Glenn Eugene "Gene" Zimmerly, 78, died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013 at 1:05 a.m. at Richland Manor, Bluffton, Ohio.

He suffered a stroke 19 years ago and stayed home for 16 ½ years then spent the last 2 ½ years at Richland Manor.

He was born on Jan. 1, 1936, in Allen County, Ohio to Glenn L. and Helen J. (Allstetter) Zimmerly, who preceded him in death. On Sept. 25, 1955 he married Carolyn Joyce McElwain and she survives in Lima.

He retired after working for 40 years for the Allen County Engineer's Office where he worked as the County Surveyor. He also worked as a private land surveyor for 10 years. He was a member of the LaFayette Congregational Christian Church where he served as a trustee and deacon. He also worked as the janitor at the church for many years.

He helped to establish the midget football program in the LaFayette area and coached for nine years. 

Also surviving are four sons: Kent (Rhonda) Zimmerly of Lima, Garry Zimmerly of Delaware, Mike (Teresa) Zimmerly of Lima and John (Cindy) Zimmerly of Lima; a daughter, Angela (Brad) Richardson of Alger; 14 grandchildren: Andrea (Rich) Bryant, Jessica Zimmerly, Joshua (Brittanie) Zimmerly, Brian (Jill Dovale) Zimmerly, Ashley (Ryan) Arn, Steven (Corey) Zimmerly, Jacob (Erin) Zimmerly, Mark (Liz) Zimmerly, John (Sierra Laman) Zimmerly Jr., Taylor Richardson, Madison Zimmerly, Katelyn Richardson, Gabriel Zimmerly and Allyson Richardson; two step grandchildren: Kenton Gibson and Grant Gibson; 17 great grandchildren; a brother, Donavin (Dorothy) Zimmerly of Ada; three sisters: Marjorie (Ron) McKee of Ada, Karen (Luis) Avila of Russells Point and Sharon Kipker of Lewistown.

He was preceded in death by a brother Robert Zimmerly.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, at LaFayette Congregational Christian Church, 205 West Main St., LaFayette with Pastor David Thompson and Pastor Harrison Underwood officiating. Burial will be in LaFayette Cemetery, LaFayette.

Friends may call 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8, at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Richland Manor of Bluffton and/or LaFayette Congregational Christian Church.