Clement Vanlandingham Spitler

Clement “Buck” Spitler

Clement V. Spitler, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, at Kingston Residence of Perrysburg.  Buck was born on September 14, 1924 in Toledo, Ohio, the youngest of Harvey Walter and Charlotte (Dickinson) Spitler’s nine children. He resided in the Toledo area most of his life. He was always deeply grateful for his older sister Nora’s support and guidance, especially in his early years.

Buck had his first job at the age of 12, was in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Arizona, and then proudly served three years during World War II in Europe in Gen. Patton’s Third Army.  There he achieved the rank of Tech. Sgt. in the U.S. Army 65th Signal Corps, A Co. This was the first signal corps to serve on the front lines. 

On April 3, 1948, Buck married Mary Olive Roseborough in Toledo. He always worked hard and provided well for his family.  With his loving, devoted wife, he raised four children, setting a never-failing example of honesty, integrity, and selflessness. After being a skilled plasterer for many years, Buck worked for the City of Toledo Water Department, retiring in 1986.

Buck was proud of his family, and enjoyed gatherings, sporting events, and supporting his sons’ Scouting activities. The family cottage at Sweezy Lake, Michigan, provided many precious memories. He enjoyed woodworking and learning about nature. A highlight of his 57-year marriage to Mary was their Alaskan cruise. They also enjoyed attending several Signal Corps reunions. In later years Buck was able to visit Luray, Virginia, and what remains of the Spitler home and fort built there in the 1740’s by Swiss-German ancestors.

We will dearly miss Buck’s amusing stories, caring inquiries and witty comebacks (Ex: Us: “Call me if you need anything.” Him: What shall I call you?”)  And his habit of giving children around him the change out of his pockets.  Or sharing his chocolate or peppermints.  Buck wouldn’t mind being remembered whenever you have a cup of coffee and a plain cake donut, some home-made apple pie, or a shot of Canadian Club.  Or especially good milk chocolate, which fittingly was the last thing he had to eat.  And he enjoyed it, as he always had enjoyed the simple things. 

Buck was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, siblings James, Nora, Frank, Bertha, Walter, Leola, Helen and twin sister Mary. Surviving are children Kathleen (Bill) Manley, Mary Rose (Ralph) Matzinger, Charles Spitler, and David Spitler; grandchildren Ian (Shannon) Farrell, Margaret Farrell (Pervis Williams), Elizabeth (Jen) Matson, Carolyn (Matthew) Kraut, Robert (Dani) Madden and Kristy Spitler; eleven great-grandchildren: Kelsey, Brianna, Ian, Jr., and Lillian Farrell; Noah Ross; Kingston and  Lennox Williams; Caleb and Norah Matson; Harper and Emerson Madden; and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family was very appreciative of the kind staff at Oakleaf Village of Toledo, where Buck lived for 3 years, and his wonderful doctors over the years, especially Drs. Phillip Horowitz, Mark Gallagher, Robert Kose and John Pigott.  During his last 10 months, residing at Kingston, Buck discovered new interests, like fishing (he won a trophy in May and was disappointed that the outing planned for July 27 was cancelled!), talking with Heather about the baby ducks in the courtyard, petting animals brought in by the Toledo Zoo, participating in various games, helping Nicky or Annie with arts & crafts projects, going to daily morning exercise with Michelle or Leia up until July 27, and Friday Happy Hour! 

Buck’s family is extremely grateful to all of Kingston’s dedicated, respectful and loving staff, especially those already mentioned as well as Pat, Linda, Claire, Amy, Saleika, Ice, Brian, Chaundra, Molly, Sergio, Danielle, Dan, Chris and the housekeeping staff, Dr. Hasan and all of the wonderful dining room staff.  He was well served for many years by the Pharmacy Counter on W. Central Ave., and always appreciated talking to the delivery staff. Also hugely appreciated was the compassionate care and support provided by Kim, Audie, Nancy, Tim, Kelly, and Pastor Tim of Promedica Hospice, and the Reverend Beth Frank of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church.

The most important thing to Buck was family.  He had often said in parting, “Tell everyone I love them.” And so we do.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 2770 W. Central Ave., to be followed by a funeral service at 11:00 am. Interment will be at Toledo Memorial Park following a luncheon at the church.  Memorial contributions may be given to St. Andrew’s Church or the Old Newsboys Goodfellow Association (www.toledonewsboys.org).  Funeral arrangements provided by Reeb Funeral Home, Sylvania, where online condolences may be offered to the family.

.