Everett "Ben" Freeze

OTTAWA - Everett "Ben" Freeze, 82, of Ottawa passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family at 9:38 a.m. Friday, June 15, 2018. He was born September 13, 1935 in Columbus, KY to the late Everett Lee and Eunice (Murphy) Freeze. On November 24, 1978 he married Barbara Stemen who survives in Ottawa.

Also surviving are nine children, Everett Lee Freeze of Homestead, FL., John L. "Bruce" Hurst of Ottawa, Florice Bronson of Ocala, FL., Lynn (Gus) Barres of Miami, FL., Mary Bratton of Owensboro, KY., Jessica (Scott) Triplehorn of Pandora, Lori (Mike) Ellerbrock of Ottawa, Leslie (Tom) Schumacher of Columbus Grove, and Vicki (Brian) Buss of Cloverdale; twenty-three grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Cruce of Clinton, KY; and a brother, Charles Studenka of Van Wert.

He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Freeze Switzer; two sisters, Helen (Bob) Carr and Mary Jo Smith; and a brother-in-law, Keithly Cruce.

Ben was a supervisor at Philips, retiring in 1997 and he owned Ben's Small Engine Repair. He was a member of Faith Baptist Church, Ottawa. He enjoyed NASCAR, singing, camping at Huggy Bear Campground, and was an avid bowler. Ben was a U.S. Marine Vietnam Veteran, retiring after 23 years in the service as a GySgt. He was a member of the Ottawa AMVETS, and a member and former Chaplain of the Ottawa VFW. He was an Ohio State Buckeye Fan.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 18, 2018 at Faith Baptist Church, Ottawa with Pastor Denny Coates officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Ft. Jennings with military rites by the Ottawa American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. on Sunday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project or the Alzheimer's Association.

Condolences can be expressed at: www.lovefuneralhome.com.