Derwin E. “Dutch” Shinaberry — Friend, Father, Farmer and WWII Veteran.
Dutch Shinaberry was called home to be with his Lord on April 2, 2009, at 86 years of age. He leaves a legacy of integrity, good humor and Christian faith to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, many friends and acquaintances.
Dutch was born to Dwight and Edith (Murphy) Shinaberry in Fredericktown, Ohio, on Oct. 22, 1922. Being born in the early 1920s times were tough. With wavy hair and trouble speaking clearly (hence the nickname Dutch), Dutch had to take some ribbing, which made him able to fend for himself in any situation. Growing up on a farm during the Depression built a strong foundation for Dutch’s strong work ethics and unshakeable integrity.
In February of 1944, Dutch was enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Dutch didn’t speak much of his war-time experiences, but rather chose to look forward to the future than to dwell on the past. After being honorably discharged in May of 1946, Dutch returned to Fredericktown where he met Norma Garber, a “city girl” from Bellville, Ohio. On Nov. 8, 1947, Dutch and Norma were married and then they bought a small farm near Chesterville, Ohio. They eventually welcomed two children into the world, Sharon and Lynn. In the early years, Dutch worked hard raising sheep and cattle and crop farming to provide for his family. He always wanted to farm until he was 72 years of age — he was able to do so.
Dutch was a member of the Chesterville United Methodist Church. Dutch loved the company of family, friends and acquaintances. Dutch never knew a stranger and could easily strike up a conversation with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Dutch also loved farming, nature and learning about other countries and cultures.
Dutch is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Lynn and Lisa Shinaberry of Fredericktown, OH; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Paul Monnin of Versailles, OH; five grandchildren, Angela, Eric, Scott, Carrie & Tyler; five great-grandchildren Alexis, Sarah, Sam, Samantha, Elizabeth & Chloe; a number of special nieces and nephews; very close friends, Charlie Everett, Doit Cooper, Warren Squires, and Don Melick; and many other friends who congregated with Dutch at the Mount Gilead Duke Truck Stop restaurant.
Norma, his wife of 54 years, preceded him in death March 1, 2002, along with brothers Ronald “Punk” and Marvin “Doc” Shinaberry.
A one-of-a-kind character, Dutch will be greatly missed. To celebrate the life of Dutch Shinaberry, friends and family may call at the Snyder Funeral Home in Mount Gilead on Sunday, April 5, from 2 to 8 p.m. The Reverends Jeannie Winters, Joe Sopher, Joe Overholt and Kenny VanDyke will officiate funeral services there on Monday, April 6, at 11 a.m. Burial with full military honors conducted by the V.F.W. Post 8054 and AMVETS Post 87 will take place at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville, OH.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the Morrow County Veteran’s Service Office, 619 W. Marion Road, Suite 107, Mount Gilead, OH 43338. These funds will be used to assist veterans and their widows with financial burdens.
Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.