CLARENCE DEGEN

SPENCERVILLE — Clarence O. "Sonny" Degen, 78, died at 8:24 a.m. Sept. 27, 2014, at St. Rita's Medical Center with his family at his side.

He was born Sept. 8, 1936, in Lima to Otto C. and Jenny Paglow Degen, who preceded him in death. On June 8, 1957, he married Mary Lou Harbison, who survives.

Mr. Degen attended Spencerville schools and at 16 went to work for Ohio Decorative Products in Spencerville, retiring after 55 years of service. While working for the company he also managed the Ken-Dec Co. in Kentucky and Edgerton Metal Products. He also was a farmer and raised and bred Belgian draft horses. He loved being with his grandchildren and going to their activities. He also enjoyed fishing and going to farm equipment sales.

Survivors also include five children, Randy (Jackie) Degen, of Spencerville, Jeff (Lori) Degen, of Spencerville, Theresa (Mark) Lee, of Spencerville, Chuck (Beth) Degen, of St. Marys, and Brenda Bockey, of Delphos; 10 grandchildren, Beth (Andy) Williams, of Akron, Mary (Roberto Serno) Degen, of New York City, Joe Solomon, of Lima, Josh Solomon, of Ottawa, Abbie Lee, of Spencerville, Ryan (Melissa) Degen, of Lima, Matt Degen, of Akron, Kelsey Degen, of Bowling Green, Seth Bockey, of Delphos, and Hannah Bockey, of Delphos; three great-grandchildren, Izzy Williams, Kat Williams and Kadyn Degen; and three siblings, Jim (Lyn) Degen, of Botkins, Fred Degen, of Spencerville, and Janice (Rex) Dershem, of Lima.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Andy Lee; and a brother, Don Degen.

Services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville. The Rev. Andrew J. Atkins and the Rev. Charles H. Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to Lifeline of Ohio in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.