Clayton Eugene Springer, 88, Sun City Center, Fla., and formerly of Van Wert and Mendon, died at 6 a.m. July 26, 2014, in Sun City Center.

He was born Jan. 3, 1926, to Elza Clayton and Stella M. Baucher Springer. On Sept. 25, 1949, he married Margaret L. Ries, who survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Karen Yvonne Springer, Sun City Center, and Marvelene Kay (John) McClure, New Holland, Pa.; three grandchildren, Stephen R. (Kathy Mast) McClure, Ephrata, Pa., Laurie K. McClure, Lititz, Pa., and Angela K. (Jason) Horning, Lancaster, Pa.; four great-grandchildren, Caleb, Kaylee and David McClure and David Horning; and four sisters-in-law, Imogene Springer, Chesterfield, Mo., Marilyn Springer, Chula Vista, Calif., Ruth Reed, Grover Hill, and Leah Ries, Van Wert.

Deceased are two brothers, Carl F. Springer and Wayne C. Springer; one sister, Betty M. Springer Fent; and in-laws, William (Lola) Ries, Homer Reed, Wanda (Henry) Prior, R. Wayne Ries, and Paul E. (Rita) Ries.

He was a graduate of Mendon-Union High School and was a farmer for 21 years before his retirement in 1982. He also served 26 years at Continental Can Co. (Grief Brothers), Van Wert.

He was a member of Grace Bible Church, Van Wert. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II in the European Theatre and received a Purple Heart. He was a member of the Veterans Club of Sunoco.

Services are 10 a.m. Thursday at Grace Bible Church, the Rev. Lance Hostetler officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.

Calling is 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Cowan and Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, and 9-10 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Memorials may be given to Gideons International.

Condolences may be sent to www.cowanfuneralhome.com.