Donald L. Cromly, 89, of Defiance, passed away peacefully to the Lord, surrounded by his family on Friday, August 26, 2016 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.  
  
He was born on April 11, 1927 to Tulloss and Beaulah (Konst) Cromly in Defiance. Donald was a member of First Church of God in Defiance, and was an Associate Pastor, Sunday School Teacher, Elder, and Trustee. He served our country in the U.S. Navy during WWII as an EMC3 Electrician Mate 3rd Class SeaBees. On July 5, 1947 he married Pauline (Culler) Cromly, who resides in Defiance. 

Donald started work for the United Telephone Company in 1944, and retired after 38 years of service. He was one of the original members of Defiance Fish and Game, and a member of the Bill Glass Jail Ministries and Prison Crusades, and the Johnny Appleseed Camp Club. He was an avid deer bow hunter, and enjoyed golfing.
   
Donald will be sadly missed by his family; loving spouse of 69 years, Pauline Cromly of Defiance, son Stephen (Jan) Cromly, daughters, Diana (Donnie) Posey,  Elaine (Brad) Hoover, and Becky (Brad) Spitnale, all of Defiance, and Mary Ann (Scott) Dunckel of Perrysburg, Ohio, 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two sisters, Joanne Lehman of Evansport, and Joyce Kane of Delta.
  
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles Cromly, sisters Doris Jean Mealer, and Betty Hornish, and one grandchild.
  
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and  5:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, and for one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am  on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at The First Church of God in Defiance, with Rev. Rick Rufenacht and Rev. Larry Kennedy officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Memory Gardens, with graveside military honors accorded by VFW Post #3360.
  
Memorials are suggested to First Church of God, or CHP Defiance Hospice Center. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.