Eckenrode

Clyde Eckenrode of Loretto is celebrating his 100th birthday today with family and friends.

Born July 9, 1926, he grew up on a farm in Loretto and at the age of 17, joined the U.S. Navy, where he served on the USS Dauphin in the Pacific during WWII.

After his time in the Navy, he met and married his wife, Evelyn, and the two moved to Ohio, where he was employed in the steel mills for 30 years.

The couple have two children, Tim and Debbie; five grandchildren: Becky, Timmy, Jenette, Lisa and Travis; and many great- and great-great-grandchildren.

When they retired, they built their home in Loretto.

Clyde enjoys fishing, hunting, camping, gardening and socializing with friends and family.