BELLVILLE: The village of Bellville has lost one of its most dedicated public servants. Everett D. McClarren served the village as council member and on various council sub-committees for 47 years, ushering the community from 1960 through five decades of growth.
A man who was meticulous in his words and his appearance, Everett passed away early Thursday morning June 30, 2016 in Mill Creek Nursing & Rehab in Galion. He was 85.
Born July 23, 1930 in Morrow County to Samuel F. and Luciana E. (Frank) McClarren, he was graduated from Iberia High School in 1948 and in 1952 he married Merlyn J. Murray.
Everett worked 30 years with the Tappan Company on the engineering team that perfected the microwave oven, and his attention to detail and the intricacies of small mechanics drew him to refurbish and collect antique clocks. In his retirement, Everett served 13 years as an assistant and chauffeur with Snyder Funeral Homes.
A 49-year member and Past President of Bellville Lions Club, Everett was active with the Bellville Minstrel Shows. It was his love of singing that kept him lively. He sang tenor with Mansfield Mastersingers 42 years and was a former member of Fun Center Chordsmen.
A member of Hilltop Community Church, he formerly served on the church board and offered vocal solos. Everett invested in the Bellville community with his time. He served 27 years as a volunteer fireman with the Bellville-Jefferson Township Fire Department, many of those as assistant chief, and was a 56-year member of Bellville Lodge #376 F&AM.
He is survived by nieces and nephews Luana Bixler, Larry McClarren, Bonnie Fisher, Julie Janisch, Susan Irwin, Sandi Drees and Phil McClarren; sisters-in-law Dorothy McClarren of Galion and Geraldine Geary of Mansfield; extended family; his church family; a grateful community; and a close circle of friends.
His devoted Merlyn preceded him in death on May 25, 2011 following 58 years of marriage. Also deceased are his brothers Dwight McClarren and Robert McClarren; and a nephew Sam McClarren.
Friends and family may call Tuesday, July 5, 2016 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, where his funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. Pastor Andy Hupp will officiate. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
Contributions in his memory to Jefferson Township-Bellville Rescue Squad may be made at the funeral home.
Send Everett’s family a message of support – or watch his tribute video – online at: SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
