Elmer L. Clinker, age 95 of Defiance, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2020 at Hickory Creek at Hicksville. Elmer was born in his grandparent's home in Delaware Twp. on October 7, 1924 to Paul and Estella (Smith) Clinker. He attended a one room schoolhouse until Jr. High and graduated from Sherwood-Delaware High School in 1942. He was a lifelong dairy farmer, and owner-operator of Clinker Tiling. He loved to hunt and fish, and eat large quantities of ice cream. Elmer served his country in the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater during WWII.

In 1946 he married Marvel Kleinhen, who preceded him in death in 1949. In 1957 he married Annabell Reed, who preceded him in death in 2011.

Elmer had been a 4-H advisor, and served on the Defiance County Senior Fair Board. He also served on the Soil and Water Conservation Board, Central Local School Board, and Ney Church of God Building Committee. He served as a Delaware Twp. Trustee, and a member of Farm Bureau, Ney Legion, and the Sherwood VFW.

He is survived by his sons, Edward Clinker (Ruth Thind) of Bryan, OH, and David (Connie) Clinker of Defiance, and a daughter Kathryn (Lynn) McCullough of Ligonier, IN. He also had a son by bond, David (Beth) Kroa of Niles, MI. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren; Daniel (Stephanie) Clinker, Cassandra (David) Roebke, Haley Clinker (Jimmy Everhart), Kaitlyn (Zach) Lesh, Cameron McCullough, Emily (Josh) Perry, Evan McCullough, and Rika McCullough, and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Friday, February 21, 2020 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, Ohio. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm at the funeral home, with Pastor Jack Teeple officiating. Burial will follow at Moats Cemetery, with graveside military rites accorded by Ney American Legion.

The family would like to thank Hickory Creek Healthcare for the exceptional care that was given to Elmer, and at-home caregivers, Brandi Tipton, Emilie Thompson, and Ethan Wirick. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hickory Creek at Hicksville. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.