Obituary for Edward R. Theis

BOARDMAN – There will be a funeral service at noon on Monday at the Fox Funeral Home for Edward Richard Theis, 90, who passed away peacefully at the Hospice House, Poland on Wednesday, Feb. 12, after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on Nov. 10, 1923, in Youngstown. He was the son of the late Fred and Catherine Theis.

Ed attended South High School. After high school, at the age of 19, he enlisted in the Army. He was sent to Houston for basic training. After basic training, he was sent to San Francisco to become a radar operator. He was then stationed in the Hawaiian Islands. His troop met up with a convoy headed to Saipan. Ed was one of the soldiers who witnessed and survived the storming of Saipan. Ed was a very proud veteran.

When he returned home after the war, he worked at GF. After a couple of years, he, along with his friend Dick Wilson, left GF and started their own construction company, Theis-Wilson Construction. They built many homes in the area, as well as many remodeling jobs. Ed was a master carpenter. He was always happy when he had a hammer in his hand.

Dick Wilson and Ed bought property on Market Street in Boardman. At this time, Market Street was a two lane road. Many people thought he was crazy buying property that would not be worth anything. In April of 1959, ground was broken for construction of Boardman Bowling Lanes. Thirteen months later, Boardman Lanes opened to the public as the first ultra modern bowling center in the area. Ed worked the lanes until his retirement in 2000. Boardman Lanes Inc. was Ed’s dream and it has been a successful business for 54 years.

Ed was inducted into the YMBA Bowlers Hall of Fame in 1986. He was the 1969 Ohio State champion. He bowled in many leagues and helped many bowlers to improve their game.

Ed was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. He was a member of the American Legion Post 565. He loved to play golf, bowl and travel. Just a few years ago, he traveled to Europe.

Ed married Mary Jane Leatherman on Aug. 3, 1946. They were married 60 years before she passed on Jan. 5, 2007.

Ed was a very dedicated family man. He loved spending time with his family. He always had a listening ear for his children and grandchildren. He always encouraged his family to live their dreams. His integrity, courage, love and strength will always be remembered by his family and friends.

Ed’s memory will be cherished forever in his children, Mike (Thelma “TJ”) of New Middletown, Rob (Karen) of Boardman and Mary Jane “Janie” (Bob) Morris of Canfield; grandchildren, Tracy (James Smith), Terry Theis, Angela (Tony Chen), Michael (Julieanna), Jessica (Neil Muniz), Holly (Sam Decaria), William Theis, Nathan Morris, Janine Morris and Mark Morris; great-grandchildren, Macy Smith, Mason Smith, Mathew Smith, Max Smith, Leighton Chen, Niah Muniz and Tally Muniz; brothers, Howard Theis, William Theis and Ronald Theis; sisters, Eleanor Hitter and Donna Dorn; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane Leatherman; son Terry and daughter-in-law Linda Theis; brothers, Fred Theis and Robert Theis; and sister, Sophie Estok.

The family wants to thank Eric Diaz, Ed’s caregiver, for the wonderful and compassionate care he gave to Ed.

Also, the family wants to thank the wonderful staff of MVI Hospice Care and the nurses and aids who cared so loving for Ed. Also, the staff at the Hospice House.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to MVI Hospice Care, 4891 Belmont Ave., Youngstown, OH 44505 or to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Youngstown, OH 44512 in Ed’s memory.

Friends may call on Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Fox Funeral Home and Monday from 11 to 11:50 a.m. at the Fox Funeral Home, prior to the service.

Family and friends may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary