Clarence Sanderson

Clarence Sanderson, 103, of Van Wert, went to be with the Lord at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born August 20, 1909, in Paulding County, the son of the late James Harvey and Nancy Elizabeth (Shinaberry) Sanderson. On April 5, 1930, he married Clara Maye (Walters) Sanderson, who preceded him in death on December 9, 1997, after 67 years of marriage and seven children.

Clarence actively farmed for more than 70 years. He was also a minister at Haviland Baptist Church in the 1940s and was a member of First Baptist Church in Van Wert.

Survivors include three daughters, Carolyn Craine of Xenia, Carol (Curt) Proffitt of Van Wert, and Cleona (Frank) Van Voorhis of Conway, S.C.; two sons, Clayton (Liz) Sanderson of Leo, Ind., and Craig (Cindy) Sanderson of Auburn, Ind.; 21 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and 15 great-great-grandchildren (a total of 123 family members overall).

Two sons, Charles Sanderson and Carl Sanderson; a brother, Furl Sanderson; a twin sister, Clara Mosier; a half-sister, Nellie Curtis; one great-grandson, Chase Sanderson; and one great-great-granddaughter, Evelyn Whittcar, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, March 22, at First Baptist Church, 1388 Jennings Road in Van Wert, with Pastor Steve Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Blue Creek Cemetery near Haviland.

Calling hours are from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, and an hour prior to services Friday at the church.

Preferred memorials: First Baptist Church or the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center, c/o Community Health Professionals, 1159 Westwood Drive, Van Wert, OH 45891.

Online condolences may be sent to www.cowanfuneralhome.com.