CORTLAND — Clyde Howard Bolinger, 89, died peacefully in his home on May 23, 2022.
Born in Akron on July 5, 1932, to Clyde and Almira Bolinger, the younger Clyde survived a burst appendix at the age of six and graduated from Akron South High School in 1950. He played baseball at The University of Akron and earned a bachelor’s degree in 1954. Two years later, Clyde married Jean Ann Gravesmill, and their joy-filled union lasted until Jean’s death in 2020.
The first three decades of Clyde’s career were spent in human resources for small manufacturing firms in Ohio (Akron, Wooster, Coshocton and Warren), Wisconsin (Oshkosh) and Kentucky (Paducah). When he was in his 50s, Clyde became an entrepreneur, partnering with Jean to own and operate The Book Nook in Warren. The pair ran the store for nearly 20 years, during which time it became one of the largest independent bookstores in Ohio.
Like his wife, Clyde had a heart for serving others. The Book Nook donated over $50,000 in books to local schools, and Clyde and Jean regularly read to elementary school students in Warren. The couple packed mobile meals and led Rise Against Hunger events, both of which fed thousands of people. And they spearheaded Trumbull County observances of The International Day of Peace.
Clyde was a competitive tennis player until the end of his life, playing three to five times a week. In his later years, he competed in the National Senior Games. He and his doubles partner Art See won a bronze medal in the 2017 Games in Birmingham, Alabama, and repeated that feat in the 2019 Games in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Clyde also enjoyed playing tennis with members of his family, both in Ohio and in 40 years of annual vacation trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Clyde is survived by his four children – Merrilee (Ken) Jacobson, Anjalee Wagers, Loralee (Duane) Daily and Chris (Libby) Bolinger – along with eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to honor Clyde at a memorial service at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Cortland with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Prince of Peace, 490 N. High Street, Cortland, OH 44410, or the charity of your choice.
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