Clifford "Ray" Schwartzkopf

Clifford "Ray" Schwartzkopf, age 88, of Nevada passed away on Wednesday, June 4 at 11:06pm at the Fairview Manor in Bucyrus, Ohio.

He was born on July 28, 1919 in Nevada, Ohio to Clifford and Altha (Beach) Schwartzkopf , both of whom are deceased.

He graduated from Nevada High School in 1937 and went on to serve his country in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War.

Clifford married Evelyn C. Stemen on July 2, 1940 and she survives along with 2 daughters; Karen S. Peppard of Bucyrus and Marsha R. (Thomas) Gathright of Bucyrus.

He is also survived by 3 grandchildren: Leeannn Grau and her fiance Jeremy Ray, Matthew(Vicki) Peppard, Karen (Daniel) Benedum; 2 step grandchildren: Jodi(Gary) Hughes, Amy Reaume; 6 great grandchildren: Jesseca (Ryan) Tomlin, Austin Peppard, Rachel Benedum, Alex Peppard, Dylan Benedum and Harlee Peppard; 6 Step great grandchildren: Amy (Chad) Underhill, Eli Geyer, Brenden Hughes, Kian Hughes, Taryn Gathright and Jace Reaume; 1 great great grandson: Wyatt Tomlin and 1 step great great grandson, Parker Underhill.

He was preceded in death by 1 grandson Todd Peppard and 3 sisters: Gwendolyn Rider, Bernadine Lacer, Hildred Frey.

Ray was retired as an Union Rep for Penn Central Railroad and before that he was a telegrapher for the railroad. He was a member of the Nevada Masonic Lodge #343 and Eastern Star formerly of Nevada, and served at one time as a "Rainbow Father". He was a former Nevada Councilman and for hobbies he enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his family. Ray and Evelyn enjoyed spending their winters in Florida.

Funeral services will be 2:00pm Monday, June 9, 2008 at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Nevada, Ohio with the Rev. Bernard France officiating. Burial will follow at the Nevada Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites conducted by various service organizations.

Friends may come to call on Sunday, June 8 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the funeral home and 1 hour before service time on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to Fairview Manor and can be sent to Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, 401 S. Main St. Nevada, OH 44849.

Online condolences may be sent to lucasbatton.com