Richard Jellison

VAN WERT, Ohio - Richard R. Jellison, 74, of Van Wert, died at 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011 at SCCI Hospital in Lima, Ohio.

He was born May 26, 1937, in Decatur, Ind., to the late Lola R. (Giessler) Jellison and Robert F. Jellison. His wife, Carrie B. (Barns) Jellison, survives of Van Wert.

Other survivors include his children: Richard L. Jellison of Van Wert and Tamara L. Branham of Defiance, Ohio; a brother: Ronald (Rose) Jellison of Fallbrook, Calif.; one sister: Roberta (James) Thomas of North Carolina; five grandchildren: Cody, Tanner and Shenia Branham and Zachary and Nicholas Jellison, and a great-grandchild: Kadence Branham.

He was a member of Middle Point United Methodist Church and Council On Aging and served as a Van Wert County 4-H Advisor for 58 years. He was a veteran of U.S. Army National Guard, a lifelong musician, Union Twp. Grange member, former Sunday school teacher and superintendent at church, currently serving as songs leader and usher.

He retired after 29 A½ years of service with Alexander and Bebout of Van Wert. He had formerly worked at Aeroquip Corporation in Van Wert for 15 years.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert. The Rev. Mark Fuerstenau will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point, Ohio.

Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 and one hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are 4-H Camp Scholarship or Van Wert Council on Aging or donor's choice.