Clayton Eugene Springer, 88, of Sun City Center, Florida and formerly of Van Wert and Mendon, passed away at 6 a.m., Saturday in Sun City Center. He was born on January 3, 1926, in Mercer County, the son of the late Elza Clayton and Stella M. (Baucher) Springer. On September 25, 1949, he married the former Margaret L. Ries who survives. Other family member include two daughters, Karen Yvonne Springer of Sun City Center, and Marvelene Kay (John) McClure of New Holland, PA; three grandchildren, Stephen R. (Kathy Mast) McClure of Ephrata, PA, and their children, Caleb, Kaylee, David McClure, Laurie K. McClure of Lititz, PA, and Angela K. (Jason) Horning of Lancaster, PA, and their son, Davin Horning; and sisters-in-law, Imogene Springer of Chesterfield, MO, Marilyn Springer of Chula Vista, CA, Ruth Reed of Grover Hill and Leah Ries of Van Wert. Clayton was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl F. and Wayne C. Springer; a sister, Betty M. Fent; and in-laws, William and Lola Ries, Homer Reed, Wanda and Henry Prior, R. Wayne Ries, Paul E. and Rita Ries. He was a graduate of Mendon-Union Union High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in Europe during World War II and received a Purple Heart. He was a member of Grace Bible Church. Clayton retired in 1982 having farmed for 21 years and from Continental Can Co. (Grief Bros.) where he worked for 26 years. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, July 31, 2014, at Grace Bible Church in Van Wert with Pastor Lance Hostetler officiating. Interment will follow at Van Wert Woodland Cemetery. Calling hours are Wednesday 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and one hour prior to services Thursday at the Church. Preferred memorials are to Gideons International.