Friday, January 10th, 2025
Glen Florence Jr.
Glen (Glenny) Florence Jr., age 90, went home to be with the Lord on January 8th, 2025 surrounded by his family at St. Rita's Medical Center.
He was born July 29, 1934, in Washington Township, Mercer County, the eldest son of Glen and Ermal (Smith) Florence. On November 12, 1957, he married Betty June Harner and she preceded him in death on October 22, 2012.
Surviving are their four children: Leisa A. (Tim) Pearson, Mark A. Florence, Douglas G. (Annie) Florence all of Coldwater, Ohio and Lorna K. (Rusty) Miller of Foley, Alabama. Glen also leaves behind 7 grandchildren: Seth (Laura) Pearson, Lindsey (Tony) Youngpeter, Garth Pearson and Nikki Gerlach, Riggs Florence, Samantha (Nathan) Hamilton all of Coldwater, Ohio; Joshua (Chad) Willmann of Trenton, Illinois and Briar Miller of Foley, Alabama; fourteen great-grandchildren; his brother Larry (Nancy) Florence; his sister Janet Smelser; his sisters-in-law Jan Florence and Kathy Wendel and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Glen in death were his parents, his granddaughter Carrie Florence, his sibling Harold Florence and brothers-in-law Ted Smelser and Laverne Wendel.
A graduate of Celina High School and a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army. Glen is fortunate that he owned and worked 60 plus years alongside his dad, brother, sons and grandchildren dealing in the family livestock business, Florence Livestock, Inc. Glen has been a lifetime member of the Erastus United Methodist Church. While attending Church and Sunday School he served as a Board member for numerous years, Lay Leader for many years and was Sunday School Superintendent for various years.
He was proud that he received his 70-year pin from Unity Grange. Still very active up until death, Glen loved the Mercer County Fair. His wife and himself sponsored the Pie Contest for twenty-six years which raised funds to go toward improvements on the buildings and grounds at the Mercer County Fairground. Glen always said, "If I can keep one kid out of trouble or off the streets and active in the Fair, God will be happy."
He was a member of the Lickskillet Hustlers Mercer County Farm Bureau Council, Mercer County Cattlemen's Association, Mercer County Rabbit Club, Mercer County Civic Foundation, VFW, Indy Oaks Camping Club, Mercer County Republican Party and the American Legion. He worked on various committees and held different offices in many of the organizations.
Glen enjoyed attending any type of animal competition, camping, having family parties, attending ball games, completing jigsaw puzzles, traveling, and reading. He loved playing a variety of cards, especially pinochle. Glen will always be remembered as an avid conversationalist since his favorite hobby and past time is loving to talk and visit with family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at the Erastus Fellowship Church in Erastus, Ohio, with Reverend David Porath, officiating. Burial with military rites will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Coldwater.
Friends and family may call from 2 PM to 9 PM on Monday, January 13, at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater, and from 9 AM to 9:45 AM on Tuesday at the Erastus Fellowship Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercer County Fair Youth Growth. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.