Clarence "Babe" Bernath, 87, passed away in Archbold on April 29, 2017.  He went to heaven with his family by his side after a brief illness. He was born in Archbold on February 3, 1930 to Josephine (Grime) and Jacob Bernath.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy (Hulbert).  They were married on January 1, 1955.

A lifelong resident of Archbold, Babe worked a variety of different maintenance and mechanic positions.  In his youth, he worked at the Scott Theater, later for Wyse Turkey hatchery, Christy Motors, and several other positions, including owning a gas station where the Pop Shop now resides.  He served in the United States Army following the Second World War.

Survivors include four children, Mike (Judy) Bernath, Barbi Bernath, David (Bei) Bernath, and Lori (Leslie) Fredrick; three grandchildren; Emily (Matt) Browne, Kevin Fredrick, and Abi Bernath; two brothers, Joe Bernath, West Unity, Tom (Callie) Bernath, Archbold; and one sister, Rose Mary (Leon) Blank, Lenoir City, Tenn.

Preceding him in death were: his parents, four brothers; Lawrence, Eugene, Paul, and Olen; one sister; Pauline Langford.

In high school, he was the captain of the basketball team and played baseball. His yearbook described him as, "Tall, dark and handsome."  As an adult, he played softball and had many hobbies.  He enjoyed carpentry, working on automobiles, attending auctions and playing cards.  He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.  He attended his grandchildren's baseball and softball games, as well as their tennis matches.

Visitation at Shorts Funeral home in Archbold will be held Thursday, May 4th from 9:00-11 a.m., with a service immediately following.  Interment with military rites will follow in the Archbold Cemetery.