H. Dean Stiltner Jr.

H. Dean Stiltner Jr.

MARION: H. Dean Stiltner Jr., age 42, of Marion, died peacefully on Wednesday morning, October 26, 2011, at his residence following a five year battle of complications after a paralyzing injury.

On October 20, 1969, Dean was born as a twin. He was the son of the Harold "Dean" Sr. and Donna Kay (Lute) Stiltner. Dean graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1988, where he enjoyed wrestling and playing soccer. He also attended Tri-Rivers Career Center.

Shortly following graduation, Dean married the love of his life, Melissa Kay Dairy, on November 18, 1989. Together they lovingly shared nearly 22 years of marriage and raised two wonderful children, Andrew and Meghan. Melissa was lovingly devoted to him through all of his challenges.

A man of many talents, Dean worked in construction and was the maintenance supervisor at Kingston Residence. There he greatly enjoyed his time with the residents and portraying the Kingston Lion at many community events.

A highlight of Dean's life was his enlistment in the United States Marine Corp. His patriotism never wavered.

With a love for the outdoors and a passion for adventure, Dean enjoyed everything from kayaking and white water rafting to rock climbing and bow hunting. Dean was the embodiment of the term "dare devil".

As a proud father," whatever his son, Andrew, wanted to do, Dean wanted to do too." He enjoyed coaching his son's youth and travel baseball teams and was instrumental in the construction of the River Valley Baseball for Youth Fields. Dean passionately coached the River Valley Jr. High wrestling team. He also enjoyed motocross racing as a founding member of the BARS Racing Team.

Never tiring in his parental endeavors, Dean also actively participated in his daughter, Meghan's activities. He devoted many hours to watching and helping at Mid Ohio Gymnastics. One highlight being the contribution and installation of a new spring floor.

Always proud of his children, Dean celebrated their accomplishments in both academics and athletics.

"A family man" first and foremost, Dean cherished every moment he spent with his family. They enjoyed many travels together to places like Orlando and Chicago.

Being generous of his time and talents, Dean was "the first one there with his truck and his muscle".

Despite the reality he faced from his paralyzing softball injury, Dean never gave up. He fought a brave and valiant battle. His family will forever be proud of the man he was.

Dean will be dearly missed by his wife, Melissa Stiltner; two children, Andrew and Meghan Stiltner, all of Marion; his parents, Dean and Donna Stiltner of Vandalia; a brother, Ronald (Michelle) Stiltner of Marion; two sisters, De'Anna (Sean) Stiltner-Daniel of Tipp City, his twin, Rebecca "Becky" Stiltner-Worley of Marion; and three nieces; and two nephews.

The Stiltner family will greet friends from 1 - 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2011, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring his life will follow at 5:15 p.m. with Hospital Chaplain Daniel Kiger officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family or to the Christopher Reeve Foundation, 636 Morris Turnpike, Suite 3A, Short Hills, NJ 07078.

The Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Dean's family, and condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.