Edward Counts

ANNA — Edward F. Counts, 86, of Anna, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2017, at 8:37 p.m. at Lima Memorial Hospital.

He was born on Aug. 10, 1930, in Anna, Ohio, the son of the late Frederick and Erma (Timeus) Counts.

On Nov. 23, 1951, in Essington, Pennsylvania, Edward married his wife of 65 years, Veronica C. Ihle, while he was serving in the Navy. Veronica preceded him in death on Jan. 20, 2017.

Edward is survived by three daughters, Cheryl (Robert) Schemmel, Teresa (John) Aselage and Diane (David) Stephens, all of Anna; nine grandchildren, Robert II (Susan) Schemmel, Christa (Mark) Oen, both of Troy, Gregory (Stephanie) Aselage, of Liberty Township, Bradley Aselage, of Southbend, Indiana, Nicholas Aselage, of West Chester, Lucas (Katie) Stephens, of Fort Loramie, Adam Stephens, Landon Stephens, both of West Chester, and Paige Stephens, of Anna; great-grandchildren, Chas, Carter and Olivia Schemmel, Kathryn and Andrew Oen all of Troy, and Ethan and Philip Aselage, of Liberty Township; and sister-in-law, Caroline Counts, of Botkins.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Gerald Counts.

Mr. Counts served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War. He worked for Copeland Corporation and later retired from General Highway Express. After retirement he served as caretaker for Franklin Township/Pearl Cemetery in Swanders. He was a member of St. Jacob Lutheran Church, Anna American Legion Heiland Post 446, and the Antique Tractor Associations in both Shelby County and Portland, Indiana. He also served as a volunteer for Anna Rescue and the Holy Angels Soup Kitchen.

Edward enjoyed his time with friends at the Sidney McDonald's "Breakfast Club." He also enjoyed playing cards, restoring antique tractors, working on lawn mowers, and mowing grass, but what he loved most of all was spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 4, 2017, at 12:30 p.m. at St. Jacob Lutheran Church, 101 W. Main St, Anna, with Pastor Charla Grieves officiating. The family will receive friends, at the church, on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.

Arrangements are in the care of Cromes-Edwards Funeral Home, Sidney.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Anna Rescue and Shelby County Animal Rescue Foundation (SCARF).

Condolences may be expressed to the Counts family at the funeral home's website, www.cromesfh.com.