Jeffrey Daniel Ling, 66, of Ashland, Ohio, went to his heavenly home on April 11, 2023. Jeff was born on December 10, 1956 in Millersburg, the son of Eugene and Dorothy (Fortune) Ling. He married Martha Eichelberger on April 14, 1985. Jeff is the father of Elizabeth Kohler, Bob (Lacie) Ling, and Jason (Jessica) Ling. He is the grandfather of Lance, Zachariah, Max, Sam, Eve, Regan and Reese.
Jeff is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren; siblings: Marilyn (Ernie) Eagle, Diane Ling, Thelma Cheuvront, Loretta (John) Leaver, Tim (Linda) Ling, and Rachel (Daryl) Gray; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ralph and Carolyn Eichelberger, Roger and Sherry Eichelberger, and Mitch and Barb Bolin; and many nieces and nephews. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Bob and Irene Eichelberger; sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Chuck Kasner; and son-in-law, Darik Kohler.
Jeff worked his entire life as a mechanic. He graduated from Loudonville High School in 1976 with a certification in diesel mechanics. He worked as a farm mechanic at Agri-Mark for 20 years. He then worked as a mechanic at Ashland University for 22 years. There was not an engine he could not fix. He would often get phone calls from area farmers asking him to look at pieces of equipment. Jeff was often found in his garage tinkering with one of his many projects. Over the years, these included various automobiles, tractors, hog roasters, a minibike, a sawmill, and many more. His ability to fix and create did not end with engines. Jeff was also knowledgeable in construction, plumbing, welding, and electrical work. He learned many of these skills from his dad. Jeff passed this knowledge on to his sons and many others. Jeff was even known to help his wife and daughter with sewing and craft projects. Those who knew Jeff knew there wasn’t much he couldn’t do.
He was adored by his family, especially his grandchildren. They knew spending a day with Grandpa would be an adventure. The day may find them fishing, camping in “Grandpa’s Woods”, working around the house, shooting BB guns, stopping at an ice cream shop, working in the garden, or going for a ride on one of his contraptions. The adoration was mutual. Jeff spent many evenings and weekends supporting his grandkids at softball, baseball, football, basketball, soccer, school programs, band performances, and Cub Scouts. Jeff often spoke of his kids and their families with pride. Jeff preferred to show his love for his family in actions, rather than words. When one of his kids needed help with anything, Jeff was the first call they made and he would be there right away. Jeff’s family was the joy of his life.
Jeff had a heart for serving not only his family, but his friends and community as well. When a neighbor needed a hand with mowing, fixing something, or any task that needed attention, he was there. Jeff was a member of Ontario Christian Church, where he helped with church projects, meals, outreach events and more. He and his wife served as summer camp cooks at Round Lake Christian Camp for 15 years. Jeff was also a member of the Savannah Lions Club for 30 years, where he enjoyed cooking at the monthly pancake breakfast. He also served on the Bailey Lakes Village Council for 26 years, where he led and contributed to many projects throughout the town. Jeff left his mark everywhere he went and will be missed by all.
“Dear children, let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
A memorial service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at Ontario Christian Church, conducted by Pastor Steve Broughton. Friends may call two hours prior to the service, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the church. In place of flowers, the family is asking that memorial contributions be made to Ontario Christian Church, Attn: Youth Building Renovation, 1029 Lewis Road, Mansfield OH 44903. Wappner Funeral Directors of Ashland is honored to serve the family.
