Jeffrey Allen Emler, age 67 of Zanesville, Ohio passed away on December 29, 2025 following a life-long struggle with alcoholism.
Born in Zanesville on April 15th, 1958 Jeff was a veteran in the U.S. Navy before serving as a medical lab technician, then a registered nurse for approximately 30 years. A self-taught violinist, he loved classical music, and bestowed a love for music onto his children. In his younger-mid adult years, he proudly cared for a home in the country on seven acres. He was a talented cook and vegetable gardener. He also raised countless animals, such as dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, and even a donkey. His proclivity to all things "outdoors" brought him moments of peace and joy. Those who knew Jeff well knew him as insanely practical, a soft soul who struggled to find his place in this world, and as an intelligent, philosophical thinker who struggled to apply wisdom to his own life despite his surprising ability to pass it on to others.
He is survived by his mother, Barbara (Mike) Dopson; his children, Savannah (Matthew) Schwartz, and Avonlea (Alex) Emler; and first grandchild, Eliana Grace Schwartz. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Rebecca (Randy) Kelso, and four other siblings and their families: Patricia Emler, Linda Tolliver, Ronald (Jennifer) Emler, and Diana (Steve) Allen. He was preceded in death by his father, James Emler.
Though he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and will inherit the fullness of God's mercy and grace in eternity, during his earthly life he fought a truly devastating, lifelong battle with alcoholism.
No services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that, first and foremost, if you are currently struggling with the life-stealing throws of addiction, that you wait no longer and seek help immediately not just for yourself, but for the love of your family and friends. Otherwise, please consider a donation to Alcoholics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, or a related organization, in his memory.
Born in Zanesville on April 15th, 1958 Jeff was a veteran in the U.S. Navy before serving as a medical lab technician, then a registered nurse for approximately 30 years. A self-taught violinist, he loved classical music, and bestowed a love for music onto his children. In his younger-mid adult years, he proudly cared for a home in the country on seven acres. He was a talented cook and vegetable gardener. He also raised countless animals, such as dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, and even a donkey. His proclivity to all things "outdoors" brought him moments of peace and joy. Those who knew Jeff well knew him as insanely practical, a soft soul who struggled to find his place in this world, and as an intelligent, philosophical thinker who struggled to apply wisdom to his own life despite his surprising ability to pass it on to others.
He is survived by his mother, Barbara (Mike) Dopson; his children, Savannah (Matthew) Schwartz, and Avonlea (Alex) Emler; and first grandchild, Eliana Grace Schwartz. He is also survived by his former wife and mother of his children, Rebecca (Randy) Kelso, and four other siblings and their families: Patricia Emler, Linda Tolliver, Ronald (Jennifer) Emler, and Diana (Steve) Allen. He was preceded in death by his father, James Emler.
Though he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and will inherit the fullness of God's mercy and grace in eternity, during his earthly life he fought a truly devastating, lifelong battle with alcoholism.
No services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that, first and foremost, if you are currently struggling with the life-stealing throws of addiction, that you wait no longer and seek help immediately not just for yourself, but for the love of your family and friends. Otherwise, please consider a donation to Alcoholics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, or a related organization, in his memory.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jeffrey Allen Emler, please visit our flower store.
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