James D. Houser, 77, 7360 Mercer Road, Mendon, died at 8:20 a.m. Dec. 5, 2008, at The Laurels of Shane Hill, Rockford.

He was born Aug. 2, 1936 in Celina to Clarence and Lavon Burden Houser. On July 7, 1956, he married Thelma A. Sampson, who survives.

Other survivors are four sons, Rick (Deb) Sampson, Forrest, Joe (Tammy), Pat, and Danny (Shyla), all of Mendon; three daughters, Deb (Jim) Dotson, Pensacola, Fla., Lynn Clutter, and Shirley (Keith) John, all of Mendon; three brothers, Richard, Van Wert, Larry, Rockford, and Darrel, Celina; four sisters, Ester Houser, Celina, Dorthy Goodwin, St. Marys, Roberta Long and Virginia Strucamp, all of Rockford; 19 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are two sons, Dennis J. and Terry L.; a brother, William; and two sisters, Mary Lue Roby and Beatrice Houser.

He was self-employed for over 30 years and owned Houser Oil and Gas Wells Service. He was a member of the National Riffle Association and Western Ohio Fish and Game Association.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Monday at Cisco Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Randy Christian officiating. Burial is at College Cemetery, Celina.

Calling is 3-7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Contributions can be made to American Diabetes Association.

Condolences can be left at www.ciscofuneralhome.com