Walter 'Ross' Beeler, 86, of Tiffin, passed away Tuesday, December 21, 2010, at Volunteers of America Autumnwood Care Center.

He was born September 26, 1924, in Seneca County, to Homer and Fannie (Brill) Beeler. He married Marjorie Hewitt December 18, 1948, in Toledo.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Marjorie, of Tiffin; five daughters, Pam (John) Dunlap; and Pat (Herm) Lucius both of Tiffin; Barb (Don) Skivers of Perrysburg; Martha (Jim) Downing of Sarasota, FL; and Cindy (Chris) Gilliland of Austin, TX; a brother, Robert 'Bob' (Donna) Beeler of Findlay; two sisters, Marjorie Fetzer of Tiffin; and Dorothy Ziegler of Sycamore; 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death along with his parents, is a brother, Charles Beeler, who was killed in Italy during WWII, an infant sister and two sisters, Mildred Carr and Helen Stinchcomb.

Ross was a graduate of Melmore High School and attended Toledo University. He proudly served in the US Army from 1943-1946, during WWII, receiving a Purple Heart and was a member of the 73rd Bomb Wing Association. He celebrated 'Beeler Day', on the anniversary of his survival as a tail gunner in a B29, after it crashed in Saipan after take off.

He was a salesman all his life, retiring in 1982. He was a member of Community United Church of Christ, Old Fort Lions Club and the Bloomville American Legion. Ross enjoyed golfing, playing cards, traveling and played Santa Claus for many years.

His Funeral Service will be Noon, Thursday, December 23, 2010, at Community United Church of Christ, 5660 N. State Rte. 53, Fort Seneca, with Rev. Becky Jones officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Union Cemetery in Old Fort at a later date.

Friends may visit with the family 10:00 AM - Noon on Thursday at Community United Church of Christ.

Memorial contributions can be made to Community United Church OF Christ or to Hospice of Memorial Hospital in Fremont.

Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH, 44883, 419-447-2424, assisted the family with arrangements.

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