Edwin L. Bachtel

Edwin L. Bachtel 1943-2021 77, entered heaven November 2, 2021. Born in Massillon, December 9, 1943, to the late Russell and Betty (Aston) Bachtel. Ed graduated from Washington High School in 1961 and joined the Navy at 17, serving first on the Saratoga. In 1963, when stationed in Brunswick, Maine, he met Muriel Bowie, a student at Farmington State Teachers’ College. She agreed to replace her friend on a blind date. Ed told Muriel that night he would marry her someday. September 12, 2021, marked their 57th year of marriage. Ed was a successful Aflac agent and manager for 40 years. More importantly, clients appreciated his impeccable service and sheer compassion. Service and impacting lives were Ed’s hallmarks: he opened the first Wendy’s in Canton, earned the Lions’ Half-Century Club with Jackson Township, belonged to his grandfather’s Masonic Lodge 47, ran for Jackson Township Trustee, cheered his son’s Jackson High School football games in white and purple, and was a decades-long Tiger fan. He shared his beloved Maine mountain cottage on a pond with many from this area, and enjoyed visiting his Florida park home near his Maine/NH in-laws. Actively involved in Wesley United Methodist Church for 29 years, he became a leader and greeter (big hugger) at Jackson Friends Church for almost three decades. Ed was the proud father and father-in-law of Brian and Jackie (Baker), and Bren(da) and Brett Sheaffer. He also cherished his grandchildren Jamison Schneider, Eric and Stephanie (Schneider) Walters, Samuel Wion, Gabrielle and Garrett Bachtel, Eric Sheaffer, and two great- grandchildren Oliver and Tidus Walters. Preceded in death by two younger brothers Doug and Tim Bachtel, he is survived by his wife Muriel (Bowie) Bachtel, and many loved sisters- and brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. The family held a private interment with military recognition at Rose Hill Memorial Garden. A Celebration of Life will be held at Jackson Friends Church beginning at 3 pm, Fri., Nov. 26th, with Pastor Dave Tebbs officiating a short memorial celebration at 4 pm. A meal will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be designated for creation of a new “Friends Prayer Garden” at Jackson Friends Church, 7945 Portage St NW, Massillon, OH, 44646. Special thanks to The Bethany in Canton for their caring support in Ed’s last months.