Joseph 'Joe' Bookmyer Jr, 88, of Beechwood Drive in Tiffin, died Wednesday evening, September 2, 2009, at St. Francis Home.

July 3, 1921, he was born in Upper Sandusky to Joseph A. and Minnie E. (Wolf) Bookmyer. June 9, 1945, he married Betty J. Cole.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Betty, a son, David Bookmyer of Hilliard; two daughters, Janet (Ken) Beard and Pat (Dave) Everhart, both of Tiffin; a brother, Bernard Bookmyer of MI; 2 sisters, Beatrice Scales of CA; Jean Molino of FL; brother in law, Ronald (Lil) Cole of Sandusky, 5 grandchildren, John Beard, Anjee (Bill) Beaston, Dawn (Bryan) Chapman, Chad Everhart, Tara (Ray) Sowa, 4 great-grandchildren, Kelvin Hronek, Logan and Alexa Beaston, Zach and Ava Chapman.

Preceding him in death along with his parents is a brother, Rolland Bookmyer, four sisters, Marcella Bookmyer, Arlene Kisseberth, Mildred Beier and Joan Heyman and a granddaughter, Laura Hronek.

Joe was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and a graduate of McCutchenville High School. He farmed for many years around the area, served in the US Army and retired from Tiffin Developmental Center in 1988 as a Supervisor after 25 years. A former member of the Tiffin Moose Lodge #846 and Eagles Aerie #402, Joe was a prominent standard bred breeder and trainer and member of the United States Trotting Association. An avid Ohio State University fan, he followed his grandchildren and great grandchildren in their sporting events. Joe like a good time, laughing and enjoyed being around people. He proudly served in the US Army.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 12:00 noon at St. Mary Catholic Church with Rev. Eric Culler officiating. A Rosary will be prayed 20 minutes prior to the Mass. Burial will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, September 5, 2009 from 10:00-11:30 AM at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH, 44883, 419-447-2424.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Home, St. Mary Catholic Church, Calvert Athletic Boosters or Columbian Athletic Boosters.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com