Gail E. "Jake" Traxler, age 79, resident of Shelby died Friday, May 2, 2008 at his home.

Born January 11, 1929 in Shelby to Gale and Sadie (Kimmel) Traxler he had been a resident of Tiro moving to Shelby in 1948.

Jake attended Tiro High School, was a former employee of F.G. Barker Auto Sales and was most recently employed with Cornell's IGA, retiring in 1995. He was a member of the Shelby Masonic Lodge #350 F&AM, the Al Koran, Shelby Chapter #178 Royal Arch Masons where he served as a past High Priest, Order of the Eastern Star Rizpah Chapter #158, Shelby Jaycees and served as an advisor for many years with the 4-H Equestrian Program and Circle-S Riding Clubs. Jake was a very handy individual who could fix anything and enjoyed farm life.

Survivors include two sons, Harvey Traxler of Shelby; and Douglas Traxler of Austin, TX; one daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and David Campbell of Crestline; five grandchildren, Holley, Zach, Sarah, Carrie and Michaela; two great grandchildren, Spencer and Chloe; nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy J. Traxler in 1998.

Funeral services will be held 1:30 PM Monday, May 5 from the Barkdull Funeral Home in Shelby. Reverend Doug Tackett will officiate with interment in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Olivesburg, Ohio. Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3:00 to 6:00 PM where Masonic services will be conducted at 5:45 PM. Memorial expressions may be made to the Shriners' Burn Hospital.