Earl Corey 1929-2026

He was born Nov. 24, 1929, in Grove City, Pa., a son of the late Preston R. and Bertha Nicklin Corey.

Earl carved out his career working in his family business, Corey Oil, which was founded by his father in the 1930s. He and his father worked hand and hand for many years before Earl took over the business. He ran the business for many years before selling in 2004 to Lyden Oil of Youngstown.

Earl was passionate about horses and ponies. He enjoyed both training and showing them all around the country and acquired many awards as well as the honor of serving as a judge in various competitions. In the 1980s, Earl accumulated a large collection of carousel horses and other animals, which was displayed at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown for everyone to enjoy.

He enjoyed listening to polka music and spending time at his lake visiting with his swans. Earl was extremely active in his community and various organizations in Ohio.

He attended Grace Church in Columbiana and served as director of the Columbiana County Progress Council, Columbiana County Mental Health Board, Columbiana Area Chamber of Commerce, Mahoning County Hearing and Speech Center, Lake to River Girl Scout Council and Citgo Petroleum Distributor Council. Earl was a member of Firestone Park and Cemetery Board for nine years, Columbiana City Council, the Ohio State Fair Horse Show Committee and the American Horse Show Association, where he served as a qualified judge for both hackney and Shetland ponies.

Earl was awarded the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Columbiana Chamber of Commerce in both 1991 and 2019.

He will best be remembered as a kind and giving man. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Keslar Corey, whom he married Oct. 28, 2004; his two daughters, Susan (Jim) Quinlan and Brenda (Don) Covert; three granddaughters, Nicole (Joe) Rosario, Stephanie (Pat) Halloran and Briana Reyes; four great-grandchildren, Sadie, Aiden, Charley and Maggie; and by many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Rogene Meek Corey; two brothers, Glen L. Corey and Robert D. Corey; a sister, Beatrice Johnson-Cicuto; and by a grandson, Michael A. Covert.

The family will receive friends 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026, at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating.

Burial will take place in Columbiana Cemetery, Columbiana.

Donations may be made in Earl’s memory to Debra of America, an organization for research and support for the skin condition epidermolysis bullosa, at 1560 Central Ave., Ste. 433, St. Petersburg, FL 33705, debra.org; or Shaker Woods Helping Hands, PO Box 279, Columbiana, OH 44408, shakerwoodshelpinghands.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana. Family and friends may view this obituary and send condolences at www.familycareservices.com.

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