Kenneth Edward Shuler

Kenneth Edward Shuler, affectionately known as “Papaw Kenny” entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, On June 4, 2025, at the Diley Ridge Medical Center in Canal Winchester, Ohio.  He was 71 years old and a long-time resident of Racine, Ohio.

Born January 24, 1954, at Meigs General Hospital, he was the son of Ernest Melvin Shuler and Mary Louise Simpson Shuler. 

Kenny graduated from Southern High School in 1972.  He was a truck driver for 52 years with various companies:  Millis, Overnite, UPS and he retired from A&R Transport and resumed his passion for truck driving with Fields Excavating until December 2024.  Kenny was an excellent employee receiving much recognition and various awards for mileage and safety.   He was once asked by his A&R team to pass on some words of wisdom for fellow drivers, and he sincerely replied, “If your day goes south, back up and punt ‘cause tomorrow will be a better day!”

He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones and was often the life of the party.  He was always cracking jokes and acting goofy.  He loved sports and he loved to support all the kids and their activities.  He enjoyed attending sporting events, especially those at Southern Local.  He enjoyed Nascar and attending races.   He loved to travel.  One of his absolute favorite past times was being “Santa”.  Kenny enjoyed making people laugh and smile.  He played Santa Clause for over 30 years and brought joy, laughter, and smiles to folks of all ages. 

He loved his family most.  Kenny married his soul mate, Gwendolyn “Ruthie” Thorla on September 1, 1992.  He took on the role of husband and “dad” to her two children, Chris and Ginnee, and her older son, Brian.  They shared many years of happiness, and a ton of memories were made.  Kenny took full advantage of his time being home and the family gathered often for family game nights, movies, vacations, and many other events.  Kenny was a believer in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and was obedient in Baptism on August 24, 2008.  He served alongside Ruthie at Antiquity Baptist Church where both enjoyed singing in the choir. He lived a good and memorable life.  The family will cherish their memories until they meet again. 

Kenny was preceded in death by his wife, Ruthie Shuler, his parents, Ernest and Mary Louise Shuler, his two sons, Brian Joseph Thorla and Christopher Corey Hendricks, a daughter-in-law, Shelly Renee Thorla, and his mother-in-law, Mary Virginia Hendricks.

Surviving Kenny are his daughter, Ginnee Renee Lee and her husband, Adam Lee, Grandsons, Braxton Joseph Thorla, Tanner Mathew and Bailee Nicole Thorla, Weston Connoly Thorla, and Everett Gregory Lee, granddaughter Gracie Marie Lee, great grandson, Holden Joseph Thorla and great granddaughter, Nelli Renee Thorla.  A Son, Brandon Shuler and his Wife Karen, granddaughter, Paige Shuler and grandson Colton Shuler also survive. 

In addition to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, he is survived by his siblings, Margie Pierce, Stephen and Wanda Shuler, David and Carla Shuler, Doug and Theresa Powell, and his in-laws Bill and Sandra Thorla and Bob and Penny Thorla.  Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, many co-workers and friends also survive. 

Kenny’s decision for end of life was to be an organ donor and to be cremated with no memorial services to be held.  His was able to bless others with life and needs through his organ donation. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and deep appreciation to all of the staff at Overbook Center, Holzer, PV Home Health and Riverside Methodist Hospital for all of the wonderful care given to Kenny.

Cremeens-King Funeral Home, Racine, Ohio is entrusted with Kenny’s arrangements.

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