Kim Butler Histed, 71, of Crestline passed away leaving behind a legacy of resilience, creativity, faith, and compassion.
Born in Crestline to the late Clayton Jr., and Joan (Van Horn) Histed on April 9, 1954, Kim was raised in Crestline, where he presided until his death. Kim carried his hometown roots with him throughout his life. He was known among neighbors and friends for his quiet strength, thoughtful conversation, and generous spirit.
Kim’s professional journey included positions at Teneyck’s Greenhouse, Dr. N.C. Liu Physician Clinic, Dr. Liu’s Dental Clinic, and Galion Hospital, where he served as both an office assistant and receptionist. He later lived in Columbus, Ohio, before moving back to his hometown. In every role he held, Kim was recognized for his dedication, reliability, and careful attention to detail.
Beyond his career, Kim was a man of many talents. An exceptional cook, he found joy in preparing meals for others. He had a natural gift for plants and floral arranging, bringing beauty into every space he touched. Artistically inclined, he enjoyed drawing and painting, expressing his creativity in meaningful and personal ways. He also had a deep interest in genealogy, taking pride in researching his family history and preserving stories for future generations.
Faith was central to Kim’s life. It guided his actions, shaped his character, and sustained him through life’s challenges. Having lived with the lasting effects of polio and post-polio syndrome, Kim understood firsthand the importance of accessibility and inclusion. He became a passionate advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act, working to ensure that others with disabilities received the accommodations and dignity they deserved. His life stood as a testament to perseverance and courage.
Kim attended The Ohio State University at Mansfield, where he earned an associate’s degree in Greek Methodology and Psychology. During his time there, he was elected Student Body President and took pride in caring for the campus flagpoles. He also advocated for preserving surrounding cornfields to help sustain local deer and wildlife populations. He formed many lifelong friendships during his years at university.
Kim enjoyed traveling to Sanibel Island, FL, with his mother and eventually had a winter home in Lakeland, FL. He was very active on the board of the Morton School House located in Shelby, Ohio. This schoolhouse belonged to his Great-Great-Grandmother, Sarah Morton. He was an advocate for the updates and renovations of the schoolhouse and involved in creating and helping at the Morton School House Days.
Kim will be remembered for his creativity, determination, deep faith, and kindness toward others.
His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Siblings: Jeffrey (Kathy) Histed, of Palmetto, FL., Lucinda “Kay” Herold, of Crestline; Nieces and Nephews: Hollister ( Kathy June) Histed, of Fremont, CA., Clayton (Kitty) Herold, of Crestline, Dr. Emily Herold MeKeever, of Crestline, Elise (Bill) Holt, of Strongsville, Hannah (Aaron) Bard, of Pataskala; many great nieces and nephews; and many Toledo, Florida, Idaho, and New York Cousins: Marylin Morton of Cullowhee, NC, cousins of Salisbury, NC, and special friends Tom and Janet Clabaugh.
Abiding by Kim’s wishes, there will be no formal services observed, and he will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery in Crestline with his family.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donation to be put into Kim’s name for the Area Agency for Aging in Ontario, Ohio or The Morton One Room School Historical Museum in Shelby, Ohio.
Those wishing to share a memory of Kim or share condolences to the Histed family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Kim Butler Histed.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com