Bruce E. Boyer, 96 , of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at Promedica Defiance Regional Hospital.

He was born on September 30, 1920 in Napoleon, Ohio, the son of Gaston and Irene (Knapp) Boyer. In 1953 he married Delores (Bruns) Boyer, who preceded him in death in 2012.

Bruce served our country in the U.S. Army Air Corp Medic during WWII. He was rewarded the Good Conduct Medal and 3-Year Victory Medal. After returning home he was employed at Swifts Ice Cream, Compos, and then at Dinner Bell Foods for  33.5 years, retiring in 1983. Bruce was a member of the Defiance Church of the Nazarene, and coached softball in 1985. He enjoyed garage sales, and playing bingo with his friends.

Bruce is survived by his sons, Michael (Rhonda) Boyer of  Ney, Gary (Linda)  Boyer, David Boyer and Frank Boyer, all of Defiance, daughters, Linda Boyer of Shelbyville, Tennessee, Marilyn Burke of Florida, and Diana (Ray) Good of Virginia, 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Delores Boyer, brothers Chuck Boyer and Jack Boyer.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm  on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, and for one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, December 23, 2016 at the Church of the Nazarene in Defiance,  with Rev. Donald Leonard officiating. Burial will follow at  Riverview Memory Gardens, with military graveside rites accorded by VFW Post #3360.

Memorials are suggested to the Defiance Church of the Nazarene.