David Charles Rader

David Charles Rader age 87 of Ashland, passed away on Saturday August 21,2021 at his residence.
Born in Ashland on February 14,1934 the son of Charles F.  and Alice R. (Shaw) Rader he was a Ashland resident all of his life.

Mr. Rader was a member of the Ashland High Class of 1952. He served his country as a member of the United States Navy. He was employed as a Ironworker with Local 17 in Cleveland and retired after 30 years. He had been previously employed at Mansfield Tire from 1952-1957, General Motors from 1957-1959 and in Oil Fields from 1960-1966.

Mr. Rader was a life member of the American Legion Post #749 Jeromesville, Life member of AmVets Post #149. Other memberships include; Ashland Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2178 and National Rifle Association. He was a member of the Rowsburg Lutheran Church.

David started showing sheep in 1947 as a young teenager at the Ashland County and the Ohio State Fair. Going on to show his Champion Suffolk Sheep at the National Level. He also enjoyed showing sheep with his sons, daughter and grandsons at county, state and national shows. Up until a few months before his death he still enjoyed his flock of Jacobs Sheep. He had a love for old cars and was a member of the Shelman Model A Club. He also loved riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Motorcycles were a big part of his life and he operated Raders Spoke Easy Practice Course and held Hare Scramble races which many riders from Ashland participated in. He later became the “ZOOKEEPER” of the Kamikaze Jump party which was a yearly event for 25 years. David was also an avid hunter and loved going  on hunting trips to Montana and Wyoming with members of his family. He enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest.

Surviving are two children; Charles E. Rader of Ashland and Jennifer A. (Tyler) Heyl also of Ashland. Three grandsons also survive, Shaw T. Rader, Brock J. (Amy) Rader  and Leo D. Heyl all of Ashland. Four great grandchildren; Regg and Maverick Rader, Rhodes and Ruby Rader. Five brothers also survive; Phil Rader of California, Joel Rader of Kentucky, Mark (Betty) Rader of Ashland, Drew (Mary) Rader of Washington state, Chris (Sue) Rader of Huron. He is also survived by daughter in law Billie Rader and numerous nieces and nephews.

David is preceded in death by his parents and one son Regg S. Rader. Two sisters in law also precede him in death; Molly Rader and Margaret Rader.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday August 31, 2021 at 11:00 am at the Heyl Funeral Home with Pastor Travis McKenzie officiating. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Savannah Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the Ashland Honor Guard.  Friends may visit with the family on Monday August 30, 2021 from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm at Heyl Funeral Home.

The family suggests that memorial contributions in David’s name be given to the Regg Rader Memorial Fund at the Ashland County Community Foundation, 300 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805

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