John A. Bruce

John A. Bruce, 80, of Elida, passed away on Sunday, April 23, 2017, at his residence after a battle with acute pancreatitis and pneumonia. He was born June 3, 1936, in Texarkana, Arkansas to John James and Dessie (Hilton) Bruce. Both preceded him in death. He was united in marriage to the love of his life Velva "Tootie" Sherrick, she survives in Elida. He is survived by his children, Debora Bruce of Upper Sandusky, Arthur Bruce of Bluffton, OH, Randy (Jody) Bruce of Lima, and Jerry Bruce of Ottawa; grandchildren, Sabrina (Andrew) Bruce-Thompson, Tabitha, Ryan, and Garrett Bruce, and Quintin Bruce; great-grandchildren, Zaia, Lucian, and Emberlynn Bruce, and Loki Thompson; brother, Carl Bruce of Texarkana, Arkansas; a sister, Margaret Shearouse of McDonough, GA; sister-in-laws, Bennie Bruce and Pam Bruce; and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by sisters, Mazie Bruce, Sarah (Charles) Sneary, Betty (George) Goldman; brothers, Joseph "Tom" Bruce, Robert D. Bruce, Michael L. Bruce, Willie Bruce, and Russell Fair. John moved to Lima, Ohio from Texarkana, Arkansas in November of 1953 and lived with his sister Sarah and her husband Charles Sneary and family until he married his wife. After moving to Lima, John started working in Jewell's Sheet Metal Shop with his brother-in-law, then worked at Kriegel Heating Company, Smith Boughan and retired from Tilton Sheet Metal Company in 1993. He loved to work with his hands, doing crossword puzzles, making wood projects, and planting garden seeds. He enjoyed visiting his family and going fishing with his grandson Quintin. He will be missed by many. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. with viewing one hour prior to the service at Harter and Schier Funeral Home. Pastor Gary Hohman will officiate. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery. Friends may call on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family for medical expenses.

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