Eugene Vernon McGuire, 91, of Elyria, Ohio, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012, at Wesleyan Village of Elyria, following a lengthy and full life. He was born Dec. 10, 1920, in Connellsville, where he was raised before moving to Lorain, Ohio, in 1946. Elyria has been his home since 1951. As a member of Midway Baptist Church, Eugene served as a deacon, organist and pianist for many years and an active member of silver saints. Gene was employed at Ridge Tool in Elyria for 27 years, retiring as a repairman for customer service. He served his country as a member of the Army in World War II in the Pacific Theaters of the Philippines and Japan. Eugene enjoyed quartet singing and piano playing and spent many hours visiting shut-ins in the nursing home, blessing them with his music. Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Oma (Monhollen) McGuire; his brothers, Reid Ritenour, Gilbert Fish, Merle Fish, Darrell Ritenour and Leroy Ritenour; his sisters, Vane Avey, Dolly Sanners, Ruth Hyatt and Beatrice Eutsey, all of Connellsville, and Shirley Jaynes, of Amherst, Ohio; as well as many nieces and nephews. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Emma (Hostettler) McGuire; and by his stepfather, LeRoy Ritenour. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, at the Midway Baptist Church, 41812 Griswold Road, Elyria, Ohio. Funeral services will be held at the church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012. The Rev. Charles Keesee, pastor of Midway Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, South Amherst, Ohio. Full military honors will be provided by the Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Midway Baptist Church Awana Program, 41812 Griswold Road, Elyria, OH 44035. Additional information and online register book are available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

Pittsburgh Tribune Review 8/27/2012