George L. Neargarder, 89, Saint Marys, died 11:30 P.M. Monday, December 19, 2016, at the Wapakoneta Manor Nursing Home.

He was born July 9, 1927, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Clarence and Bertha (George) Neargarder. He married Patricia Elliott on May 17, 1948, and she preceded him in death on May 10, 2013.

He is survived by his children: Janet (Bob) Bassitt of Wapakoneta; James (Sylvia) Neargarder of Garland, Texas; Paula (Doug) Saintignon of Beavercreek, Ohio; George Neargarder of Arlington, Texas; Stephen (Tricia) Neargarder of Wapakoneta; Dr. Sandra Neargarder of Lakeville, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his nineteen grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is survived by  his siblings: Patti (Bill) Goubeau of Saint Marys; Jean (Byron) Dotson of Mill Creek, Washington; Robert (Penny) Neargarder of San Jose, California; Richard (Val) Neargarder of Saratoga, California. He is survived by  a sister-in-law, Alice Neargarder of Howard Beach, New York.

George was preceded in death by his parents; by his wife; by his siblings: Joseph Neargarder; Sister Jacinta Neargarder; Clarence Neargarder.

George was a 1945 graduate of Saint Marys Memorial High School. He retired from the Saint Marys Hardware Store, and later worked at Ace Hardware, and also sold real estate.

He will be remembered for his dedication to Saint Marys in many ways: as a local historian, Boy Scout leader, member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus, Saint Marys Kiwanis Club, and countless other community clubs and projects.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 28, 2016, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Saint Marys, Fr. Barry Stechschulte, celebrant. Burial will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery.

Friends may call from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Tuesday at the Miller Funeral Home, 1605 Celina Road, Saint Marys, where memorial gifts may be given to either the Friends of Holy Rosary Church or the Saint Marys Community Foundation.