Edward Martin Vollborn

Edward Martin Vollborn, 72, of Bidwell, Ohio passed away October 22, 2018. Ed was born on May 25, 1946, to the late Sherwood Harlan “Harley” and Mary Esta Vollborn, and was raised on the family farm outside Rio Grande. Ed was a graduate of Gallia Academy High School and held a master’s degree from The Ohio State University. After college, he taught agriculture and advised FFA in Vinton County Schools and Jackson City Schools. He helped shape the next generation of farming families as the Agriculture Agent with the OSU Extension Service in Jackson County and later in Gallia County. He also served as the South Center Grazing Program Leader. Although Ed would never take credit for it directly, today the ag community in Southeastern Ohio benefits from many of his good works. Projects like the building of the Main Lodge at Canter’s Cave 4-H Camp, the building of the CH McKenzie Agricultural Center, and recruitment of Producers Livestock to Gallipolis were possible due to his leadership, tenacity, and encouragement. During his esteemed career, Ed received the Distinguished Service Award, a national award bestowed by the National Association of County Agents. He was also named SEORC Person of the Year in 1995 and was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. Ed is survived by his wife, Sue Vollborn of Bidwell; three children, Bryna (Jason) Butler of Crown City, Barney Vollborn of Columbus, and Beth Vollborn and fiancé Brett Lewis of Oak Hill; two grandchildren, Justin and Reece Butler; two grandchildren-to-be, Carlee and Madi Lewis; two brothers, Fred (Linda) Vollborn and Ray Vollborn of Rio Grande; and a sister, Kay (Greg) Ervin of Jackson. The funeral service for Ed will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Jack Barry officiating. Burial will follow in Swan Creek Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 26, 2018 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the Gallia County Jr. Fair Relocation Fund, c/o Gallia County Agriculture Society, P.O. Box 931, Gallipolis, OH 45631. Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.