David Emerson Mizer

David Emerson Mizer, 90, of rural Cadiz, Ohio, with his wife by his side, died after a brief illness, July 30, 2023, at Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio.  He was born on the family farm April 24, 1933, to Emerson Andreas and Sylvia Giffin Mizer.  David lived his entire life in Harrison County, and was active on his farm till his final days.  David was a proud member of the undefeated 1950 Cadiz High School football team and graduated from Cadiz High School in 1951, and from The Ohio State University School of Dairy Technology in 1958, after serving in the U.S. Army.  He married Anna Lee Warner in Cambridge, Ohio, on March 18, 1956.

After military service, he worked with his father and uncle, Dennis Mizer, at Hillcrest Dairy in Cadiz.  After Hillcrest Dairy closed in 1967, David was hired as plant manager/VP at United Dairy in Martins Ferry, Ohio.  David and Anna Lee traveled extensively, and visited dairies and farms in many places, including China, Chile, and Argentina.  

Retiring in 1998 gave David and Anna Lee more time to farm their acres in Stock Township, spend time with friends and family, and follow the Ohio State Buckeyes for dozens of games, and bowl games, all over the country.  David and Anna Lee enjoyed spending multiple winter weeks in Arizona and Florida, but always returned to their home -- Ohio and Harrison County.

David was a longtime Ohio State football season ticket holder and a member of the Buckeye Club.  He was a member of the Cadiz Lions Club, the Harrison County Farm Bureau, and the Cadiz Presbyterian Church.  He was a supporter of all thing Harrison County, including Harrison County Cancer Crusaders, 4-H, and the Harrison County Junior Fair.  He was a former board member of South Central Power Company.      

David is survived by his wife of 67 years, Anna Lee, and three sons: Richard (Cristy Hill) of Washington Court House, Ohio, Tim (Teri) of Cadiz, and Steve (Gina) of Smyrna, Georgia.  He was very proud of his three grandchildren: Erin (Drew) Mizer Helton, Andrew Mizer, and Matthew Mizer.  He is also survived by two sisters, Lois Henderson of Wildwood, Missouri, and Sara Griffith (Jim Wise) of Indio, California, and one brother, George Mizer (Kathryn) of Cadiz.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by two sisters, Nancy Jonard and Dorothy Willis, and brother, Tom Mizer.

The family will receive friends Thursday, August 3, from 3-6pm at the Presbyterian Church of Cadiz.  The funeral will be held Friday, August 4, at 11am, also at the church with John Visser officiating, where OSU scarlet & gray game-day attire is encouraged – maybe even with suspenders!  A private burial will follow. 

“Time and change will surely show, How firm thy friendship… OHIO!”