Dwight Custer

Dwight L. "Hoolie" Custer, age 100, of Rockford, Ohio, died at 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2014, at the Laurels of Shane Hill, where he had been a resident for a short time. Hoolie was born on May 22, 1914, in Rockford, Ohio, to Franklin Perry and Della Mae (Shock) Custer. He graduated from Rockford High School and excelled in sports, where he played football, basketball, baseball and boxing. Toward the end of the "Great Depression", Hoolie served two tours of duty with the Civilian Conservation Corp traveling as far as California. Hoolie enjoyed his first tour so much that he illegally signed up for his second tour under his Brother Dutch's name. Hoolie served five years as a Staff Sargent in the 37th Infantry Division, Medical Corps during WWII. After returning from his duties in the South Pacific, Hoolie worked several years as a custodian at Rockford High School and later worked for the Rockford Post Office for 25 years, retiring in 1972. Hoolie was an avid golfer, playing up until a few years ago at Deerfield Golf Course, outside of Rockford, where he was honored with a lifetime membership. Hoolie was an avid reader, historian, story teller, and wrote/recited poetry his entire life. He also enjoyed and excelled as a bowler and hunter/fisherman (including many trips into northern Michigan, Pennsylvania and Canada). Hoolie was also an avid traveler, having covered most all of the United States many times. Accompanying Hoolie on many of his trips were his mother, nephews and nieces. He wintered in Texas and Florida, spending much of his time mastering the local fishing and culture, while welcoming and entertaining many of his family members and friends from back home. At his 100th birthday party, with family and close friends gathered around him, he recited a short poem about a young baby born 100 years ago in Rockford and what a good life he had. He then went on to talk about his philosophy of how to live a "good life" - to work hard, live cleanly and to have close personal control. Hoolie always had a friendly smile and "hello" for everyone he met. Surviving are his Sister-in-law Jayne E. Custer; nephews Tom and Steve Custer and Jack Carter; nieces Cindy Minnich, Cheryl Arnold, Sandra Brown, Paula Carter Grosz, Kathleen Patterson Hommel; and their families. Special thanks to his devoted care givers; Elsie and Lowell Beougher and Sandy and Francis Schaffner; his next door neighbors Annette and Russell Spindler, and the entire staffs of the Laurels of Shane Hill and Van Wert County Hospital. Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were two brothers: James O. "Jim" and Donald "Dutch" Custer, and three sisters: Pauline Custer, Irene Carter and Loraine Patterson. Honoring Hoolie's request, there will be no service. Memorial contributions can be directed to the Rockford Carnegie Library or to the donor's choice.