Ralph Wirick, 97

Ralph Leighton Wirick, 97 years, of Defiance, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015 at The Laurels of Defiance. Leighton was born on September 16, 1917 in Fayette, Ohio to the late Glen Washington and Freda Marie (Knox) Wirick. He was a veteran serving in the Army as a Staff Sergeant. Leighton served in Company F, 313th Infantry, 79th Division during World War II. Leighton married Mary “Pauline” Miller on September 21, 1940 in Vaughnsville, Ohio, she preceded him in death on April 6, 2008. He worked as a welder for Bard Manufacturing for 35 years until his retirement in September of 1982. Leighton was a member of the Fort Defiance VFW Post 3360 and was a Purple Heart recipient. Leighton loved animals and enjoyed following horse racing. He also enjoyed flying his airplane during his earlier years.

Surviving is his daughter, Jamie (Robert) Carpenter, of Defiance; two grandsons, Charles Leighton Carpenter, of Defiance, and Jay (Sarah) Carpenter, of Toledo. Leighton was preceded in death by his parents and wife Pauline.

Visitation for Ralph Leighton Wirick will be held on Monday, April 27, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm in Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 202 North Liberty Street, West Unity, Ohio. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Pastor Dee Custar officiating. Interment will follow at Floral Grove Cemetery, where there will be military graveside rites.

In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to Fort Defiance VFW Post 3360, 201 Clinton Street, Defiance, Ohio 43512 or The Laurels of Defiance Patient Activity Fund, 1701 Jefferson Avenue, Defiance, Ohio 43512