Sheep Industry News April 2025

Obituary

at Plymouth High School, Mansfield Madison High School, and Cardington Lincoln High School. He retired from teaching to begin a new career in the sheep industry. From humble beginnings raising a 4-H market lamb with his oldest son in 1968, Guy rose to become a state and national leader in the American sheep industry. In 1980, together with friends Ken and Kathy Kark, Guy and Pat cre ated Sheep and Farm Life , a magazine to support families in the sheep industry. Eventually, they owned and operated The Shepherd magazine for 22 years. Guy was an active member of the Ohio Sheep Improvement Association, president of ASI in 2003-2004 (the first sheep producer from Ohio to attain that office), received distinguished service awards from the Wisconsin Sheep Breeders Cooperative and the Indiana Sheep Association, the Ohio Sheep Im provement Association’s Friend of the Industry award, the ASI McClure Silver Ram Award, and in 2010 was inducted into the Ohio Agricultural Council Hall of Fame. Guy and Pat were always so thank ful for those who mentored them when they were aspiring shepherds, and were

lifelong supporters of 4-H, FFA and local sheep breeders, as well as active supporters of the Richland and Morrow County Fairs. More important to Guy than teach ing, coaching or sheep, was his family. He is survived by his four children: Guy (Karen) Flora of Columbus, Ohio, Mau reen Flora of Cardington, Ohio, Charles (Mark) Flora of Pawtucket, R.I., and Maggie (Kevin) Spangler of Columbus; one foster daughter, Ruth (Keith) Sex ton of Ranger, Ga.; three grandchildren: Grayson (Helen Doepgen) Summers, and son Dyllon of Columbus, Kath ryn Summers of Gahanna, Ohio, and William (Marj Sovacool) Summers of Delaware, Ohio; and two brothers: Jerry (Julie) Flora of Ashland, Ohio, and John (Donna) Flora of Urbana. In addition to his parents, Guy was preceded in death by his wife, Pat. A private family service will be held at a later date. Those wishing to make a memo rial contribution are asked to consider Guy’s favorite charities: ASI’s Guard Dog Fund or St. Jude’s Research Hos pital. If you wish to contribute close to home, consider a donation to your local library.

GUY FLORA, 1935-2025 Former ASI President Guy Flora, 89, of Cardington, Ohio, died Feb. 25, 2025, peacefully at home. He was born on Nov. 9, 1935, to the late Delbert and Romayne (Keyes) Flora in Muncie, Ind. On Sept. 14, 1956, Guy married the love of his life, Pat (Long) Flora in Cardington. Following graduation from Ashland High School and Ashland College, Guy embarked on a 30-year career as an English and history teacher. He taught and coached track and cross country

To contribute to the ASI Guard Dog Fund, RAMPAC or Sheep Heritage Foundation, click the QR Code or visit SheepUSA.org/about-donate.

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