Harold "Dave" Stanhope Jr.

Harold “Dave” Stanhope Jr., 76, of Bucyrus, died July 7, 2020 at his residence.



Dave was born September 28, 1943 to Harold Sr. and Martha Ann (Cohagen) Stanhope in Blytheville, Arkansas. During his childhood, he lived many places due to his father’s military career. He had even lived in Germany for a short time before returning to the states. After Dave graduated from North High School in Columbus in 1962, he followed in his father’s footsteps and joined the military. Dave met the love of his life when he was set up with Marie Ellen Hermann for a blind date. His friends’ intentions for the date were so Dave would not be dateless at a wedding. What was meant to be just one date turned into many more, and on July 10, 1981 they got married.



During his Army career he continued to be stationed in different places and in 1985 his army recruiter position led him to Bucyrus where he stayed until his passing. After he retired from the army, he became a car salesman for Steve Patterson, then later switched to selling insurance. He sold insurance for Met-Life before transferring to Western & Southern before retiring for a final time. Dave was a part of the American Legion for many years. He volunteered with Boy Scout Troop 101 and helped with obtaining various merit badges.



Dave was an honest and loving man. He had no problem telling you the truth even if it hurt because he loved you that much. He never had a mean thing to say about anybody and would give you the shirt on his back. Dave would jump at any opportunity to help someone. The most important thing in Dave’s life was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and kids going to Lake Erie every Saturday or Sunday and visiting Amish Country. Dave also appreciated phone calls with the family and discussing football with his son in between quarters of the games. He was an avid Ohio State Buckeyes and Cleveland Browns fan always hoping for the win. Dave was proud to be a veteran and you could always find him wearing his Special Forces cap. He also liked when his yorkie Buddy would hop on his lap and ride with him in his chair.



Surviving are his wife of 38 years; children David Michael Stanhope and Megan Marie Stanhope; brother Robert (Stephanie) Stanhope; numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Preceded in death are his parents, brother-in-law Larry Hermann, father-in-law Alfred Hermann, and mother-in-law Marguerite Hermann.



Visitation will be held Friday July 10, 2020 from 4-7 pm at Wise Funeral Service. There will be a private burial at the Crawford County Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Army Historical Foundation or to the American Diabetes Association through Wise Funeral Service at 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, OH 44820. Memories and pictures can be posted to Dave’s tribute page.