REV. ROBERT KINNEY 1911-2010
VAN WERT – The Rev. Robert R. Kinney, age 98, of Van Wert, died at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6 at Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born Dec. 12, 1911 in Broughton, the son of Edwin M. and Amanda Veshti (Upp) Kinney. He was a retired pastor, having served for 35 years at numerous Methodist churches around the area. Surviving are four daughters, Barbara (Robert) Wolfrum of Van Wert, Anita (Roger) Webb of Springdale, Ark., Bonnie (Ray) Barger of Bluffton, Ind., and Linda (Toby) Thomas of Ohio City; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a daughter-in-law, Kay Kinney of Wauseon.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Edith Kempher Kinney in 1969; his second wife, Helen Metzger Kinney, in 2006; a son, Roger; two sisters, Glenna Kinney and Helen Mees; a brother, Ward; and one grandchild.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 11 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory in Van Wert with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial was in Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to afghc@embarqmail.com

RONALD WILLIAMS 1942-2009
LAS VEGAS – Ronald R. Williams, age 67, died Dec. 13 in Las Vegas.
He was born in 1942 in Paulding County.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date in Middle Creek Cemetery, Washington Township. Arrangements were handled by Hites Funeral Home, Henderson, Nev.

TONYA BIGHAM
FORT WAYNE — Tonya Rose Bigham, 52, of Fort Wayne, died Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009 following a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Van Wert, she married Jay D. Bigham on June 18, 1977 and he survives. They moved to Fort Wayne, where they shared their life and raised a family together. She was employed by Lincoln Financial Group for 28 years, where she made many lifelong friends. She was a regular attendant of Crossview Church in Grabill. She spent the last few years loving being a grandma and spending time with her family and friends.
Her abundance of love for her family and her friends will always be remembered. Her will to live was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. We take comfort in knowing that she is now in the arms of the Lord, cancer-free and in peace with the loved ones that have passed before her.
Also surviving are a son, Erik L. Bigham of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Stacie N. Bigham of Fort Wayne; a granddaughter, Kylie Nicole Bigham of Fort Wayne; three brothers, Clint Galloway of North Fort Myers, Fla., Mark (Penny) Price of Payne and Karl (Melva) Price of San Antonio; and four sisters, Stephonie (Jon) Stewart of Crossville, Tenn., Kim (Ed) Woodard of North Fort Myers, Fla., Tamera (Tom) Bartz of Grover Hill and Bernetta (Scott) Geise of Ft. Jennings.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harold B. Price; and mother, Myrna R. Young.
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” -Phil 4:13.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Jan. 2 at Crossview Church, in Grabill. Arrangements were made by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services.
Preferred memorials are to the Kylie Bigham Trust Fund or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

JOSEPH OTT 1911-2010
ANTWERP — Joseph Henry Ott, 98, of Antwerp, died at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at the Antwerp Manor House Assisted Living.
He was born June 12, 1911 in Payne, the son of Henry  and Anna  (Papenbrock) Ott. On Nov. 9, 1935, he married Marie Meyer, who preceded him in death on Nov. 28, 1986. He worked at Payne Co-op and was a member of Divine Mercy Catholic Parish and Knights of Columbus.
He will be sadly missed by his son, Chuck (Bev) of Hamilton, Ind.; grandchildren, Rhonda (Joe) Friend of Cecil, Renee (Brian) Dirrim of Edgerton, JaCee (Bob) Franz  of Hamilton, Ind. and Randy of Antwerp; seven great-grandchildren; and  four great-great-grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Antwerp. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery.
Hours of visitation will be from 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 14, with a Catholic vigil at 7:30 p.m. Viewing hours are also available from 9-9:30 a.m. Saturday at Dooley Funeral Home.
Preferred memorials are to the church or Antwerp Branch Library.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

JEANNE BRYAN 1933-2010
PAULDING – Jeanne J. Bryan, 77, of Paulding, passed away at 9:54 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 10, at  her residence.
She was born Jan. 1, 1933, in Defiance, the daughter of Dorothy (Ehrman) and Chester Raymond Butler, who both preceded her in death. On June 9, 1951, she married Robert Bryan, who preceded her in death on May 21, 1998. She was a homemaker and member of  Paulding Church of Christ.
She will be sadly missed by her children, Robert Jr. and Julia, both of Ocklawaha, Fla., and David and Michael, both of Paulding; five brothers, Raymond, Earl, Carl, Ernest Richard and Gary, all of Washington; five sisters, Sharon Kelley of Idaho, Patricia Escabar and Sandy Heilman, both of Washington, Linda Edwards of Fort Wayne and  Cheryl Smead of Oregon; three grandchildren, Cassidy and Cody Bryan and Thomas Beaulaurier; and three great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Allen and David Butler; and two sisters, Emma Place and Rita Searl.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at the  Paulding Church of Christ. Dooley Funeral Home of Antwerp and Payne is in charge of the arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the church. Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

JERROLD BOUNDY
1936-2010
LARGO, Fla. – Jerrold E. “Jerry” Boundy, 73, of Columbus and Largo, Fla., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at Hospice House Woodside, Pinellas Park, Fla. He was born Nov. 3, 1936 in Paulding, the son of Harold and Maxine (Peeper) Boundy. He was an investment real estate broker, having owned his own business, Focus Health Care, of Worthington. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Paulding.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jo-Ann; a son, Jerrold Scot, of Pennsylvania; two daughters, Cathy (Michael) Keller of Roseville, Calif. and Beth (Tim) Tabor, Gahanna; two stepsons, Kevin (Randy) McClure of Lewis Center and Scott (Teresa) McClure of Gambier; a stepdaughter, Debbi (Scott) Butterbaugh, Cowpens, S.C.; two brothers, John (Leah) of St. Charles, Mo. and Mitchell (Romaine) of Paulding; a sister, Judith (Glen) Pryor of Dallas; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Memorial services were held Saturday, Jan. 16 at Moss-Feaster Funeral Home, Largo, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to The Church @ 85, 85 E. Wilson Bridge Road Suite A, Worthington OH 43085.

veteranDON STARRY 1944-2010
ANTWERP – Donald R. Starry, 65, of Antwerp, died at 9:20 pm, Thursday, Jan. 14, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 29, 1944, in Antwerp, the son of Pearl (Hoover) and Earl  Starry, who both preceded him in death. He served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam; was a member of Antwerp VFW Post 5087 and worked at Uniroyal Goodrich, Woodburn.
Surviving are two sons, Charles (Denise) of Antwerp and Craig (Sherry) of Sherwood; two daughters, Christine (Alan) Carnahan of Stryker and Linda (Rob) Shipman of Payne; a brother, Richard of Antwerp; one sister, Marge Proxmire of Paulding; 12 grandchildren; and five  great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a sister, Helen Oller; and a brother, Harold.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 18, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp. 
Memorials are to Dooley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 452, Antwerp, 45813. 
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

VETERAN: ELMER SPROW 1922-2010
PAULDING: Elmer W. Sprow, age 87, died Monday, Jan. 18 at The Gardens of Paulding.
He was born June 15, 1922 in Paulding County, the son of Oscar and Anna (Jacob) Sprow. On Dec. 12, 1947 he married Kathryn Anne Williamson, who preceded him in death on May 5, 1991. He was the owner of Sprow Realty and Motel, retiring in 1981; a WWII U.S. Navy veteran; and a life member of Paulding VFW Post 587.
He is survived by a daughter, Vicki (David) Hunt, Defiance; two sons, Steve (Jane) Sprow and Mike (Vicki Rae) Sprow, both of Paulding; a brother, Dan (Carolyn) Sprow, Benton, Tenn.; and a sister, Alverta Clark, Clearwater, Fla.; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and special friend, Mildred LaLonde, Defiance.
He also was preceded in death by a son, Brock R. Sprow; three brothers, Don, LaVon and Edward Sprow; and a sister, Delores Thomas.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Ben Lowell officiating. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding, with military graveside rites accorded by VFW Post 587.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22 and one hour prior to services on Saturday at Den Herder Funeral Home.
Preferred memorial donations are to Paulding VFW Post 587.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

HENRIETTA MOWERY 1920-2010
CELINA — Henrietta Anna Mowery, 89, of Celina, died at 11:04 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at the Celina Manor.
She was born Sept. 30, 1920, in New Bremen, the daughter of Julius and Amanda (Blumhorst) Luedeke. She was a 1938 graduate of New Bremen High School. On Sept. 26, 1943, she married Eugene “Bogie” Mowery, who preceded her in death on Feb. 23, 2006. She was a homemaker and was retired from Celina Insurance Group. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Celina and the Ladies Grace Circle of the church.
Surviving are three sons, Dave (Kathy) of Sylva, N.C., Steve of Celina, and Charles of Fairborn; a daughter, Ruth (Jerry) Long of Celina; a daughter-in-law, Sally Mowery of Paulding; two sisters-in-law, Josephine McEvoy of Celina and Dee Dee Luedeke of Tennessee; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Henry “Hank” Mowery, in 2008; a sister, Bernadine Fledderjohn; and six brothers, Arnold, Lester, Elmer, Andrew, Ferd and Edward Luedeke. Services were held Monday, Jan. 18, at W.H. Dick and Sons Funeral Home in Celina, with pastor Paul Baglien officiating. Burial was in the German Protestant Cemetery in New Bremen. Preferred memorials may be directed to the Mercer County Crippled Children and Adults Fund or St. John Lutheran Church Organ Fund. Online condolences may be sent to dick.hellwarth@verizon.net

veteran THOMAS MYERS1929-2010
HAVILAND — Thomas George Myers, 80, died Sunday, Jan. 17, at Van Wert County Inpatient Hospice.
He was born April 21, 1929, in Paulding County, the son of Lewis H. and Wilhelminia C. (Gombert) Myers. On Dec. 31, 1954, he married Janet Colleen Keysor, who survives in Haviland. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Korean War, and a self-employed farmer, retiring in 1994. He was a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church where he served on the church counsel and the building committee.
Also surviving are four sons, Jerry (Holly) Myers, John (Camille) Myers and Rick Myers, all of Haviland, and Mark (Gaye) Myers of Payne; two sisters, Joan (Wilbur) Eddy of Van Wert, and Caroline (Robert) Smith, Convoy; and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewis and Maurice Myers.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 20 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Paulding with the Rev. Mike Harper officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services on today at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to Scott EMS or the Paulding County Food Pantry.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

BILLIE JO JOHNSON 1973-2010
OAKWOOD – Billie Jo Johnson, 36, of Oakwood, died at 4:21 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 at Triumph Hospital, Lima.
She was born June 13, 1973 in Defiance. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are her father and stepmother, David L. and Gaye Johnson of Mouthcard, Ky; her mother and stepfather, Wendy (Bland) and Charles Sharp Jr., of Grover Hill; a son, Dalton Johnson, at home; maternal grandmother, Betty (Glenn) Plotts of Paulding; six brothers, David (Robin) Johnson II of Oakwood, Jeremy Johnson of Mouthcard, Ky., Mark Ramey of Oakwood, Aaron (Tamara) Sharp of Cloverdale, Allen Sharp of Oakwood and Anthony (Jana) Sharp of Cloverdale; and two sisters, Cheri Sharp of Gilboa and Corlette (Ben) Martin of Continental.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 22, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood with Pastor Jimmy Wright officiating. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family.
Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhotne.com

veteran: GLENN MONROE 1945-2010
PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. – Glenn E. Monroe, 64, of Paradise Valley, Ariz., passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Jan. 19 while working in California.
He was born Dec. 20, 1945 in Paulding, the son of Herbert and Dorothy “Millie” Monroe. A 1963 graduate of Paulding High School and 1967 graduate of Muskingum College, he attended Paris Sorbonne University in France, was a 1974 graduate of Ohio State Law School, received his masters of law degree in 1978 from the University of Virginia and was a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel.
He presently was a partner with Perkins Coie in Los Angeles; and formerly a partner with Howrey & Simon, Los Angeles, from 1996-98; partner with Bryan Cave LLP in Phoenix and Irvine, Calif. from 1980-96; adjunct professor (government contract law) at George Mason University School of Law in Fairfax, Va. in 1987;  trial attorney for the Department of the Army, Office of the Chief Trial Attorney, Board of Contract Appeals, Falls Church, Va. 1979-80; assistant professor (business law) at the University of Virginia School of Law, 1978-79; chief of the career management office, Judge Advocate General’s School, Reserve Affairs Department, 1974-76.
Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Dolly, of Paradise Valley; two daughters, Stephanie (Chris) Wilson and Lara Monroe; two grandchildren, Alyssa and Mackenzie; his father, Herb Monroe of Paulding; and a brother, Robert Monroe.
Graveside services with military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. today, Jan. 27, at The National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix. Messinger Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial service will be held at noon today at the First Presbyterian Church in Paulding with Pastor Dave Meriwether officiating.
Please visit www.messingermortuary.com to sign the guest book or to write the Monroe family a condolence.

ALICE CRUTCHFIELD 1928-2010
LATTY – Alice M. Crutchfield, age 85, died Tuesday, Jan. 26 at her residence surrounded by family.
She was born March 28, 1928 in Paulding County, the daughter of James C. and Lula (Vena) Goings. On July 21, 1952, she married Ernest C. Crutchfield Sr., who preceded her in death. She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Antwerp. She retired from Dana Weatherhead. Her true joys came from participating in the Bible Education Work Ministry and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by six daughters, Barbara (Earnest) Eubanks of Dillsburg, Pa., Roberta Hardman of Paulding, Patricia (Tyrone) Ingol of Lima, Mary Alice Crutchfield of Fort Wayne, Margaret Ann Crutchfield of Latty and Allison Smith, Payne; three sons, Ernest of Latty, Albert (Darlene) of Fort Wayne and Patrick of Paulding; a brother, Richard Goings, Paulding; 18 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
She also was preceded in death by a son, James Crutchfield; an infant grandson; six brothers, Cecil, Leo, Howard, Roy, Ray and Robert Goings; and a sister, Evaline Goings.
A memorial service was held Sunday, Jan. 31 at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Antwerp. A private burial at Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill, will take place at a later date. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Worldwide Work of Jehovah’s Witness or Paulding County Visiting Nurses & Hospice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

HELEN KNOTTS 1911-2010
GROVER HILL — Helen L. Knotts, 98, formerly of Grover Hill, died at 12:20 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at the Van Crest Healthcare Center in Van Wert.
She was born Sept. 30, 1911, in Pendleton, Ind., the daughter of Clyde W. and Hazel N. (Wynant) Bright. On Nov. 4, 1929, she married Forest Knotts, who preceded her in death on May 27, 1992. She was a housewife and a member of the former Grover Hill Church of Christ in Grover Hill, where she had been the pianist and organist for over 20 years. She was also a former member of the Ladies Aide of the church.
She is survived by four daughters, Beverly (Dave) Thomas of Van Wert, Judith Stabler of Convoy, Carole Mansfield of Antwerp, and Kathleen (Terry) Armstrong of Clayton, Ind.; 18 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; 19 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Carolyn J. Petty of Mesa, Ariz.; and a daughter-in-law, Gladys Knotts of Broughton.
She also was preceded in death by a son, James Knotts, and an infant son, Gene E. Knotts; and three sisters, Frances Hedges, Marjorie Reams and Rebecca Bulman.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.
Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the family or a charity of the donor’s choice.

MARY WATERS
1924-2010
FORT WAYNE – Mary Millen Waters, 86, died Friday, Jan. 22, at her home.
She was born April 2, 1924 in Youngstown, the daughter of Edward and Rosemarie McCambridge. She was a medical secretary at Lincoln Life Insurance for 24 years before retiring.
She is survived by her son, Edward (Holly) Millen of Whitehall, Ohio; sisters, Rosemary Budrovic and Winnie Kindig; three grandchildren, Shawn (Irene) Millen, Derrick (Tara) Millen and Moffette (Mark) Rice; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Linwood Millen, in 1975; second husband, Ralph Waters; a son, Linwood Millen II; a sister, Joan Schumman; and a brother, Jimmy McCambridge.
Per Mary’s request, there were no services. She was entombed at Covington Memorial Gardens.
Preferred memorials are to Diabetes Association. 
To send online condolences or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.covingtonmemorial.com

MARJORIE OVERMYER 1918-2010
DEFIANCE – Marjorie H. Overmyer, 92, of Defiance, passed away and entered eternal life on Saturday, Feb. 6, at Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice, Defiance.
She was born Jan. 10, 1918 in Spencerville, Ind., the daughter of Clarence and Anna (Dunham) Keener. On Nov. 14, 1941, she married Donald L. Overmyer, who preceded her in death in 1972. She was employed by the Keenan Hotel in Fort Wayne and then worked as an assembler at General Electric in Fort Wayne. She continued her work at BF Goodrich, where she built fuel cells. She had also worked as a security guard for Pinkerton Security and was a waitress at the Vagabond Restaurant. She also managed the family farm.
Surviving are her three sons, Mike “Terry” (Darlene M.) Overmyer of Cecil, Todd Overmyer of New Orleans and Tim Overmyer of Defiance; 15 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jack “Bill” (Violet) Keener of Fort Wayne and Lydall (Phyllis) Keener of Kinderhook, Mich.; four sisters, Kathleen (Glen) Hall of Mendotta, Ill., JoAnne (Robert) Klotz of New Haven, and Bonnie Jeremy and Jody Abbott, both of California.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Tom; three brothers, Leland, Paul and Wellman Keener; and two sisters, Ruby Waddington and Eloise Tyjetcek.
Joint memorial services for Marjorie H. Overmyer and her son, Tom Owen Overmyer (who preceded her in death by three days), were held Monday, Feb. 8, at Riverside Community Church. with Donna Stutzman officiating. Interment will be at a later date. Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home in Sherwood was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice, 06817 State Route 66 North, Defiance OH 43512.

LAURABELLE STEMEN 1920-2010
GROVER HILL – Laurabelle Stemen, age 90, died Sunday, Feb. 7 at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne.
She was born Jan. 19, 1920 in Continental, the daughter of David Leslie and Sarah Marie (Bell) Gambrel. On Nov. 23, 1938 she married Therlo V. Stemen, who preceded her in death on March 15, 1980. She attended Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Grover Hill VFW Post 2873 Auxiliary and was employed as a sales clerk by the former Goddard’s Store and McClure’s Maramart, Grover Hill. She is survived by two sons, Vernon (Linda) Stemen of Monroeville, Ind. and Richard (Paulette) Stemen, Payne; a brother, Rex (Cleo) Gambrel, Hicksville; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11 at Den Herder Funeral Home, with Pastor Pat Holt and Jammie Hughes officiating. Burial will be in Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill.
Visitation will be from 2:30-8 p.m. today, Feb. 10 and one hour prior to services on Thursday at the funeral home in Paulding.
Memorial donations may be made to Dallas Lamb Foundation Home Activity Fund or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

ELIZABETH PEPPER 1957-2010
PAULDING – Elizabeth Ann Pepper, 52, died Saturday, Feb. 6, at her residence.
She was born Nov. 28, 1957 in Defiance County, the daughter of Richard and Janet (Lewis) Slocum. On July 15, 1978, she married Richard G. Pepper, who survives. She worked as a nurses aide for 22 years.
She is also survived by her father, Richard Slocum, Defiance; a son, Kristopher Pepper, Midland, Mich.; and three sisters, Lori Slocum and Nancy (Jon) Adams, both of Defiance, and Tami (Kent) Miller of Ayersville.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 10 at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with visiting hours available one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elizabeth Ann Pepper family for medical expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

THELMA YENSER 1922-2010
PAYNE — Thelma Denene Yenser, 87, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born April 29, 1922, in Haviland, the daughter of William Harold and Kathryn Viola (Matthews) Zartman. On July 16, 1938, she married Bernard “Barney” Yenser, who preceded her in death on Nov. 13, 1994. She was a homemaker.
She is survived by a son, Merl Yenser of Payne; two daughters, Linda (Gene) Edwards of Payne and Barbara (Tom) Rahrig of Novi, Mich.; four brothers, Lennis Zartman and Dean Miller, both of Payne, Bill Zartman of Antwerp and Larry (Carol) Zartman of Sherwood; four sisters, Olive Dinger, Edith Mills, Hilda Lyons and Genevieve Hoaglin, all of Payne; eight grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son, Darrel; three sisters, Thiea and Emma Zartman and Kathryn Fegley; and four brothers, Emmett, John, Harold Jr. and Wesley Zartman.
Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Revs. Jim Ayers and Rick Grimes officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to The Dallas Lamb Foundation Home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com
veteran

JOHN REEB 1916-2010
ANTWERP — John Reeb, 93, of Antwerp, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Hicksville.
He was born June 10, 1916, in Antwerp, the son of Sue (Willit) and Ray  Reeb. In 1964, he married Sarah Marie Roberts, who preceded him in death in 2004. He was a mechanic at Leinard Chevrolet, Antwerp and proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was a life member of Antwerp VFW and American Legion posts.
Surviving are a son, Rudie of Antwerp; three grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Tom; and two brothers, Richard and Hilton.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 6, at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to V.E.T.S.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

CHERYL SMITH 1971-2010
MELROSE — Cheryl L. Smith, 38, of Melrose, died at 4:20 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Defiance area Inpatient Hospice.
She was born Feb. 20, 1971, in Paulding, the daughter of Lawrence “Butch” and Judy (Carlisle) Densmore, who survive in Oakwood. On Feb. 12, 1994, she married Michael Smith, who survives in Melrose. She had been a clerk at the Morning Star Convenience Store in Melrose for 15 years. She was a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church and she enjoyed being active in her daughters’ lives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Alyssa, Amber and Allison (Ally), all at home; a brother, Bradley Densmore of Auburn, Wash.; a sister, Lisa Densmore of Findlay; and grandmothers, Dorothy Carlisle of Paulding and Methel Densmore of Melrose.
She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Gerald Carlisle and Delmar Densmore; a stepdaughter, Amy Smith; an aunt, Erma Weller; and an uncle, Arby Densmore.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at the Melrose United Methodist Church with the Rev. Eileen Kochensparger officiating. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County. Hours of visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. today, Feb. 10, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood and one hour prior to services at the church.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the Defiance Area Hospice or to the American Cancer Society.

TOM OVERMYER 1954-2010
DEFIANCE – Tom Overmyer, 55, of Defiance, formerly of Antwerp, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 3, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 25, 1954, in Fort Wayne, the son of Marjorie H. (Keener) and Donald L. Overmyer. He was previously employed at S.K. Handtool and Freightway Systems.
Surviving are his mother, Marjorie, of Defiance; his children, Kari and Travis, both of Fort Wayne, Trinity of West Lafayette, and Case, Mariah and Ty, all of Antwerp; and three brothers, Terry “Mike” of Cecil, Tim of Defiance and Todd of New Orleans.
Preceding him in death were his father, Donald Overmyer; and an infant son, Erich.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 8, at Riverside Family Center. Dooley Funeral Homes of Antwerp & Payne was in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

ROBERT FLINT
DANIELSVILLE, Ga. – Robert Clifford “Bob” Flint, 76, died Friday, Jan. 29, 2010, at his residence.
Born in Paulding, he was the son of the late George Russell and Florence (Baker) Flint. He was a retired accountant and plant manager.
Survivors include five sons, Kenneth L. (Dannette) Flint of Commerce, Robert D. Flint, David R. (Sandi) Flint and Rick A. (Amy) Flint, all of Danielsville, and Dennis W. (Kim) Flint of Nicholson, Ga.; a brother, Russell (Donna) Flint, Paulding; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Katie (Steele) Flint.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Jan. 31, at Grove Level Baptist Church with the Revs. Eric Tyson and Doug Duke officiating. Burial was at Flint Family Cemetery in Danielsville. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Commerce Wrestling Club, or Commerce Parks and Recreation Dept.

FRANCES KAY MILLER
1940-2010
PAYNE — Frances Kay Miller, 69, of Payne, died at 11:50 pm, Saturday, Feb. 13, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born March 2, 1940, in Payne, the daughter of Margaret Alice (Fisher) and Cecil Mansfield, who both preceded her in death. On July 8, 1961, she married James C. Miller, who survives. She was a member of the Payne American Legion Post Auxiliary and the Payne Church of the Nazarene.
Also surviving are three sons, Randy of Payne, Philip (Dawn) of Haviland and Rodney (Merrill) Miller, of Payne; one daughter, Kathie (Steve) Wobler of Payne; five brothers, Charles (Janice), Walt, and Bruce (Marla) Mansfield, all of Payne, Morris (Kathryn) Mansfield of Shingle Springs, Calif. and Mike (Faith) Mansfield of Helena; a sister, Sara (Randy) Higgins of Defiance, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Rex and Bart Mansfield; a sister, Zoe Bostwick, and a grandson, Joshua.
Services were private. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials are to James C. Miller.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

GRACIE PUCKETT
1929-2010
AULANDER, N.C. — Gracie Mae Cullipher Puckett, 80, of Aulander, N.C. died Friday, Feb. 12, at her home.
She was born Sept. 20, 1929, in Bertie County, the daughter of Walter Cullipher and Mattie Farless Cullipher. She was the wife of the Johnnie Puckett, who preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and a member of Colerain Baptist Church. She enjoyed dancing and bird watching.
Surviving are a son, Dan (Rita) Puckett of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Cynthia (Charles) Barriga of Aulander; two brothers, Melvin Cullipher of Aulander and Hezzie Cullipher of Emporia,Va.; two sisters, Brenda Cullipher of Aulander and Linda Dearborn of Racine, Wisc.; and grandchildren, Bridget Puckett, Ryan Puckett and Alex Barriga.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, Feb. 17, at the Ashley Memorial Chapel at Garrett-Jones Funeral Home in Ahoskie.
The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to University Hospice, PO Box 272, Ahoskie, NC, 27910.
Family and friends may send condolences and sign the online register at www.garrettjonesfh.com.

GERALD “BUTCH”
BLYTHE
VAN WERT — Gerald “Butch” Blythe died at 6 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, at his residence.
He was born Dec. 4, 1945, in Toledo, the son of Joseph and Cydonia “Donie” (Jewell) Pratt. He married Sharon Watson, who survives in Van Wert. He was retired from the Ohio Department of Transportation where he was employed for many years. He also umpired and coached youth baseball for many years and was a member of Van Wert Victory Church.
He is survived by his father, Joseph, of Scott; two sons, Jeffrey L. of Cecil and Gregory R. (Heather) Blythe of Van Wert; four daughters, Lori A. (Allen) Farris of Cloverdale, Rhonda S. (Steve) Merkle and Dawn M. Blythe, both of Van Wert, and Amy M. Enoch; five brothers, James M. Blythe of Toledo, Dennis “Buck” Pratt of Ottoville, Stanley Pratt of Scott, Howard J. Blythe of Tucker, Ga. and Kenneth Blythe of Houston; four sisters, Beverly “Babe” Phillips of Green Cove Springs, Fla., Joan Tope of Paulding, Rocksanna Daniels of Broughton and Debbie Blythe-Alvey of Livingston, Texas; seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Cydonia Pratt; his biological father, J.R. Blythe; an infant son, Mark Alan Blythe; two sisters in infancy, Judy and Joyce; and a brother, Robert Blythe.
Services were held Sunday, Feb. 14, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Darrel Ramey officiating. Internment will be at a later date.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Van Wert Victory Church.

SHEILA HEATON
1955-2010
PAULDING – Shelia L. Heaton, 54, formerly of Pennville, Ind., died Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Paulding County Hospital.
She was born Dec. 3, 1955, in Paulding County, the daughter of Vaughn and Florence (Funk) Sanderson. In 1994, she married Greg Heaton, who preceded her in death in 2009.
She is survived by her father, Vaughn (Helen Scarborough) Sanderson, Paulding; two sons, Joel Sanderson of Portland, Ind. and Darrin (Carly) Sanderson of Bryant, Ind.; two sisters, Jacquie (Jay) Covill of Rensselaer, Ind. and Dale (Ron) Bendele of Paulding; three brothers, Dewey (Kathy) Sanderson and Rod Sanderson, both of Paulding, and Vern (Tonya) Sanderson of New Haven; a half-brother, Gene (Tracy) Ruger of Van Wert; and one granddaughter, Inara Sanderson.
She also was preceded in death by her mother, Florence.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Rose Hill Church of God, Paulding, with calling one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Latty Township. Den Herder Funeral Home of Paulding is in charge of the arrangements.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Shelia’s memory to Den Herder Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

JUAN RANGEL
1927-2010
PAULDING — Reverend Juan Rangel, 83, of Paulding, died at 6:01 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Jan. 27, 1927, in Zapata, Texas, the son of Romulo and Frances (Gonzalez) Rangel. On March 12, 1949, in Edcouch, Texas, he married Julia Castillo, who survives. The Rev. Rangel was a retired ordained minister with the Spanish American Council of Faithful Pentecostal Churches. In his retirement, he became a traveling minister within the church until the time of his death.
He also retired from General Motors in Defiance in 1979 and was a member of U.A.W. Local #211 in Defiance.
Also surviving are his children, Rebecca (Ernesto) Campos, of Bryan, Fran (Ambrosio) Pedraza of Defiance, Eva Ferrell of Bryan, Josue (Maria) Rangel and David Rangel, both of Archbold, Sara (Dennis) Morhart of Hicksville and Ruben Rangel of Montpelier; 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Severino Rangel, of Merced, Calif.
He was preceded in death by two infant daughters, Irene and Delia Ann Rangel; five brothers, Ramon, Asencion, Pablo, Perfecto and Marcelino Rangel, and three sisters, Socorro Contreras, Teresa Alvarado and Lala Rivera.
Services were held on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at the First Brethren Church in Bryan with the Rev. Rosie Perez officiating. Krill Funeral Home in Bryan was in charge of the arrangements. Interment was in Fountain Grove Cemetery, Bryan.
Memorials in the name of Reverend Juan Rangel may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences may be sent to and the online register signed at www.krillfuneralservice.com

MELVIN STOLLER
1921-2010
HAVILAND – Melvin August Stoller, age 88, died Tuesday, Feb. 9 at Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, Paulding, where he had been a resident the past week.
He was born May 9, 1921 in Paulding County, the son of Emil and Anna (Laukhuf) Stoller. He graduated from Latty High School in 1939 and business school in Lima. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in the Pacific Theater. On Aug. 16, 1964, he married Irene Josephine Funk, who survives. He was a member of Latty Apostolic Christian Church. He was a lifetime farmer and a Sunday School teacher.
Also surviving are six sisters, Elizabeth (Roscoe) Waters, Marie (Jack) Moore and Eunice (Roger) Gerber, all of Paulding, Lorine (Myron) Hackenjos of New Haven, Nathalia (Allan) Getz of Eureka, Ill. and Anna Lou (Earl) Grimm of Dunlap, Ill.; a sister-in-law, Irma (Millard) Stoller of Paulding; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Millard Stoller; and a sister, Lillian (William) Eisenmann.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 13 at Latty Apostolic Christian Church. Burial was in Latty Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

veteran
REV. DALE BASS
1933-2010
PAYNE — Rev. Dale Bass, 76, of Payne, died Saturday, Feb. 13, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 6, 1933, in Osborn, the son of Amanda June (Sharp) and Martin VanBuren Bass, who both preceded him in death. On Sept 27, 1952, he married Donna Phelps, who preceded him in death on March 23, 2004.
He served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal in the Korean War and was a member of the NRA. He was a  pastor of  the Church of the Nazarene.
He will be sadly missed by two daughters, Gale (Paul) Imboden of Payne and Ramona (Mark) Price of Antwerp; a son, Thomas (Stacy) of Marion, Ind.; grandchildren, Adam, Karen, Benjamin, Christopher, Jasmine, Zechariah Sabrina, Gavin and Jilayne; five great grandchildren; five sisters, Kay of Payne, Jewel Kurtz of Van Wert, Faith Mansfield of Helena, Julene Crawford of Payne, and Joy Gibson of Jackson, Mich.; and three brothers, Paul and Marty of Florida and Warron of Hamden.
Also preceding him in death was a daughter, Debra Jane and a granddaughter, Cynthia Dawn Imboden.
  Services were held at the Edgerton Wesleyan Church on Thursday, Feb. 18. Arrangements were made by Dooley Funeral Home in Payne.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com
 

DORCAS KLINKER
1924-2010
FORT WAYNE – Dorcas N. Klinker, 85, passed away Thursday, Feb. 25 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
She was born Oct. 31, 1924 in Fort Wayne. She worked as an assembler with General Electric for 43 years, retiring in 1985. She was a member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church.
Surviving are her brother, Earl (Marcia) Klinker of Fort Wayne; a sister, Orpha G. Erickson of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two nieces and two nephews; and three great-nieces and four great-nephews.
Services were held Monday, March 1 at D.O. McComb and Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, with the Rev. Ken Christy officiating. Graveside services were held at Cooper Cemetery, Paulding.
Memorials may be made to the Pilgrim Holiness Church or Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.
To sign the online guest book, go to www.mccombandsons.com

ALICE FOUST
1925-2010
ANTWERP – Alice P. Foust, age 84, died at 6:10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born March 21, 1925, in Jackson Township, the daughter of Paul B. and Ruth L. (Phillips) Holtsberry. On Sept. 19, 1941, she married Orlando F. Foust, who preceded her in death on Nov. 29, 2005. She was a homemaker and a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Antwerp.
Surviving are two daughters, Anita (Ray) Friend of Antwerp and Cathy (John) Hess of Cecil; two sons, Terry (Janet) Foust and Steven (Elaine) Foust, both of Antwerp; three sisters, Ramona Fillman of Paulding, Clara Marie Moden of Cecil and Ruth Elaine Underwood of Van Wert; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Holtsberry.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, March 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding. Alice’s son-in-law, John Hess, will officiate. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services.
Preferred memorials may be given to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2937 U.S. Route 24, Antwerp OH 45813 or The American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

GEORGE SAXTON JR.
1972-2010
VAN WERT — George H. Saxton Jr., 38, died at 10:48 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Feb. 27, 1972, in Paulding, the son of George H. Sr. and Karen (Wells) Saxton, who both survive in Van Wert. On Sept. 15, 2001, he married Theresa Ashbaugh, who survives in Van Wert. He was employed by Schlemmer Farms Trucking in Convoy and was an avid bowler.
He is also survived by a son, Raymond Saxton; two daughters, Ciera and Brianna Saxton, all of Van Wert; a stepdaughter, Jenni (Jesse) Higbie of Lima; his maternal grandmother, Violet Wells of Van Wert; his mother-in-law, Bonnie Ashbaugh of Van Wert; a brother, Chad E. Saxton of Van Wert; three sisters, Tammie (Jeff) Etchey of Hicksville, Kendra (Ronald) Grishaber of Van Wert, and April (Jeremy) Henry of Woodburn; and several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. today, March 3, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, with Pastor Tom Cover officiating. Burial will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.
Preferred memorials may go to the family of George Saxton.

RICHARD YANT
OAKWOOD – Word has been received that Richard Yant, 66, of Oakwood, died Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 while visiting Mazatlan, Mexico.
Arrangements are pending at Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance.

CLARA BELLE BANKS
1913-2010
ANTWERP – Clara Belle Banks, 96, of Antwerp, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26 at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home. 
She was born Sept. 14, 1913, in Antwerp, the daughter of Clyde  and Frances (Clemmer) Quaintance. She married Ray Robert Banks, who preceded her in death in 1960. She worked at Antwerp Local Schools and was a member of Antwerp United Methodist Church.
Surviving are two daughters, Joan Baker and Penny (Larry) Ryan of Antwerp; two sisters, Bertha Zuber of Antwerp and Dorothy Roth of Grabill; 18 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 50 great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a daughter, Karen Walley; three sons, Barry, Kim and Nick Banks; two sisters, Lois Haynes and Mabel Thimlar; and a brother, Robert Quaintance.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 2 at Antwerp United Methodist Church. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Dallas Lamb Foundation or the church.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

ESTHER MOTT
1918-2010
NEWBORN, Ga. – Former Paulding resident Esther Mott, age 91, died Friday, Feb. 9 at her daughter’s home in Newborn, Ga.
She was born April 10, 1918 in Cecil, the daughter of Erie L. and Ollie E. (Hutchinson) Hull. She married Earl Comadoll, who died in April 1946. She married Maynard L. Mott, who preceded her in death on Jan. 29, 1989. She was a homemaker.
Surviving are three sons, Ted Comadoll of Largo, Fla., Ned Mott of Tarpon Springs, Fla. and Keith (Becky) Mott of Monroeville, Ind.; a daughter, Ruth (Wayne) Comadoll Sams of Newborn, Ga.; 12 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by two sons, Nick (Sandy) Mott and David Mott.
In accordance with her wishes, no services will be held. Wheeler Funeral Home in Covington, Ga., was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Caring & Sharing Food Pantry in Paulding or a charity of the donor’s choice.

veteran DONALD ENGLISH
1925-2010
ANTWERP – Donald C. English, 84, of Van Wert, died Saturday, Feb. 27, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 17, 1925, in Ashtabula, the son of Minnie Elva (Hoover) and Roy  English.
He served in the U.S. Marines as a corporal in WWII and was a  foreman at Dana Weatherhead,  Antwerp.
Surviving are his daughter, Robin Lee Wright of Van Wert; two sons, Paul of Van Wert and Donn of Antwerp; a brother, Bernard of Oakwood; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Butler; and four brothers, Cloyd, Floyd, Raymond and Gerald.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 3, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with viewing one hour prior to his service. Burial will be in Maumee Cemetery.
Memorials are to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

veteran:RONALD WILLIAMS
1942-2009
HAVILAND – Word has been received that former Paulding County resident Ronald R. Williams, age 67, died Dec. 12, 2009 in Las Vegas.
He was born Oct. 1, 1942 in Haviland, the son of Schuyler and Mary Pearl (Rowe) Williams. He was a U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran and a mechanic.
Surviving are three brothers, Robert Williams of Haviland, Dennis Williams of Dayton and Paul Williams, Columbus; and two sisters, Evelyn Harrison of Indianapolis and Vera McGee, Lima.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, James and Donald Williams; and two sisters, Juanita Morning and Betty Robinson.
Graveside services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, March 6 at Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Grover Hill, with military graveside rites. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to www.denherderfh.com

BEVERLY DECKER
1952-2010
OAKWOOD — Beverly J. (Dills) Decker, 57, of Oakwood, died at 9:21 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima.
She was born Nov. 7, 1952, in Van Wert, the daughter of James and Rowena (Moran) Dills, who both preceded her in death. On Jan. 6, 1996, she married James W. Decker, who survives in Oakwood. She had formerly worked for Pandora Manufacturing Inc. and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Continental.
She is also survived by two daughters, Tara (William) McMonigal and Tonya (Edward) Garlock; three stepsons, Glenn, Charles and Edward Decker; a stepdaughter, Sandra Weide; 35 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Tonya Scott; and two sisters, Connie Sulfridge and Barbara Dills.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 27, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Brent Gibson officiating. Burial was in Monroe Cemetery in Continental.
Condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

JOHN KESLER
1940-2010
OAKWOOD – John R. Kesler, 69, of Oakwood, died at 6:23 p.m. Thursday, March 4, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born May 4, 1940, in Dupont, the son of Gerald and Ashley (Bibler) Kesler, who both preceded him in death. On Feb. 4, 1977, he married Debbie Grindstaff, who survives in Oakwood. He was a lifelong farmer and owned Kesler Farms. He was a member of the Dupont Church of the Brethren, Farm Bureau, Belgian Draft Horse Association, and a Brown Township trustee. He enjoyed woodworking and especially making furniture. He also loved camping with his family and friends.
Also surviving are four sons, Dave (Patsy) and Bob (Tina) Kesler, both of Oakwood, Bill (Melissa) of Arthur, and Denny (Karen) McVay of Paulding; two daughters, Doreen (Rex) Andrews and Abby (Kevin) Hornish of Oakwood; three brothers, Lee (Marge) and Stanley (Karen), both of Florida, and Claud (LaDonna) of Dupont; two sisters, Marjorie Hazelton of Continental and Marvel Warren of Nevada; and 16 grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by a son, Eric Kesler; and a brother, Charles Kesler.
Services were held Monday, March 8, at the Twin Oaks United Methodist Church in Oakwood, with the Revs. Terry Porter and Jeffrey Mullinix officiating. Burial was in the Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood. Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the Oakwood Library Association.
Online condolences may be sent to www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

DOUGLAS WOODBURN
1955-2010
NORMAL, Ill. – Douglas Glenn Woodburn, 54, of Normal, Ill., formerly of Paulding, died at 12:05 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, at Camp Mekokiko, Hawaii, while on a church mission trip.
He was born Oct. 25, 1955 in Kenton, the son of Gilbert Wesley and Lois Emma Livingston Woodburn, who both preceded him in death. On Feb. 24, 1988, in Columbus, he married Judy Ronan, Ph.D, who survives in Bloomington. He was a graduate of Paulding High School, Denver Automotive Technical School, and received a bachelor’s degree in rural sociology and master’s degree in student personnel and higher education administration from the Ohio State University and earned several certificates in computer technical support. He held many jobs over the years. Most recently, he was employed by Novell Inc.
  He was very active in 4-H, including holding leadership positions as a youth. He was a member of the Ohio State Alumni Association, and was a huge Buckeye fan. He was a very active and committed member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington, including involvement in PAWS (Pets Are Working Saints), Stephen Ministry, Marriage 101, the Chancel Choir and missions work.
Also surviving are three sisters, Dianne (Greg) Gerber, Lynda (Charles) Shafer and Pam (Ed) Puralewski; nieces and nephews, Sarah (Joel) Esala, Allison (Chad) Irving, Michael Shafer, Dwight Shafer and Rebecca Puralewski; and great-nephew Asher Esala.
A celebration of life service was held Friday, March 5, at Wesley United Methodist Church, Bloomington, with the Rev. Vaughn Hoffman officiating. Calvert and Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington was in charge of the arrangements. Inurnment will be at a later date.
    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church Missions, OSU Athletic Scholarships, Camp Mekokiko or to 4-H of Paulding County.

RICHARD YANT
1943-2010
OAKWOOD — Richard L. “Dick” “Polo” Yant, 66, of Oakwood, died Monday, Feb. 22, in Mazatlan, Mexico.
He was born Dec. 6, 1943, in Defiance, the son of O. Lavern and Alice M. (Robinson) Yant. On Sept. 30, 1967, he married Christine M. Lauro, who survives. He was a U.S. Navy DT3 veteran, serving in Vietnam. He was employed by GM in Defiance; was a caddy then an assistant golf pro for Kettenring Golf Course in Defiance; and also was a chauffeur for Loretta’s Limousine then Premier Limousine.
He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Junction, later the Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Paulding, and UAW Local #211. He enjoyed retrieving golf balls from local golf courses and spending winters in Mazatlan.
He is also survived by his mother, Alice Yant of Defiance; two sons, Aaron (Sara) of Champaign, Ill. and Eric of Holgate; a daughter, Brenda (Drew) Munger of Paulding; six grandchildren, Ashley and Jared Yant, Ian and Alyson Munger, and Caleb and Megan Yant; three brothers, John of Columbus and Thomas and Robert (Roxan) of Defiance; three sisters, Dorothy (Mehdi) Kajani of Philadelphia, Peggy (Robert) Thatcher of Evans, Ga., and Pamela (Michael) Seibenick of Defiance; a brother in spirit, David (Rita) Iliff and their children, David and Sarah Iliff; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friends.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Services were held Monday, March 8, at the Divine Mercy Church in Paulding with Fathers David Tscherne and Allan Fillman officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery in Defiance, where military rites were conducted by VFW Post 3360. Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Vineyard Church in Mazatlan, or to the donor’s choice.