Paul Franklin Mitchener

age 82, of Van Wert, died at 6:35 a.m. Thursday, February 23, 2006, at Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center in Findlay.

He was born September 3, 1923, in Flint, Mich., the son of the late William F. and Winona Blanche (Jenkins) Mitchener. On February 12, 1946, in Kentucky, he married Dorotha J. Canny, who survives in Van Wert.

Mr. Mitchener retired from Borden Foods in Van Wert in 1978 with 30-plus years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in World War II and participated in the Battle of the Bulge, as well as Anzio, France, North Africa and Germany. He was also a member of American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert and had attended Van Wert High School.

In addition to his wife, survivors include three sons, Lyle R. Mitchener of Van Wert, Raye Lynn (Barbara) Mitchener of Washington, Mo., and Kim L. (Mary Ann) Mitchener of Findlay; a daughter, Faye E. Ditto of Van Wert; one sister, Maxine Sperry of Union, Mo.; nine grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Graveside family funeral services will be conducted at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, with military rites performed by the combined honors units of Legion Post 178 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5803, both of Van Wert.

There will be no calling hours.

Memorials are to American Legion Post 178 in Van Wert.