Susan) McLaughlin of Morgantown, WV; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Calling hours are Monday, October 22, 2018 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Billow Fairlawn Chapel, 85 North Miller Road, Fairlawn, OH, 44333. A celebration of David's life will take place at Copley United Methodist Church, 1518 South Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley, OH, 44321 on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with calling hours 1 hour prior. Burial will be on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, OH 44273, with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Copley-Fairlawn Schools Foundation, 3797 Ridgewood Rd, Copley, OH 44321 in memory of Dr. David A. Dressler, for a scholarship in his name.
In his later years, Dad played The Sweet By and By on the piano every day, while Mom sang along. In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore. To share a Memory, Send a Condolence or Light a Candle, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)
In his later years, Dad played this hymn on the piano every day, while mom sang along:

The Sweet By and By

There's a land that is fairer than day, and by faith we can see it afar; for the Father waits over the way to prepare us a dwelling place there.

Refrain: In the sweet by and by,

we shall meet on that beautiful shore. In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.

2 We shall sing on that beautiful shore the melodious songs of the blest; and our spirits shall sorrow no more, not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

3 To our bountiful Father above we will offer our tribute of praise for the glorious gift of his love and the blessings that hallow our days.