Dana A. Deshler

DESHLER Judge Dana A. Deshler, age 75, of Columbus, passed away on Sunday, September 16, 2012. He was born to the late Dana and Ruth Deshler on April 8, 1937. Dana was a lifelong resident of Franklin County, OH. He graduated from West High School class of 1955. A graduate of The Ohio State University, he received his Bachelor's in Political Science. He played on the Ohio State football team in 1956 under Woody Hayes. He went on to receive his J.D from Capital Law School, Columbus, OH. He was admitted to practice in the State of Ohio in 1966, followed by admission to Federal District Court in 1967 and admission to 6th Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in 1976. Dana's General Practice took place from 1966-1986. While practicing law, he was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives-35th District, and was a member of the House from 1980 to1986. He was elected in 1986 to the Franklin County Common Pleas Court serving a full term. He then attended the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada from 1988-1990. Appointed by Gov. George Voinovich in 1992, he served a six year term in the Tenth Appellate District Court of Appeals. He became a member of the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline. He was re-elected in 1998 and retired from the Court in 2003. Dana was a member of the Ohio State Bar and Columbus Bar Association, President of the Franklin County Trial Lawyers Assoc. (1975-1976), American Judicature Society where he was appointed by the Court of Common Pleas to Franklin County Legal Defender Commission (1976-1980). Treasurer of Ohio Common Pleas Judges' Association, Ohio Judicial Conference Chairman on the Legislation Committee, Budget Chairman of the Court of Appeals Judges' Assoc. He was a veteran life member of the Charity Newsies serving as President in 1978. He was a life member of the Upper Arlington Civic Assoc., Torch Club of Columbus, Buckeye Boosters, Inc., Columbus Area Advisory Board- Salvation Army from 1994-2000. He received many awards throughout his career including; The American Legion Buckeye Boys State Hall of Fame, Meritorious Service Award, Outstanding Legislator Award, Ohio Public Defender Award, President's Award. Judge Deshler had numerous decisions published in official case reports and sat by special appointment on the Supreme Court of Ohio on a number of occasions. In 2003, he received the George E. Tyack Award for Judicial Excellence presented by Franklin County Trial Lawyers. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carol Deshler; sons, Jonathan (Lynne) Deshler, Judson (Leslie) Deshler, Jason (Emily) Deshler; grandchildren, Abigail, Jonathan Jr., Bridget, Joseph, Katie, Jacob, Caroline, and Luke Deshler; sister, Diane (Dr. Philip) Matlock of Glendora, CA; sister-in-law, Elaine Weber; nieces and nephews, Jody (Ron) McIntyre and Susie (Bob) Iddings, Sheryl (Bylle) Matlock, Philip Matlock, Susan (Tim) Malczynski, Sally (George) Bullis, and Regina (Michael) Zambeck; and numerous grand-nieces and nephews. Friends may call from 3- 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at the SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St., Worthington, OH 43085. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 21, 2012 at the First Community Church, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212. Pastor Jim Long officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dana's memory may be made to Charity Newsies, 4300 Indianola Ave., Columbus, OH 43214. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory of Dana.