William Bruce Jr.

ELYRIA – William Bruce, Jr., 92 years of age, and a resident of Elyria,, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at University Hospital Elyria Medical Center following a brief illness.
Bill was born on July 10, 1923 in Amherst, Ohio. He had made his home in Amherst for fifty years before moving to Elyria where he resided until his passing.
Bill proudly served in the United States Army Air Corp during the World War II, earning the rank of Sergeant with the Army Airway Communication System. He was employed at the US Steel in Lorain for forty years before retiring as the supervisor in the planning department. Bill was a lifetime member of the Amherst Congregational United Church of Christ. He was very active in starting the Boy Scouts Troop #427 in Amherst. For his volunteer efforts with the Boy Scouts, Bill was awarded the prestigious Silver Beaver Award. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #118. He also served as 3rd. Ward Councilman and past council president for the city of Amherst.
Survivors include his loving wife of seventy years June Bruce (nee: Sabiers); his son Terry Bruce (Rebecca) of Vermilion; his daughters Sharon Szczudlik (Dave) of Amherst, New York and Peggy Ebert (Bob) of Cottonwood, Arizona; four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his sister Vivian Deisher; and his parents William, Sr. and Minnie Bruce (nee: McElfrish).
Friends may call Saturday, January 23, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Amherst Congregational United Church of Christ; 379 South Main Street, Amherst, OH 44001.
Additional information and online register book are available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com.