C. Nelson French Jr.

September 6, 1925 – September 30, 2024

C. Nelson French, Jr., age 99, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024. Nelson was born on September 6, 1925 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Charles and Helen (Albaugh) French. He was preceded in death by his wife Emagean (Emmy) and Stepson Gary Kerr.

Nelson was a 1943 graduate of Upper Arlington High School and completed one year of college at Ohio State University, before going to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to earn his BS in Engineering in 1948. He continued his military service from 1948-53 with the U.S. Army, mostly as Nuclear Officer of Armed Forces and Special Weapons Project.

He started his professional career working at Battelle from 1953-58 in Paten Licensing & Management Consulting and from 1958-2000 he was Founder, Chairman/CEO of Basic Distribution Corp. Throughout his business career, Nelson was President and Director of Distributors Software Group, Board of Directors for National Assoc. of Electrical Distributors, Chmn. Govt. Affairs Comm, Affiliated Distributors Network Chmn, Long Range Planning Comm, Leadership Award; Ohio Small Business Council- Bd. Chmn; White House Conference on Small Business- Ohio Delegate; Ohio Chamber of Commerce- Bd. & Exec, Comm; Blue Cross of Central Ohio/Central Benefits Mutual Insurance Co.

Volunteer work was very important to Nelson. He was a member of Columbus Rotary Club for 63 years, Past President of Columbus Rotary Club, District Governor, Team Leader/Group Study Exchange/England; 87-year member of First Community Church, Chmn. Board of Deacons, Chmn. Governing Board and Board of Directors for First Community Village; President of Upper Arlington Booster Club and a Member of Scioto Country Club.

On May 12, 1969 Nelson married the love of his life Emagean Kerr. Together they had 7 children. Nelson will be deeply missed by his loving children Michael French, Andrew Kerr, Terri French, Pat French, K.C. (French) St. Louis, and Dennis Kerr; 5 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Nelson will be held at 4:30 PM, Thursday, November 7, 2024 at First Community Church – South Campus, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., where family will receive friends immediately following service until 6PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to the Nelson and Emmy French Media Support Fund #54119 at First Community Foundation at https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/a691aa36-29b1-42f5-89f1-cb63c15a2c09 or to Hope Thru Housing Inc., a long-term residential substance abuse program for men and women in Columbus at https://funraise.org/give/Hope-Thru-Housing-Inc./246f6733-8fec-49f4-b7b9-d5cbe3beed7b/.

Patrick Scott Stone

August 5, 2024

Funeral service for Patrick Scott Stone, 91, will be Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church Decatur with Rev. Alex Beaube and Rev. Robert Sparkman officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Hartselle City Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church Decatur.

Colonel Stone passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024. Born in Hartselle Alabama, to J.E. Stone, Jr. and Patricia Scott Stone, on February 20,1933.

He graduated from Marion Military Institute and from the College of William and Mary. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity and participated in Varsity football and track. He was a Senior member of the Men’s Honor Council, the National Honor Society of Scabbard and Blade (Military), and President of the Baptist Student Union.

He was a Partner in Stone Lumber and Supply Company in Hartselle for 13 years, worked for Texas Instruments in Texas, the Henry S. Miller Company in Commercial Real Estate, several banks in Texas, the F.D.I.C. Regional office in Dallas, and completed over 6 years as President of Colonial Banks in Lawrence County, Alabama.

While working in Hartselle, he was President of the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce, President of the Kiwanis Club, President-Elect of the Rotary Club, served on the City Library Board and served as Chairman of the City Aviation Board for 4 years. He was selected as Outstanding Young Man of the Year and as Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

His civic record in Lawrence County included President of the County Chamber of Commerce for 2 years, President of the County Historical Association for 4 years, Charter President of the Rotary Club of Lawrence County, the Board of Junior Achievement of North Alabama, Executive Board of the Greater Alabama Council of Boy Scouts, Chairman of Group 2 of Alabama Bankers Association, a member of the Memphis-Atlanta Highway Committee and a member of the North Alabama Work Force Development Board.

Following his banking career, he ran for the Alabama House of Representatives District 9. He was elected to be the Republican Candidate for the November election, he lost the November election to a several year incumbent.

He was a member of Rotary International since 1965 and had received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He served as the District Governor of District 6860 for the Centennial Year of 2004-2005. Previously, he served as President of the River Oaks Rotary Club in Houston, Texas and as Charter President of the Rotary Club of Lawrence County, Alabama. He was currently a member of the Decatur Rotary Club.

He was a member of the Decatur First United Methodist Church and sang in the choir. He previously served as District Lay Leader and served several years on the Pensions and Benefits Committee for the North Alabama Conference.

He previously was elected twice as an alternate representative for the North Alabama Conference to the Jurisdictional Conference at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.

While in Texas, he served as President of the 75th USA MAC Officers Association, Secretary-Treasurer of the Military affairs Committee of the Houston Chamber of Commerce.

Colonel Stone served 32 years in the Active Army Reserve and was a member of the General Staff of the 75th USA Maneuver Area Command, the largest Reserve headquarters in the Army at that time, located in Houston, Texas. He was a graduate of the residence course of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

He had received the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, as well as other medals.

Preceding him in death were his parents, J.E. Stone, Jr. and Patricia Scott Stone, his brother: J.E. Stone, III, and great granddaughter: Evelyn Franklin. Survivors include; Wife – Marguerite Livingston Stone, Son – Patrick Scott Stone, Jr., Daughters- Rebecca Bell Stone, Susan Rose Stone Taborn (Mike), Grandchildren – Tiffany Stone Kirk (Justin), Jackie Stone Franklin (Mike), Annabelle Taborn and Michael Taborn., Great Grandchildren – Stone Kirk, Ila Jennifer Franklin and Cole Franklin.,

Pallbearers will be Mike Taborn, Michael Taborn, LTC (ret.) Larry Hall, Col.(ret.) John Valieant, Jim Oden, Bill Sims and Mark Maloney

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ken Schuppert, Bill Stone, Bill Moyers, Ellis Chenault, Gordon Henry and all other Rotary Past District Governors.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial donations be made to Decatur First United Methodist Church.

David Joseph Bellew

July 7, 2024

David, “Doc” as he was known to his many friends, patients, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away on July 7, 2024 after a four-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

David was the second born to parents Richard (Dick) and Priscilla Bellew in El Dorado, AR. After graduating from dental school at the University of Tennessee he served in the Army as a Captain. He was stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana and Fort Bliss in Texas. Upon his honorable discharge, he established his dental practice in El Dorado, AR. He was very active in improving children’s dentistry in Arkansas, serving on many statewide boards and visiting schools to teach students how to care for their teeth. He often said that a dentist’s job was to work their way out of the job by teaching proper dental care at a young age. These beliefs often led to the embarrassment of his children when he handed out toothbrushes and dental floss on Halloween or sugar free candy, which in the 1970s was a child’s least desirable treat.

In the early 1980s, he moved his dental practice to Shreveport, LA where he continued to practice until he was 83 years old. Doc had a genuine love of people and dentistry, and his patients loved him very much; many made the two-hour drive to Shreveport from El Dorado to continue seeing him as their dentist after he moved. His generous spirit was displayed often in his willingness to take anything for payment from people who struggled to afford necessary dental work, even once accepting a 100lb bag of rice as payment from someone needing help. After closing his private practice in 2007, he continued his love of dentistry by working at David Raines Community Health Center until 2020.

While in El Dorado he was very active in Boy Scouts with his sons. He served as a Scout Master for Troop 23 and leader of the Order of the Arrow. He was known for never swamping a canoe even in the fastest water that would swamp the other canoes. His love for the outdoors and nature continued when he joined the Ozark Society years later.

David had a love of aviation that started with him receiving his private pilot’s license with a fixed wing rating in the 1970s and continuing through the 1990s when he received his Hot Air Balloon rating. He participated in numerous balloon rallies with his own balloon “Eagle Flight” and made many friends through the sport. His love of aviation led to his favorite hobby of designing and building remote-controlled airplanes. These designs led to him forming a company that manufactured kits to sell to other hobbyists.

David met his wife Judy when he was coerced by his friend and fellow Ozark Society member, Jim Overton, into attending “just one” ballroom dance at Kings Hwy Christian Church to be a partner for the many women who simply loved to ballroom dance and needed a partner to lead them around the dance floor. Soon after, the Eagle Flight balloon adventures and Ozark Society canoeing took a back seat to ball room dancing as he and Judy took lessons and danced every chance they had. With David’s adventurous spirit, his children were glad he took up dancing rather than buying a tuna boat to try out some fishing. David and Judy had 24 wonderful years together, living each day together to the fullest.

David was an early polio victim in the 1940’s and that drew him to the Rotary International organization which later carried the torch for the eradication of polio. David and Judy became increasingly more involved in Rotary over the years. David served as president of the Rotary Club of South Shreveport in 2003-2004 and in 2007-2008 served as District Governor of Rotary District 6190. They made lifelong friends with Rotarians locally and around the world as they traveled to Turkey and to several Rotary International Conventions.

David is survived by his loving wife, Judy Bellew of Shreveport, LA; children, David Bellew (Melissa) of Alexander, AR, Mike Bellew of Dallas, TX, Chris Bellew (Jill) of Dallas, TX, Matthew Bellew (Shelby) of Little Rock, AR and Melanie Miles of Irmo, SC. In addition, he had seven grandchildren. Also surviving him are his bonus children, Jodie Mueller-Reynolds (Jeff), Allen Plummer, III (Aimee) and their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard W. Bellew, Jr.

A special thank you to The Bridge Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center for their countless support and continued efforts to provide resources to caretakers and “their person” and to Dr. Meghan Harris and her staff at WK Pierremont Neurology Clinic. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the WK Pierremont 6th Floor, Bristol Hospice and Elite Health Solutions for the genuine kindness, love and respect shown to our beloved “Doc”.

A memorial service will be held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Dr, Shreveport, Louisiana on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation to follow at the church. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Upper Room Sunday School Class of Broadmoor United Methodist Church. Officiating the service will be Reverend Dr. Wybra Price, Reverend Megan Twyman and Reverend Dr. Greg Davis.

In keeping with his generous nature, David donated his body to science in the hope that he may be of some help in Alzheimer’s research. The family would be honored by memorials, given in his name, to: Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Dr., Shreveport, LA 71105 or to The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, LA 71104 or to the favorite charity of their choice.

David leaves all of us on this side of Heaven with the Rotarian motto he tried to live each and every day, Service Above Self.

For now, until we see each other again, Over & Out from Eagle Flight.

Harold K. Camp

February 28, 1929 – May 9, 2024

Harold K. Camp, 95, of Bushnell, IL passed away at 5:35 PM on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Wesley Village in Macomb, IL, with his children by his side. He was born on February 28, 1929 in Isabel Twp, Fulton County Illinois to Orley and Helen (Blythe) Camp. He married Beverly Ann Bowman on January 7, 1951 in Canton, IL.

Surviving are three children, David M. (Rosanne Patryluk) Camp of Midland Ontario, Canada, Robert K. (Dr. Pam Terry) Camp of Goodfield, IL, Gail Tittle of Champaign, IL; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and one sister Nancy (Russell) Mapston of Hurst, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son-in-law Rev. Dr. Mathew Tittle, sister Kathryn Wrestler, and brother Willard Camp.

Harold enlisted at 17 years old and served in the U.S. Air Force for 26 years, attaining the rank of CMSgt. He traveled extensively in his military career, with tours throughout the U.S., as well as Morocco, France, Italy, Yugoslavia, Spain, Germany, and finally Thailand and Laos during the Vietnam War. After retiring from the USAF, he returned to Illinois to work for Wrestler’s Massey Ferguson dealership as Sales Manager for 13 years. He also served on the School Board for a term. Harold and Beverly then moved to San Antonio, where they lived for 6 years. While there, Harold managed a condominium complex then served as Director for Student Placement and Industry Relations for a commercial aviation maintenance school. Harold and Beverly returned to Bushnell in 1991, where Harold worked part time for Chadco as a bookkeeper and truck driver for 10 years. In 2017, they moved to Wesley Village. Harold became a vibrant member of the Wesley Village community, where he was well known and much respected and loved.

Harold and Beverly believed strongly in community service. They were active in the church, serving on many committees. Through the years they volunteered in a homeless shelter, delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, served as election judges, and did after school tutoring. Harold chaired the American Red Cross Blood Drives for 10 years and drove veterans from Macomb to Iowa City, making 185 trips over 10 years. Harold was a proud member of Rotary, with 30 years of perfect attendance. He served as Bushnell Club President twice and as District Youth Exchange Chairman for several years, hosted international students, and was District Governor in 1994-95. He was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the Bushnell United Methodist Church, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Randy Burwell will officiate. Burial of ashes will be held at a later date in Lewistown Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Bushnell United Methodist Church, Wesley Village, or the Bushnell Rotary Club. Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.

Page Dobson

July 26, 1935 — March 5, 2024

Frederick “Page” Dobson passed peacefully to his eternal home on March 5, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Born July 26, 1935, in Oklahoma City, OK to Harold LaPage Dobson and Carol Estey (Porter) Dobson, Page showed early signs of natural leadership, serving as class president of his sophomore and junior classes, and student council president his senior year at Classen High School in Oklahoma City.

He attended the University of Oklahoma during Bud Wilkinson’s entire 47-game winning streak. As an undergraduate, Page played bass drum for the “Pride of Oklahoma” marching band and pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity, which was awarded the Harvard Trophy as Phi Delt’s most outstanding chapter in the nation during his tenure as president. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.

Page then earned a Juris Doctorate from OU’s College of Law, where, in a sign of things to come, he and his student partner won the moot court competition held before the Oklahoma Supreme Court. While in law school, Page won his greatest case when he married the girl who stole his heart, Nancy Kay Hopping. Married in 1958, they were blessed with two children, David, also an Oklahoma City attorney, and musician Deanna Martin of Alto, New Mexico. Page and Nancy celebrated their 65th anniversary last August.

Upon his law school graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, called to active duty at Ft. Sill with an artillery unit and assigned to a Howitzer battalion. After completion of his tour, he returned to Oklahoma City as a member of the Army reserve and joined the law firm of Washington and Thompson. During the 1961 Berlin crisis, Page’s reserve unit was activated and sent to Ft. Chaffee, where he was assigned to the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He retired the following year; honorably discharged as a Captain.

Page’s combination of legal acumen and sparkling personality caught the attention of Russell Holloway, and in 1963, he joined the firm of Rhodes, Hieronymous, Holloway and Wilson (now known as Holloway, Dobson and Bachman). Following Mr. Holloway’s early retirement, Page became the firm’s managing partner, a position in which he guided the firm for over 25 years. His distinguished career included representing prominent clients such as General Motors Corp, Honda Motor Company, Toyota USA, and multiple national insurers. His unparalleled preparation and courtroom skills earned the respect of his adversaries, admiration by the judiciary, and gratitude of his clients. Though his trial successes over 50-plus years could fill a book, Page’s reputation as a first-class litigator and gentleman lawyer are his true legacy in the legal profession.

Page valued the practice of law and was a Lifetime Fellow of both the American Bar and Oklahoma Bar Associations, as well as a former Director and Officer of the Oklahoma County Bar Association.

Outside the legal world, Page provided leadership for many groups, serving as board member for the Oklahoma History Center, and president of: the Oklahoma City Men’s Dinner Club, the “Committee of 100,” the Classen High School Alumni Association, and, as a loyal Sooner and lifelong member, the OU Alumni Association.

Page and Nancy were founding members of New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he served in multiple capacities; as first president of the congregation, pulpit committee chair, long-time elder, 30-year adult Sunday School teacher and choir director/member; and his rendition of “O Holy Night” will long be remembered as a Christmas Eve tradition.

Page was an active member of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City (Club 29), with 31 years of perfect attendance and exemplary service that included Club President and District Governor to Rotary International; a living example of Rotary’s mission to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace.

While Page and Nancy traveled the world with many friends and enjoyed visiting Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America, he also loved his “Deerfield” birds and reading in his recliner. Far beyond all his other accomplishments and experiences, Page was a devoted husband, son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and brother – and he would be the first to tell you his family was his true treasure.

Page is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; son David (Rurie), their children Nicholas (Janel) and Sean and grandchildren Nolan and Nora; daughter Deanna (Blake), their children Eli (Rebekah), Chana, Noa (Vicente), and Malachi, and grandchildren Karihana, Liam, Ava, Averi, Levi, and Julian; also his brother John (Susan); as well as nieces, nephews, and other extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Carol, and brother Harold “Buddy” Dobson. His love and support were always felt deeply and fully. Truly, he taught us to love one another.

Our loss is immeasurable, as is heaven’s gain. The family would like to extend thanks to all Page’s friends and colleagues who reached out as his health declined, and would especially like to thank the amazing hospice team at Epworth Villa for their care in his final weeks.

Public viewing Thursday, March 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Smith and Kernke, 14624 N May Ave. Interment will be conducted in a private family service.

Memorial service and celebration of a life well-lived 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 16, at Crown Heights Christian Church, 4020 N Western Ave.

Michael Johns

February 3, 1938 — February 23, 2024

Michael J. Johns, age 86, died peacefully at home February 23, 2024. Devoted husband for 47 years of the late Nicolette L. “Nikki” (nee Nardolillo); cherished father of Michael N. (Deb), Mark (Shelley), Marianne Parkinson (Steve), Monica VanderLinden (Shane), Marcia, and Michelle Shaw (Jim). Beloved companion of 14 years, fiancé, Carol Keck.

Treasured grandfather of Liz (Ron), Michael, Christina (Steve), Allison, Emily, Elise, Julia, Jimmy, Colette, AJ, Drew (Kelli), Katie, Nick, Alexis and his special angels Nicholas and Talia, and great-grandfather of Camden, Eileen, Edith, and Hazel. Loving son of the late John I. and Marian F. Johns, dearest brother of Mary Ann Koncal (Ronald) and the late John C. Johns, M.D. (Stephanie); as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

A son, brother, husband, brother-in-law, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, companion, uncle, coach, mentor, cheerleader, teacher, scout leader, Rotarian, man of faith and service, a craftsman, artist, cook, baker, boss, dance partner, singer, world traveler, Past Rotary International Director, and friend.

He touched the lives of people all over the world and they were all treasured experiences to him and to those he met along the way. He loved and was loved deeply. He was blessed with many opportunities that his life of “Service Above Self” brought to his path.

His family shared him with the world and that was his journey. He would light up a room, start a conversation with perfect strangers, befriend all those that he met. He was a blessing to all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, contributions suggested in Mike’s memory to several organizations that were special to him. Click here for details. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Mike at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND, 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) WEDNESDAY February 28 from 5-8 PM and THURSDAY February 29 from 1-3 and 5-8 PM. Mass of Christian Burial FRIDAY March 1, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Church of the Resurrection Catholic Church, 32001 Cannon Rd, Solon, OH. Cremation following by DeJohn Crematory. Reception to immediately follow Mass. Private inurnment in Lake View Cemetery

Theodore D. Griley, II

February 16, 1932 – January 10, 2024

Theodore Dillon Griley II – known by friends and family as TD – peacefully left this world on January 10, 2024. TD was born February 16, 1932, in Lancaster, Ohio, to parents Richard Franklin Griley and Gladys Clover Wyman Griley, the oldest of their two sons. TD attended Riverside Military Academy, Mercersburg Academy, University of Maryland, and The Ohio State University. He served three of the five branches of the United States Armed Forces: as a cadet in the Air Force ROTC, a reservist in the Navy, and a member of the US Army’s counter intelligence corps.

TD’s business life was dedicated to information and economic development. He was the former Chairman of the Board of Spenley Newspapers, Inc., Treasurer and Director of PSG Corporation, director of the Mid-Ohio Development Corporation, deputy director of the Ohio Department of Development, and Executive Director of the Ohio Alliance for Energy, Growth, and Jobs. His great love was serving and supporting his community, and he did so as an Elk, a Mason, a Jaycee, a Rotarian, a Grand Commodore, and a board member/trustee for organizations ranging from the Licking County Mental Health Association to the Columbus Children’s Hospital. Since 1944, TD supported every Republican candidate at the local, county, state, and national level. His time, his talent, and his resources were things he shared generously with anyone who asked.

TD’s long, well-lived life was marked by a series of accolades – from lettering in varsity football at Mercersburg Academy in 1950 to being named Newark’s Outstanding Young Man of the Year in 1966 to winning the Moundbuilders Country Club’s lobster eating contest in 1958 to receiving the first Theodore “T.D.” Griley Five Avenues of Service Award in 2019, a honor named for him and bestowed upon him during his 60th year as a proud Rotarian. Over his six decades of involvement with the organization, TD served with passion and distinction in Newark but also regionally, nationally, and internationally – making lasting friendships and a lasting difference in the lives of others. To those who knew him and served alongside him, TD was Mr. Rotary. He was a District Governor, a Director of Rotary International, a Trustee of the Rotary International Foundation, a Paul Harris Fellow, and twice served as aide to Rotary International Presidents. He participated in every Council on Legislation, the group that oversees Rotary’s governing principles, since 1977. He received what many consider the “big three” of Rotary honors: the Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service, the Distinguished Service Award (the Rotary Foundation’s highest award), and the Service Above Self Award (Rotary International’s highest honor). TD traveled to nearly 90 countries and all seven continents for his work with Rotary but always returned to his beloved Newark Rotary Club, the 13th chartered in Ohio and number 262 in the world.

While Rotary was his calling, TD loved many other things – his wife, Dori, who was by his side for more than 50 years, his country, annual fishing trips to Canada, weekly breakfasts with his children and lunches with the ROMEOs, a spirited round of Hearts, a really sharp Cheddar cheese, a good story, and a good laugh. A Buckeye for life, TD bled scarlet and gray and was a steadfast supporter of The Ohio State University Newark Campus, the athletic department, and Fisher College. His expansive knowledge of World War II history was surpassed only by his amazing recall of the nation’s highway system. If you needed to know the fastest way to get to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, TD could you give you turn-by-turn directions from memory.

In addition to his wife, Dori, TD is survived by six children and their spouses (Elizabeth Rower of Newark, Katy {Larry} Cowan of Granville, John {Julia} Griley of Newark, Theodore “Trey” Dillon Griley III of Pataskala, Marian {Deb} Shai of Augusta, Georgia, and J. Park {Holly} Shai III of Granville), 17 grandchildren, a growing generation of great grandchildren, and countless friends and colleagues who mourn the loss of a true gentleman and a generous humanitarian.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Second Presbyterian Church, 42 East Church Street, Newark, with Pastor Todd Tracy and The Reverend Lee Anne Reat, officiating. A reception will follow the service at Moundbuilders County Club, 125 N. 33rd Street, Newark.

Private entombment will take place in Lancaster at Forest Rose Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church of Newark, 42 E. Church St., Newark, OH 43055, Trinity Episcopal Church of Newark, 76 E. Main Street, Newark, OH 43055, or Rotary International, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201.

The Newark Chapel of Henderson-Van Atta-Stickle Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

Raymond ‘Ray’ Klinginsmith

January 17, 2024

Klinginsmith passed away on at the age of 86, on January 17, 2024. He served as president of Rotary International from 2010 to 2011 and was a former Adair County Commissioner and Truman State University professor.

According to the Kirksville Rotary, Klinginsmith worked as an attorney in Macon and Kirksville for many years. He also served as the general counsel and a professor of business administration at Truman State University, retiring in 1995. His tenure as an Adair County commissioner spanned from 2001 to 2004. Klinginsmith was also a director of the Macon-Atlanta State Bank for over 36 years.

He was predeceased by : his mother Alta Klinginsmith (Williamson); his wife Judie; his father Ted Klinginsmith; his siblings, Teddy Klinginsmith, Sara Stockton and Carol Mills; and his parents-in-law, Bob and Ruth Wilkinson (Heerdt).

He is survived by : his children, Kurt of Kirksville and Leigh (Bob Perkins) of Liberty, Missouri; and his grandchildren, Morgan Dawson (Perkins), Grant Perkins and Sydney Perkins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 10th 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at 111 S Elson St, Kirksville, MO 63501.

Richard “Dick” Robinson

January 1, 2024

Richard “Dick” Robinson, 81, of Springfield, IL, died at 9:00 p.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024, at Villa Healthcare East.

Dick was born December 22, 1942, in Sebring, FL, the son of Robert Junior and Doris Mason Robinson. He married Marie Cunningham Malek on November 19, 1993.

Dick earned a reputation as a committed and effective State of Illinois administrator and community service leader. During his public service career, he served in the offices of the Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois Attorney General, and in the Illinois Department of Human Services.

In the Secretary of State’s office, Dick helped lead an initiative returning state license plate manufacturing to Illinois, moving it to a non-profit entity to employ persons with disabilities. As Deputy Director of Business Services, he also played a role in implementing the State of Illinois’ Limited Liability Companies Act, and he presented nationally on the state’s then-groundbreaking program. Dick retired from public service in 2003.

He also participated in the political process, working for Jim Edgar’s successful election campaign for Illinois Governor in 1990.

Dick was a proud and active member of Rotary International beginning in 1977 in Lincoln, IL and later with the Springfield Sunrise Club. He served as Club President (1998-1999) and as District Governor for Rotary District 6460 (2006-2007). He was a Paul Harris Fellow and a Rotary Foundation Benefactor. Dick even threw out the first pitch at Busch Stadium representing Rotary International during the St. Louis Cardinals world championship season in 2006.

He served on the local board of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the Epilepsy Foundation District Board, and SPARC. He also served as vice chairman for the International Association of Corporate Administrators.

Dick served his country in the U.S. Air Force from October 1961 through October 1965, achieving the rank of Airman First Class. He was recognized for his service as participant in the September 2022 Land of Lincoln Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

Dick graduated from the Air Force Military Dependents High School in Madrid, Spain, and attended college at Colorado State University at Pueblo, Lincoln College, and University of Illinois–Springfield.

He was an avid fan of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini, St. Louis Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Dick is survived by his wife, Marie Malek Robinson; brother, Charles Arthur (Susan) Robinson of Melbourne, Florida; sisters, Cheryl Williams of Melbourne, Florida and Doris (Kevin) Funk of Warsaw, Indiana; children, Eric (Kim) Robinson of Chicago, Illinois, Dana (Kim) Robinson of Kernersville, North Carolina, Joe (Seanna) Malek of Springfield, Illinois, and Jason (Karly) Malek of Springfield, Illinois; grandchildren, Emily Robinson of Chicago, Illinois, Bayley Robinson (Sam) Cooper of Kernersville, North Carolina, Braidy Robinson of Kernersville, North Carolina, Alena Malek of Springfield, Illinois, Claire Carmean of Springfield, Illinois, Joey Malek of Springfield, Illinois, and Addie Malek of Springfield, Illinois.

Memorial Gathering and Mass: Family will receive friends from 9:00 until 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Allen Kemme, celebrant.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and Department of Defense.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and/or the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL.

Jerry W. Erskine

December 16, 2023

Jerry W Erskine, 92, passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023, at his home in Lebanon.

Jerry W Erskine was born April 30th, 1931, at home in Hemlock, Michigan to Clyde and Phyllis (Speath) Erskine (both deceased). Jerry attended a one room grade school and graduated with 4 girls in his class. He attended Hemlock High School and graduated with 31 classmates in 1949. During his high school years, he showed his Grand Champion Golden Gurnsey cow, Ruby, at the Saginaw County Fair and the Michigan State Fair in Lansing, Michigan.

After graduation, Jerry worked at the Buick car factory in Flint, Michigan for one year and then on the family dairy farm with his father until March 18th, 1951, when he enlisted in the US Navy doing his boot camp training at Great Lakes Naval Training Center. He was then stationed at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland where he was part of the Navy Boxing Team and was the Light Heavyweight Champion of the Patuxent River Naval Command.

On October 31st, 1953, Jerry married Marjorie Jane Stoner of Butler, PA. The next two years Jerry spent sailing to exotic places while Marge worked at home stashing away funds to buy their first home. After being Honorably discharged on March 18th, 1955, Jerry and Marge settled in Meridian, PA – a little town just outside of Butler, PA. Jerry worked for John Tack Concrete Company and then for Pullman Standard Car Company painting railroad cars.

In 1956, with a little encouragement from family members and using the GI Bill, Jerry registered for college at Penn State University at State College, PA in the School of Vocation Agriculture. With the help of Marge, who taught him that “I ain’t got no” was not proper English, and between setting up trailer homes in the trailer park where they lived, and studying into the dark of night, Jerry graduated with a BS in Science and a teaching degree in Vocational Agriculture after only 34 months of steady classes.

Upon graduation Jerry accepted a job with Wickes Lumber in Elkhorn, Wisconsin. In 1961 Jerry was promoted to Assistant Manager of the Wickes store in Galesburg, Illinois where he became Manager in 1963. Records would show that he ran a very neat profitable operation and in 1967 was promoted to District Sales Manager traveling the states of Illinois and Indiana. In 1968 Jerry became Regional Credit Manager for Wickes covering the states of Indiana, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

In 1978 Jerry retired from the Wickes organization to start a construction company with long-time friend, Don Brown. During that time, his company constructed homes in Lebanon, Zionsville, Bloomington, Indianapolis, and surrounding towns. Project of note in Lebanon include Markel Meadows subdivision, the Parkwood Nursing Home, and Tom Temple Hall at the Methodist Children’s Home. Other projects were the first solar home in Boone County and centerpiece Homes at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in 1980 and 1981.

Hard times hit the housing industry in 1980 causing problems for home builders, but Jerry took hold of a minor entity of their firm, Laminique – a plastic laminate cabinet shop – and turned it into a thriving enterprise. Starting with one man and a saw, the company grew to one of the area’s best equipped laminate cabinet shops which he and Marge sold in 2002.

In his remaining years he spent hours and hours working for his favorite organization, Rotary. He was a 43-year member of The Rotary Club of Lebanon – being very proud of the fact that he had perfect attendance for the bulk of the time. Jerry was President of the Lebanon Rotary Club in 1989 – 1990, a Group Study Exchange Team Leader to India in 1996, and District Governor in 1999 – 2000. His motto was “Just Say Yes.” During his year as Governor, he increased annual funds giving 136.35% by encouraging his fellow Rotarians to save quarters in film canisters – a system that was copied by several District Governors around the Midwest the following years. Jerry and Marge travelled to 18 Rotary International Conferences which took them to 33 countries.

Jerry’s siblings: James (Dorothy) both deceased, Kenneth (Barbara) both deceased, Carol Wheatley (Ron, deceased), Daniel (Jan, deceased), Alice (Bill) Frollo, Larry (Kathy), Lois (Henry) Aumaugher, and Shirley Fink (deceased).

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marjorie, and Children: Valerie, Victoria Edwards, Mark (Debi, deceased), Kim, Kathy (Dennis) Pike; Grandchildren: Tyler (Katie) Edwards, Austin Edwards, Rebekah (Thomas) Martin, Alyssa (Colton) Cross, and Cameron (Katelyn) Pike; Great grandchildren: Taylor, Nicoli, Peyton, Chloe, Gabriel, Rayce, Lochlan, Wyatt, Avery, and Lady Jane.

The past few years when he is not working on his latest Rotary project of making Lebanon – The Cleanest City in Indiana, you could find him working in what his grandsons called Grandpa’s Monster Garage or sitting on his deck watching the golfers as they putted on the number 3 and 7 of Ulen Golf Course. Now he is working in another shop, but expect he has his eye on #3 and #7 greens.

Memorial Services are planned for 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street in Lebanon, Indiana. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Rotary Club of Lebanon, P.O. Box 42, Lebanon, Indiana 46052 or to the Boone County Senior Services, 515 CrownPointe Drive, Lebanon, Indiana 46052.

Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com

Kenneth Buel

August 31, 2023

Kenneth A. Buel, 88, of Savoy, died Aug. 31, 2023, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Visitation will be from 3-5p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy (morganmemorialhome. com). Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 11, in the Lake View Memorial Gardens chapel, 500 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights, with placement of cremains to follow.

He was born Aug. 22, 1935, in East St. Louis, Ill., the son of Kenneth F. and Madeline J. (Ronchetti) Buel, both deceased. He and Margaret C. Fasnacht were married in Champaign, Sept. 7, 1957. His younger brother, Ronald W. Buel, died at age 78 on Jan. 24, 2019.

Ken grew up in Collinsville, graduating from Collinsville High School in 1953; he received a B.S. degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Illinois in 1957, and was a member of Delta Chi fraternity and Sigma Delta Chi professional journalism fraternity.

Most of his working career was in radio broadcasting, starting with a summer job at WTMV in East St. Louis in 1954; he was an announcer with WDWS, Champaign, from 195557, while a UI student. Upon graduation, Ken joined KBUR in Burlington, Iowa, followed by a move to WQUA Radio in Moline in 1959. Over the next 17 years, he delivered newscasts, broadcast high school football and basketball games, wrote and broadcast editorials, and handled responsibilities as news director and assistant station manager. He was a two-time winner of an Illinois broadcasting award for best editorials. Ken also was heavily involved in community activities serving as speaker, moderator or emcee for numerous events such as service clubs, high school sports banquets, a Gov. Dan Walker town meeting, and the opening of I-74 in downtown Moline.

In 1976, Ken was promoted to the corporate staff of Mid America Media, the Kankakee- based broadcasting group that owned WQUA plus 10 other radio properties and cable television systems in six states. Over the next 10 years, he served as assistant corporate secretary, manager of WKAN Radio (1977-80), and vice- president- government relations.

Following his radio years, Ken returned to Moline in 1986 and was marketing director of Moline Public Hospital for two years. He then began work as an income tax preparer, first with H&R Block in Davenport, Iowa, 1988-1990, followed by a move back to his home town of Collinsville, where he did tax work for up to 400 clients a year from 19902010, first for Teachers Tax Service and then its successor firm, TTS Consulting.

Ken’s extensive involvement with Rotary International began when he was asked to join Moline Rotary in 1967. He served as club president there in 1971, as well as leading Kankakee Rotary in 1979 and Collinsville Rotary in 2001. Most recently a member of Champaign Rotary, he had been a Rotarian for 56 years. Ken served as governor of Rotary District 6460 (western Illinois) in 1997-98. He was a Rotary Foundation major donor and had received the organization’s citation for meritorious service. The Buels hosted visitors from over a dozen countries in their homes as part of various Rotary programs. Ken attended 16 Rotary International conventions in Asia, Australia, Europe and South America in addition to the U.S. He served as the District 6460 delegate to the R.I. Councils on Legislation in 2007 and 2010. He led a Rotary Group Study Exchange team which spent a month in South Korea in 1994 and represented the president of Rotary International at a district conference in Tucson, Ariz., in 2002. He was a recipient of Rotary International’s highest individual recognition, the Service Above Self award in 2017, as well as the Avenues of Service Citation in 2016 recognizing his activities in Rotary’s Five Avenues of Service over the decades.

Ken was involved with other civic groups as well as Rotary. He was a YMCA board member during his years in Moline, Kankakee and Collinsville, and was past president of the Family Y boards in Moline and Collinsville. He served as treasurer while on the board of the Miners Institute Foundation in Collinsville, and was also active with the Collinsville Progress Historic Landmark Committee. He served as vice president of the Golden Eagle River Museum in St. Louis, and was a member of several river- history and steamboat organizations. Ken and Margaret experienced numerous steamboat trips on the Mississippi, Ohio, Illinois, Cumberland and Tennessee rivers. In Champaign, Ken served as a member of the Illinois Public Media Community Advisory Committee.

In addition to supporting the UI Foundation at the President’s Council level, he was a member of the Illini Quarterback and Rebounders and was on the board of the women’s volleyball booster group, Illini Networkers.

Travel was a major part of Ken’s leisure time. He made 17 trips outside the U.S. visiting about 35 countries and all seven continents including adventure trips to Antarctica and Kenya, Africa. On four of those international trips, teenage grandsons accompanied him. He also visited 46 of the 50 U.S. states as well as all 102 Illinois counties.

Ken is survived by his wife, Margaret, of Savoy; sons Robert (Nancy) Buel, Boulder Hill, Ill.; Allan Buel, LaPorte, Ind.; and daughter Joan (Robert) Tompkins, Antioch, Tenn.; as well as six grandchildren: James (Katie, D.O.) Buel, Westfield, Ind.; Andrew Buel, Boulder Hill; Kevin Bergsmith, Nashville; David (Marie, and her daughter Scarlett Huff) Bergsmith, Goodlettsville, Tenn; and Alicia and Riley Buel, LaPorte; plus three great-grandchildren: Katherine, Joshua and Benjamin Buel, Westfield. He also is survived by a nephew R.W. (Erica) Buel, and two great-nephews, Edmond, Okla. Memorials are welcome to: The Rotary Foundation or Illinois Public Media.

James L Lacy

October 14, 1930 – October 4, 2023

James L. Lacy, 92, of Cookeville, TN died October 4, 2023. He will be fondly remembered as a dedicated public servant, successful businessman, and devoted family man.

He was born on October 14, 1930 in Cookeville to Lee and Nell Lacy. He graduated from Cookeville High School in 1948 and married the love of his life, Claudine Carrington, that same year.

Mr. Lacy leaves a legacy of public service with a reach spanning from Cookeville to nations around the world. He mentored dozens of young men by managing Little League Baseball in Cookeville for 17 years. He was one of the most successful coaches of the era, leading his teams to numerous league titles.

He served two terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1971-1975.

A long-time member of the Cookeville Rotary Club, Mr. Lacy was also very active in Rotary International, a leading service organization, for over 50 years. He led a Group Study Team of Rotarians on a six-week trip to Great Britain in 1977 and was elected to the Board of Directors of Rotary and the Rotary Foundation.

From 1998-1999 he served as President of Rotary International. In that capacity, he and Claudine traveled to Rotary Clubs and Meetings on six continents representing the organization. His tenure focused on improving the lives of children around the world.

His greatest contribution, however, was as a more than 30-year leader of Polio Plus, an initiative by Rotary to eradicate polio in developing nations around the world. Mr. Lacy was instrumental in getting the program started, helping inoculate children across the globe and in obtaining hundreds of millions of dollars of funding for the program.

His efforts began in the mid-1980’s when he first traveled to Washington to launch the effort and continued for over 30 years. In 2018, Rotary named Lacy a Polio Plus Pioneer “for his founding role initiating and promoting Rotary’s global program of eradicating polio from the face of the earth.” In the history of Rotary International only about 60 individuals have received this award.

Mr. Lacy was also a lifelong successful businessman. He was a realtor early in his career and later focused on real estate investments. He went into the confectionery business in the early 1980’s and grew a small company into a significant candy supplier to chains like Walmart, Costco and Walgreens that provided over 200 jobs at factories in five states.

Finally, James Lacy was a devoted family man. He and wife Claudine were married for two months short of 75 years at the time of his passing. They were members of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. He took an intense interest in his son’s and daughter-in-law’s lives and was a fabulous mentor.

His hobbies included reading and sports, especially following Tiger Woods, the Tour de France and the Kansas City Chiefs.

He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Claudine, son Bill and daughter-in-law Susie of Olathe, KS and brother Alvin and wife Barbara of Sparta, TN and sister-in-law Rowena Lacy of Hickory, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David.

The Lacy family will receive friends Wednesday October 11 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. Private graveside services will be held at Cookeville City Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cookeville Rotary Club, P.O. Box 1005 Cookeville TN 38503 or Cookeville First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 565 E 10th St, Cookeville, TN 38501.

Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.

Joseph Elam, Sr

August 29th, 2023

Joseph DeWayne Elam (Doc) passed away peacefully on August 29th, 2023, at the age of 89 in Edmond, Okla.

He was born in Dewey, Okla. on July 30th, 1934, to James and Hazel Elam. He is preceded in death by his parents, his two sisters, Tressia Gilliland and Evelyn Mahaffey, and his daughter, Brenda. He married Anna Mae Milligan on March 3rd, 1958, in Columbus, Ga. while serving in the Army. Joe and Anna had 2 children, Joe Jr. born February 3rd, 1959, and Brenda Annette Max, born June 24th, 1966. While serving in the Army, he became an military police officer and this fueled his passion for Law Enforcement. He was discharged from the Army in February of 1959 and he and Anna moved back to Oklahoma where he became a motorcycle police officer for the Bartlesville Police Department. After a year of being a police officer he entered the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Academy where he graduated in 1961. He started his career in Wewoka, Ok, then to Lawton, Tulsa, Clinton, and Edmond. He rose up through the ranks until he retired as Lt. Colonel (Assistant Chief) in 1980. One of his greatest accomplishments as a Highway Patrolman was when he was tasked to oversee the new training center that opened in 1973. This training center still exists to this day. He was the first Captain to be in charge of this facility. While a Highway Patrolman, he started back to school and earned his bachelor’s degree from Southwestern State University in Weatherford, OK, in 1973 before moving to Edmond, Ok. He then entered Oklahoma City University and earned his master’s degree in criminal justice in 1975. He then entered Oklahoma University and earned his Doctorate in Counseling Psychology in 1983. During his educational pursuits he never earned anything less than an A. He retired from the Highway Patrol on a Friday and went to work for the Department of Public Safety the following Monday where he served as the Psychological Services Director for 25 years retiring in 2005. During those years he continued to teach classes during patrol academies. He also started his own business providing entry level psychology testing for police and fire departments across the state. He sold the business in 2017 after over 3 decades of service. He was active in the Rotary Club starting in Clinton, OK, and where he became District Governor and ended up with 50 yrs of perfect attendance. His last club was the Capitol Rotary Club in Okla. City.

He and his wife of 65 yrs, Anna, provide a wonderful childhood for their family and he is survived by his wife Anna, his son, Joe Jr., his wife Sherri, four grandchildren, Christopher Elam, his wife Jenny, Katelyn Hoffman, her husband Kaleb, Leisa Cole, her husband Michael, Cordel Max, his wife Dusti, and eight grandchildren, Henry Elam, Lola Elam, Charlotte Elam, Ella Cole, Hanlee Hoffman, Sawyer Max, Jailee Hoffman, and Maddox Max.

Viewing will be September 6th & 7th until 5:00pm and September 8th until 8:00pmat Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond.

Graveside services will be for the family members at 9:30am, Saturday, September 9th at Resthaven Cemetery in Okla. City.

Memorial services will follow at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond at 11:30am, September 9th.

Ralph Adkins Coston

September 11, 1935 – July 6, 2023

Ralph Adkins Coston, age 87 of Warren, Arkansas, died Thursday, July 6, 2023, at his home. He was born in Magnet Cove, Arkansas on September 11, 1935, to the late William Monroe Coston and Lois Adkins Coston. Reared and receiving his early education in Magnet Cove, he graduated from Arkansas A & M College in Monticello (now UAM), earning his BSIE degree in 1957. Ralph served in the Arkansas National Guard for nine years. He began his career at Arkansas Power and Light (Entergy) as an engineer draftsman. Retiring in 1991 after 32 years, he achieved the position of District Manager, and was a Registered Professional Engineer by the State of Arkansas. Ralph was a Christian and had been an active member in Baptist churches in Magnet Cove, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff, Warren, Crossett, and Little Rock. He was an active member of Rotary, and attended seven Rotary International conventions over the years, also serving as Rotary District Governor, and was a Paul Harris Fellow. A Warren resident since 1979, Ralph was instrumental in establishing the Southwest Rural Water Association, and the Pleasant Valley Rural Fire Department #2. Through the years, he was involved in Boy Scouts of America, and has a grandson who achieved his Eagle Scout rank. Ralph was the husband of the former Sarah Ferguson, to whom he was married on August 30, 1957, in Crossett, Arkansas. The two of them were world travelers. In his leisure time, Ralph enjoyed woodworking, hunting, and reading.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah, of the home; by a son, Randy A. Coston and his wife, Denice of Searcy; a daughter, Allison Coston Elliott of Warren; grandsons, Zeke Coston (Leigh Ann), and Lance Elliott (Monica); great-grandchildren, Ethan Coston, Elijah “Eli” Coston, and Sophia Ruth Elliott.

Ralph was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Coston and William Royce Coston.

His funeral will be held on Monday afternoon, July 10, 2023, at 2:00 in the chapel of J. A. Funk Funeral Home in Malvern, with Brother Travis Lane officiating, and Gary Laney delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in Magnet Cove Cemetery. A visitation will precede the service by one hour, beginning at 1:00.

Donald Robert Adkins

August 2, 1931 – November 11, 2023

Donald Robert Adkins, age 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and encourager to all, passed away on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2023. He was born August 2, 1931, in Fort Worth, Texas to Mildred Kathleen (Moreland) Adkins and Roy Patrick Adkins.

Don spent 39 years as professional staff for the Boy Scouts of America. He was Council Scout Executive in Ardmore, OK and Tyler, TX. He joined the national staff of BSA in 1983 in Dallas, TX, and retired as Area Director for Oklahoma, Arkansas and North Texas in 1994. He was honored with the Silver Beaver Award after his retirement.

He joined Rotary in Mineola, Texas in 1956. He belonged to clubs where his career in scouting took him to Jacksonville, Marshall and Tyler, Texas.

In Oklahoma he served as president of the Ardmore Club. He joined the Norman Club in 1994.

In 1997 Don led a Group Study Exchange to the Philippines. He served on the District RYLA Committee and as a camp counselor. He and his wife Dot hosted students from seven countries through the Rotary Exchange Program. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was District 5770 Governor in 2001-2002.

Through Don’s volunteer activities, he served all ages. Among his greatest pleasures, he read to children in the “Success by Six” reading program. He chaired the Leaders Plus Program for the Norman Chamber of Commerce. He served his alma mater, Eastern Oklahoma State College, as Trustee for 10 years and was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2006. The boards of the Red Cross, United Way and other community agencies have benefited from his service. When Money magazine ranked Norman, OK the sixth best city to live in the U.S., he was named “One of the Six People You Should Know in Norman.” He is a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the All-Service Championship football team in 1954.

He was a deacon in the First Baptist Church in Norman, OK. There he served many years as director of the senior adults.

Don leaves behind his wife Dot (Willis) Adkins; son, David Patrick Adkins and wife Kelly of Norman; daughter, Donna (Adkins) Troop and husband Dr. Keith Troop of Ardmore. Also, six grandchildren, Lauren (Adkins) Cornwell and husband Dr. Ben Cornwell of Norman, Lane (Adkins) Krattiger and husband Jake of Norman, Cole Adkins and wife Jessica of Fort Worth, Hannah (Troop) Forbes and husband Adam of Richardson, Sarah (Troop) Shojaian and husband Jared of Dallas, and Dr. Tyler Troop of Ardmore. Also, 16 great grandchildren.
Don believed that you get out of life what you put into it. His was a life well served.

In lieu of flowers, Don wanted donations made in his name to: First Baptist Church Building Fund, Don & Dot Adkins Scholarship Fund or Boy Scouts of America (Local council of Choice).

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at First Baptist Church, 211 W. Comanche St., Norman. Online condolences may be shared at www.tribute.care.

Ronald Dee Brogan

August 19, 2023

Ronald Dee Brogan, 77, of Jeffersonville, IN left this world on August 19, 2023 to join the Lord. He was a loyal patriot, husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, and loved his Lord and savior. Ron was highly respected, loved and cherished by his family. The lives of Ron’s wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews were significantly expanded by travels throughout the United States, which he carefully planned for both recreational and educational purposes. Ron was the son of schoolteachers, John and Geneva Brogan, and was always able to answer questions about anything, so it seemed. The multitude of lives Ron meaningfully impacted over his life is innumerable and will forever live on.

In his early years, he achieved Life Rank in the Boy Scouts of America, and as an adult was presented the Silver Beaver Award for his council-level contribution to the lives of the youth.

Ron was a 1964 graduate of Jeffersonville High School (JHS), where he lettered in football and track, and held the JHS school record for pole vaulting. He represented JHS at Boys State, wrote regularly for the school newspaper, and participated in various school clubs.

He holds a BA from Hanover College, class of 1968, and an MBA from Indiana University (Bloomington), class of 1972, majoring in finance/accounting.

Highly decorated, Ron served his country for 32 years in the United States Navy. He is a Vietnam Veteran and holds the rank of U.S. Naval Captain. He fulfilled his professional career as a Senior Commercial Lending Officer for major regional banks in Indiana and Kentucky and was the President/CEO of a local community bank.

As a community leader, Ron was a member of Rotary International (RI), founding member/President of the Clarksville Rotary Club and served as RI Governor for District 6580 in 2001-2002. He led a Rotary Group Exchange Team to Japan in 1998, was a Paul Harris Fellow, and was awarded the Orphie Bridges Award for outstanding service as a Past District Governor.

Ron is survived by his wife of 41 years, Darla Brogan; siblings, Tom Brogan, Beverly Linck (Pat), Kelly Fust (Dick); children, Jennifer Stewart (Brian), Casey Brogan (Christan), Jana Renn, Charles Cahill (Dawn); grandchildren, Cameron Stewart, Addison Stewart, Robert Landrum, Matthew Cahill, Alex Landrum, Joshua Cahill (Nashel), Jonathan Hayden and Evan Bartle; great-grandchildren, Darla Jean Landrum, Amelia Grace Landrum, Evelyn Joan Landrum; nieces and nephews, Laura Baker (Doug), Amy Nye (Rick), John Isler (Joanne), Cassie Gillett (Jon), Paul Brogan, Molly Fischer (Randy), Joe Linck (Andria), Sally Shannonhouse, Wesley Fust; 21 great-nieces and nephews, and many additional extended yet beloved family members.

There will be a visitation held on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Legacy Funeral Center, 921 Main Street, Jeffersonville. Service will be on Monday, August 28, 2023 at 11 a.m. with more visitation before from 9-11 a.m. at Legacy Funeral Center.

James ‘Jerry’ Michael Fortino

April 18, 2023

Dr. James ‘Jerry’ Michael Fortino MD passed away peacefully on April 18, 2023 at home with his beloved wife, Carolyn, by his side. Jerry lived to be 89, or “minus 11” per his vernacular for having the plan to live to be 100. While he didn’t quite reach his goal age, he certainly packed one hundred years worth of joy and adventure into his life.

Jerry was born in Lansing, Michigan to Pasquale and Carolyn Fortino and grew up in nearby Grand Ledge. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame and then earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan. He completed his internship and pediatric residency at Charity Hospital where he fell in love with New Orleans as well as a young nursing student named Carolyn Malone. Together Jerry and Carolyn opened Children’s Clinic in Gretna, LA where he practiced pediatrics for over fifty years. He cared deeply for the families he treated, and they adored him in turn. Patients frequently spotted Dr. Jerry around town and were always thrilled to see him. He reluctantly retired at the age of 85.

A long-time Rotarian, Dr. Fortino served as the Governor of District 6840 of Rotary International and spearheaded many impactful causes. After Hurricane Katrina left the great city of New Orleans in disarray, Jerry launched the restoration of City Park’s main entrance and grounds in 2006. Not only his district, but many districts from around the country and the world, were recruited by Jerry to help restore this historic part of New Orleans. One of his recruits, a Rotary Club from New York, replaced all the lost band uniforms for Warren Easton High School.

While Jerry was humble, his family would like to note that he was the recipient of the following awards and accolades: 53 Years of Service to West Jefferson Medical Center; three of Rotary’s prestigious awards – “Service Above Self,” “Citation for Meritorious Service,” and “International Service;” and the 2008 Peoples Health Champion Award, for which he was congratulated by the governor of Louisiana during half time at a game for his favorite team, the New Orleans Saints. Jerry was a true renaissance man and appreciated the art and culture of the many places he visited around the world. He was a trustee of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and he was honored to donate many of his favorite treasures to their collection. He was also a talented dancer and gardener.

Above all, Jerry was a devoted family man. He was affectionately referred to as “PaPa” by his grandchildren. PaPa’s energy and jokester spirit were his hallmark. He was known to take hide-and-seek with his children to a new level. Jerry was frequently undefeated at dominos, although he was often suspected of “foul play.” He will always be remembered as a loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, doctor, philanthropist, and friend. Jerry is predeceased by his parents, Pasquale and Carolyn Fortino, and his brothers, Louie and Peter Fortino. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Carolyn Malone Fortino; his sister, Helen (Caruso); children, Leah Ragiel (Steve), John Fortino, Andrea Taulli (David), Gianna Tarantino (Gerard); brothers and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; ten incredibly talented and cherished grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

The family would like to thank those that helped care for Jerry over the years, especially Donald Wortmann, the late Selena Pugh, all his doctors and nurses and Heart of Hospice. We are forever grateful for their excellent care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Ogden Museum of Southern Art by emailing development@ogdenmuseum.org or by calling 504-539-9616 or to The Rotary Foundation, Rotary.org. Please specify that contributions go towards Polio Plus, which pays for polio vaccines, in honor of Jerry Fortino on the donation form.

Jerry Nelson Shepherd

August 23, 1940 – April 13, 2023

Jerry Nelson Shepherd, age 82, of Northport, AL passed away April 13, 2023 at his residence. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at Calvary Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa, AL with Pastor Will McGee and Pastor Tony Smithson officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing. Visitation will be one hour prior and immediately following the service at the church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and half-brother, Dayton Shepherd, Jr. Survivors include his wife, Kathy B. Shepherd; two daughters, Amy Shepherd of Buckeye, AZ and Jill Haynes (Shawn) of Concord, NC; three grandchildren, Keara Haynes, Maya Haynes and Landis Haynes and his fur baby, Bama.

Jerry was born August 23, 1940 in McShan, Alabama to the late Dayton Shepherd, Sr and Mary Abrams Shepherd. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and former owner of Foto-Hall, Inc. in Southern California for 40 years. Jerry attended the University of Alabama and graduated from Cal-State Fullerton with a major in Finance. He was an avid reader at the Tuscaloosa Library and an avid golfer. Jerry was a private pilot for 25 years and he also enjoyed tennis, snow skiing and spending time with his family.

Pallbearers are Dr. Gordon Brion, Shawn Haynes, Landis Haynes, Dr. Jerry Davis, Don Krump and Charles Fore. Honorary Pallbearers are his golfing buddies and his Tuscaloosa Rotary Club. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Steven Brown, Dr. William Hill and staff of Hospice of West Alabama.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 or the Rotary Club of Tuscaloosa, 11001 Patton Road, Northport, AL 35475.

Peter Weiglin

March 31, 2023

Peter C. Weiglin, a resident of Amelia, Ohio, passed away on March 31, 2023, at Mercy Hospital – Anderson Township at the age of 84. He was born in New York City on May 2, 1938, to the late Catherine and Hans Weiglin.

Peter was the devoted and loving husband of Jeanne T. Weiglin (nee Tilson) for almost 60 years, having met when Peter was a 1st Lieutenant at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Jeanne’s father was a Full Colonel at Ft. Sill and Peter used to say that he was the Lieutenant who married the Colonel’s daughter and then got out of the army. He was the beloved father of Dawn Weiglin Chew (Thomas) and Glenn Weiglin (Joni), cherished grandfather of Tonya Kramer (Keith), Christie Hlavaty, Kendra Weiglin and Madelyn Weiglin and great-grandfather of Samantha and Carsten Kramer.

Peter earned a B.S. in Economics and Business from Fordham University and his M.B.A. in Marketing/Regulated Industries from the University of Pittsburgh, where he won the Robinson Prize (top prize in class). He attended Columbia Law School for two years, before being interrupted by military service. From 2005-Present, Peter was the Editor/Publisher of Trolley Talk magazine; 1985-2005: President of Omnibus Communications in San Mateo, CA; 1987-2005: Marketing Instructor at University of California; 1982-1984: Editor and Publisher of Apple Orchard magazine in Cupertino, CA; 1980-1981: Program Manager, Transit Operations for Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas, Inc. in San Francisco, CA; 1971-1979: Associate and Vice President with ATE Management & Service Co. Inc., Cincinnati, OH. He was general manager, Sun Tran, Tuscon, Arizona, 1978-1979, Deputy General Manager, Queen City Metro, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Director of Marketing for Denver Metro Transit.

Peter was a member of the Rotary Club of Batavia, OH, President 2009-2010, Governor of Rotary District 6670, 2012-2013, Exalted Ruler, San Mateo, California Elks Lodge. He was a Lay Leader of Faith United Methodist Church, Batavia, OH and a Certified Lay Speaker at United Methodist Church. He was a Board member and Production Vice-President of Mariemont Players, Inc. and a Member of Clermont County Chamber of Commerce – Agenda 360 committee. Peter authored 6 books over his career, as well as numerous magazine articles.

Peter also had a career as a radio and TV producer, writer, and on-air presence, professionally and in community theatre. He served as Director of Promotion for WTAE Radio/TV. Pittsburgh, PA and as Manager for National Broadcasting Company, Pittsburgh. In years past, he directed and/or produced several assorted revues and several one-act plays for the stage. In addition to community theatre, Peter enjoyed a passion for railroads and model railroading. He built seven model railroads in his 60 foot basement. He was a life member of NRMA since he was in high school and served as Superintendent of two divisions; Cincinnati MCR and Coast Division PCR.

A memorial service, celebrating Peter’s life, will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 11:00AM at Faith United Methodist Church, 180 N. 5th St., Batavia, OH 45103. Following the service, all are welcome to a reception at the church. Memorial contributions, in Peter’s name, may be made to the Rotary Foundation (www.rotary.org/donate) or a check to the Rotary Foundation, mail to the Rotary Club of Batavia, PO Box 727, Batavia OH 45103.

For those unable to attend the Celebration of Life Service watch via Livestream by clicking the webcast link below or through Facebook.  https://m.facebook.com/groups/1267697804175574/?mibextid=af2h1R 

Oscar Ozete

October 5, 1939 – February 20, 2023

Oscar Ozete, 83, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away Monday, February 20, 2023 at River Pointe Health Campus.

Oscar was born in Havana, Cuba on October 5, 1939 to the late Magdelena (Perez) and Oscar Ozete, Sr. He earned his doctorate from Indiana University in 1974 . Oscar taught as a Spanish Professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison before accepting a position at University of Southern Indiana in 1980 where he worked until his retirement in 2004. While there, he served as chair of Department of Foreign Languages and was the author or co-author of several top selling text books. Oscar was passionate about Rotary and was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Recipient of multiple awards, he was named Indiana’s Spanish Professor of the Year in 1994, Distinguished Professor in 1999 at the University of Southern Indiana, and a Sagamore of the Wabash in 2004. He was awarded the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages “Nelson Brooks Award.” Member of numerous professional and service organizations, he was District 6580 Governor of Rotary International. In 2011 he received his District’s highest accolade, the Orphie Bridges Award Honoring a Legacy of Service. Also in 2011, his Rotary Club created in his honor the Oz Award to recognize members for distinguished service.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anita Ozete of Evansville, IN; son, Andrew Ozete (Mary Beth) of Evansville, IN; daughter, Jennifer Cole (Matt) of Evansville, IN; and grandchildren, Alex Ozete, Lauren Ozete, Emily Ozete, Madalyn Cole, and Andrew Cole. His book, ¡Ánimo!: Living in Different Worlds, recalls his efforts to surmount the hurdles of living in two different and bewildering cultures, those of Cuba and the United States. From childhood to grandparenthood, he smoothly moved back and forth in time, sharing the cross-cultural experiences and travel insights that shaped his being.

Oscar was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Oscar’s life will be held at 9:00 am on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 5130 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47715 with Rev. Heather Foley officiating. Please note that the Lincoln Ave. entrance to Aldersgate may be closed due to road construction. If so, it can be accessed from Cullen Avenue. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Friends may visit from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm on Friday, February 24, 2023 at Browning Funeral Home, 738 E. Diamond Ave., Evansville, IN 47711.

Memorial contributions may be made to Oscar Ozete Scholarship in care of USI Foundation, 8600 University Blvd., Evansville, IN 47712 or National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Ste 800, Miami, FL 33131, USA or Evansville Morning Rotary Club, P.O. Box 5663, Evansville, IN 47716.

James “Jim” Robert Jackson

September 27, 1932 – March 2, 2023

James “Jim” Robert Jackson passed away in Mesa, Arizona on March 2, 2023. He was born September 27, 1932 in Mount Vernon, Illinois to M.E. (Melvin Earl) and Marian I. Jackson.

In 1955, he married Ruth Marie Moore; she preceded him in death on January 31, 2023. In addition to his wife, Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gene, and son-in-law Jack Keisling.

He is survived by their three children, Nancy of Aurora, Illinois, Michelle Jackson-Keisling (Jack) of Page, Arizona, and Barry (Libby) of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, James Ryan Jackson and Megan Elizabeth Jackson-Schmidt (Ryan), Hayden Jackson Keisling; five step grandchild Kyran Keisling, Kiera Keisling, Collin Keisling, Jacob Keisling, and Megan Keisling Santos; and two great-grandsons, Jeremiah Charles Schmidt and Elijah Allen Schmidt. He was a loving father and grandfather.

Jim attended the University of Illinois and graduated in 1954 with a Bronze Tablet (top 3% of his class).

Jim became a partner in M.E. Jackson Jewelry in 1954 with his father, M.E., who started the business in 1922, his mother and brother Gene. In 1984, his son Barry joined the family business.

Jim was active in a variety of civic activities over the years including Rotary District 6510 District Governor 1977-78. His Governor’s project was to help handicapped children from Central America come to the St. Louis Masonic Hospital for life-altering surgeries. He was a member of the Board of Directors of First Bank and Trust, Past President of King City Retailers, Downtown Development Corporation, Jefferson County Equal Opportunities Committee, Inter-Faith Fellowship, Rotary Club of Mount Vernon, First Community Church Council, Jefferson County United Way Fund drive chairman, YMCA board member, Black Gold District Boy Scouts, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year and Illinois South Conference of United Church of Christ.

Jim and Ruth retired in 1995 to enjoy several years of golf, bridge, and sunshine in Bonita Springs, Florida, and then Ocala. In 2019, they moved to Mesa, Arizona to be closer to their daughter, Michelle. They were active in clubs at Fellowship Square, plus helping to support efforts to feed the homeless through the IHELP program in the Tempe area.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Rotary Belize Crippled Children’s Program and can be dropped off or mailed to Hughey Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on May 20, 2023 at 11:00 am at Hughey Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

Betty Jo Hopson Dulaney

May 15, 1939 – January 18, 2023

Betty Jo Hopson Dulaney died peacefully at home in Tunica, Mississippi, on January 18, 2023. She was surrounded by her devoted husband of more than 64 years, William Proby Dulaney, Sr. (William), and various family members.

She was born in Philadelphia, PA, on May 15, 1939, to Nellie Elizabeth Hopson, and Joseph Schramm, her biological father. Joseph Schramm was killed in World War II. Her mother remarried and thereafter, Claude Thomas Hopson, adopted and raised her as his own. Growing up as a child of a career naval officer resulted in Betty Jo living all over the world, including spending several of her formative years in Guam. These experiences helped shape her life and created a loving, caring young woman with a desire to help others and serve the less fortunate.

Betty Jo graduated from The Philadelphia High School for Girls. She later attended University of Tennessee for a short period of time. She married William on August 9, 1958. After the wedding, she moved to Tunica, Mississippi, and was a lifelong resident. She continued her education and graduated with honors from the University of Memphis. Betty Jo lived a life of service. First and foremost, she led a life of service to Christ, and a very close second, she led a life of service and devotion to her family. She epitomizes a life led in service to others. She was a doer and a participant, rarely ever a spectator – which was a source of embarrassment at time for her children when they were younger, but later became a source of pride and gratitude.

Her civic service includes numerous clubs and organizations. She was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church (Church of the Epiphany). As part of her Church service and life, she was an active member of the Episcopal Church Women including serving as President of the State of Mississippi. Through this, Betty Jo participated in many domestic as well as international mission trips. She was a longtime member of the Tunica Women’s Club. She was instrumental in its success and being able to grant annual scholarships to many young women of Tunica County. Her service in the local Woman’s Club led to her providing leadership to the organization on state and national level. Betty Jo served as President of the GFWC-Mississippi Federation of Women’s Clubs, Inc. from 1982-1984. There she successfully lobbied for many important state-wide initiatives. She was recognized for her accomplishments including having lunch at The White House with Nancy Reagan.

After her children were grown, she became interested in adult literacy. She was the moving force behind the formation and successful operation of the Tunica County Literary Council, Inc. She served as its director for almost 20 years. The program expanded to provide daycare as she realized the lack of childcare was an obstacle for adults to learn and further their education. Again, her accomplishments and the success of her program were recognized on state and national levels including being named the 2011 Humanitarian of the Year by the MS Head Start Program. As part of her commitment to education, she served as an elected member of the Tunica County School Board. She worked tirelessly to improve the education system for the entire community.

She joined the Rotary Club of Robinsonville as one of its founding members. Like the other organizations she participated in, she gave it her all. Her leadership was recognized, and it was not long before she was Rotary District 6800 Governor. After her term expired, she continued to serve through Rotary including traveling to and administering polio vaccines in Nigeria. She is a Paul Harris Fellow.

Betty Jo served on the Board of Directors of the Northwest Mississippi Community Foundation, Inc. As part of her lifelong dedication to education, she established a permanent fund to support education for children in Mississippi. Betty Jo was named the Margaret Maddox Woman of the Year in 2014.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, William, and her six children, Peter Hopson Dulaney (Ginny), William Proby Dulaney, Jr. (Cheryl), Mary Margaret Dulaney Hurley (Greg), Andrew Thomas Dulaney (Lynn), Joseph Ratcliff Dulaney, Sr. (Kara) and Betty Jo Dulaney, Jr. (Terri). Additionally, she is survived by her sixteen grandchildren, Carley Dulaney Lanuax (Trey), Robyn Dulaney Pela (John Michael), Amanda Dulaney Byrd (Nick), William Proby Dulaney, III (Lauren), Kathleen Dulaney Estes (John), Christine Dulaney Tomlinson (JR), Gregory John Hurley, Jr. (Mila), Alexander Hopson Hurley, Nicholas Dulaney Hurley, Mary Quinn Dulaney Myers (Tolly), Andrew Thomas Dulaney, Jr., Laura Ainsley Dulaney, Joseph Ratcliff Dulaney, II, Ameliea Rose Dulaney, Isabelle Beatrice Dulaney, William Montgomery Dulaney, and a host of great-grandchildren.

Visitation is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Epiphany Episcopal Church, 1061 Shady Lane, Tunica, MS 38676, with the funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m.

Freed Hutto Duncan, Jr.

1935 – 2023

Freed Hutto Duncan, Jr., born November 25, 1935, in England, Ark., to Myrl and Freed H. Duncan, Sr., went to be with the Lord on January 1, 2023.

Freed is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Gail; his parents; granddaughter, Lauren Dunn, and grandson, Clayton Otwell. He is survived by two sons, Ted Duncan (Dayna) of Maumelle, and Mitch Duncan (Lori) of Springdale; two daughters, Danette Dunn (Craig), and Sandra Duncan-Reese (Chris), both of Conway; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Janis Lindley, and Ann Wood (Jim); two brothers, Wayne Duncan (Linda), and Larry Duncan (Sharon).

Freed loved his church family at Second Baptist Conway where he was a deacon and Sunday School teacher.

Freed was raised by his parents in Augusta, Ark., where he graduated high school.

Freed went on to a career in the Army followed by a decades long career with AP&L/Entergy. He was active in his community, supporting a number of charitable organizations and enthusiastically serving in the Rotary Club of Conway.

Freed especially enjoyed his extended family, his relationship with the Lord, golfing with his many friends and following the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Second Baptist Church in Conway, Ark. A visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2023, at Second Baptist Church in Conway, Ark. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway.

Pallbearers will be Freed’s grandsons; Jordan Dunn, Britton Dunn, Alex Dunn, Sam Duncan, Tyler Duncan, and Corbin Otwell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Freed’s Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers the Duncan family requests that you give in memory of Freed, to:
Rotary International; rotary.org/en/donate or Second Baptist Church, 2600 Dave Ward Drive, Conway, Ark. 72034; mysecond.family/give/

Duane Ray Sterling

January 22, 2023

Dr. Duane Ray Sterling, age 85, passed away January 22, 2023 surrounded by his family.
Duane is survived by his wife Pat, three daughters: Allison Ludlam (Chuck), Shannon Pierce (Chris) and Tiffany Sterling (Raul Gutierrez). Six grandchildren: Brook Filis (Kaleb), Chase Ludlam (Mackenzie), Haley Pierce, Sterling Pierce, Liv Gutierrez and Rome Gutierrez. Three great grandchildren: Landry Filis, Cade Ludlam and Charlotte Ludlam.

Duane was born on January 18, 1938, to Raymond Alger and Opal Josephine (McBroom) Sterling in Tipton, Missouri. He graduated from California High School in 1955. Duane attended Central College where he played on the men’s basketball team in Fayette, Missouri. He then chose to join the U.S. Army where he served for three years.
Duane then attended Southwest Missouri State University where he met the love of his life, Patricia Jo Allison. They married on April 20, 1962 and both received their Bachelor of Science in Education degrees in May that year. They moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana where they received their Master of Science in Education degrees from Louisiana State University. Duane continued and completed his Ph.D. in Kinesiology and Zoology from Louisiana State University in 1969. His love of education ran deep.
Duane and Pat arrived in Warrensburg, Missouri in 1965 where Duane was a professor in the physical education department at Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri). He spent time on the coaching staff of the Mules men’s basketball, tennis and golf teams. He then transitioned to administrative roles including Assistant to the Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Assistant to the President and his final position as University Director of Planning, Governmental and Informational Services. Duane concluded his distinguished 32-year career at the University when he retired in 1997.

Duane was a faithful servant to the community. He participated and held leadership roles with the Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce, WAFB Community Council, Missouri Boys State, American Legion, Warrensburg Missouri Sesquicentennial Committee, United Way, Warrensburg First Christian Church, and Jaycees. His love of community ran deep.
In 1970, Duane joined the Warrensburg Rotary club and found a place where he could fulfill his passion for community and service. He was an active member for over 50 years, and expanded into leadership roles that included Club President 1983-84, District Rotarian of the Year 1985, District Governor 1987-88, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, Chair of the Rotary Peace Symposium, and General Manager of the Rotary Foundation for Rotary International 1997-2003.

After Duane retired from the University, he followed his passion for the Rotary organization and accepted a full-time position as the General Manager of the Rotary Foundation for Rotary International. Duane and Pat moved to Evanston, Illinois where he served at the Rotary International Headquarters. During his tenure, he impacted the world by helping establish seven International Peace Centers with partnering universities such as Duke, University of North Carolina, and the University of Bradford, England. Since their inception over 1500 students from all over the world have completed a Master’s program or certificate in international development policy, peacekeeping, and conflict resolution. He also continued the fight to eradicate the world of polio through awareness & fundraising campaigns, and bringing vaccines to remote areas of the world. His love of Rotary ran deep.

After Duane’s second retirement, he and Pat moved back to their home in Warrensburg, where they enjoyed their family and friends to the fullest. He enjoyed spending time on family vacations he planned, taking his son-in-laws on fishing trips, watching his grandkid’s sporting and life events, fishing trips with his “Good Ol’ Boy” high school friends, attending UCM events, and celebrating with his family with games, laughter, stories, and so much love. He not only loved traveling the world, he loved his daily trips to Starbucks. His kind and generous spirit allowed him to make amazing connections wherever he went in his life. His love of family and friends ran deep.
Duane’s life was led by his faith in God, the strong love for his family, and the Rotary Four-Way Test. His love, loyalty, friendship, and community contributions will be incredibly missed.

A Celebration of Life for Duane Sterling will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the Milestones Barn, 380 NW MO-13 Business, Warrensburg, MO 64093. Doors will open at 1pm for visiting with friends and family. The ceremony will begin at 2pm and followed by continued visiting and reminiscing until 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in honor of Duane Sterling, to the Kansas City Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO 64145. Online contributions can be made to kchospice.org/donation.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Duane Ray Sterling, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

Published by Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home – Warrensburg on Jan. 27, 2023.

Robert W. Shoemaker Jr.

October 3, 1921 – December 20, 2022

After a full life of giving, serving, learning, traveling, and loving, Robert W. Shoemaker, Jr. “Bob” passed away peacefully on December 20, 2022 at the age of 101 years and 2 1/2 months. The only child of Robert W. Shoemaker, Sr. (1898-1968) and Irene English Shoemaker (1900-1988), Bob was born on October 3, 1921, in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and moved to Anderson in 1935. Following his time in college, graduate school, and the United States Navy, he chose to reside, build a business, serve the community, and raise his family in Anderson.

Bob was predeceased in January 2018 by his beloved wife of almost 68 years, Mary Ann (Gephardt). He is survived by four children: Robert III of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Ann of Anderson; Sara (husband, Bran) McFarland of Fishers and North Webster; and Janet (husband, Mark) Rutan of Lafayette and Cicero. Also surviving are ten grandchildren and spouses: Jarrod (Alicia) Shoemaker, Jenna Parker, Martha (Alan) Murphy, Jacob (Julia) Shoemaker. Danielle (Sam) Willis, Alexander (Tiffany) Smith, Reed (Miriam) Smith, Neil (Erin) Rutan, Craig (Kara) Rutan, and Luke (Keely) Rutan. His eleven great-grandchildren are Finn and Parker Murphy; Elliott Willis; London and Livia Smith; Scarlett, Elias, and Malachi Smith; and Nolan, Norah, and Claire Rutan. In addition, Bob leaves behind two nieces and three nephews, as well as several cousins. His beloved son-in-law Jeffrey Smith (Sara) tragically died in 2015.

After graduating from Anderson High School in 1939, Bob traveled east to attend Harvard College with the Class of 1943. Due to an interruption for World War II military service and related changes in educational programs, he earned two graduate degrees from Harvard Business School (Class of 1947), including an MBA, before receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Government from Harvard College in 1947. While at Harvard, Bob enjoyed rowing lightweight crew and House crew for several years and volunteering with the college radio station WHRB. After graduation, he attended college class reunions regularly, assisted the Admissions Office by interviewing central Indiana applicants for many years, and maintained life-long friendships with many classmates.

Bob was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1942 and attended officers’ training programs in the Bronx, NY, and Washington, D.C, before being assigned to the Naval Mine Warfare Test Station at Solomons Island, MD, where he served as Naval personnel officer. After requesting a shipboard assignment, Bob was transferred to the Pacific for duty aboard the escort aircraft carrier U.S.S. Corregidor (CVE-58) as Lieutenant Junior Grade and Signal Officer until the ship’s decommissioning after the war in 1946. Following his return to Anderson in 1947, Bob remained active in the U.S. Naval Reserve Division 9-31, commanded by Tom McMahan, who was later Mayor of Anderson. His reserve duty ended in December 1951 at the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade and Division Commanding Officer.

In 1949, Bob and his parents purchased Short Printing, Inc., then located on 20th Street near Fairview Street. He successfully operated the business as President for almost five decades, which included building a larger new facility on Madison Avenue in 1961 and changing the name to Business Printing, Inc. He retired and sold the business in 2000.

Guided by a kind heart, a generous spirit, and a desire to improve any organization in which he participated. Bob became actively involved in community service following his 1947 return to Anderson. Perhaps the seeds were planted during his youth as a Boy Scout. While attending the 1937 National Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington DC, Bob received his Eagle Scout award and then sailed overseas to participate in the 1937 World Jamboree in the Netherlands and to travel around Europe. Later, after Harvard and the Navy, Bob became Scoutmaster of a local troop in Anderson and Skipper of a Sea Scout ship. He progressed to hold a variety of district and council leadership positions in Scouting over many years and in 1963 was honored with the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to Scouting as an adult leader.

Bob obtained his amateur radio license in 1946 with call sign W9MTU and enjoyed communicating with his father on road trips and with other “hams” around the world. As a result of that hobby, he was asked in 1952 to organize amateur radio communications for the Madison County Civil Defense, which led to his appointment as County Civil Defense Director, a position he held for 12 years. This period witnessed rising tensions with the Soviet Union and the threat of nuclear attacks, including the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. As CD Director, Bob gave many educational slide presentations regarding proper preparations in the face of nuclear threats, oversaw the selection and stocking of emergency fallout shelters throughout the county, and helped organize the conversion of the old Lindbergh School north of town into a CD emergency command headquarters. His slide show included photos taken in his capacity as an official observer at the Yucca Flats, Nevada nuclear test in 1955. Later Bob was invited by NASA to Cape Canaveral to observe the launch of Apollo 8, which carried astronauts into orbit around the moon for the first time, and the Apollo 15 moon mission launch.

Bob’s volunteer contributions also included active involvement in the local business community. He served eight years as a Director of the Indiana Manufacturers Association, Chairman of the IMA Insurance Committee, Vice-President of the Anderson Chamber of Commerce, and Director and Treasurer of the Anderson YMCA. In 1955, the Junior Chamber of Commerce honored him as Anderson’s Young Man of the Year. For 20 years, Bob served as a Director of First Savings and Loan Association of Central Indiana, and for the last several years, he acted as Chairman of the Board. A long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church of Anderson, Bob served as an Elder, a member of the Whitewater Valley Presbytery Council, and President and Vice-President of the Presbytery. He also wrote and published a pictorial history of the First Presbyterian Church for the 150th anniversary commemoration in 2001.

For more than 70 years, the major volunteer beneficiary of Bob’s time, talent, and energy was Rotary International (“RI”). Following his induction as member of the Anderson Rotary Club in 1948, he took on a variety of roles, and for one 60-year period, he maintained perfect attendance. As the Club’s first history chairman, Bob produced a publication in 1963 that included photos of every Club member over the years. While Club President in 1965-66, he organized the first Interact Club for high school students and soon thereafter chaired the 50th Anniversary Committee in 1967-68. That effort resulted in an updated bound history and two celebratory dinners with special speakers, one involving Herb Taylor, past President of RI and author of the Four-Way Test, and one with NASA astronaut Al Worden, who later flew on Apollo 15.

In 1970-71, Bob was asked to serve as the Rotary District’s first Youth Exchange Officer, which required him to organize a program from scratch. The following year he served as District Governor, overseeing the creation of the first District Directory, the chartering of the first new club in the district in 15 years, the first seminar for incoming Club Presidents, and a program to encourage Paul Harris Fellows, a fund-raising initiative honoring the founder of Rotary’s first club. In early 1972 Bob and seven other District Governors met to form the Central States Youth Exchange, and soon thereafter he began arranging student exchanges with South American nations. He became Chairman of CSYE in 1976, serving for 12 years, during which time the program expanded to include many more Rotary Clubs and Districts, the summer conference attendance rose to 1100, yearly exchanges increased to 325, additional bus tours were arranged for inbound students, and financial stability was achieved.

With this successful experience, Bob was asked to serve as Chairman of the International Youth Activities Committee during 1978-79 and then was elected as one of 17 RI Directors for 1979-81. Throughout the 1980’s, he chaired various RI and Zone committees coordinating youth activities, world service projects, volunteers in action, and special study groups. Three times Bob served on committees that nominated RI Presidents, and for ten years he chaired the committee that succeeded in bringing the RI Convention to Indianapolis in 1998. In addition, Bob has represented the District on the RI Council on Legislation three times, including the session that voted to allow female membership. Over time he has attended 21 International Conventions and 60 District Conferences, and he has represented the RI President at 25 District Conferences in seven countries. Primarily because of the opportunities available through his Rotary duties, Bob has traveled to 45 countries on five continents. During his Rotary travels, he and Mary Ann enjoyed the honor of meeting Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa. In tribute to his efforts, Bob was honored with the Anderson Club’s Ideal of Service Award and “Rotarian of the Century” Award and was often referred to as “Mr. Rotary.”

Though Bob was devoted to service activities, family was always his priority, and he never seemed to be missing at the dinner table each evening. He organized many family vacation trips with Mary Ann and his children to various U.S. destinations. In particular, the annual August vacation week at Hunky Dory Farms Resort in Wisconsin was an extended family tradition for almost 50 years. Later in life, he and Mary Ann traveled regularly to participate in their children’s and grandchildren’s family events and enjoyed time at their home on Lake Webster in northern Indiana.

Bob’s mind remained sharp until the end, and his ability to recall people, places, events, and details from every era of his life was truly extraordinary. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new things, meeting new people, taking advantage of special opportunities, and traveling widely were contagious personality traits. “Always ask more questions” was one of his guiding principles. Toward that end, Bob devotedly remained connected to many friends and relatives throughout the world, primarily by written letter in his younger years and by e-mail as that service became available more recently. Among Bob’s hobbies and interests were amateur radio, fishing, rowing and canoeing, reading, history, and photography. Through slides, home movies, videos, and cell phone images, he (and his father before him) compiled a remarkable visual history of his life and the life of his family from the 1920’s to the current century. His many slides and movies taken during the 1937 Jamboree trips provide a fascinating glimpse of life in Washington DC and Europe before the tragic onset of World War II.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations may be directed to the Rotary Foundation to aid in its worldwide humanitarian efforts, 14280 Collection Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693 or to the Robert W. Shoemaker, Jr. Youth Exchange Scholarship Fund (c/o Joe Sawyer, Treasurer, Central States Rotary Youth Exchange, 222 S. Norton Street, Corunna MI 48817) to provide scholarships for financially needy inbound and outbound exchange students.

Burial will be private. A memorial service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Service & Crematory in Anderson at a date to be determined in January.

Jacqueline “Jacque” Howard

January 13, 2023

William E. Ruse

December 3, 1934 ~ August 30, 2022

William E. Ruse (Bill), 87, died on Tuesday, August 30th in the early afternoon at the Bridge Hospice Care Center.

Born Dec. 3, 1934, to Mary and Ollie Ruse in Cleveland, Ohio.

He is survived by wife Donna; daughter Rebecca and husband Steve; son Robert and wife Bretta and three grandchildren Olivia and husband Tim, Abigail, and Sophia.
He is preceded in death by his twin brother John, his parents Mary and Ollie, and his son William.

Bill had a distinguished career in healthcare administration, teaching, and writing, and active throughout the community in various organizations and committees.

In 1957 Mr. Ruse started his career as a staff pharmacist and subsequently chief pharmacist at Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima, Ohio. In 1960, he joined the staff of Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay, Ohio where he served as Chief Pharmacist, Director of Personnel and Purchasing, Assistant Administrator and subsequently, chief executive in 1964. Served as President and CEO of the Blanchard Valley Health Association, a parent corporation of Blanchard Valley Hospital formed in 1984.

Bill Ruse is President Emeritus of the Blanchard Valley Health Association headquartered in Findlay, Ohio. Bill retired from Blanchard Valley in 2001 after serving as its President and CEO for 36 years.

During Bill Ruse’s tenure with the Blanchard Valley Hospital/Blanchard Valley Health Association, Bill and his team, Board and Medical Staff went from a single hospital to the System of two acute care hospitals (Findlay and Bluffton, Ohio), Nursing Home, Home Health services, Hospice services plus an in-patient Hospice unit, Indigent Care Clinic, and Occupational Medicine Division; one of Ohio’s largest regional healthcare systems.

Following his retirement, he served as a member of Adjunct Faculty in the College of Business and College of Pharmacy at the University of Findlay; a founding owner and Board Member – Buckeye State Bank; a founding Member – Creative Solutions Enterprises – Maximizing asset utilization for small and mid-sized colleges and universities and small business; and as the founder, President and CEO – Ultra Seniors, LLC. which keeps those who have outlived the average longevity in the US, active and engaged.

A Rotarian since 1983 and a past member of the Findlay Rotary Club, Bill had served as the Clubs President and chaired the Past President’s Committee. Following two terms as an Assistant Governor of Rotary International, Bill served his three terms as Chairperson of the Assistant Governors Committee and on July 1,2004 became the Governor for Rotary’s District 6600 (67 clubs) for the 2003/2004 Rotary year. And, in 2022, he started the Ultra Seniors Online Rotary Club.

He was committed to the Community and giving back. He was a long time member of St. Michael Parish; a Past Member – Commercial Savings Bank – Upper Sandusky, OH; University of Findlay – Findlay, OH – Trustee Emeritus; past member of Executive and Business Affairs Committee and Chair Compensation Committee, College of Business Healthcare Management Advisory Board and College of Pharmacy Advisory Board; Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce – Past Chair; Findlay-Hancock County Community Development Foundation – Past Chair; Findlay-Hancock County Foundation – Past Chair; Findlay Development LLC; Buckeye State Bank – 2014 to present, Member, Executive Committee; Past Member – Ohio Hospital Association; Hancock County Agency on Aging; Hancock Historical Museum – Chair; and Ultra Seniors – Founder, President and CEO.

Bill was a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions throughout his distinguished career; as well as a seasoned author of countless articles and professional journals and ten books. One of his books was even co-authored with his three granddaughters.

A graduate of Collinwood High School – Cleveland, Ohio – 1953; Ohio Northern University – Ada, Ohio – BSc. In Pharmacy, 1957; Xavier University – Cincinnati, Ohio – MBA in Hospital Administration, 1963; University of Toledo – Doctor of Jurisprudence – 1972; University of Findlay – Honorary Doctor of Health Care Management – 1997; and Ohio Northern University – Honorary Doctor of Public Service – 2003. He was a licensed attorney since 1972, a licensed pharmacist -1957 – 2000.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 3, 2022, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 750 Bright Road, Findlay. Monsignor Michael Hohenbrink Celebrant. Burial will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Findlay.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 750 Bright Road, Findlay.

Arrangements are being handled by COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay.

Memorial contributions may be given to: Blanchard Valley Hospital Foundation; Rotary International Foundation; Ohio Northern University Foundation; Xavier University Foundation; University of Toledo Foundation; University of Findlay Foundation; and/or Bridge Home Health and Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.

John D. Kurfess

November 3, 1937 – August 18, 2022

John Kurfess, 84, left this earth for eternal life on August 18, 2022. He was born in Wood County on November 3, 1937 and has been a lifetime resident of the Perrysburg area. John was a graduate of Troy Luckey High School, now known as Eastwood High School. He was a three-year veteran of the U.S. Navy with active duty from 1955 – 1958 completing two U.S. Navy Class A service schools. John’s career included 18 years in production agriculture, owning and operating a dairy and contract tomato growing business for Heinz and Hunt processing companies. His second career was as owner and President of Valleybrook Realty, Inc., a real estate and small development company.

Throughout John’s life, he enjoyed a wide variety of civic and social membership activities. He served on the Board of Trustees for The Greater Toledo YMCA as founder and Charter President of the Northern Wood County YMCA. John also served as Trustee for the Perrysburg Arts Council and President of the Perrysburg Symphony Board of Trustees. As a 45-year charter member of the Perrysburg Rotary Club, he served on various boards and committees and became President of the Perrysburg Rotary Club in 1989 – 1990 and Rotary District 6600 Governor in 1995 – 1996. During John’s Rotary involvement, he was very active in MESA (Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad) and served as the corporation’s Board President in 1997 – 1998. John visited all seven countries in Central America numerous times to help participating Central American Rotary Clubs distribute medical equipment including fire trucks and ambulances. John’s four sons traveled with him in the work of Rotary International Service. John was a member of The American Legion Post 240 and was also designated Perrysburg Area Chamber of Commerce Business Citizen of the Year in 1998.
John was a born leader and loved adventure, whether it be boating, classic car rides, special holiday events or trying exotic foods.

Left to cherish his memory are his significant other, Ruth Glanzman, John’s sons Brian (Sandra), Mark (Beverlee), Michael and Eric, as well as his sister, Dr. Nancy Johnson, brother, Charles (Helyn) Kurfess, and sister-in-law Mary (Jim), grandchildren Ryan (Emily), Brittney, Ashley, John, Jordan, Joshua, Justin, and Sydney, great grandchildren Harmony, Mycah, Megan, and Tyler, mothers of John’s sons Mary Susan Kurfess and Carol Kurfess, extended family and friends and faithful companion, Riley. He was preceded in death by his parents, John F. and Margaret Kurfess, and his brother, James.

Family and friends will be received 10 a.m., to 12 p.m., on Saturday, August 27, 2022 with a Funeral Service at 12 p.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5520 Fremont Pike Perrysburg, OH. Rev. Mike Hughes will officiate. John will be laid to rest in Troy Township Cemetery at a family committal service. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes any contributions be sent to Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad Foundation Inc., 1092 Bending Brook Lane, Waterville, Ohio 43566-1612 or St. John’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 279, 5520 Fremont Pike, Stony Ridge, Ohio 43463.

Those wishing to express a word of encouragement, share a memory or photo may do so at: www.marshfuneralhomes.com

Gene Austin Whitmer

December 3, 1929 – September 12, 2022

Gene Austin Whitmer, age 92, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Monday, September 12, 2022, at North Kansas City Hospital, North Kansas City, Missouri.

Gene was born in a country home near Hamilton, Missouri, during a snowstorm on December 3, 1929, the son of Milbern and Juanita Whitmer. He grew up on the farm and attended Lovely Ridge Elementary School through the 8th Grade. He graduated from Hamilton High School in May of 1947. While in high school, he was on the committee that founded the Missouri State Student Council Association. Gene received his Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Mathematics and minor in Science from Northwest Missouri State College in Maryville, Missouri, in August of 1951. He received his Masters of Secondary Education from the University of Missouri-Columbia in August of 1955. Later, he received his Secondary School Specialist Degree also from the University of Missouri.

Gene spent 39 years in the Field of Education; two years (1951-1953) teaching high school math and science at Osborn, Missouri, from 1951 until 1953, and then eleven years teaching advanced math classes and serving as administrative assistant to the Superintendent and Principal for the Trenton R-IX School System from 1953 until 1964. During this time, he also served as Sponsor of the Student Council. The next thirteen years, from 1964 until 1977, were spent in Richmond, Missouri, where he served as High School Principal. Gene finished his career in the Chillicothe R-II Schools, serving as Assistant Superintendent from 1977 until 1990. Gene served in the United States Army Air Force from 1948 until 1949, and 6 years in the Reserves: receiving his honorable discharge in 1955.

Gene was united in marriage to Ellen Dee Shadduck of Cameron, Missouri, at the Methodist Church in Cameron, on August 6, 1950.

Gene was very community minded – serving on many committees: he was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church; serving as Administrative Council Chairman, Board of Trustees, Staff Parish, Finance and Property committees, Co-chaired the promotion for the UMC 2000 “Build the Vision” Building Project, Co-Lay leader of the congregation, Captain of the UMC Relay-For-Life-Team, Member of United Methodist Men, Helped deliver Meals on Wheels as well as Meals for the Livingston County Multi-Purpose Senior Center, for 26 years. He served the City as Councilman-at-Large and various committees related to the position, Initial promoter of downtown beautification projects while on the city council, founding donor for YMCA, member of Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, Chambers Ambassadors’ Club, Tri chaired the committee to save the Green Hills Public Golf Course, promoted the building of the new Chillicothe R-II High School and other building improvements. Gene served on the Hope Haven Board, Livingston County Historical Board, Camp Rainbow, Blood Donor Drives, He enjoyed a long tenure with Rotary International – serving as President of the Chillicothe and Richmond Clubs; District 6030 Governor of Rotary International; President of Livingston County Retired Teachers Association.

Gene loved spending time with his family; especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He enjoyed everything outdoors from gardening to yard work. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer. He seldom missed any of the grandchildren’s activities, such as ballgames, track, wrestling, music concerts or dance recitals. He and his wife, Ellen enjoyed traveling together.

Gene is survived by his wife, Ellen, of 72 years; two daughters, Mary Ellen Kincaid (Dowell) and Terri Jean Figg (Troy) of Chillicothe; six grandchildren, Scott Austin Kincaid (Laura) of Ames, Iowa, Staci Marie Kincaid Wright (Nate) of Roeland Park, Kansas, Travis Ryan Figg (Meghann) of Columbia Missouri, Trent Andrew Figg (Tori) of Eugene, Oregon, Taryn Nicole Figg Schumacher (Cody) of Keller, Texas, and Ty Colton Figg (Lillian) of Columbia, Missouri; fourteen great grandchildren, Leah Jeanine Kincaid, Austin Michael Kincaid, Cole Daniel Kincaid, and Jenna Grace Kincaid, of Ames, Iowa, Andrew Kamden Wright, Anna Catherine Wright, of Roeland Park, Kansas, Avery Ryan Figg, Wesley Wilson Figg, Bowen Christopher Figg, of Columbia, Missouri, Titus Reid Figg, Thomas Pierce Figg, Tobias Andrew Figg, of Eugene, Oregon, and Brynlee Nicole Schumacher, Bennett Mack Schumacher, of Keller, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant brother.

Funeral services will be held at the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, September 16, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Friday, September 16, 2022, one hour prior to the service at 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, September 15, 2022, from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m. Burial will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made to House of Prayer and/or Chillicothe Rotary Foundation and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.

John (Jack) A Young

May 16, 1947 – August 20, 2022

John “Jack” A. Young, 75, of Brunswick, OH, died peacefully on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Heritage Senior Living in Marysville, OH.

After graduating from Marietta High School in 1965, he attended Bliss College where he received his bachelor’s degree in business. He earned two master’s degrees in human resource management and health care administration from Central Michigan University. In 1969, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Colorado, California, Iceland, and Oklahoma, where he was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant.

Employed in human resource management positions throughout his career, he was also founder and administrator for The Villa at the Lake, an assisted living facility in Conneaut, OH. He also served on many professional service organizations from which he received many distinguished honors.

Long-time Rotarian Jack Young, since 1995, who received the highest award that can be given in Rotary, the “Service above Self” award and the prestigious Scouting Silver Wheel Award for his leadership as the Chair for the Inter-American Region for the Fellowship of Scouting, was recently honored with the silver level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for his work with ShelterBox USA.

The national award was created in 2003 to recognize those who contribute a significant amount of time to volunteer activities. Young was nominated by those at ShelterBox, who have worked to provide shelter and supplies to more than 210,000 people in 17 countries affected by natural disaster. Aid comes in the form of family-sized tents and essential tools to repair and rebuild homes, as well as items to use in a shelter, such as cooking sets, solar lights, blankets, and water.

Young said giving back is in his blood, with his family showing him the importance of service as his father was a firefighter and his mother was a secretary of the First Congregational Church in Marietta, Ohio.

He was also on the board of American Nicaragua International Hope and Relief Foundation and has been to Chinnendega, Nicaragua, 11 times and seen children living out of a garbage dump. We don’t know what poverty is in the U.S. We go there and deliver shoe boxes, which are the only Christmas presents these kids get. The program was founded by a Rotarian to see if we could help kids get an education. We get a shoebox and fill it with a toy and school supplies. I’ve been on that board since 2007.

Education: Marietta High School Class of 1965; attended Marietta College; Bachelors Degree in business from Bliss College; Double Masters Degree in Labor Relations and Health Care Administration from Central Michigan University.

The son of Charles E. Young and Vera Haug Young, he was born in Marietta, OH on May 16, 1947. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Donald Hayes Young. Jack is survived by three children: Melissa (Eric) Yinger, Emily Williams, and Michael (Holly) Young; grandchildren: Kaleb Jolliff, Kameron Young, Cole Young, Zachary Young, Wyatt Williams, Kyleigh Luke, and Mason Luke; nephew Mitchell Young and niece Shelley Forsythe; sister-in law Sarah Young; former spouse, Ann Young; and his beloved dog, Zoey.

Burial with military honors will be held in Oak Grove Cemetery in Marietta, Ohio, on September 10th at noon.

The family asks that donations be made to either of these organizations

ShelterBox USA
www.ShelterBoxUSA.org
Call 941-907-6036
Please reference in memory of Jack Young, Rotary District 6630

or

ViaQuest Hospice
171 Morey Dr. Suite B
Marysville, OH 43040
Please reference in memory of Jack Young

Ingram Funeral Home of Marysville, is honored to serve Jack’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.IngramFuneralService.com. Jack’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the nurses and staff at Heritage Senior Living of Marysville, as well as ViaQuest and Jill Johnson for their care and compassion.

Steve Sorenson

March 6, 1956 ~ August 20, 2022

Steve Sorenson, 66, of Fowler, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Steve was born March 6, 1956 to the late Ross and Betty Sorenson.

Steve is survived by close friends, extended family, and a loving community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Betty Sorenson.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022 at 1:00pm (EST) at First Presbyterian Church in Fowler, Indiana with visitation from 11:00am (EST) until the funeral hour. Burial at Fowler Cemetery with refreshments to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fowler Rotary Club.

Arrangements entrusted to Gerts, Windler & Keller Funeral Homes ~ Fowler Chapel. 506 E. Main St., Fowler, IN 47944. (765) 884-0110. www.kellerfh.com

Ronnie Valdez

August 17, 2022

Ronnie Valdez passed away Wednesday, Aug. 17, after a long battle with diabetes.

Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Valdez was a well-known businessman in Enid who started several businesses during his lifetime. He opened his first business at the age of 20 and later purchased a vending company in Del Rio, Texas.

He had a successful career in the oil business leading him from Carrizo Springs, Texas, to Wakita, where he worked for Sun Oil Co., which later became Oryx Oil Co.

He moved to Enid where he opened Indian Hills Auto Wash, a full-service car wash on West Garriott. He then opened Goldie’s Patio Grill on East Garriott. In 1988, he purchased Heritage Cleaners, later expanding to the Oklahoma City market, purchasing Nuway Cleaners with locations in Oklahoma City, Midwest City and Moore. At the time of his death, he still owned two Heritage Cleaners locations in Enid, one on Randolph and one on Willow.

In 2008, he sold Indian Hills Auto Wash, but in 2009 he got the car wash back and renamed it Ocean Blue Carwash. He later sold the property to Aqua Wash.

It was through Enid Rotary that his heart for public service took hold. He was a president of Enid Rotary Club from 2002-03 and Rotary District Governor of District 5750 from 2005-2006. He served as assistant district governor for three years, including a year as assistant to the late Irv Honigsberg, of Enid.

Fellow Rotarian David Morley remembers Valdez as a huge proponent of serving the community.

“He worked very hard at the district level and was very active in going to visit other clubs,” Morley said. “He really demonstrated and lived out the Rotary motto of service above self.”

With his help, Enid Rotary Club started Math Mania, a popular program on PEGASYS. He also led the club to full membership in the Every Year Every Rotarian program, that led each club member to pledge at least $100 to the Rotary Foundation every year. This money is used to fund local programs and those around the world to help better people’s lives.

During his tenure as District 5750 governor, he was responsible for 40 clubs and 2,000 Rotarians in and around Oklahoma City and Northwest Oklahoma. He helped more clubs in the district sign up to be sustaining clubs, with each member giving annually to the Rotary Foundation.

Valdez volunteered many hours to the Enid High School DECA Association, for which he was awarded an honorary lifetime membership in the Oklahoma DECA program. DECA is an association for marketing students and focuses on professional development and business for high school students. He helped mentor students as they prepared for their regional, state and national DECA competitions. He accompanied the Enid DECA chapter to several national competitions, where he served as a national judge.

He was raised and educated in San Antonio. Traveling with his father’s Air Force career, he graduated from Del Rio High School with the class of 1973. He and his wife, Gwen Gibson, were married in July 1975 at his parent’s home in Del Rio. They celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary this summer.

They raised their three daughters, Kristi, Cammi and Ashley, in Enid. He is also survived by a grandson, Gibson.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.