John W. Kurtz

SEBRING-Atty. John W. Kurtz, 88, formerly of Howland, died Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at Crandall Medical Center. He was born on April 22, 1926 in Middletown, Ohio and was the son of the late John H. Kurtz and Hilda B. Miller.

Attorney Kurtz was married to the late Mary Lou Shubert who was an Education Graduate from the University of Cincinnati where they both attended college. They spent 54 years together until her death in April, 2004.

After graduating from Middletown High School, he entered the service and attained the rank of Tech Sergeant in the 274th Armored Field Artillery and served in Europe during World War II as part of General Patton's 3rd Army.

Upon being discharged from the service in 1946, John entered the University of Cincinnati and graduated with a Juris Doctorate from the College of Law in 1950. While at the University of Cincinnati, he was active in and officer of the U. C. Glee Club, President of the Student Union, Dorm Supervisor and Member of Omicron Delta Kappa.

He was engaged in the private practice of law in Middletown until moving to Warren, Ohio in 1952 to become associated with Attorney Carl Thomas and specializing in Real Estate Law and Probate. He became a partner in the law firm in the late 1950's and owner and President of The Trumbull County Abstract Company in 1970 along with being an issuing Agent for Old Republic Title Insurance Company.

Attorney Kurtz was heavily involved in all aspects of the Warren/Howland Community and was presented with the Key to the City by former Mayor, Michael O'Brien. In the 1950's, he founded and served as the director of the Warren Civic Chorus who annually presents Handel's "Messiah" at Christmas time. He was the founder and incorporator of the Warren Symphony Society now known as the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra. He has been a member of the Warren Rotary Club since 1954 serving in all chairs and performed with the Rotary Wheels instrumental group. In 1971, he helped form the Fine Arts Council of Trumbull County. He was one of the original founders and a past member of the Board of Trustees for the Warren Olympic Club which is a swim and tennis facility. He initiated the monetary drive for the installation of chimes in the Courthouse peak, which plays at noontime on courthouse square and oversaw its installation and musical operation. His other credits are: Member of the Howland Board of Education for 12 years, 3 as President; Chairman of the Republican Party in Trumbull County for 12 years; member of the Trumbull County Board of Elections for 11 years; past member of the YMCA Board of Trustees and active in programming while serving as lay physical education instructor; Choir Director for the past 39 years, most recently at Living Lord Lutheran Church in Howland; Member of and former Board member of the Association of Disciple Musicians; Member of the American Guild of Organists; Former Member of the Board of Directors of the Division of Homeland Ministries of Disciples of Christ, Indianapolis, Indiana; Former member of the Board of Trustees of the American Red Cross, Trumbull County Chapter; Served on the Board for SCOPE and Rebecca Williams Community House; Served on various Boards for Central Christian Church; Former member of the Trumbull County and Ohio State Bar Association.

He and his wife, Mary Lou, loved to travel and led choir tours to Europe on 12 occasions visiting such countries as England, Ireland, Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Italy and Greece. His other passion was tennis. As a tennis buff, he had attended the Australian Open, Wimbledon on two occasions, the French Open, Monte Carlo Open and several Davis Cup tournaments.

He leaves behind four daughters: Leanna (Barry) Dunaway, Pamela (Tom) Kubik, Terri (Dan) Wolf, Amy (Doug) Baker; nine grandchildren: Brooke (Mark) Thigpen, Kyle Dunaway, Matthew (Hannah) Kubik, Brian (Rachel) Kubik, Kacie Kubik, Heather (Louis) Sowinski, Sean (Beth) Wolf, Erik Wolf and Brandi Baker; five great grandchildren: Preston, Bryson and Kenton Thigpen and Connor and Fiona Sowinski.

The Memorial Service will take place on December 28, 2014 at 2PM at Central Christian Church on East Market St. with Rev. Ty Sabella officiating, as well as, Rev. Bill Leitch from Living Lord Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Warren Philharmonic Orchestra, P. O. Box 8507, Warren, Ohio 44484 or Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, Ohio 44512.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland and Son Funeral and Cremation Services Co., 271 North Park Avenue, Warren, Ohio 44481, 330-393-9621. Please visit www.McFarlandCares.com to view this obituary, and send condolences.