Clarence E. “Charlie” DeGroff, Jr., 93 years, a longtime resident of Bryan, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019 at Adams Woodcrest Nursing Center, Decatur, Indiana. Clarence was born April 24, 1926, in Bryan, Ohio, the son of the late Clarence and Florence (Laser) DeGroff, Sr.
He was a 1946 graduate of Bryan High School. Charlie was an Army veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict. He married Roma Jean Rivers on April 4, 1953, in Bryan, and she survives. Charlie was employed by the Ohio Gas Company for 30 years, holding many different job titles, but ended his career supervising the billing and printing department.
He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Bryan VFW Post 2489, Bryan Eagles Aerie 2233 and the Bryan Moose Lodge 1064. Charlie enjoyed golfing, fishing and spending time at their cottage on Ball Lake.
He donated many hours of his time coaching Little League baseball teams, and Biddy League basketball teams. He also was a part of the “Chain Gang” running the chains at Bryan High School Football games over the years. Charlie treasured the time he could spend with his family, following their activities and making them strive to do their very best.
Surviving is his wife, Roma J. of Decatur, Indiana; three sons, Rick (Deborah) DeGroff of Montrose, West Virginia, Mark DeGroff of White Lake, Michigan and Dr. Steven (Carrie) DeGroff of Decatur, Indiana; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; three brothers, James (Sharon) DeGroff of LaQuinta, California, Norman (Barbara) DeGroff of Bryan and Bruce (Louise) DeGroff of Winchester, Indiana; two sisters-in-law, Patricia DeGroff of Mesa, Arizona and Polly DeGroff of Stryker. He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Robert, Maurice, Brooks, Richard, Morton and Harold DeGroff and one sister, E. Jean Good.
Visitation for Clarence E. DeGroff, Jr., will be held Tuesday, November 19, 2019 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home – Greenisen Chapel, 225 EAST HIGH STREET, Bryan. Funeral services for Clarence will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in Wesley United Methodist Church, 903 Center Street, Bryan, with Rev. Peter Paige officiating. Private interment will take place in Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan with Military Graveside Services accorded by the Bryan VFW Post 2489.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to Bryan Parks and Recreation Department 1399 East High Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506, or to Family Life Care, 108 South Jefferson Street, Berne, Indiana, 46711.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com
