Stephen Paul Hostetler, 86, of West Liberty, affectionately known as “Pappy” by those who loved him, passed away peacefully at 3:08 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 8, 1938, in West Liberty, Ohio, a son of the late Stephen Sylvester Hostetler and Mamie Pearl (Byler) Hostetler.
On February 9, 1969, Paul married Linda Sue (King) Hostetler in West Liberty, Ohio and she survives, along with their two children, Todd (Dena) Hostetler, and Tara (Dennis) Sanford; six grandchildren, Savannah Hostetler, Stephen Hostetler, Madelyn Sanford, Miles Hostetler, Josephine Hostetler, and Hayden Sanford; two sisters, Ella Mae (Lowell) Kauffman, and Nellie (Dick) Lindemer; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by seven siblings, Harold Hostetler, Norma Hostetler, Eileen Botkin, Pauline Towles, Earl Hostetler, Ruth Craig, and Rose Smith.
Paul was blessed to associate with many wonderful people while working at Grimes Manufacturing, Liberty Oil & Gas, Roth Sales & Service, Designed Harness Systems, and most recently retired in 2014 from Bellefontaine City Schools, following ten fond years of service to the staff and students. In his earlier years, he enjoyed playing softball, golfing, archery, deer hunting, mushroom hunting, and flying airplanes. More recently, Pappy enjoyed gardening, puzzles, solving riddles, playing cards, following the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns. He loved visiting Lake Gage in Indiana with his family, and most especially attending his grandkid’s school activities and sporting events.
The family will receive friends from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, September 8, at the Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, 101 Zanesfield Road in West Liberty. Pastor Rebecca Kauffman and Pastor John Risner will lead a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. on Monday, September 9, at Bethel Mennonite Church, 416 Washington Street in West Liberty. A private family burial service will be in Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contribution may be made, in Paul’s memory, to Universal Home Health & Hospice, 921 Rush Avenue, Bellefontaine, Ohio 43311 or to West Liberty Cares c/o People’s Savings & Loan, P.O. Box 703, West Liberty, Ohio 43318.
Eichholtz Daring & Sanford Funeral Home, West Liberty, is honored to serve the Hostetler family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com.
