~~~~~~~ MY SECOND COUSIN ~~~~~~~

George D. Biddle, age 82, of Chesterville and formerly of Mount Gilead, died early Tuesday morning, January 13, 2009, at the Morrow Manor Nursing Home following a two illness.

On December 30, 1926, Geoege was born in Elhart, Indiana, the son of the late Russell and Gladys Biddle.

After moving to Ohio at a young age to be near his relatives, George attended the Hansberger Church in Columbus, where he would be introduced to his wife to be Ruth Beougher. On December 5, 1951, George and Ruth were married at the church and they have shared fifty seven years of marriage. The Hansberger Church eventually merged into the Peace United Methodist Church in Columbus, where they were both members.

A skilled carpenter, George owned and operated Biddle's Remodeling in columbus for over twenty five years building countless homes. He also bulit every home he and his wife had lived in, building his last home when he was sixty five years old. Next George worked as the head of maintenance for Ohio State University for nearly twent years.

A proud Veteran, George served his country as a Merchant Marine. Also he was a member of the American Legion in Delaware.

An avid woodworker, George made countless treasures for his friends and family. His favorite wood to work with cypresswood, which he would find in Florida, and he especially enjoyed making cypressclocks.

After learning about gardening from his father, George enjoyed landscaping and planting flowers each year. Also, he enjoyed fishing at his pond that he would keep stocked full of fish and feeding the ducks.

Always eathing breakfast in Chesterville, George loved eathing with friends in both the Gathering Inn and McDonalds.

George and Ruth enjoyed being snowbirds, wintering in Silver Springs, Florida for many years.

Raising canine companions his entire life, George always had several pugs and german shepards by his side at home.

George will be missed by his wife, Ruth Biddle of Chesterville; three daughters: Ellen Gamble of Gahanna, Mariann (Michael) Merrick of Mount Gilead, and Carol (Dale) Martin of Columbus; son, Paul (Jackie) Biddle of Marion; twelve grandchildren: Jeremy, Aaron (Marsha), Brian, Logan, and Preston Gamble, Tim (Heather) Merrick, Tracy (Dave) Stone, Jenna, Dale, and Wyatt Martin, and Tom (Linda), and Shelby Biddle; And twelve great-grandchildren and on on the way.

In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by two brothers; Russell and Dewey Biddle; sister, Ruth Harrison, and son-in-law, Larry Gamble. His family will greet friends from 2-3 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2009, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mt. Gilead, where funeral services will follow immediately at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Okie Evans and Pastor Tom McFann officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Chesterville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Morrow Manor Activity Dept., P.O. Box 44, Chesterville, Ohio 43317, or to Acclaim Hospice, 2800 Corporate Exchange Dr.m Columbus, Ohio 43231.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.