Reverend Eldon Dean Stirn, 90, of Lima passed away on Sunday, May 14, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.

Eldon was born on April 14, 1933 in Lima, OH to the late Arnold Jacob and Alice Leona (Sherer) Stirn. He graduated from Elida High School in 1951 and continued to further his education at Cedarville College and Fort Wayne Bible College. After college, Eldon married the love of his life, Carolyn P. Parsell on August 28, 1955. Carolyn passed away on February 4, 2012.

Eldon was a very gifted carpenter. He was employed through the carpenters union and worked for R & W Construction, Tuttle Construction, and Stedke Construction. He was also an associate pastor at Antioch Christian Union Church and Bethlehem Christian Union Church for many years.

He was a proud member of Carpenters Local #372 Union and Shawnee Alliance Church. Although Eldon was a carpenter by trade, woodworking was a hobby that he was very passionate about. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Eldon is survived by his two children, Philip (Laura) Stirn and Beth (Marc) Vondran both of Lima; five grandchildren, Joshua (Cori) Vondran of Salt Lake City, UT, Emily Vondran of Lima, David (Katie McMurry) Stirn of Lima, Aaron Stirn of Lima and Joel Stirn of Lima; one brother-in-law, Larry (Lorraine) Parsell; one sister-in-law, JoAnn Parsell; and one step sister-in-law, Sara Beggs. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; his parents; six siblings and their spouses, Orvie (Dorothy) Stirn, Wauneta (Roger) Kruse, Wanda (Gene) Smith, Lila (George) Buxton, Harold Stirn, and Donald Stirn; two brothers-in-law, Eugene (Janice) Parsell and Ronald Parsell; one sister-in-law, Nancy (Paul) Miller; one step brother-in-law, John Beggs; and one step sister-in-law, Sue (Ralph) Quellhorst.

There will be a visitation from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023 at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville. His funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Shawnee Alliance Church East Campus Sanctuary in Lima, with an hour of visitation before the service. Dr. Daniel Messner and Reverend Kris Browning will be officiating. Burial will take place following the service at Spencerville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Beulah Beach Camp & Retreat Center, 6101 W. Lake Rd., Vermilion, OH 44089