Don F. "Deak" Shuler

Shuler, Don Francis “Deak” age 92 passed away April 3, 2015 at Randall Residence of Tipp City, OH. He was born in Wapakoneta, OH on June 18, 1922 to the late Harold and Ruth (Crow) Shuler. Don is survived by five children: Jon (Cynthia) Shuler of Pawleys Island, SC, Deborah Shuler of Oakwood, OH, Brian (Nancy) Shuler of Troy, OH, Sarah (Robert) Coughlin of Apollo Beach, FL, Laura (Douglas) Buchanan of Troy, OH, 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Susan (Ned) Delong of Reno, NV and a brother David (Linda) Shuler of Liberty Lake, WA. His sister, Doris (John) Headapohl of Troy, OH preceded him in death. Don graduated from high school in Wapakoneta, OH and attended Miami University, University of Illinois, and Columbia University while studying engineering. He proudly served in the United States Navy (South Pacific Theatre) during WWII as a navigation officer (LT, JG) from 1942-1946. Don was enthusiastic and hardworking in all areas of his life. He played baseball and football in high school and continued his love of those games as an avid fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Ohio State football. He started playing tennis in his 40’s and championed the game and tennis organizations in Troy and Dayton. He loved and supported his family and grandchildren throughout his life, and was always willing to help a friend or stranger down on their luck. He was passionate about sports, boats, American history, politics, Shuler genealogy, Ohio Native American history, antiques, and the art of the deal. After various positions in business, Don became involved in the early cable television industry in the 1960’s. As president and CEO, he formed his first company, Shardco Cablevision, Inc., in 1965. He continued in the field by starting Ohio cable systems in Wapakoneta, St. Mary’s Delphos, Cridersville, Fort Shawnee, and Kenton. In 1971, Shardco merged with Cypress Communications Corporation and he became the Vice President of Midwest Operations. In this position, he acquired cable systems in Canton and Sidney, OH, Warsaw and Union City, IN, and Altoona, PA. In 1972, he acquired the franchise for Columbus, OH and supervised the system startup. Representing Cypress Cable TV of Dayton, he was granted the franchise and F.C.C. approval to build the Dayton system in 1974. This system later became Viacom Cable and eventually became the current Time Warner Cable. Don was the founder and President of the Ohio Cable Television Association and, as Director of the Board of the National Cable Television Association; he represented OH, IN, MI, and WI. He served on the F.C.C. Advisory Committee from 1972-1973. He has been a member of the Pioneers Club of the National Cable Television Association since 1971, and he was a consultant in the cable television field from 1980-1990. While living in Troy, Don was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, and in later years while living near Indian Lake, he was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Bellefontaine, OH. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 S. Dorset Rd., Troy, OH on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. followed by internment at a later date at Greenlawn Cemetery in Wapakoneta, OH. Arrangements are being handled by Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home in Wapakoneta. www.bayliffandeleyfh.com In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Don Shuler to the Overfield Early Childhood Education Program, 172 S. Ridge Ave. Troy, OH 45373.

Don F. "Deak" Shuler

June 18, 1922 - April 3, 2015