David F. Gerfen

David F. Gerfen, age 57 of Prospect, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Monday, September 22, 2025.

David was born on August 1, 1968, in Delaware, Ohio, to Darrell F. and Janet Marie (Schwaderer) Gerfen. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1986 and went on to attend The Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Education in 1990. He went on to work for Serv-U-Success for over 30 years where he was a vendor at both the Marion Meijer and Delaware Meijer stores.

On September 11, 1999 he was united in marriage to Deborah Ann Ralston-Hopkins.

David grew up participating in the Country Prospectors 4-H Club and the Elgin FFA Chapter. He bought his first ewe and lamb when he was 7 years old and started showing Dorsets for two years before finding his true calling with Oxfords at age 10. Among his long list of achievements include 1985 State Farmer Degree, three-time winner of the Star Central Farmer Award, Outstanding Marion County 4-H Boy and the National Diversified Livestock Production Award. Over the years, Battle Run Farms was established as a family-run business that continues to thrive today, specializing in Horned Dorsets, Tunis, Polled Dorsets, and crossbred sheep.

Beyond the farm, Dave spent decades giving back. He was a 30+ year member and treasurer of the Marion County Sheep Improvement Association. He helped coordinate the Lamb Stand, served as Junior Fair Sheep Barn Advisor and sat on the Jr. Fair Building Improvement Committee for the Marion County Fair. This year he was honored and inducted into the 2025 Everett Douce Sheep Hall of Fame at the Marion County Sheep Show surrounded by his family and friends. He served on the Ohio Dorset Association Board, including being a past president, and a member of the Continental Dorset Club, and both the Ohio and National Tunis Association. For a decade he served as the Dorset Breed Steward at the Ohio State Fair during the junior and open shows.

David also was committed to his community. He was past president of the Prospect Lions Club, he received the Melvin Jones Humanitarian Award, and a member of the District 13 Hall of Fame. Since October 1, 2024, he served as the pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Prospect where he was a past Church Council President and helped Deb to enhance and improve the food pantry to serve the community.

For many years he was known as Coach Gerfen. He coached junior high and youth football for over 24 years at Ridgedale, River Valley, and Elgin Local Schools.

He is survived by his devoted wife Deborah Ann Gerfen; daughter Kayla (Tom) McKinniss; sons: Patrick (Shannon) Hopkins, Michael Hopkins and Shawn (Amber) Hopkins; grandchildren: Jenna, Emma and Anna Hopkins; siblings: Steven (Kimberly) Gerfen and Lorri (Mark) Hoffman; mother of his daughter, Michelle Gerfen; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Darrell & Janet Gerfen, and his brother, Darrell Eugene Gerfen.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 26, 2025 at St Paul's Lutheran Church, 200 E Water St, Prospect, OH 43342 from 12PM to 2PM and also from 4PM to 7PM; funeral service will be at the church Saturday at 10AM with Pastor Adam Sornchai officiating; burial will be in Prospect Cemetery.

If desired, donations may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Food Pantry.

The Snyder Funeral Homes of Marion are honored to serve David's family; condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com