John M. "Jack" Whitling Sr., 80, of Spencerville, died April 2, 2008.

He was born July 15, 1927, in Allen County, to Walter and Ethel Pearl Potts Whitling. On Nov. 8, 1952, he married Betty Mae Pond, who survives.

Other survivors are a son, John M. (Dee), Spencerville; three daughters, Cheryl S. (Kent) Morgan, Lima; Diana R. (Don) Degen and Carla J. (Michael Sr.) Baer, all of Spencerville, five sisters-in-law, Marcele Whitling, St. Marys, Jane Whitling, Lima, Opal Howell, Mendon, Ruth (Jack) Frysinger, Van Wert, and Ruby Bollenbacher, Celina; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Deceased are a son, Michael A., and four brothers, Raymond, Joe, Glen "Deke" and Robert.

He founded Jack Whitling Home Improvement Co. (later named Whitling & Sons Construction Co.), which operated for more than 50 years. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of Spencerville United Church of Christ and Bowersock Brothers Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6772, also of Spencerville. A 1946 graduate of Spencerville High School, he served 16 years as a Jennings Township trustee and was a member of the Ohio Township Trustees Association.

Services are 2 p.m. Monday at the church, the Rev. Stephanie L. Haines officiating. Burial is at the Spencerville Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the VFW and American Legion, both of Spencerville.

Calling is 6-8 p.m. Saturday and 2-4 and 6-8 Sunday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, and one hour prior to services on Monday at the church.

Contributions can be made to the Spencerville Athletic Boosters.