George F. Stitz

Pastor George Stitz, 99 of Canal Fulton, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, December 27, 2025. He was born February 27, 1926 in Canton to the late George S. and Frances Byrl (Kiddey) Stitz. George owned a mink farm for 18 years and in 1970 stopped farming to follow God’s bidding to become a minister. He pastored at Canal Fulton Baptist Church for 33 ½ years. During those years Pastor Stitz has been faithful doing God’s work and has also helped physically build Canal Fulton Baptist Church as well as Lakeview Baptist Church.

George has been an avid and successful deer and turkey hunter through the years. George began his hunting career as a teenager and continued to hunt at the age of 99.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 77 years, Thelma (Hockenberry) Stitz and seven siblings. George is survived by his daughters, Cindy (John) McCaulley, Sherry (John) Ackerman and Fawn (Bob) Yoho; seven grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held MONDAY, January 5, 2026, 11:00am at the Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home, 624 Cherry St. E. (Rt. 93) Canal Fulton with Pastor Thomas Shank Jr. officiating. Burial at Canal Fulton Cemetery. Visitation SUNDAY, January 4, 2026, 2:00pm to 4:00pm and one hour prior to service time all at the funeral home.