Ohio Senator Kirk Schuring dies at 72; Governor DeWine orders flags lowered
By John Fortney
Ohio Senate
Press Release
It is with great sadness that the Ohio Senate announces the passing of Senator Kirk Schuring, R-Canton following a courageous battle with cancer.
A native son of Stark County, Kirk Schuring took great pride in serving his home county for more than three decades in the Ohio General Assembly.
Senator Schuring was well liked in both the Senate and House chambers by colleagues representing both sides of the aisle. He sponsored dozens of bills ranging from economic policy, sports gaming, and healthcare that eventually became law, and made a difference for Ohio families.
Even through his recent illness he worked the phone from his hospital bed talking to colleagues about pending legislation.
"Kirk was a statesman," said Senate President Matt Huffman. "There is no finer member of the General Assembly or finer Ohioan who served in the halls of the Ohio Statehouse. Kirk's heart was in Ohio, and it showed with his commitment, drive, and integrity for the job the people elected him to do decade after decade."
Kirk Schuring believed in the work, and he believed in the people he served.
Holding multiple leadership positions during his time in the General Assembly, including Senate President Pro Tempore, he worked tirelessly to provide the freedom for communities to create their own Joint Economic Development Districts, which helped create additional job opportunities that might not otherwise be available.
He loved a good story and was very influential in working to make Ohio a destination for Hollywood.
His work to expand the Film Tax Credit was critical in keeping Hollywood’s interest in Ohio for major films and TV series.
Named legislator of the year numerous times by a long list of organizations, Senator Schuring took great pride in being a quiet yet highly effective negotiator and advocate for his hometown, his state, and for people who just needed someone to listen.
Schuring graduated from Perry High School in Stark County and attended Kent State University.
He worked for the family business and eventually became President of the Schuring Agency.
Schuring was born to serve. He was President of the Stark County Young Republicans. He was proud to have been a member of the Canton Jaycees and served as their President. He also served as President of the Canton Urban League. He loved the Canton Club and served as its President.
He could’ve gone anywhere, but he stayed in the place he loved, and that was forever his Ohio home.
Senator Schuring was 72 and is survived by his loving wife Darlene (Newkirk), his son J. Derrick, daughter-in-law Allison (McDaniel), daughter Kristin, and six grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Preston, Parker, Quinn, Owen, Everett and Lucy. His sister Diane McAndrew, brother-in-law Michael McAndrew, brother and sister in law David and Kathy Newkirk, brother-in-law Sam Bellino, brother and sister in law Bill and Marti Newkirk and so many other family and friends also survive.
Calling hours will be held at Kent State Stark Campus Conference Center, 6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, Ohio.
Funeral services will be held at The Old Stone Chapel, 415 Tuscarawas St W, Canton, Ohio 44702.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers donate to the Timken Cancer Center.
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Governor DeWine issues statement
Ohio Governor’s Office
Press Release
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement on the death of State Senator Kirk Schuring:
“Fran and I are saddened to learn of the death of State Senator Kirk Schuring. Kirk was a model legislator. Not only was he a fierce advocate for his constituents in Canton and Stark County, but he also was a legislator who did the hard work every day in committee and on the floor to get meaningful legislation passed.
“His legislative accomplishments were broad based, encompassing economic development, helping small businesses prosper, enhancing school safety and promoting public safety, especially helping victims of crime.
“Fran and I extend our sincerest condolences to Kirk’s wife, Darlene; his children; and his entire family.”
In honor of the life and service of State Senator Schuring, Governor DeWine has ordered the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio to be lowered upon all public buildings and grounds throughout Stark County and at the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center, and the Rhodes State Office Tower Friday and will remain until sunset on the day of his funeral.
All other public buildings and grounds throughout the state may fly the flags of the United States and the state of Ohio at half-staff at their discretion for the same time period.
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