- Doris Kimble, who founded the Kimbles Companies with her late husband, Floyd, died Friday at age 95.
- Through her family’s charitable foundation, she made major contributions to Kent State University at Tuscarawas and Dover City Schools.
DOVER ‒ Doris Kimble is being remembered for her generosity in supporting schools, charities, civic organizations and numerous humanitarian efforts over the years through her family’s charitable foundation.
Kimble, 95, of Dover died Friday.
Kimble and her late husband, Floyd, founded the Kimble Companies in 1948. Family members continue to operate the business today.
She was a 1946 graduate of Dover High School, a lifelong member of the Faith Methodist Church in Dover, where she was previously a pianist, a life member of the Brandywine Grange and for several years played the French horn in the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra. But she is best known for her philanthropy.
More on donations:Kimble family, Reeves Foundation donate to Dover High auditorium
“Mrs. Kimble was a pioneering businesswoman who played a key role in helping her late husband, Floyd, develop what is now known as Kimble Companies,” said Scott Robinson, president and CEO of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce. “I am sure her work ethic set an example for her family to follow as they continue to grow the business nearly 75 years after it was founded.
“I have no doubt her life was based on faith, family and philanthropy. Her generosity assisted many groups, organizations and causes through the Kimble Foundation. Her philanthropic efforts, both public and private, will not be forgotten.”
Doug Wills, chairman of the Tuscarawas County Republican Party, said he got to meet with Kimble on several occasions. “She was one of the most pleasant individuals that I think I’ve ever met. She was also very, very intelligent. There wasn’t anything that she was not up-to-date and aware of. She was very kind-hearted, very giving and had true caring for Tuscarawas County.”
He noted she taught her children a tremendous work ethic.
Contributions to Kent State Tuscarawas
The Kimble family was instrumental in the construction of the Science and Technology Building and the Performing Arts Center at Kent State University at Tuscarawas in New Philadelphia.
“The Tuscarawas campus extends our deepest condolences and support to all the relatives and friends of Doris,” Dean Brad Bielski said. “She was a true believer in education and the arts. Over the years, the Kimble family has generously invested in campus capital projects and student scholarships.”
In 2018, the campus celebrated its 50th anniversary, and Kimble and her family were honored with the Golden Impact Award for their dedication to Kent State Tuscarawas and its students.
“Doris was an extraordinary friend of the campus, and her legacy will be cherished for many years to come. We are deeply grateful for her transformative generosity, and it is hard to overstate the impact that she and her family have had on Kent State Tuscarawas and our community,” he said.
Donations to Dover High School
Doris Kimble and her family donated $500,000 for enhancements to the auditorium at Dover’s new high school.
“Mrs. Kimble and the Kimble family have been tremendous supporters of all aspects of Dover City Schools,” said Superintendent Karie McCrate. “From their ongoing support at Crater Stadium, to the incredibly generous donation that truly made the state-of-the-art DHS auditorium a reality for our school community, they have touched many lives. Her love for the children of Dover was clear in every program that she supported.
“Frankly, I’m not sure that there is not a student at Dover Schools who has not benefited from her generosity and the true care that Doris and her family has shown for the Crimson Tornado community. We are all better for Mrs. Kimble’s work with our district and grateful for all the ways her legacy will live on at Dover Schools.”
Calling hours for Doris Kimble are from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday at NewPointe Community Church, 3950 Ohio 39 NW, Dover. Services will begin at noon with Pastors Shelly Nordine and Dwight Mason officiating. Following the celebration, friends and family are invited for a time of food and fellowship that will take place until 3:30 p.m. Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover was in charge of arrangements.
Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
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