A. Frank Clever

CLEVER A. Frank Clever, age 92, of Croton, died Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Willowbrook Village Delaware. He was born on June 21, 1919 in Mansfield to the late Leland and Ella (Fisher) Clever. After graduating from The Ohio State University with a Bachelors degree in Agronomy, he began a lifelong passion for farming and seed development. He was engaged in farming in Richland County before moving to the Croton area in 1950. Frank served as Treasurer and was on the Board of the Ohio Foundation Seed Company, a producer of hybrid seed corn since 1930. He was a member of the Croton United Methodist Church and the church council. Always civic mined he also served on the boards of the North Ridge School System, Agrarian Club, and Ohio Seed Improvement Board. In 2000 he was selected to the Licking County Farmer Hall of Fame. In addition to farming, photography was a passion. He enjoyed printing and developing 1000's of photographs, as well as gardening, collecting coins, toy farm equipment, arrowheads and antique tools. He loved traveling abroad with his wife and was happiest planting or picking corn. He lived to farm and recently helped with the 2011 harvest and de-tasseling of corn. Honest and trustworthy, he believed in " Giving the customer what they paid for". Never uttering a cuss word, you knew he had reached his limit when "confoundant" was used as a substitute. Quiet in nature, he was a detailed person. At times stubborn, he was hardworking, not one to be out worked. With big hands, he was also quiet and enjoyed a fantastic memory. He is survived by children, Dr. Art (Lynn) Clever of Coal Valley, IL., Dianne (Harve) Reese of Johnstown, Jim (Carol) Clever of Croton; step-children, Gary (Sharon) Glenn of Ashland, Nancy (Tim) Decker of Bellefontaine; 11 grandchildren, Shelley Watt, Sheri (Earl) Burke, David (Carrie) Reese, Scott (Angie) Reese, Jon (Shirley) Clever, Tim Clever DVM, Laura Clever (friend Sean Hayes), Melissa (Kyle) Mattes, Amy, Andrew (Kari), John (Emily) Clever; two step-grand-children, Amy (Brian) Weir, Nathan Decker (fiancée, Samantha); 14 great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandson; and sister, Frances Kuhn of Shelby. Preceded in death by his first wife of 62 years F. Jean (Cossum) in 2004 and second wife Lillian Marie Glenn in 2009. Friends may call Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the DeVORE-SNYDER FUNERAL HOME, SR 3 at 61, Sunbury. Funeral service will be held Monday 11 a.m. at the Croton United Methodist Church, 75 N. High St. in Croton with Pastor Eva M. Wolfe officiating. Interment Hartford Cemetery, Croton. Memorial contributions can be made to the Croton United Methodist Church or Hospice of Central Ohio. Condolences may be expressed at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.