Gerald R. "Butch" Blythe

64, of Van Wert, died at 6 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, at his residence.

He was born Dec. 4, 1945, in Toledo, Ohio. His father, Joseph Pratt, survives in Scott, Ohio. His mother was the late Cydonia "Donie" (Jewell) Pratt. His wife, Sharon A. (Watson) Blythe, survives in Van Wert.

Other survivors include his children, Jeffrey L. Blythe of Cecil, Ohio, Lori A. (Allen) Farris of Cloverdale, Ohio, Gregory R. (Heather) Blythe, Dawn M. Blythe and Rhonda S. (Steve) Merkle, all of Van Wert, Amy M. Enoch; his siblings, James M. Blythe of Toledo, Ohio, Beverly "Babe" Phillips of Green Cove Springs, Fla., Joan Tope of Paulding, Ohio, Dennis "Buck" Pratt of Ottoville, Ohio, Rocksanna Daniels of Broughton, Ohio, Stanley Pratt of Scott, Howard J. Blythe of Tucker, Ga., Kenneth Blythe of Houston, Texas, Debbie Blythe-Alvey of Livingston, Texas; his grandchildren, Casey Blythe, Nicole Blythe, Ashley Farris, Brittney Farris, Courtney Merkle, Hannah Merkle and Brock Blythe, and his great-grandchildren, Ke'Andre Blythe, Hope Blythe, Kelby Blythe, Kailey Blythe, Jordanne Blythe.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, Mark Alan Blythe; his biological father, J.R. Blythe; two sisters in infancy, Judy and Joyce, and a brother, Robert Blythe.

He retired from the Ohio Dept. of Transportation at Paulding where he worked for many years. He was a member of Van Wert Victory Church. Mr. Blythe umpired and coached youth baseball for many years.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, at Brickner Funeral Home, Van Wert. The Rev. Darrel Ramey will officiate. Burial will be at a later date.

Calling hours are 2-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010, at the funeral home.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Van Wert Victory Church.