Harry G. Ingram, 94, died of natural causes on Feb. 1, 2015, at Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices, St. Marys.

He was born May 17, 1920, to Richard and Corda Rust Ingram. In 1983, he married Dorothy Howe Berning, who is deceased.

He was dad and stepdad to 10 children, 27 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren, including his daughter, Sandra Fitzhugh, Dayton; stepsons, Joe and Mike Wogoman; stepchildren from Dorothy's family, Lois Berning Dicke, New Bremen, Gerald (Norma Berning) Lunney, Marysville, Ronald (Marlene Berning) Hittepole, New Bremen, Ray (JoAnne Berning) Meckstroth, Soldotna, Alaska, Kermit (Barbara Berning) Freewalt, Minster, and Stan Berning, Santa Fe, N.M. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Ingram.

Deceased are stepchildren, Jim (Carol) Berning; stepson-in-law, Don Dicke; and four siblings, Russell (Bernice) Harris, Les (Maude) Howe, Robert (Ruth) Ingram and Richard Ingram.

His life exemplified the official Marine Corps motto, "Once a Marine, always a Marine." While serving from 1941–1945, he was engaged in heavy combat during the World War II Guadal Canal Campaign in the Pacific. When asked to point to a major highlight of his life, without hesitation he said serving his country as a Marine. He honored his country, displayed courage and integrity as a way of life and his commitment to family was sincere and tangible.

Family memories were often made during one-on-one intimate talks with him. He was slow to give his own opinions and seldom gave advice. He just listened well and gave his undivided attention in the moment. Proving that he listened well, he always had many questions. Echoing forever in our memories is his straight forward and caring way of saying I love you with a hug and kiss to his daughters and a strong handshake to his sons-in-law.

He was an avid reader of history and military events, loved football and enjoyed fishing in Lake Loramie, where he lived after retirement from the Dayton Fire Department. After marrying Dorothy in 1983, he inherited a family of Ohio State and Cleveland Brown fans and fished for salmon and halibut with family in Alaska. The Berning family gained a great dad and he felt blessed with his expanded family.

Services are 2 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Meyer Room of the Otterbein Senior Lifestyle Choices, St. Marys, the Rev. Becky Erb Strang officiating. Burial will be held at the family's convenience in German Protestant Cemetery, New Bremen.

Calling is 1-2 p.m. Feb. 14 at Otterbein.

Memorials may be made to State of the Heart Hospice or the Otterbein Benevolent Fund.

Condolences may be left at gilberghartwigfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home, New Bremen.