As Introduced

136th General Assembly

Regular Session S. R. No. 448

2025-2026

Senator Schaffer

A R E S O L U T I O N

In memory of Gerald L. Stebelton.

WHEREAS, The members of the Senate of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Gerald L. Stebelton and pay tribute to his memory; and

WHEREAS, Gerald Stebelton will be remembered fondly by all those who knew him, and his absence will leave an irreparable void in our society. Widely respected for his tenure with the Ohio General Assembly, he was an advocate for the growth and progress of the State of Ohio and its people, which he readily displayed over the course of his four terms as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, serving as chairman of the House Education Committee during his time. Indeed, his tremendous devotion to duty earned him the appreciation of his colleagues and constituents alike; and

WHEREAS, Gerald Stebelton's passion for community service was always evident in his own approach to public life, and prior to his years in the Ohio General Assembly, he gained the respect of many for his work as a founding partner of Stebelton, Aranda, and Snider and as a member of the Lancaster City Council and City Schools Board of Education. In addition, he invested his time into a variety of organizations, including First Methodist Church, the Lancaster Sherman Rotary Club, and the Fairfield County Republican Executive Committee and Bar Association, and he was the recipient of many awards, which reflected his dedication to his community. Clearly, he was admired by his fellow citizens, friends, and family alike, and he established a stalwart legacy of service to our state that will surely live on; and

WHEREAS, Without question, Gerald Stebelton made the world much fuller, and he was especially devoted to the individuals who had a treasured relationship with him, including his wife, Becky, his children, Laura and the late David, and his granddaughter, Caroline. All those who cherished him can find strength and solace in the happy moments shared with this great man. Most assuredly, the State of Ohio has benefited exponentially from his life's work, and he will be remembered for his visionary example of citizenship; therefore be it

RESOLVED, That we, the members of the Senate of the 136th General Assembly of Ohio, in adopting this Resolution, offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Gerald Stebelton and express a profound sense of loss and sincere regret on the sorrowful occasion of his death; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a duly authenticated copy of this Resolution to the family of Gerald L. Stebelton.