James L. Bowersock

James L. Bowersock, 76, of Van Wert, died at 3:47 p.m. Sunday, April 14, 2013, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born September 23, 1936, in Van Wert, the son of the late Virgil “Toe” and Mary (Ditto) Bowersock. On October 8, 1983, he married Sharon (Leiter) Bowersock, who survives in Van Wert.

Other survivors include a daughter, Kerry Speer of Van Wert;  a brother-in-law and a sister-in-law, Ted and Patty Kiehl of Van Wert; a mother-in-law, Louise Leiter of Van Wert; one sister, Darla (Richard) Neiford of Van Wert; two grandchildren, Daniel and Eric Speer; and several nieces.

Mr. Bowersock worked at several positions in the Marketing Department at Central Mutual Insurance Company in Van Wert, retiring in May 1999 after 42 years of service. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Van Wert; he also belonged to Elks Lodge 1197, was a past member of Van Wert Sertoma Club, and served in the Ohio National Guard for three years. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, movies, cars, car shows and, most of all, spending time with his loving family.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 18, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert, with the Revs. Paul W. Miller and Gus Christo-Baker officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery in rural Van Wert County.

Calling hours are from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: First United Methodist Church in Van Wert or the Cross Over the Hill Christian education program.

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