Clair Gossard,

CLAIR R. GOSSARD Jr., 85, died at 12:45 a.m. April 15, 2007, at Lima Manor Nursing Home. He was born October 4, 1921, in Auglaize County to Clair Roger and Marguerite Beryl Swartz Gossard Sr., who preceded him in death. He was married on August 29, 1954, to T. Jeanette Brenneman Gossard, who survives in Elida, Ohio. Mr. Gossard was a member of the Pike Mennonite Church. He retired from Teledyne/Ohio Steel after more than 40 years as a crane operator. He was a graduate of Spencerville High School. He served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II with the 118th Mechanized Cavalry. Mr. Gossard was honorably discharged and a member of Disabled American Veterans. Survivors also include a son, Ted (Debbie) Gossard, of Wyoming, Michigan; two daughters, Maxine (Steve) Ketcham, of Allen, Texas, and Cheryl (Bill) Davis, of Perrysburg, Ohio; two sisters, Ruth Gossard, of Lima, Ohio, and Susan (Jerry) Black, of Florida; four brothers, Tom (Joan) Gossard, of Lima, Ohio, Lewis (Norma) Gossard, of Lima, Ohio, Jerry (Sylvia) Gossard, of Lima, Ohio, and Bob (Helen) Gossard, of Lima, Ohio; eight grandchildren, Douglas Ketcham, Jenna Kile, Tiffany Gossard, Angela Ketcham, Jamie Kile, Jessica Kile, Andrea Ketcham, and Jason Kile. He was preceded in death by a sister, Joan Burt. Services will begin at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Pike Mennonite Church. Pastor Philip Clemens will officiate. Burial will be in Pike Mennonite Cemetery, Elida, Ohio. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Advancing Ministries of the Gospel International, 6815 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com. Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.