MARION: Wendell L. Dangler, age 85, of 784 East Center St., Marion, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, June 15, 2010, at 12:08 p.m. in his home.

He was born in Michigan on July 16, 1924 to the late Leonard and Leona (Milliron) Dangler. Wendell married Helen L. Pingle in Deshler, Ohio on July 17, 1950 and she preceded him in death on May 29, 2003 in Marion. Wendell graduated from Defiance College and later attended the Ohio State University. A veteran of the U.S. Navy in WWII, he was a member of the National Rifle Assoc., American Legion Post 162, a member of the Marion Co. Fish & Game Club, and attended the First Church of the Nazarene. Wendell dedicated his life to teaching. For 27 years he was a teacher with the Elgin school system. He also taught for 11 years at the Marion Correctional Institute and later instructed drivers education through Ault's Driving School over 10 years.

Surviving are two sons, Kirk W. Dangler of New York City, Bruce W. Dangler of Marion; four daughters, Denise Newsome of Marion, Chris (Chuck) Hall of Delaware, OH, Kim (Holley) Baker of Strausburg, OH, and Kim (Craig) Kiefer of Lima, OH; a sister, Lillian Bratton of Danville, OH; six grandchildren, Chanda Newsome, Jason (Lisa) Newsome, Gavin & Nigel Johnston, Kearsi Kiefer, and Brittney Dangler; also three great grandchildren, Dylan Sullivan, Taylor & Avery Newsome; surviving along with his loving family is his special companion, his dog "Amber".

Preceding him in death along with his parents and wife, was a brother, Gerald Dangler; and an infant sister, Wilsene Dangler.

The family will be receiving friends at the Boyd-Born Funeral Home on Friday, June 18, 2010, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. A celebration of his life will be conducted by Rev. Riley Powell at the funeral home on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at a later date in the Marion Cemetery. Contributions in Wendell's name may be made to the First Church of the Nazarene, the N.R.A., or the Marion County Humane Society. Military rites will be given by the Marion Co. Veterans Council.