Gerald “Jerry” R. Spence

Gerald R. “Jerry” Spence, age 88 of Lima, died at 5:58 a.m., Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at Lima Memorial Health Care System. He was born April 27, 1930 in Deshler, Ohio to the late Samuel and Mabel Pfouts Spence. On July 6, 1987 he married Janice A. McLaughlin Routson, who preceded him in death on May 7, 2014.

Jerry was a retired welder from Ford Motor Company. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran, a member of the American Legion Post #96 of Lima, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #370 of Lima and the Gold Wing Associaton, Ohio Chapter. He was an avid hunter and maple syrup maker.

He is survived by 5 children – Elizabeth (Tyron) Neal of Dayton; Kelly (Bobby Copeland) Dunlap of Lima; Dianna Warner of Lima; Dawn (Scott) Miller of Lima; John (Christina Stauffer) Routson of Lima; 8 grandchildren – Paul James Keasler; Jammie Le, Athena (Mike) Witham; Cassandra (Dustin) Chaffins; Samantha (Bret Hartzog) Miller; John (Viola) Routson, II; Branden Routson, and Shane Miller; and 6 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his siblings – Arven Spence, Al ‘Bert’ Spence; Daniel Spence, and Leona Wien.

No public services will be held. The family will celebrate Jerry’s life with a private memorial dinner.

Memorial contributions may be made to Deb’s Dogs.