Gerald E. ‘Tuffy’ Spridgeon

Gerald E. “Tuffy” Spridgeon, 87, of Middle Point, died at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, February 8, 2014, at his residence.

He was born January 16, 1927, in Middle Point, the son of the late James L. and Myrtle (Friesner) Spridgeon. He married Esther (Byers) Spridgeon, who survives in Middle Point.

Other survivors include three children, Elsie (Joe) Thompson of Newark, Gary “Harry” Spridgeon and Jay Spridgeon, both of Middle Point; two grandchildren, Brad Thompson and Jody King; and four great-grandchildren.

A brother, Leo Spridgeon; and two sisters, Betty Lewis and Oleta Leathers, also preceded him in death.

Mr. Spridgeon retired in 1991 from the maintenance department of Textron (formerly Ex-Cello) in Lima after 36 years of service. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, serving during World War II in the South Pacific. He was a member of American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert and Amvets Post 698 in Middle Point. He was a former volunteer firefighter with the Middle Point Fire Department.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery in rural Van Wert County, with graveside military honors performed by the combined units of Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, both in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, February 11, at the funeral  home.

Preferred memorials: Middle Point Fire Department or First Presbyterian Church in Delphos.

Online condolences may be left at www.alspachgearhart.com.