Robert E. Eley, 82, 219 Stella St., Celina, died at 10:55 p.m. Sept. 12, 2008, at Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, St. Marys.

He was born Jan. 19, 1926, in Fort Wayne, Ind., to Alger "Peck" and Metilda Becker Eley. On March 14, 1947, he married Margaret Coate, who died Jan. 6, 2006.

Surviving are three sons, Gary (Carol), of Hawaii, Gene (Cynthia), Celina, and Gary Jr., Toledo.

He was a retired plumber and pipe fitter for Local 776, Lima. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Loyal Order of Masons Lodge, all in Celina. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and served on the USS LST624. He graduated in 1944 from Celina High School.

Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church, the Rev. Paul Baglien officiating. Burial is at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina.

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, with military rites conducted at 7 p.m. by the Loyal Order of Masons Lodge and 1-2 p.m. Wednesday at the church.

Contributions can be made to Mercer County Cancer Association or Cheryl Ann Programs.

Condolences can be left at www.ciscofuneralhome.com.