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Ohio Senate Mourns Death of Distinguished Colleague and Friend Senator Kirk Schuring

Recognizing Decades of Service to His Hometown and State
By John Fortney
November 22, 2024
On The Record
 

It is with great sadness that the Ohio Senate announces the passing of Senator Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) following a courageous battle with cancer.

A native son of Stark County, Senator Schuring took great pride in serving his home county for more than three decades in the Ohio General Assembly.

Senator Schuring was well liked in both the Senate and House chambers by colleagues representing both sides of the aisle. He sponsored dozens of bills on a wide variety of issues including economic policy, sports gaming, and healthcare, that eventually became law and made a difference for Ohio families.

Even through his recent illness he worked the phone from his hospital bed, talking to colleagues about pending legislation.

"Kirk was a statesman," said Senate President Matt Huffman. "There is no finer member of the General Assembly or finer Ohioan who served in the halls of the Ohio Statehouse. Kirk's heart was in Ohio, and it showed with his commitment, drive, and integrity for the job the people elected him to do decade after decade."

Kirk Schuring believed in the work and he believed in the people he served.

Holding multiple leadership positions during his time in the General Assembly, including Senate President Pro Tempore, he worked tirelessly to provide the freedom for communities to create their own Joint Economic Development Districts, which helped create additional job opportunities that might not otherwise be available.

He loved a good story and was very influential in working to make Ohio a destination for Hollywood.

His work to expand the Film Tax Credit was critical in keeping Hollywood’s interest in Ohio for major films and TV series. 

Actor John O'Hurley, Senate President Matt Huffman, Senator Schuring, Senator Theresa Gavarone


Named legislator of the year numerous times by a long list of organizations, Senator Schuring took great pride in being a quiet yet highly effective negotiator and advocate for his hometown, his state, and for people who just needed someone to listen. 

Kirk graduated from Perry High School in Stark County and attended Kent State University.

He worked for the family business and eventually became President of the Schuring Agency, an insurance company. 

Kirk was born to serve. He was President of the Stark County Young Republicans. He was proud to have been a member of the Canton Jaycees and served as their president. He also served as President of the Canton Urban League. He loved the Canton Club and served as its president.

He could’ve gone anywhere but stayed in the place he loved, and that was forever his Ohio home.

Governor Mike DeWine ordered all United States and Ohio flags on Stark County public buildings, the Ohio Statehouse, and the Riffe and Rhodes office towers in Columbus, be lowered to half staff in honor of Senator Schuring.

Senator Schuring was 72, and is survived by his loving wife Darlene (Newkirk), his son J. Derrick, daughter-in-law Allison (McDaniel), daughter Kristin, and six grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Preston, Parker, Quinn, Owen, Everett, and Lucy. His sister Diane McAndrew, brother-in-law Michael McAndrew, brother and sister in law David and Kathy Newkirk, brother-in-law Sam Bellino, brother and sister in law Bill and Marti Newkirkand and so many other family and friends.

Calling hours will be held at Kent State Stark Campus Conference Center, 6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH.

Funeral services will be held at The Old Stone Chapel, 415 Tuscarawas St W, Canton, OH 44702.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Aultman Hospital, Timken Cancer Center, Aultman Hospice, Absolute Home Health, and Altercare at Nobles Pond. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to the Timken Cancer Center.