Thomas Clyde Sponsler Sr., 85, died Oct. 31, 2003, at the Village Healthcare Center in Hemet, Calif, where he had lived for one year. He had previously lived in Sun City, Calif., for 25 years, and in Linton.

He helped his father, Earl Sponsler, in Sponsler's Bakery in Linton for many years. He was a sales associate for Helen Grace Chocolates in Lynwood, Calif., for 11 years. He had served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Sun City, the Sun City Golf Club and the Sun City United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Ruth; a daughter, Signe Ann of Sun City, Calif.; a son, Thomas Jr. of Oregon; and a grandson, Brian, of Oregon.

Memorial service was Nov. 9 at Sun City Methodist Church in California. Burial was at Riverside National Cemetery. The Miller-Jones Mortuary in Hemet, Calif., was in charge of the arrangements.