Ernie Murell Stutler, 65, of Leon, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2012, at his home following a long illness. He enjoyed playing the fiddle and other musical instruments, was an outdoorsman who loved to coon hunt and fish, and most of all, he loved and was loved by his family.

Born November 6, 1947, he was the son of the late Spencer Stutler and Corda F. Snyder Stutler. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Mabel Johnson, Clara Bauchman and Dollie Adkins; and a brother, Donald Stutler.

Survivors include his loving wife, Gladys Cole Stutler of Leon; daughters, Stacy Hughes of Buffalo, Michele Sanders of Leon, and Robin Hunsaker of Delaware, Ohio; son, Paul Zeller of Delaware, Ohio; sisters, Betty Goodremont of Leon, and Marie Thaxton of Point Pleasant; brothers, Bob Stutler and Charles Stutler, both of Leon; 18 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, 22 nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggestions donations be made to Gladys Stutler to help offset funeral expenses.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, December 28, 2012, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo with Elmer Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Wolfe Valley Cemetery, Leon. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, December 27, 2012, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the Stutler family and the online guestbook signed by visiting www.raynesfuneralhome.com. Raynes Funeral Home, 2117 Buffalo Road, Buffalo is in charge of arrangements.