Thomas Darrell Zahler

Thomas Darrell Zahler, 91, of Canton, passed away peacefully at home on December 14, 2023.

He was born on November 4, 1932 to the late George and Leona (Weidman) Zahler of Canton.

Tom graduated from Timken Vocational School in 1950 and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War attaining the rank of staff sergeant. Following his military service he returned home and joined his family's business The Sand Rock Mineral Water Co. that he operated for over 65 years at the time of his retirement. Other interests included a love of his church, the former First Reformed Church of Canton and a multitude of friends he gained from his 55 years as a Ohio Freemason. During his Masonic career he had the extreme pleasure of serving as master of Clinton Lodge#47 in Massillon in 1972. His joy continued while serving the Grand Lodge of Ohio in several capacities in the coming years, as a District Deputy for three years and as Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 1985 and then he had the honor of being elected and installed as Grand Master of Masons of Ohio in 1994 with a membership of some 200,000 Masons at the time. He also held the office of Commander in Chief of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Canton for two years and was affiliated with all York Rite bodies and was a Past Patron of The Order of the Eastern Star. Tom so loved and spoiled his dogs that a son-in-law once said that "if there is such a thing as reincarnation then he wanted to come back as a Zahler dog".

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Jodine (Lorius) Zahler; their children, Marianne (Bob) Burns, Thomas (Martha) Zahler, Barbara Alenik, Charles (Joanne) Zahler, Kristine (Dave Rimar) Zahler; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Rose Zahler.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Zahler; and a sister, Marilyn (Ed) Ramsey.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023 from 6pm-8pm at the Paquelet Funeral Home, Massillon, Ohio. Masonic Services will be held starting at 5:30pm.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023, 10:30 am at the Paquelet Funeral Home with Thomas G.H. Zahler, officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, American Diabetes Association, and Stark County Dog Warden.

Messages of condolence and support may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com

Service will be live streamed at www.paquelet.com