MANSFIELD: Courage and wisdom, devotion and skill, generosity and work ethic all found a home in the heart of George Sturts. A man who quietly served the Mansfield community for decades – who always responded to an appeal for help – was an example for others. All men are created equal – then only a few become firefighters.
One of Mansfield’s finest was called to rest as Delmar D. “George” Sturts passed away Saturday evening in OhioHealth Mansfield. He was 92.
Born November 7, 1932 in Shelby to parents Will and Alice (Mumau) Sturts, he was graduated from Shelby High School and worked several years with the Tuby while serving with the Navy Reserves. When drafted by the US Army, he petitioned to serve with the US Navy, and was honorably discharged in 1957.
For a couple of years, George operated a gas station on Glessner Avenue where he did mechanics work on cars before accepting a position with the Mansfield Fire Department in 1960. While with the Fire Department, George drove the rear end of the tiller truck and was responsible for building the first squad unit ever put into service in the city.
While working with the fire department, he worked with D&W Auto Glass as an air-conditioning technician, and continued to do mechanic work from his home (back in the Freon days).
A gifted carpenter, after his retirement from the fire department in 1992, George built cabinetry, and furniture – his tables, desks and entertainment centers were heavy, made from solid wood.
He will be remembered for his devotion to his wife Donna – he spoiled her – and how he loved on his family. Some remarked “…if I can be half the man grandpa is…” as a nod to his legacy and commitment to family.
He is survived by his wife Donna (Burky) Sturts, whom he married April 8, 1961; their children Erica (Steve) Stewart of Mansfield, Erin (Thomas) Ray of Mansfield, and Blair (Shelly) Sturts of Lexington; grandchildren Melodie Anderson, Allegra (Brian) Brinker, Clarissa Stewart, Kyle (Alex) Ray, Koryn (Zack Emmert) Ray, Zane (Allie) Sturts, Clay Sturts, Emma Sturts, and Olivia Sturts; great-grandchildren Derek, Derrin, Derius, Denver, Lillian, Leah, Violet, Caden, and Marley; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers Ralph Sturts and Wayne Sturts, and sisters Gloria McNeil and Jean Norris.
The Sturts family will receive guests Friday, January 24, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Trinity Grace Fellowship, 1592 Grace Street, Mansfield, where his funeral service will immediately follow at 1 p.m. Pastor Larry Carnes will officiate. Military honors will follow at the church service, offered by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Memorial Park near Lexington, where Mansfield Fire Department Last Call Rites will be held. The Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is handling funeral arrangements.
Memorial contributions to the music ministry of Trinity Grace Fellowship may be made in his memory.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sturts family. Share a message of support with them – and watch George’s tribute video – online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home Marino Avenue Chapel
Website: SnyderFuneralHomes.com