Clair D. Romick, age 88, passed away on Monday, February 28, 2022, at his residence, surrounded by his family.
He was born on January 13, 1934, on the family farm four miles northeast of Ada, to the late Roy Milton and Hazel Julia (Boutwell) Romick. On December 16, 1955, Clair married Beverly (Orders) Romick, and she survives in Alger. They are the parents of Kimberly (Rick) Bentz of Wellsville, PA, Abby A. (Greg) George of Findlay, and Roland “Rody” (Libby Palicki) Romick of McComb; ten grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
Clair was a 1951 graduate of Ada High School. In 1990 he retired from Dow Chemical, Findlay after thirty years as a millwright (certified welder). In 1952 Clair enlisted in the United States Navy for four years. Serving 3 ½ years on board the destroyer USS Ault (DD698). The Ault took Clair around the world. He sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and the Indian Ocean. He passed through the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal. He crossed the equator (shell back), he never counted the seas he sailed. In 1953, while on anti-submarine patrol off the coast of Korea, the Ault collided with another destroyer, losing twenty feet of its bow. Clair’s military awards include Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, U.S. Korean Service Medal, the U.N. Korean Service Medal, R.O.K. Korean Service Medal.
Clair was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church, Findlay. He was a life member of the Ada VFW Post #9381, serving three years as Post Commander. He was a member of the American Legion Post 185 of Ada, life member of the DAV Chapter 43 of Findlay, a three State Color Guard, life member of the AmVets Post 21 of Findlay. Clair was a founder, life member and first president of the Hancock County Chapter 172, KWVA., benefactor member of the NRA, Liberty Conservation Club, Ada. He was a thirty-five year member of the Hancock County Veterans Memorial Squad, Tin Can Sailors and Kentucky Colonel and a 4-H advisor.
Clair was proud of his Native American ancestry. His great-great grandmother was a Potawatomi. She is buried in the McElroy Cemetery, across the road from where Clair was born and raised.
Also surviving are his two sisters: Norma Merritt of State College, PA, and Alice Cheney of New Stark.
He was preceded in death by two brothers: Melvin and Merle Romick; and five sisters: Marvel Westcott, Velma Schiltz, Mary Ellen Martin, Ruth Ann Romick, and Betty Bolton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hancock County Korean War Veterans Association #172 and/or St. Rita’s Hospice, Lima.
