Michael Eclem

Michael Eclem, age 83 of Massillon, died Monday, June 30, 2008 at his home. He was born in West Virginia on October 18, 1924 and was raised by foster parents, the late Charles and Estella DeWalt of Jackson Township. He was a Massillon resident for most of his life. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He served on the U.S.S. Liberty in the Atlantic, Mediterranian and Pacific War Zones until the end of the war. He worked for the Timken Company for 42 years. He retired from the Engineering Department. He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the Clinton Lodge # 47 F. & A.M., the Scottish Rite, Valley of Canton, the F.O.E. #190 and the American Legion Post 221. Along with his wife, Evelyn, he helped start the Stark County Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Chapter. He was the first president of the chapter. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn J. (Dunbar) Eclem whom he married on June 7, 1947 and his son and daughter in law, Mark H. & Jane A. Eclem of Dalton, Ohio. A son, Gary M. Eclem preceded him in death in 1967. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 12 Noon at the Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Brigham officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 10-12:00 Noon. The Clinton Lodge will have a Masonic service on Saturday at 9:30 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, Bethesda, MD 20814 in Mr. Eclem’s name. Arnold-Lynch – A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-4839 Condolences may be sent to www.arnoldlynch .com