Obituary for David Thomas Saffell

David Thomas Saffell, 54, Plain City, OH died July 14, 2016,at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 1, 1962, in Zanesville, OH to Hal and Kay (Stoneburner) Saffell. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Eugene and Mildred (Paxton) Saffell, New Lexington, OH and Donald and Garnet (Beebe) Stoneburner, Zanesville, OH, as well as by his older brother, Thomas Duane (Tommy) Saffell, who died in 1962 at age 2. In addition to his parents, Dave is survived by daughter Erin Marie (J.J.) Cotton, Ludowici, GA and son Thomas David Saffell, Pooler, GA, and by his grandchildren, James, Joseph and Jackson Cotton. Dave is also survived by sisters Ann (Pete) Smerles, and Susan (Dan) Briggs, and by nephews and nieces George Smerles, Stephanie (Brian) Fowler, Nicole (Matthew) Stelzer, Kathleen Smerles, and Eric and Ellyn Briggs. Dave’s great nephews and nieces are Brody, Alexis and Madison Fowler, and Jack and Brooklyn Stelzer. Also surviving is his former wife, Terri (Gloyd) Saffell, and Dave’s special friends, Brian and Corin Cunningham of Plain City, OH. and Ron and Marsha Curry of Colorado Springs, CO. Dave graduated from Westerville South High School in 1980, then attended Columbus Technical Institute. He retired in 2013 after a 32-year career with The Worthington Steel Division of Worthington Industries, first in steel processing, then in inside and outside steel sales, including assignments in Columbus and Dayton, OH as well as Colorado Springs, CO and Memphis, TN. Dave enjoyed deer hunting in Southeastern Ohio with his grandfather Stoneburner, and in the Colorado Rockies with his friend, Ron Curry. Dave was a proud member of the NRA, and the Sons of the American Revolution. He was an avid Buckeyes, Reds and Raiders fan. His heart was as big as the wide open spaces of his beloved Western States. Like your little big brother, you left us way too soon, son. We love you and will always miss you. Remember our Indian Guide slogan, “Pals Forever.” Friends may call 4 to 7 PM Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at HILL FUNERAL HOME, 220 S. State St., Westerville. Private family graveside service Wednesday at Zanesville Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to American Cancer Society or American Lung Association.