Obituary of Dr. Ferdinand Joseph Metzger, Sr.

     Dr. Ferdinand Joseph David Metzger, Sr., of Florence, passed October 24, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Hospice Center, at the age of ninety.  He was born April 5, 1930 to his loving parents Ferdinand William and Jeanette Marie (Cahill) Metzger. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Audrey Marie (nee Henke), until her death in 2015, and father of six loving children.  Dr. Metzger will be remembered as a family patriarch, beloved eye doctor, dedicated Florence City Councilman, soothing vocalist, tireless community volunteer, and avid outdoorsman.  

     Ferd attended Corpus Christi School and was a graduate of Newport Catholic High School, class of 1948.  Upon graduation from high school, Ferd enlisted in the US Navy where he was stationed abord the USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt, USS Midway and USS Tarawa. He was an aviation motor mechanic on the flight deck. He served during the Korean War until his discharge on August 25, 1952.  Dr. Metzger chose to wear red socks every day of his life following his discharge from the war, as a tribute to his fallen comrades. 

     Ferd graduated from Villa Madonna College and the Illinois College of Optometry where he received his Doctor of Optometry degree (OD) in 1957.  He was the first licensed optometrist in Boone County and owned Metzger Eye Care until 1995. He served on the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners and as President of the Kentucky Optometric Association (KOA).  He received the Leadingham Award from the KOA for his leadership in advancing the practice of optometry. He dedicated his entire professional career protecting the visual welfare of the people of the state of Kentucky. 

     Dr. Metzger was an active community volunteer.  Ferd served on Florence City Council from 1986-1998. He served on many committees including the planning and zoning committee and was Vice Mayor. He organized the parade floats for many years for the Florence Y’All parade. He was a 50-year member of the Florence Lions Club, served as their president twice and received special recognition as a Melvin Jones Fellow. He was a founding member of the Boone County Businessmen’s Association, in 1967. He was Heart Fund Chairman for the American Heart Association for many years. In addition, he served on the boards of Maplewood Children’s Home, the Boone County Health Department Board, and Lloyd Area Muzzleloader’s Association.   

     Ferd Metzger was an avid outdoor enthusiast. He loved spending time at his rustic cabin getaway on Big Bone Creek. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, camping, and fishing.  He especially enjoyed dressing in period costumes with the Kentucky Corps of Longriflemen at shooting competitions. He took an annual fishing trip to Canada with his buddies which was the one week of the year he grew a full beard.  His family remembers their many camping trips with the NCHAA TOKY Hobos camping organization. 

     Ferd led an active life. He was on the boxing team at Newport Catholic. He was also fleet champion aboard his US Navy ship, the USS Franklin Delano Roosevelt for the bantam weight. He was also an avid sports fan. He enjoyed watching the Cincinnati Reds, the Cincinnati Bengals, UK Basketball, the Florence Freedom and all the sports played by his children and grandchildren. 

     Dr. Metzger was charismatic, articulate and didn’t shy away from being the center of attention. Ferd was active in the Cincinnati Kolping Sangerchor, which performed at the Cincinnati May Festival and toured Germany twice. He was a member of the St. Paul Catholic Church Choir and the No. KY Executive Clowns. As a clown, he performed in the City of Florence Y’All parades for many years. 

     In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by wife, Audrey (Henke); brothers, John, and Edward; twin sister, Margaret Roberts, and daughter Teresa Marie. 

     Survivors include his loving children Ferdinand Joseph II (Teresa), Mary Jo (Don) Baker, Jean Marie (Gene Jr.) O’Hara, Margaret Mary (Keith) Zoeckler, Michael Paul (Sandy), and Julie Anne (Patrick) Aubuchon; grandchildren Ferdinand Joseph (Elena) Metzger III, Trista Driscoll, Alisha (Dax) Sterner, Megan (Crayge) Majors, Xavier Metzger, Erin Metzger, Max Metzger, Rebecca Metzger, Ryan Kordenbrock, Shelbi Baker, Donny Baker, Nicole (Jimmy) Coyle, Cody O’Hara, Kyle (Lauren) O’Hara, Bridget Zoeckler, Luke Zoeckler, Erica (Todd) Dornbusch, Daniel Metzger, Brandon (Lauren) Samuel, Nicholas Metzger, Leah Metzger and Brady Aubuchon as well as 24 great grandchildren and caregivers Deby Thomas and William Kearns. 

     Visitation is at Chambers & Grubbs, 8461 Dixie Highway, Florence, KY on October 29, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. A mass of Christian Burial will take place on October 30 at 10:00 am at St. Paul Church, 7301 Dixie Highway, Florence, KY, 41042. Interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, KY.  

     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Florence Lions Club Eyesight Fund, 29 LaCresta Drive, Florence, KY 41042, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 644 Linn St. #1206, Cincinnati, OH 45203.  

Due to the current Covid-19 state restrictions, occupancy will be limited to 50% of normal capacity while still encouraging 6 feet of social distancing and requiring the wearing of face masks.

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