B. Croft

B. Rex Croft 85, died at 7:42 p.m. November 9, 2009, at St. Rita?s Medical Center. He was born February 4, 1924, to Arthur and Florence Miller Croft, who preceded him in death. His wife of 64 years, Marjory A. Ebling Croft, who survives in Lima, Ohio. Mr. Croft was a 1942 graduate of Shawnee High School. He took his cadet training at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was a farmer, ditcher and excavator for 50 years. He had been a square dance caller and instructor for 20 years. He was an Air Force Veteran of World War II, serving as a lieutenant and a pilot of B-17s. He was a member of Shawnee United Methodist Church. He had been a Cub Scout leader, Indian Guide leader and Little League coach. He was a member of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks Lodge 54 and Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 370. He was active in the Senior Citizens and was a golfer, fisherman, bridge player, gardener, ballroom dancer and a fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes and the Cleveland Browns. Survivors also include four daughters, Bev (Ken) Sweeny and Barbara L. Link, both of Lima, Ohio, Melanie J. Peek, of Atlanta, and Patty A. (Daniel) Koester, of Phoenix; two sons, Gary D. (Sandra) Croft and Shawn W. (Nancy) Croft, both of Lima, Ohio; a sister, Dorothy L. Smith, of Montana; 17 grandchildren, Ashley Cowan, Jeff Schreiber, Jaime Mann, Julie Stewart, Jodie (Chad) Eickhoff, Brady (Ken) Croft, Dustin Croft, Brittaney Croft, Tyler Croft, Wendy Staples, Heather (Chandler) Simpson, Zachary Peek, Sean Koester, Jaise (Erica) Koester, Shea Koester, Lexy Croft and Samantha Croft; 10 great-grandchildren, Brandon Schreiber, Emily Schreiber, Austin Allemier, Madison Allemier, Ellie Koester, Mason Koester, Kaidence Koester, Justin Mann, Austin Mann and Lynzie Mann; Aaron Croft; Simone Staples; and David Staples; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a grandchild, Jay Croft; and a great-grandchild, Angel Croft. Services will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Shawnee United Methodist Church. The Rev. Charlotte Hefner will officiate. Entombment will be in the Memorial Park Cemetery Mausoleum, with military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Friday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Senior Citizens Services; American Diabetes Association, Toledo Office, 6800 West Central Avenue, D-1, Toledo, Ohio 43617; or the American Cancer Society, 740 Commerce Drive, Suite B, Perrysburg, OH 43551. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.