David R. Stearns, 82 of Tiffin, died Wednesday evening, March 31, 2010 at his son's home in Greenfield, IN.

Born on January 4, 1928 in Bluffton, OH to Ralph Talbott and Ruth Ines (Castanien) Stearns. On December 19, 1954, he married Sara Kathryn Webster in the First Congregational Church in Sandusky, OH.

He is survived by two sons; Eric (Linda) Stearns with grandson, Matthew David of rural Tiffin; Craig T. (Paula Roeschlein) Stearns of Greenfield, IN; and a sister, Mary Elizabeth Moore of Grand Rapids, MI.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sara of 53 years on September 15, 2008 and a granddaughter, Hannah Kathryn Stearns on July 26, 1996.

Graduating from Bluffton High School in 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy from 1946-1948 and continued in the Naval Reserves until 1956. He graduated from Heidelberg College in 1952 and traveled for them as an Admission Counselor from 1953-1960. He continued his career with New York Life for 4 years and as a Bailiff and Probation Officer with Tiffin Municipal Courts. He was appointed Seneca County Recorder in 1967 and elected as Seneca County Recorder in 1968. He was elected President of the Ohio Recorders Association in Columbus in 1977. He retired in 1989.

A 32nd Degree Mason, he was a member of the Tiffin Lodge #77, Seneca Chapter #42, Clinton Council #47, Demolay Commandery #9, Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo, Toledo Zenobia Shrine Temple, Past-President of Tiffin Shrine Club, and Past-President and Director of the Tiffin Hornets. He loved to ride the little red scooters.

An avid golfer, bowler and Indianapolis Colts fan; he served as President of the Tiffin Elks Lodge #94 golf Club and Tiffin Catholic Golf Club. David devoted his life to helping others, volunteering for CASA and serving as a board member. He enjoyed trips to the casino and the time he spent and the friends he made at the Commission on Aging and Cotillion Club.

David's wishes were to be cremated. Visitation will be Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 4-6 PM at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home. A Memorial service will follow at 6PM at the funeral home.

The family would like to invite friends to celebrate his favorite past time; bowling, on Saturday from 7-9 PM at Heritage Lanes following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to CASA of Seneca, Sandusky, and Wyandot Counties, 21 Court St., Tiffin, OH 44883 or to Shriner's Hospital in Chicago.

Condolences may be sent and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.