John R. Boyce

John R. Boyce, 88, of Van Wert, died at 4:55 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at Van Wert County Hospital in Van Wert.

He was born April 22, 1927, in Rockford, the son of Roland and Esther (Heil) Boyce, who both preceded him in death. On August 4, 1947, he married the love of his life, the former Grace Mocabee, who died August 19, 2012.

He is survived by his children, David (Karla) Boyce and Sandra (Jim) Sheets, both of Van Wert; seven grandchildren, Lori (Tony) Tate, Craig (Angie) Sheets, Corey (Andrea) Boyce, Jennifer Boyce, Tamara (Pat) Williamson, Angela (Rob) Curtis, and Amy (Tom) Limbean; 17 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Tom Boyce of Rockford.

A sister, Joanne Watkins, also preceded him in death.

John is a retired employee of the former Continental Can Company and a member of the former Rockford Presbyterian Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert. He was a former Little League coach and an avid sportsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, bowling, and golf. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family and was adored by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially enjoyed traveling and visited almost all of the states.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 17, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Ohio City, with graveside military honors rendered by the combined units of Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, both of Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 2-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Wounded Warriors or Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bricknerfuneralhome.com or emailed to bricknerfuneralhome@bright.net.