Gerald Wayne Short, 83 years, of Haines City, Florida, and formerly of West Unity, Ohio, passed away Friday, September 5, 2014 at Winter Haven Hospital, Winter Haven Florida. Gerald was born December 1, 1930 near West Unity, Ohio, the son of the late Seth and Lillian (Rufenacht) Short. He was a 1949 graduate of Stryker High School. A United States Marine Corps Veteran, Gerald served during the Korean Conflict. He married Suzanne Stipe on September 5, 1953 in the West Unity United Methodist Church, and she survives. He was the former owner of Short Chevrolet in West Unity. Gerald and Suzie moved to Florida 26 years ago. He was a member of the West Unity United Methodist Church. West Unity American Legion Post #669, West Unity Chamber of Commerce, where he served as a Past President and Hillcrest Golf Course where he was also a Past President and former Board Member. He was also active in the West Unity Minute Men and the West Unity Sportsman’s Club.
Surviving is his wife of 61 years, Suzanne; three daughters, Kathy (David) Dick of West Unity, Ohio, Jane (Andy) Krauska of The Villages, Florida and Sally (Joe) James of Plant City, Florida; six grandchildren, Ryan Dick and his fiancée Michelle Baker of Columbus, Ohio, Ashley (Jed) Hawkins of Edon, Ohio, Tyson Hooser of Chicago, Illinois, Nathan (Tiffany) Zink of Plant City, Florida, Travis Zink of Valrico, Florida and Andrew James Zink of St. Petersburg, Florida; three great-grandchildren, Mia Hawkins, Preston and Hannah Zink. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Galen and Max Short and one sister, Gelenna Davis.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to West Unity United Methodist Church, 311 North Liberty Street, West Unity, Ohio 43570.