Arden Neer

Arden J. Neer, Sr., 73, of DeGraff, Ohio, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2014 in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida. An inspiration to everyone, he fought a courageous battle with cancer always with a positive attitude.

He was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio February 7, 1940, to the late Ezra J. and Mary (Rodabaugh) Neer. Also preceding him in death was a grandson, Billy Jervis.

Surviving is his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” (Keating) Neer; sons, Michael Neer of Bellefontaine, Christopher (Joahnna) Neer of Bradenton, Florida, David (Rebecca) Neer of Centerville, Ohio, Arden Jr. (Suzie) Neer and Andrew Neer, both of Bellefontaine; stepchildren, Todd (Laura) Hitzeman of Marysville, Ohio, Tammy Hitzeman of Kenton, Ohio and Terry (Stephanie) Hitzeman of West Jefferson, Ohio; grandchildren, Jesse (Jen) Jervis, Arden III “Bear”, Brandon, Christina, Tara, Cameron, Quinten, Mia, Eric, and Chloe Neer; step grandchildren, Brittany and Brooke Norris, Christopher Jackson, and Alaina and Adam Hitzeman; and a great granddaughter, Zoe Jervis.

Arden started working at Neer’s Sand and Gravel in 1960 with his father, Ezra, who started the business in 1927. He continued working there for the next 50 years.

A 1958 graduate of DeGraff High School, Arden was a member of the Gretna Brethren Church in Bellefontaine, Masonic Lodge and the Elks Lodge. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed golfing. Later in life he loved to ride his motorcycle, enjoyed his model trains, music and dancing. However, more than anything, he loved being on his John Deere mowing his lawn, feeding his fish and having ice cream with the love of his life.

Pastor Larry Brown will officiate an 11:00 A.M. service Saturday, February 1, 2014, at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine where calling hours will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, January 31, 2014. Interment will be in the Bellefontaine Cemetery.

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