He was born in Fremont on December 19, 1932 to the late Samuel and Elsie Tillapaw and married Jean Rockhold on October 5, 1951. She survives.
He retired from the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad in Brewster and was a member of the Brewster United Methodist Church, Brewster Moose and the Brewster Anglers Club.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Cynthia (Harry) Provan of Florida, James (Cindy) Tillapaw, Jr. of Massillon and Jill (Atlee) Hershberger of Mt. Hope; 9 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sisters, June Emery of Clyde, Marilyn Smith of Sandusky, Sharon Guhn of Clyde and Elsie Bowerman of Michigan.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Robert, Keith and John; and a sister, Betty.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 AM at the Spidell Funeral Home, 209 Chestnut Street, NW, Brewster, with Pastor Jon Long officiating. Burial will follow in Welty Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Brewster United Methodist Church.
Spidell Funeral Home, 209 Chestnut Street, NW, Brewster
