Wayne R Sitler

Columbiana - Wayne R. Sitler, 88, a lifelong resident of Columbiana, died peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at The Inn At Old Saybrook.

Mr. Sitler was born on November 17, 1936, in Salem, OH, 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 consistory and worked on several committees and special projects over many years; and enjoyed being a member of the choir. A supporter of the 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 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 and won many awards.

He is survived by his wife, the former Patricia M. Knox whom he married on 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, OH.

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

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana, with the Reverend Dr. Stephen Cramer officiating. Burial will be in Columbiana Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. prior to the services on Saturday.

The family asks that any memorial tributes take the form of a donation to either Angels For Animals, 4750 West South Range Rd, Canfield, OH 44406 or the Robert Bycroft School, 35947 SR 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

Angels For Animals
4750 West South Range Rd., Canfiled OH 44406

Robert Bycroft School
35947 SR 172, Lisbon OH 44432