Raymond A. BlumNEW WASHINGTON: Raymond A. Blum, age 93, resident of New Washington, Ohio passed away on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at the Willows of Willard Nursing Home. He was born on September 19, 1923 in New Washington, Ohio to the late Joseph and Anna (Mahl) Blum. Raymond graduated from New Washington High School in 1942. He entered the service, U.S Army, at Camp Atterbury, IN on December 2, 1944. He was a PFC in Co. F, 151st Regiment, 38th Infantry Division, the "Cyclone Division" and served in the Philippines. He was discharged April 4, 1946 at Camp Atterbury, IN. Raymond was awarded Victory Medal WWII, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with Bronze Star and the Good Conduct Medal. He was a hatchery man with his family owned 20th Century Hatchery until 1957, then Timken Roller Bearing Company as a machinist and retired from Timken after 30 years. He was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and was a fireman with the New Washington Fire Department in the 1950s. Raymond was an avid Cleveland Indians fan and enjoyed listening to polka music and attending polka festivals.He is survived by a son, Joseph R. (Sandrea) Blum of New Washington; 2 daughters, Margaret E. (Darrell) LaVenia of Ravenna, Ohio and Rose Marie (Todd Weisbarth) Berman of Canal Winchester, Ohio; 8 grandchildren, Dr. Amy (Mark) Schnipke, Joseph (Rebecca) Blum, Mary Margaret (Nicholas) Mitchell, Anna Marie LaVenia (Bill Russell), Anthony (Kelsey) Berman, Dustin (Stacie) Berman, Jessica (Philip Link) Berman and Thomas Berman; 6 great grandchildren, Owen, Will and Avery Schnipke; Charlie and Alice LaVenia-Russell and Ella Berman; one sister, Margaret Ferrazza of Hudson, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Blum of New Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alice C. (Burger) Blum on January 7, 2016; two sisters, Alberta and Marcella Blum; and three brothers, Alfred, Norbert G. and Francis Blum.Friends may call at the Secor Funeral Home in New Washington, Ohio on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 from 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the St. Bernard Catholic Church with Father Stephen Blum and Father Eric Culler officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Bernard Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Bernard Catholic Church or the New Washington Historical Society. Online condolences can be made at www.secorfuneralhomes.com