Joseph "Ray" Tidswell

Joseph “Ray” Tidswell, age 79, of Berkey, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at Ebeid Hospice, following a massive brain aneurysm. He was born March 9, 1934 in Palmyra, Michigan to Joseph R., Sr. and Alice Katherine (Jones) Tidswell. Ray was a 1952 graduate of Adrian High School, and joined the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict serving in the 82nd Airborne Division. On September 27, 1958, he married his beloved wife, Mary Ann Mrkva.

Ray was a truck driver for Adrian Blissfield Concrete and retired in 1992. He was an avid woodworker and photographer. He specialized in making bookcases, cabinets, picture frames and various household furniture. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and drinking coffee with his buddies.

Ray loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Ann; daughters, Mary Ann (Tom) Bick and Lisa Tidswell; grandchildren, Adam and Abby Bick; sister, Kathy Froelich; nephew, Mike (Renee) Kelley; niece, Heather (Nate) Schubert; 3 great-nieces; 2 great-nephews; and mother-in-law, Anna Mrkva.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, and father-in-law, Albert Mrkva.

Family and friends may visit Sunday, February 16th from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora (419.644.3601). Visitation will continue Monday, February 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home, where funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Michael Dandurand presiding. Interment, with Military Rites, will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Assumption.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Promedica Ebeid Hospice, 5340 Harroun Rd, Sylvania, OH 43560 or Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2649 US 20, Swanton, OH 43558.

Residence: Berkey, Ohio

Visitation: Sunday, February 16th from 3 to 5 pm at the Weigel Funeral Home in Metamora and Monday, February 17th from 10 am to 11:00 am

Funeral Service: Monday, February 17th at 11:00 am in the Funeral Home

Interment: St. Mary's Cemetery in Assumption