JERRY BURDUE
1942-2003
NAPOLEON — Jerry Lee Burdue, 60, of Napoleon, died Saturday evening in St. Luke’s Hospital in Maumee.
He was born Sept. 27, 1942, in Liberty Center, the son of Clyde Sr. and Stella (Waxler) Burdue, who preceded him in death. In 1961, he married Mary Ann Kryling, who survives. He was a forklift operator at Tenneco Automotive in Napoleon, for 30 years and had previously worked for Norfolk and Western Railroad. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon, Grand Rapids Sportsman Club, and U.S. Trotting Association.
Also surviving are a son, Terry of Napoleon,; a daughter, Tami (Matt) Bombick, of Holland; six sisters, Lois Kozumplik of Ney, Donna McEwen of Cygnet, Pat Myers of Defiance, Judy Stetter of Oakwood, Mary Stetter of Napoleon, and Florence Burdue of Calif.; and seven grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Larry; a sister, Betty Good; and five brothers, Guy, Gail, George, Clyde Jr., and Jim.
Services will be held today, Wednesday Jan. 8 at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Napoleon, with the Revs. Peter Marcis and Norm Koy officiating. Burial will be in Young’s Cemetery in Liberty Center. Walker Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Napoleon High School, Liberty Center High School, or Springfield High School sports programs.

LUCILLE LONG
1898-2002
ANTWERP — Lucille Long, 104, Largo, Fla. and previous resident of Antwerp, died Dec. 17 in Palm Gardens Nursing Home, Largo.
She was born July 11, 1898, in Antwerp, the daughter of Joseph L. and Bertha (Snyder) Doering. She married Taylor Long, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Antwerp High School in 1916, was a member of Antwerp Presbyterian Church and the Eastern Star, and co-owned Doering & Long grocery and dry goods store in Antwerp.
Surviving are one daughter, Jane Yount of Redington Beach, Fla.; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was one daughter, Joan Panico.
Burial took place Friday, Jan. 3 in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

KIM WEBB
1943-2003
ANTWERP — Kim Webb, 59, Antwerp died Tuesday, Jan. 7 at Community Memorial Hospital in Hicksville.
He was born March 11, 1943, in Auburn, Ind., the son of Ross and Ethel (Dunn) Webb. In 1983, he married JoAnne Walkenstine, who survives. He was a computer analyst at International Harvester, Fort Wayne.
Also surviving are his mother, Ethel Webb of Auburn; one son, Kevin of Austria; one daughter, Deborah Scott, of Auburn; one stepson, Jim Mortoff of Antwerp; two stepdaughters, Linda Swann of Woodburn and Patty Hathaway of Waterloo, Ind.; one brother, Bradford of Auburn; three grandchildren; six step-grandchildren and four great-step-grandchildren.
Preceding him death was his father.
Services will be at a later date. Handling arrangements is Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp.

DOROTHY OLIVER
1924-2003
BEAVER DAM, Wis. — Dorothy J. Oliver, 78, Beaver Dam, Wis., died Wednesday, Jan. 8 at Hillside Manor in Beaver Dam.
She was born Jan. 9, 1924, in Paulding, the daughter of Edward and Frieda (Huffman) Schmidt. In 1949 she married William L. Oliver, who survives. She graduated from Paulding High School in 1942, was an occupational nurse, and was active at the First Evangelical Church in Beaver Dam as Sunday School teacher, choir member and Bethel educational instructor.
Also surviving are two sons, Daniel William (Pat) Oliver of Beaver Dam, and Timothy John (Sherry) Oliver of Guttenberg, Iowa; one brother, Edward Schmidt of Hamilton, Ohio; three grandchildren; and two “grandpuppies.”
She was preceded in death by one sister, Naomi Saffell of Richland Center, Wis.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 10 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beaver Dam with the Rev. Paul Lindau officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Highland Memory Gardens, Trenton, Wis.

DAVID STEWART
1933-2002
ATHENS, Ga. — David Leigh Stewart, 69, Athens, Ga., died Tuesday, Dec. 31, at his residence.
He was born May 1, 1933 in Paulding County. He married Mary Ann (Ball) Stewart. He graduated from International College in Fort Wayne, and was plant controller with Dana Corp. in Athens, Ga. and Crossville, Tenn., retiring in 1997. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens, and a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Surviving are his wife, Mary, Athens, Ga.; one son, David of Cincinnati; and one daughter, Sheryl Tuggle of Athens, Ga.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 3 in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Athens, with Pastor Loyde Bickle officiating. Graveside services were held Friday, Jan. 10 in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn, Ind. McComb, Dilgard & Cline Funeral Home of Auburn was in charge of the graveside services.
Preferred memorials are to Alzheimer’s Association.

ROLLAND MOWERY
1916-2003
OAKWOOD — Rolland V. Mowery, 86, of Oakwood, died at 1:35 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 12, at Defiance Hospital.
He was born Nov. 16, 1916, in Paulding County, the son of Phillip and Josephine (Lamb) Mowery. On March 6, 1946, he married Virginia J. Tumey, who preceded him in death.
He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in WWII as a master sergeant in the 12th Field Artillery. He was employed by Grizzly in Paulding for 33 years and was a foreman for 27 years, before retiring in 1979. He was a member of the Oakwood American Legion and the Oakwood VFW.
Surviving are two sons, James C. (Mary) Mowery of Continental, and Rolland (Bekkie) Mowery Jr. of Van Wert; three grandchildren, Amanda (Shad) DeVelvis of Elida, Hanna Mowery of Van Wert, and Alex Mowery of Luckey, Ohio; and a great-grandson.
Also preceding him in death were a brother, Robert Mowery; and three sisters, Ethel Adams, Eathel Jankowski and Ida Vail.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 15, at Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood with Pastor Michael Brown officiating. Heitmeyer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Visiting Nurses.

PEARL CHILDS
1931-2003
PAYNE — Pearl A. Childs, 71, of Payne, died at 2 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at her residence.
She was born Oct. 28, 1931 in Payne, the daughter of Henry and Ida (Hoop) Hook. On April 4, 1949, she married William F. Childs, who preceded her in death in 1997. She retired after 28 years of service as a rural letter carrier for the Payne Post Office. She was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne.
Surviving are three sons, William, David and Terry, all of Payne; two daughters, Kathy Litzenberg of Fort Wayne, and Debra Simmerman of Payne; three brothers, Nedrey Hook of New Haven, Clarence Hook of Coca, Fla., and Henry J. Hook of Payne; one sister, Phyllis Stephenson of Monroeville; 12 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Services were held Monday Jan. 13, at the St. Paul United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Amy Haines officiating. Burial was in the Lehman Cemetery in Payne. Slade Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Rehab.

EVELYN BAUER
1932-2003
DEFIANCE — Evelyn N. “Tiny” Bauer, 70, of Defiance, died at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at her residence.
She was born March 4, 1932, in Defiance, the daughter of Carl and A. Mae (Relyea) Osborn, who preceded her in death. In 1948, she married George E. Bauer, who survives. She was a homemaker/domestic, and also retired in 1976 from All Star Products. From 1988 until the present she spent her winters in Florida. She was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church.
Also surviving are three daughters, Lura (James) Jeffery of Defiance, Sandra (John) Balle of Sherwood, and Georganna Bauer of Grand Rapids, Ohio; two sons, Jim Bauer of Sherwood, and Rick Bauer of Ney; a sister, Velma (Vernon) Bauer of Defiance; a brother, Clifford Osborn of Maumee; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 14 at the Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with the Rev. Roger Braun officiating. Burial was in Riverview Memory Gardens in Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to the Hospice/Caring way of Defiance or to the church.

JOHN W. EVANS
1956-2003
OAKWOOD — John W. Evans Jr., 46, died Monday, Jan. 13 at Defiance Regional Medical Center, Defiance.
He was born March 29, 1956, in Defiance, the son of John W. and Pearl (Chaffin) Evans Sr. In 1979, he married Cora Shepherd, who survives. He was formerly employed at GM Powertrain, and then later as a maintenance technician at Dietrich Industries, Hicksville.
Also surviving are three sons, David and Michael Evans of Oakwood, and Joshua (Wendi) Evans of Defiance; two daughters, Andrea and Christen Evans of Oakwood; one brother, Richard Evans of West Virginia; three sisters, Deb Heman of Minster, and Brenda Cline and Vicki Kennedy, both of West Virginia; and one granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Beverly and Deana.
Services were held Thursday, Jan.16 at Faith Tabernacle Pentecostal Church of God, Defiance, with Pastor Burnell Hammons officiating. Burial was held at Riverside Cemetery, Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to the John W. Evans Jr. Family.

ROBERT FREE
1923-2003
PAULDING — Robert G. Free, 79, died at 1:24 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Paulding County Hospital, shortly after admission.
He was born Jan. 20, 1923, in Williams County, the son of Harry and Eva Rose (Fritch) Free. On June 19, 1949, he married Rose Santo, who preceded him in death in 1982. In 1983, he married Margaret Froelich Keller, who survives. He retired from GM Powertrain after 37 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in WWII, and was a life member of the Paulding VFW Post #587, a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and a member of the Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Council #3584.
Also surviving are a son, Alan (Ann) Free, Paulding; four daughters, Theresa Dempsey, Mary (Don) Howard, Ann (Corey) Walker and Christine (Dave) Albert, all of Paulding; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Kimple of Edgerton, Ohio; three stepsons, Steve (Cathy) Keller of Coldwater, Mich., Al (Paula) Keller of Defiance and Neal (Cathy Jo) Keller of Defiance; a stepdaughter, Theresa (Larry) Ellis of Avilla, Ind.; 10 step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Stephen Free; a brother, Jim Free; and a sister, Betty Lehman.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 22, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Paulding, with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman officiating. Burial will be in the Live Oak Cemetery in Paulding, where VFW Post #587 will conduct military graveside rites. Den Herder Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses Association.

HAROLD SALISBURY
1937-2003
ANTWERP — Harold Seth Salisbury, 65, died at 4 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15 at the Phoebe-Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Ga.
He was born Nov. 25, 1937, in Defiance County, the son of Seth S. and Mary Jane (Frost) Salisbury. His wife Glendora (Slosser) Salisbury, died in 2000. He was a truck driver, retiring in 1989. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and a member of the Moose and the F.O.E., both in Ohio and Florida. He attended the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Paulding.
Surviving are his mother, Mary Jane of Payne; a brother, Walter Salisbury of Knoxville, Tenn.; a sister, Marilyn Grimm of Pleasant Lake, Ind.; and nieces and nephews.
Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial will be at Lost Creek Cemetery, Defiance County, at a later date.
Memorials are to the donor’s choice.

PHYLLIS BARNHART
1933-2003
PAYNE — Phyllis A. Barnhart, 69, of Payne, died at 3:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, at her residence.
She was born Dec. 26, 1933, in Fort Wayne, the daughter of Bryant and Leota (Koehlinger) Arnold. She married Curtis “Barney” Barnhart, who preceded her in death in 2000. She was retired from U.S. Food Service in Fort Wayne, and a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church.
Surviving are two sons, Gary Burke of Payne, and Harold Burke of Woodburn; a daughter, Connie Crawford of Payne; two brothers, Roland Arnold of Houston and Dale Arnold of New Haven; a sister, Glenna Critchfield, of Indianapolis; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 21 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Payne, with the Rev. Amy Haines officiating. Burial was in the Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Slade Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Hospital Home Health Department.

VERONICA GOLLIVER
1922-2003
GROVER HILL — Veronica Mary “Ronnie” Golliver, 80, died at 8:42 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Van Wert Manor.
She was born Sept. 6, 1922 in Pittsfield, Mass., the daughter of Charles and Margaret (O’Boyle) Robinson. On Oct. 17, 1945 in Long Island, N.Y., she married Russell T. Golliver, who preceded her in death in 1995. She was a Tech 4 WAC in the U.S. Army from 1943-1945 where she served as a surgical technician. She was employed at General Electric in Pittsfield, and Fort Wayne.
She was a homemaker, a member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post #2873 in Grover Hill, Women’s Auxiliary National Rural Mail Letters Carriers Association, National Lady’s Veteran Memorial Association, and the Grover Hill Euchre/Bunco Club.
Surviving are a son, Michael (Becky) Golliver, Alvaton, Ky.; a daughter, Susan (John) Moon of Grover Hill; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were four brothers, John, Patrick, Donald and Charles; five sisters, Ellen Willner, Margaret Cotter, Nancy Carlson, Kathryn Mancivalano and Jane Spence; and a great-grandson, Austin Golliver.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 20, at Den Herder Funeral Home with the Rev. G. Allan Fillman, officiating. Burial was in the Middle Creek Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Grover Hill E.M.S. or to the donor’s choice.

JOE BUPP
1947-2003
OAKWOOD — Joe O. Bupp, 55, of Oakwood, died at 11:05 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at his residence.
He was born Oct. 10, 1947 in Oakwood, the son of John and Marie (Doyle) Bupp. On July 3, 1975, he married Patricia M. Fortman, who survives. He was the owner of Satellite Solutions, in Oakwood, and retired from Defiance Precision Products, where he had been a tool and die maker for 30 years, and was a member of the U.A.W.
Also surviving are his mother, Marie Bupp, of Oakwood; two sons, Ryan Bupp of Tennessee and Nicholas Bupp of Haviland; a daughter, Amanda Bupp, at home; one brother, Johnny Bupp of Oakwood; three sisters, Karen Bupp of Oakwood, Hope Branford of Payne, and Faith Bronson of Paulding; and one grandson, Vincent Bupp.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. today, Jan. 22, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Terry Porter officiating. Burial will be in the Prairie Chapel Cemetery in Oakwood.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding County Hospice.

OSCAR MUIR
1926-2003
ANTWERP — Oscar Muir, 76, of Antwerp died at 2:05 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17 at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Oct. 4, 1926 in Antwerp, the son of John and Catherine (Deemer) Muir. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in WWII. He was a member of the Antwerp VFW Post #587 and American Legion Post #253.
Surviving are two sons, Michael Muir of Cincinnati, and Arthur Muir of Antwerp; a daughter, Linda Lambert of Oakwood; a brother, John Muir of Munich, Germany; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were a son John; three brothers, Eugene, Lloyd and Arthur Muir; and two sisters, Viola Muir and Madel Fulk.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 20 at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial was in the Blue Creek Cemetery, Haviland.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

ZERMA KLEINHEN
1925-2003
OTTAWA — Zerma Kleinhen, 77, of Leesburg, Fla., formerly of Ottawa, died at 6:23 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima.
She was born March 8, 1925, in Francesville, Ind., the daughter of Elmer and Esther (Goller) Archer. She married Cleo Melford Deatrick, who preceded her in death in 1960. She then married Richard Kleinhen, who also preceded her in death. She was a homemaker, and a member of the New Life Presbyterian Church in Leesburg.
Surviving are a son, Larry (Gina) Deatrick of Raleigh, N.C.; three daughters, Charlene (Junior) Closson of Ottawa, Vicki (Richard) VonderEmbse of San Antonio, Texas, and Bonita Myrand of Rochester Hills, Mich.; one stepson, Keith (Sharon) Kleinhen of Seattle; two stepdaughters, Bonnie West of Seattle, and Barbara (Steve) Kleinhen-Price of Sultan, Wash.; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death was a son, Randy Deatrick.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 20 at the Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Ottawa. Interment was in the Sherman Cemetery in Oakwood.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

HELEN COTTERMAN
HAVILAND — Helen A. Cotterman, 91, died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at Golden Years Homestead in Fort Wayne.
Born in Haviland, she was a homemaker, and enjoyed flower gardening and baking.
Surviving are a son, Richard R. of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Ruth Loy, also of Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Royal T.; a daughter, Audrey; a brother; two sisters; and a grandson.
Services were held Monday, Jan. 20 at D.O. McComb and Sons in Fort Wayne. Burial was in the Scott Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Golden Years Homestead.

GEORGE BREWSTER
1933-2003
CARETTA, W.Va. — George Raymond Brewster, 69, of Caretta, W.Va., died Wednesday, Jan. 22, in Tazewell Community Hospital, Tazewell, Va.
He was born July 7, 1933 in Caretta, the son of Archie and Carrie (Bailey) Brewster, who preceded him in death. He retired from Nottaway Correctional Center where he was a corrections officer, worked as a coal miner and with the Council of the Southern Mountains. He attended the Church of God and was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Berwind.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy (Brown) Brewster; six sons, Shannon Brewster, at home, Chris Brewster of Kernersville, N.C., Cecil “Butch” Brewster of Cecil, Ohio, Kenneth and Dan Brewster of Columbus, and Randy Brewster of Blue Ridge, Va.; three daughters, Linda Walker of Durbin, South Africa, Rhonda Brown of Farmville, Va., and Shelby Brown of Caretta; two brothers, Carl Brewster of Pilgrim Knob, Va., and Fred Brewster of Princeton; two sisters, Della Stiltner of War, W.Va., and Florence Mullins of Paynesville, W.Va.; 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were two brothers, John and Clyde Brewster; and three sisters, Hettie Mullins, Mary Brewster and Melinda Brewster.
Burial will be at a later date. Douglas Funeral Home in War, W.Va. was in charge of the arrangements.

LILLIAN GOODWIN
SHAKER HEIGHTS — Lillian Fetzer Goodwin, 96, a long-time Shaker Heights resident, died Monday, Jan. 20, 2003.
She was the daughter of Otto and Lillie (Morgan) Fetzer. She attended National Park Junior College and Western Reserve University. She was a former kindergarten teacher, an active member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine, and the Junior Board of Fairview and Grace Hospitals. Traveling was her hobby.
Surviving are three sons, Ronald (Nola) Johnson of Sarasota, Fla., Carl (Nancy) Goodwin of Palisade, Colo., and David (Caroline) Goodwin of Hilliard; two daughters, Penny (David) Kurtz of Waite Hill, Ohio, and Susan (Paul) Nixon of Chesterland, Ohio; 16 grandchildren, including Mike and Sam Goodwin of Payne, and Sharon Thatcher of Hilliard; 27 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.
Preceding her in death was a daughter, Helen Stroud.
Family services were held Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Knollwood Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 1, at Plymouth Church in Shaker Heights. Arrangements were made by the Brown-Forward Funeral Home in Shaker Heights.

GENEVA CULLER
1923-2003
HICKSVILLE — Geneva R. Culler, 79, formerly of Hicksville, died Friday Jan. 31, at University Heights Nursing Home in Indianapolis.
She was born Aug. 14, 1923 in Paulding, the daughter of Edgar James and Martha Emma (Jacob) Ackerman, who preceded her in death. She was a 1941 graduate of Paulding High school. In 1941, she married Norman Gerald Culler, who preceded her in death in 1991, She was retired from General Electric in Fort Wayne, a homemaker, and a member of the Hicksville First Presbyterian Church.
Surviving are two daughters, Sharon Bousum of Greenwood, Ind., and Shella Vajen of Napoleon; a son, Steven Culler of Honea Path, S.C.; a brother, Kenneth Ackerman of Wapakoneta; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a brother, Ralph Ackerman; and a sister, Phyllis Akromas.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 3 at the Brown Funeral Home in Hicksville with the Rev. Clarence Zimmerman officiating. Burial was in the Forest home Cemetery in Hicksville.
Preferred memorials are to the Hicksville First Presbyterian Church.

GERALD CLAYPOOL
1921-2003
DELPHOS — Gerald “Bud” Claypool, 81, died Wednesday, Jan. 22 at his residence.
He was born Aug. 1, 1921 in Paulding County, the son of the late Ernest and Edith (Dotson) Claypool. In 1940, he married AnnaBelle Diltz, who survives in Delphos. He was retired from Fruehoff Trailer Corp.
Also surviving are one son, Dennis (Dianne) Claypool of Delphos; three daughters, AlVera Paxson of Scottsdale, Ariz., Geralene (Dick) Thitoff of Delphos and Joyce (Mark) Miller of Van Wert; three sisters, Wanda (Bill) Boutwell of Beaverdam, Thelma (Cletus) Brenneman of Wapakoneta, and Judy (Skip) Lolmaugh of Defiance; his stepmother, Margaret Slusser of Defiance; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Rosemary Fleischmann; and two brothers, Harold and Robert Claypool.
Services were held Saturday, Jan. 25 at Harter & Son Memorial Chapel in Delphos with the Revs. Terry Martin and Wayne Prater officiating. Burial was in Walnut Grove Cemetery.

PAUL FEGLEY
1918-2002
JEROME, Mich. — Paul W. Fegley, 84, formerly of Paulding County, died on Dec. 30, 2002, at W.A. Foote Hospital.
He was born Aug. 7, 1918, in Ohio City, the son of Walter and Annie Fegley. In 1939, he married Dorothy Leeth, who survives. He retired from Kelsey-Hayes Industry in Jackson, Mich. as a machinist and supervisor, in 1984 after 34 years of service. He had also worked in the C.C.C. Camps in Ohio, and for Brady Brothers in Payne. He was an excellent carpenter and loved hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.
Also surviving are a son, William Fegley of Jackson; a daughter, Diane (Max) Byers of North Adams; a brother, Glen Fegley of Decatur, Ind.; two sisters, Betty Egley of Decatur, and Helen Liebert of Monroeville; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Donald and Herbert (of Payne); and a sister, Marie.
Services were held Friday, Jan. 3 at the Kurtz Funeral Home in Hillsdale, Mich. Burial was in the Jerome Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Hospice of Hillsdale County.

DOUGLAS HAWKEY
1984-2003
HICKSVILLE — Douglas “D.J.” E. Hawkey, 18, Hicksville, died on Tuesday, Jan. 28 in an automobile accident in Williams County.
He was born Oct. 3, 1984 in Hicksville, the son of Doug and Debra (Germann) Hawkey. He was a senior at Hicksville High School and Four County Vocational School, a past wrestler for the Hicksville Aces, and was employed at Clines Market in Hicksville.
Surviving are his parents Doug and Debbie; one sister, Angie Hawkey, a senior at Ohio State University of Lima; maternal grandparents, Edwin and Marguerite Germann of Oakwood; paternal grandparents, Tom and Phyllis Hawkey of Paulding; and girlfriend Melisa Crosser and her daughter Jourdyn of Sherwood.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 1 at Brown Funeral Home in Hicksville with Pastor Robert Knapp of the Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial was in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville.
Preferred memorials are to donor’s choice.

ZADA RATLIFF
1923-2003
PAULDING — Zada C. Ratliff, 79, died at 9:52 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born April 24, 1923 in Floyd County, Ky., the daughter of Joseph and Pearlie (Stevens) Bradley, who preceded her in death. In 1941, she married Ollie Ratliff, who preceded her in death in 1971. She was a homemaker and a member of the First Baptist Church in Convoy.
Surviving are a son, Harlen “Bud” (Laura) Ratliff of Oakwood; four daughters, Bethel (Dean “Lacy”) Hicks of Payne, Dorothy Ratliff of Briceton, Edna (Ron) Hensley and Judy (Roger) Haiflich, all of Fort Wayne; four brothers, Clifford of Lima, Bill of Bellefontaine, Coy of College Corners, and Bob Bradley of Floyd County, Ky.; six sisters, Susie Bradley, Ruth Moore Louise Howard, Clara Parker, Bonnie Bradley, and Shirley Haws, all of Floyd County, Ky.; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were three brothers, Gorman, Harlen and Clyde Bradley.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bud Walls officiating. Burial was in the Wiltsie Cemetery, in Payne.
Preferred memorials are to the First Baptist Church in Convoy or to the donor’s choice.

MARY SHAVER
SAULT SAINT MARIE, Ontario, Canada — Mary Jane Shaver, 87, formerly of Antwerp, died Jan. 19, 2003.
She was the daughter of Lloyd S. and Vida G. Long. She married Dr. Charles Shaver, who preceded her in death.
Surviving are a son, Robert; a daughter, Mary Eleanor; a sister, Betty Williamson; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Services were held in Sault Saint Marie, Ontario.

SCOTT EVANS
1970-2003
PAULDING — Scott D. Evans, 32, Paulding, died Friday, Feb. 7 at the Paulding County Hospital shortly after admission.
He was born April 29, 1970, in Lima, the son of Claudine Collins and Dennis J. Evans. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, and served during the Persian Gulf War as a 1st class petty officer on the U.S.S. Nimitz. He was employed by Busted Knuckles Auto Body Shop in Paulding, and was a member of the VFW Post #587, Paulding.
Surviving are his mother, Claudine (Robert) Jones of Paulding; his father, Dennis J. (Naomi) Evans of Arizona; three sons, Gage, Cole and Chazz; one daughter, Kennadi; one sister, Melody (Tim) Bussing of Paulding; one brother, James (Debra) Evans of Glenmoor; maternal grandmother, Helen Collins of Oakwood; and paternal grandmother, Alice Evans of Florida.
He was preceded in death by both grandfathers, Robert Collins and James Evans.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Pastor Tim Hauenstein officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today, Feb. 12, and from 8 a.m. until service time on Thursday.
Preferred memorials are to the Scott D. Evans family.

LEO MANSFIELD SR.
1931-2003
PAULDING – Leo C. Mansfield Sr., 71, Paulding, died at 12:48 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6 at Paulding County Hospital.
He was born March 2, 1931, in Continental, the son of David and Clara (Parsons) Mansfield. He was a self-employed mechanic.
Surviving are two sons, Leo C. Mansfield Jr. of Lubbock, Texas and Alan D. Mansfield of Paulding; one daughter, Tina (Donald) Bright of Amberg, Wis.; two sisters, Hazel (James) Piete of Ironwood, Mich. and Helen (Harold) Gee of Continental; one brother, Donald Mansfield of Olive Hill, Ky.; and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Florence Mansfield and Mabel Brown; and five brothers, Nathan, Glenn, Ralph, Paul and Carl.
There will be no funeral services. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, Defiance, was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

ALBERT MOHR
1929-2003
DEFIANCE — Albert B. Mohr, 73, Defiance, died on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at his residence.
He was born March 2, 1929, in Defiance, the son of Bernard Albert Sr. and Gay (Courtney) Mohr. He was an Army veteran of the Korean conflict, and retired from the U.S. Army in 1967. He was a life member of Defiance VFW and a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Surviving are two daughters, Gaylinda Zack of Sacramento, and Andrea Misich of Lawton, Okla.; four sisters, Violet (Richard) Relue, Joyce (Robert) Sanders, Joan (Paul) Ullinsky, all of Defiance, and Patricia Pack of Paulding; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Richard and Frank Mohr.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Defiance with Father Tim Kummerer officiating. Burial was at Riverview Memory Gardens, Defiance with VFW graveside rites. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home, Defiance was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

CECIL ROBINSON
1915 - 2003
RADNOR, Ohio — Cecil H. Robinson, 87, of Radnor, died Thursday, Jan. 30, in the Grady Memorial Hospital ER.
He was born March 24, 1915 in Somerset, Ohio, the son of Glenna Mae (Bidlack) and Clayton Clay "C.C." Robinson. His family moved to Radnor in 1919, where they established the farm on which he lived until his death. A 1933 graduate of Radnor High School, he attended The Ohio State University College of Agriculture. In 1936 he began producing hybrid seed corn on the family farm, selling seed to local farmers. He graduated from OSU with a degree in agricultural engineering in 1940 and then taught for two years at Purdue University. On July 20, 1941 he married Eloise Owens, who survives.
He owned and operated Robinson Hybrids Inc. for 50 years. He was committed to research and the application of new technologies in both crop and livestock production. In 1985, he was indicted into the Ohio Agricultural Hall of Fame.
He was a member of the Future Farmers of America, a supporter of 4-H, served on the board of the Delaware County Soil Conservation Service, National Livestock and Meat Board and was a long-time member of Radnor Grange, Ohio Farm Bureau and Radnor United Church of Christ. He was a member of the Radnor School Board.
Also surviving are children, Carol Robinson of Toledo, Nancy (Allen) Prindle of Radnor, and Tom (Ellen) Robinson of Newark; four grandchildren; three brothers, Robert (Jeanette) of Danville, Ky, J.B. (Martha) of Foley, Ala., and Clayton (Julie) of Florida; a sister, Mary Long of Columbus; and relatives in Paulding County.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Russell and Dale.
Services were held Sunday, Feb. 2, at the Radnor United Church of Christ, with the Revs. Lynn Blevins and Robert Blevins officiating. Burial was in Radnor Cemetery.

SIDNEY WALKER
1935-2003
PAULDING — Sidney B. Walker, 67, Paulding, died Friday, Feb. 7, at Paulding County Hospital shortly after admission.
He was born Sept. 24, 1935, in Mt. Vernon, the son of Harlow H. and Catherine L. (Dawley) Walker. In 1956, he married Jacqueline B. Burgess, who survives. He retired in 1994 as the district director of ASCS for Northwest Ohio. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army with the rank of major, serving during the Vietnam Conflict, where he received the Purple Heart and the Vietnamese Civic Actions Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.
He was a member of the First Christian Church of Paulding, where he was an elder and chairman of the church board, served on the finance committee, property committee, worship committee and headed the building committee. He was president of the local branch of N.A.R.F.E. (National Association Retired Federal Employees) and a member of the Paulding VFW Post #587.
Also surviving are one daughter, Tracy (Ron) Gunderman of Antwerp; three sons, Christopher Walker and Corey (Ann) Walker, both of Paulding, and Chad (Laura) Walker of Florence, Ky.; two brothers, Terry Walker of Seattle and Hal Walker of Gambier; and nine grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be held Thursday, Feb. 13, at the First Christian Church, Paulding with the Rev. Susan Taylor officiating. Burial will be held in Paulding Memorial Cemetery, where the Paulding VFW Post #587 will conduct military graveside services.
Preferred memorials are to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund.

MARY YENSER
1928-2003
DEFIANCE — Mary “Jane” Yenser, 74, Defiance, died Monday, Feb. 10, at her residence.
She was born June 13, 1928, in Paulding County, the daughter of George Henry and Mary “Macy” (Linnabary) Font. In 1951, he married Gale A. Yenser, who survives. She was a member of the Faith Baptist Church and was a homemaker.
Also surviving are two daughters, Patsy (Donald “Gene”) Link and Opal Yenser, both of Defiance; three sons, Rolland Goeltzenleuchter and Steve Yenser, both of Defiance, and Mark Yenser of Continental; one sister, Amy VanScoder of Defiance; two brothers, Eli Font of Defiance and David Font of Paulding; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four sisters, Gertrude Grimes, Grace Louth, Doris Snavely and Martha Rohlf; and three brothers, Charley Font, Leo (Abe) Font, and Rev. George H. Font II.
Services will be at noon today, Feb. 12 at the Faith Baptist Church, Defiance with the Rev. Pat Holt officiating. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding Hospital Visiting Nurses and WBCL Radio or donor’s choice.

MARY ALLSPAUGH
1920-2003
PAULDING — Mary Allspaugh, 82, Paulding, died Friday, Jan. 31 at Hawthorn Nursing home in Paulding.
She was born March 21, 1920, in Martinville, Ind., the daughter of Harry Long (mother’s name is unknown). She later married Edward Allspaugh, who died in 1980. She was a clerk of records for the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Fort Wayne, and a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Paulding.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 7 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was at Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

SAMUEL GORDON
1952-2003
ANTWERP — Samuel Ray Gordon, 50, Antwerp, died Thursday, Feb. 13, at his residence.
He was born April 26, 1952 in Hicksville, the son of Harry Earl and Lorene (Begley) Gordon. In 1978, he married Sherry Gibson, who survives. He was a finish painter for eight years at Steve Reiff in Antwerp, and previously worked at Solarcrete for 15 years. He was a member of Antwerp Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Also surviving are one daughter, Amber Gordon; one son, Nathan Gordon; one brother, George Earl Gordon of Fort Wayne; one sister, Cathy Cline of Antwerp; and one grandmother, Esther Begley of Payne.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 17 at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery in Cecil.
Preferred memorials are to Parkview Oncology.

JEAN BREWER
1922-2003
OAKWOOD — Jean M. Brewer, 80, Oakwood, died Tuesday, Feb. 11, at her residence.
She was born Aug. 27, 1922, in Bismark, S.D., the daughter of Joseph and Lillian (Bruton) McNally. In 1946, she married Richard Brewer Sr., who survives. She was a homemaker and a member of Melrose United Methodist Church.
Also surviving are two sons, Daniel of Paulding and Richard Jr. of Defiance; six daughters, Margaret Peg (Jack) Schlosser of Uniopolis, Kathleen (Walter) Clark of Paulding, DiAnn Pratt of Ocala, Fla., Nancy (James) Weisenburger of Oakwood, Barbara (Barry) Brown of Melrose, and Marsha (William) Bledsoe of St. Joe, Ind.; 24 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers; and four sisters.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 14 at Melrose United Methodist Church, Melrose with the Rev. Robert Parker officiating. Burial was held in Little Auglaize Cemetery, Melrose.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding Area Visiting Nurses or Oakwood EMS.

EMOGENE ADAMS
1925-2003
PAULDING — Emogene G. Adams, 77, Paulding, died Monday, Feb. 10, at her residence.
She was born Oct. 8, 1925, in Paulding, the daughter of Isaac and Effie (Roark) Underwood. In 1946, she married Curtis E. Adams, who survives. She was a housekeeper for the Paulding County Hospital, a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2405, Paulding VFW Post #587 Auxiliary, and the Women’s Bowling Association of Paulding. She formerly was a cook at Barnes Hotel and the Rusty Nail, Paulding.
Also surviving are two sons, Jerry (Joann) Adams of Paulding and Tony (Neva) Adams of Oakwood; three daughters, Sandra Parrish and Kelly (Tony) Ankney, both of Paulding, and Lynn (James) Nutter of Payne; 10 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Junior Underwood; two half-brothers, Wesley and Lawrence Rife; and two half-sisters, Gazel Cook and Margaret Snow.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 14 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Deacon Donald Coughlin officiating. Burial was in Cooper Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses or to Paulding County Hospital Benevolent Society.

TED PERKINS
1945-2003
PAYNE — Ted Vernon Perkins, 57, Payne, died Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Defiance Regional Medical Center, Defiance.
He was born Dec. 10, 1945 in Fort Wayne, the son of Ted and Leola (Ramsier) Perkins. In 1999, he married Rita Jividen, who survives. He was a Army veteran of the Vietnam Era, worked for Adelphia Cable and as a construction supervisor.
Also surviving are his father, Ted; two daughters, Delora Ford of Pompano Beach, Fla. and Barbara Lowden of Mulberry, Fla.; two sons, Dan Cross of Monroeville, Ind. and Dale Jividen of Cedar Hill, Tenn.; one sister, Phyllis Albert of Paulding; three brothers, Johnnie Perkins of Albuquerque, Aldon Perkins of Honolulu, and Delvan Perkins of Show Low, Ariz.; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his mother.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 15 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to donor’s choice.

JOHN STREICHER
1931-2003
DEFIANCE — John L. “Jack” Streicher, 71, of Defiance, died at 1:37 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, at Defiance Regional Medical Center.
He was born Sept. 15, 1931, in Continental, the son of Louis and Metta (Lugabihl) Streicher. He was raised by Chet and Fern Lugabihl. On June 30, 1990, he married Marry Ann Hanlin Dobbelaere, who survives. A U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, he was a machine operator at B.F. Goodrich and a life member of American Legion Post 541 of Continental, of 40 & 8 of Continental, and VFW 3360 in Defiance.
Also surviving are a son, Tim Streicher of Continental; a daughter, Cheri Streicher of Montpelier; four stepdaughters, Jeanne LaFountain of Delaware, Joy (Jerry) Bullinger of Ridgeville Corners, and Jill Wagner and Jan (Randy) Mansfield, both of Oakwood; a stepson, Jim Dobbelaere of Milford, Ind.; two brothers, Bob Streicher of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Stan Kirkendall of LaPlace, La.; three grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; and a stepdaughter, Judith Bradford.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance, with Deacon George Newton officiating. Burial will be in Riverview Memory Gardens, Defiance. Visitation is from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today, Feb. 19.
Preferred memorials are to the Defiance County Hospice In Patient Building Fund.

EDMUND GROVE
1934-2003
OAKWOOD — Edmund J. Grove, 69, Oakwood, died Sunday, Feb. 16, in Paulding County Hospital.
He was born Feb. 3, 1934 in Paulding, the son of Forest and Eleanor (Clark) Grove. In 1956, he married Dorothy Moser, who died in 1997. He had worked at General Motors Central Foundry for 28 years, retiring in 1980. He was an Army veteran, serving in Germany. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Defiance, Defiance VFW Post #3360, and a former member of the Continental Motorcycle Club.
Surviving are his mother, Eleanor Justinger of Oakwood; one son, Steven Grove of Continental; two daughters, Debra (Bruce) Miller of Oakwood and Jane (Kip) Gochenour of Paulding; and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife and father.
Services will be held Thursday, Feb. 20 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Defiance, with Father Tim Kummerer officiating. Burial will be in Sherman Cemetery, Paulding County, where VFW Post #3360 will conduct honorary military services. Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today, Feb. 19, at Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home in Defiance. A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m.
Suggested memorials are to the Paulding County Special Olympics.

NANNIE ADKINS
1926-2003
OAKWOOD — Nannie H. (Tope) Adkins, 76, died at 11:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, at Harborside Healthcare in Defiance.
She was born April 29, 1926 in Oak Hill, the daughter of Archie Edgar Tope and Edna Earle (Smith) Tope. On May 1, 1945, she married Duane Adkins, who survives. She was a homemaker and private duty caregiver. She loved to quilt and scrapbook, and enjoyed flowers. She was a member of Old Regular Baptist Northern Little Dove Church in Pierceton, Ind.
Also surviving are four sons, Richard (Bonnie) Adkins and Harold (Kitty) Adkins, both of Oakwood, Howard (Doneta) Adkins of Melrose, and Gregory (Kathy) Adkins of Cecil; four daughters, Karen (Francis) Aldred and Carol (Greg) Jeffery, both of Paulding, Sharon (Hobert) Newsome of Oakwood, and Barbara (Joseph) Carlisle of Mark Center; two sisters, Doris Roach and Nova Lovett; 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 30 step-grandchildren; and 21 step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Carol Madden and Ruth Adkins; one grandchild, John Clinton Parrish; and one step-grandchild, Angel Coreen Brown.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with Moses Griffey and Russell Hicks officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery. Visitation is from 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20.
Preferred memorials are to the church.

SILAS BROOKS
1924-2003
PAULDING — Silas Armstrong Brooks, 78, Paulding, died at 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, at his residence.
He was born Nov. 16, 1924 in Ingram, Ky., the son of Cillus and Mary Hannah (Golden) Brooks. He was a retired machine operator at BLH in Lima, and a member and deacon of the Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church in Junction.
Also surviving are his wife, June Brown Brooks; four sons, Gary Dwayne Brooks and Brian Lee Brooks, both of Ada, Silas Darrell (Brenda) Brooks of Dupont, and Titus Ira (Wanda) Brooks of Defiance; one daughter, Linda (Charles) Collard of Defiance; four step-daughters, Kay Pack of Ohio City, Janice Pack of Paulding, Barbara Gribble of Grover Hill and Karen Shaffer of Melrose; three sisters, Eula Mason of Defiance, Maggie Janeway of Phoenix, and Donna Murphy of Ada; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; 16 step-grandchildren; 19 step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lena, in 1994; his parents; two brothers, Homer G and Elmer Oakley Brooks; and one sister, O’Della Fuson.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 24 at Pleasant View Missionary Baptist Church with Terry Branch officiating. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima. Preferred memorials are to the family of June Brooks.

VELMA DOUGAL
1916 - 2003
SCOTT — Velma E. Dougal, 86, of Scott, died at 8:05 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at Vancrest Healthcare Center in Van Wert.
She was born March 8, 1916 in Van Wert County, the daughter of Arthur F. and Dora (Heldner) Schaadt. On Oct. 1, 1949, she married Harold N. Dougal, who survives. She had been a legal secretary to several lawyers and realtors early in her career. She also was a homemaker and a member of Country Chapel United Methodist Church in Haviland and the United Methodist Women of the church, and Eastern Star Van Wert Chapter.
Also surviving are three sons, George Dougal of Paulding, James (Jennifer) Dougal of Woodburn, and Jerry (Marsha) Dougal of Fort Wayne; a brother, Paul F. Schaadt of Van Wert; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two sisters.
Services were held Saturday, Feb. 22 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. James Howell officiating. Burial was in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert.
Preferred memorials are to Scott EMS or North Union United Methodist Church.

BETTY HUMBARGER
1920-2003
ANTWERP – Betty L. Humbarger, 83, Antwerp, died Monday, Feb. 24 at the Brookview Healthcare Center in Defiance.
She was born Feb. 19, 1920 in Antwerp, the daughter of Harry and Delia (Peffley) Friend. In 1935, she married Wayne Humbarger who survives. She was employed as a tester for 25 years at Dana Weatherhead in Antwerp. She was a member of Royal Neighbors of America.
Also surviving are two sons, Ted Humbarger and Lynn Humbarger, both of Antwerp; three brothers, Willis Friend, Richard Friend and Jim Friend, all of Antwerp; a sister, Janet DeLong of Antwerp; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by four brothers, Derwood, Robert, Budd and Willard Friend; and one sister, Clarice Friend.
Visitation will be today, Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27 at Dooley Funeral Home with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial will be at Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Antwerp or Brookview Healthcare Center Activity Fund.

MAX S. KECK
1932-2003
CONTINENTAL – Max S. Keck, 70, Continental, died at 12:45 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Putnam County Ambulatory Care Center, in Ottawa.
He was born on June 4, 1932 in Broughton, the son of Elva and Ethel (Schooley) Keck. In 1955, he married Doris Jacques who survives. He was retired from Compo’s of Defiance. He was an Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, Continental.
Also surviving are three sons, Kevin (Trisha) Keck and Tom (Brenda) Keck, both of Continental, and Todd (Kim) Keck, Columbus Grove; a daughter, Elaine (Jerry) Blosser, Continental; one niece, Karen Miller, Continental; one sister, Elvene Dobbelaere, Oakwood; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one son, Michael Keck; and one sister, Barb Finnegan.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 26 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental with the Rev. Greg Wack officiating. Burial will be in Monroe Cemetery in Continental.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

ROSELLA PRICE
1921-2003
PAULDING — Rosella Marie Price, 82, died Friday, Feb. 21, at Paulding County Hospital, where she had been a patient for one week. She was born Feb. 6, 1921, in Paulding County, the daughter of Frank R. and Antoinette R. (Daniel) Strabele. In 1938, she married George F. Price, who died in 1997. She was a U.S. mail carrier for the Paulding area and had worked at H&R Dress Shop in Paulding. She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church of Paulding and its CLC and Alter Rosary Society. She is survived by two sons, Dennis Price and Robert (Jo Ellen) Price, both of Paulding; three daughters, Regina (Dale) Lucas, Ellen “Tootie” (Larry) Schlegel and Mary Ann Lee, all of Paulding; four sisters, Beatrice DeLaet of Jackson, Mich., Rita McGrath of Paulding, Eileen (Gillen) Trutt of Deshler and Wilma Fry of Fort Wayne; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Also preceding her in death were two sisters, Josephine M. Beck and Pauline Strabele; and one great-granddaughter. Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 25 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with Father Tim Kummerer officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Den Herder Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Dallas Lamb Foundation Home activity fund.

EUGENE BERGMAN
1932-2003
DEFIANCE — Eugene A. Bergman, 70, Defiance, died at 8:55 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at his residence.
He was born Aug. 23, 1932 in Defiance County, the son of Alva F. and A. Marie (Hasch) Bergman. He married Leona Shiffler, who died in 1984. In 1986, he married Ardis Albus, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Korean Conflict. He worked for Dinner Bell Foods for 38 years, and retired in 1999 from Sauder’s in Archbold. He was a member of the VFW in Sherwood and the Defiance Eagles, and St. Paul United Methodist Church, Defiance.
Also surviving are one son, C.S.M. Bradley Bergman of Mannheim, Germany; one daughter, Theresa (Harold) Peterman, Noblesville, Ind.; four stepsons, David Kieffer and Kevin Kieffer, both of Defiance, Steven Kieffer of Emmitsburg, Md., and Robert Kieffer of Pickerington; five brothers, Carroll Bergman, Larry Bergman, Gary Bergman and Fred Bergman, all of Defiance, and Paul Bergman of Hicksville; one sister, Roberta (James) Slight of Hicksville; one grandson; and six step-grandchildren. He also was preceded in death by his parents.
Services were held Saturday, March 1 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Defiance, with Dr. Todd Anderson, Rev. Christopher Hintz and Deacon George Newton officiating. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. The Sherwood VFW held graveside military rites. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Hospice Caring Way of Defiance or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

MARIE NEAL
1922-2003
PAULDING — Marie Lenore Neal, 81, died on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Hawthorn Court Nursing Home, Paulding.
She was born Feb. 25, 1922, in Lucas County, the daughter of Brant and Edna (Pittman) Barfell. She was formerly employed at Meijers in Fort Wayne, retiring in 2002. She was a member of the Paulding County Senior Center.
She is survived by three sons, James (Claudine) Williamson of Greenup, Ky., and Jerry (Connie) Williamson and Steve Williamson, both of Paulding; one daughter, Cindy Lee Williamson of Antwerp; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Clyde “Mike” Williamson in 1981, and Kermit L. Neal in 1986; a daughter, Kathryn Fisher; four brothers; a sister; and a granddaughter.
Services were held Saturday, March 1 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Senior Center or a charity of the donor’s choice.

BESS SCARBROUGH
1925-2003
GROVER HILL — Bess N. Scarbrough, 77, Grover Hill, died on Monday, Feb. 24, at her residence.
She was born March 23, 1925, in Venedocia, the daughter of Chancy Orman and Grace Eleanor (Davis) Stetler. In 1948, she married John I. Scarbrough, who survives. She was a retired cook for the Grover Hill and Wayne Trace schools for 25 years, and was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill. Also surviving are one son, Ed (Jackie) Scarbrough of Paulding; one daughter, Brenda (Tom) Ferrell of Grover Hill; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson; two brothers, Leroy and Walter Orman Stetler; and one sister, Marie Brehm. Services were held Friday, Feb. 28 at Zion United Methodist Church in Grover Hill, with the Revs. Paul W. Miller and Kevin Patton officiating. Burial was in Middle Creek Cemetery in Grover Hill. Arrangements were made by Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert. Preferred memorials are to Paulding Visiting Nurses and Hospice or Zion United Methodist Church.

VIOLA BERGLUND
1927-2003
DECATUR, Ind. — Viola C. Berglund, 75, Decatur, Ind., died Monday, Feb. 24, at Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne, following heart surgery on Feb. 6.
She was born Nov. 30, 1927, in West Orange, N.J., the daughter of Bror W. and Astrid T. (Carlson) Hage. In 1973, she married Charles E. Berglund, who preceded her in death in 1986. She was a retired cook and a member of St. Luke United Church of Christ in Decatur. Surviving are one daughter, Joyce A. (James) Langham of Payne; one brother, Arthur Hage of Marine-on-St. Croix, Minn.; two granddaughters; and one grandson.
She also was preceded in death by her parents; a twin sister, Dorothy Held; and one granddaughter.
Services were held Friday, Feb. 28 at St. Luke United Church of Christ, Decatur, with the Revs. Rick Pulling and Jerry Flueckiger officiating. Burial was at St. Luke United Church of Christ Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were made by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur. Preferred memorials are to St. Luke United Church of Christ.
Online condolences may be sent to funeralinfo@zwickjahn.com

BERNICE TANER
1911-2003
FORT WAYNE — Bernice Taner, 91, died Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Heritage Park Health Center in Fort Wayne.
She was born March 29, 1911 in Scott, the daughter of Frank W. and Nellie M. (Speakman) Rodman. On May 24, 1930 she married Dale F. Taner, who preceded her in death in 1996. She was a salesperson for Franks Dry Goods for 10 years, retiring in 1958. She was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church.
Surviving are three sons, Fredrick and Charles, both of Fort Wayne, and Bernard of Myakka City, Fla.; two daughters, Wilma Underwood of Fremont and Janice Irmscher of Rome City, Ga.; a brother, Leo Rodman of Haviland; two sisters, Ruth Kelly of Fort Wayne and May Bowersox Albright of Haviland; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. Services were held Saturday, March 1 at the D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home in Fort Wayne. Burial was in the Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne.
Preferred memorials are to the Bethel United Methodist Church, Alzheimer’s Association, or the American Diabetes Association.

MARY MANSFIELD
1925-2003
PAULDING — Mary H. Mansfield, 77, formerly of Continental, died at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home in Paulding.
She was born Sept. 6, 1925, in Leipsic, the daughter of David L. and Anna E. (Medley) Sigler. On April 26, 1947, she married Ralph Mansfield, who preceded her in death in 1995. She was a homemaker and a member of the Melrose United Methodist Church. Surviving are a daughter, Deanna Gasaway of Clarksville, Tenn.; a sister, Phyllis Cass of Continental; four grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a son; six sisters; and three brothers.
Services were held Monday, March 10 at the Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood. Burial was in the Monroe Cemetery in Continental. Preferred memorials are to the Melrose United Methodist Church.

MICHAEL HAYNES
1930-2003
BRADENTON, Fla. — Michael Francis Marion Hanenkratt Haynes, 72, died March 1, at the Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, Fla. He was born Nov. 28, 1930 in Paulding County. He was a retiree of International Harvester in Fort Wayne, after 30 years of service as a supervisor. He moved to Manatee County Fla. in 1978, and retired from the Manatee Convalescent Home following 15 years of service. He was a WWII Air Force veteran, a member of VFW Post #2488 of Palmetto, Moose Lodge 2188 of Anna Marie Island, and a member of the Peace Lutheran Church.
Surviving are his wife, Linda Lou Haynes; a stepdaughter, Deena Burnham of Grand Rapids, Mich.; a stepson, Jeffery Claus of Largo, Fla.; and two sisters, Marilyn Jean Niese of Leipsic and Marlene Victoria Lindeman of Bradenton.
Services were held Thursday, March 6, at the Peace Lutheran Church. Kicliter Funeral Home in Palmetto was in charge of the
arrangements. Preferred memorials are to the Peace Lutheran School, 1611 30th Ave. W., Bradenton, Fla.

LEE HUGHES
1930-2002
LECANTO, Fla. — Word has been received of the death of Lee J. Hughes, 72, of Lecanto, Fla., who died Sept. 21, 2002 at Surrey Place Convalescent Center. He had resided there for the past six years.
He was born June 20, 1930, in Oakwood, the son of Don and Gladys (Kohart) Hughes. He was a lifelong resident of Paulding County until he moved to Florida 20 years ago. A U.S. Marines veteran of the Korean War, he was a telephone lineman for the Oakwood and Grover Hill telephone companies, a dynamite blaster for the Paulding Cement Company, and a farmer. He restored antiques, and antique cars and tractors. He always had horses.
Surviving are a daughter, Kelli (Norm) Bear; and a son, Kent (Kim) Hughes; five grandchildren, Jeff Bear, Jennifer Bear, Chris Hughes, Mike Bear, and Cody Hughes; a sister, Shirley Poling; several cousins; nieces and nephews; an uncle and his second wife, who resides in Florida. Wilder Funeral Home in Homosassa, Fla., was in charge of arrangements.

DELBERT BAXTER
1918-2003
PAULDING — Delbert “Del” F. Baxter, 84, died Thursday, March 6, at Brookview Healthcare Center, Defiance.
He was born April 1, 1918 in Latty, the son of William Floyd and Emma M. (Driefke) Baxter. In 1946, he married Edythe F. Yoder, who survives. A 1936 graduate of Latty High School, he was a WWII veteran, a 2nd Lieutenant and B-24 bomber pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a farmer for 25 years and was employed as an industrial engineer at Grizzly Manufacturing, Paulding, retiring in 1980 after 29 years. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Briceton, Gideons International and John Paulding Historical Society. Also surviving are one son, William (Julie) Baxter, North Manchester, Ind.; one daughter, Ruth Ann (James) Covey, Van Wert; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by infant twin sisters, Edith and Edna Baxter.
Services were held Monday, March 10 at St. John Lutheran Church, Briceton, with Pastor Joseph Allen officiating. Burial was in St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding, with military graveside services by Paulding VFW Post #587. Arrangements were made by Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Preferred memorials are to St. John Lutheran Church, Gideons International or John Paulding Historical Society.

MAYBELLE DICKERHOOF
1917-2003
VAN WERT — Maybelle Dickerhoof, 86, of Van Wert, died Sunday, March 9 at the Sara Jane Living Center in Delphos.
She was born July 4, 1917, in Mark Center, the daughter of Jesse H. and Nora B. (Apple) Ebersole. In 1938, she married Loren Dickerhoof, who preceded her in death in 1976. For a number of years she owned and cooked at Lone Tower Restaurant in Cecil. She is survived by a son, Larry Dickerhoof of Van Wert; two daughters, Judy (Steve) Reznikov of Harlan, Ind., and Sherry (Greg) Subler of Delphos; a sister, Ocie Miller of Fort Wayne; a daughter-in-law, Sally Dickerhoof of Delphos; a son-in-law, Bob Jackson of Harlan; 13 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were a son, Max Dickerhoof; a daughter, Mary Jean Jackson; a brother, Mylo Ebersole; one great-grandchild; and a great-great-grandchild.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, March 12 at Rice-Burr Funeral Home, Sherwood, with visitation one hour prior to services, with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Sherwood Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Alzheimer’s Association.

FREEMAN BOGER
1923-2003
ANTWERP — Freeman T. Boger, 79, of Antwerp, died at 4:32 p.m. Friday, March 7, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne. He was born Aug. 1, 1923, in Harlan, Ind., the son of Grover and Orpha (Smith) Boger. He married his wife, Betty Jean, in 1946, and she preceded him in death in 1996. He was a WWII Army veteran. He was employed at the Dana Corporation in Angola, then moved to the Antwerp plant with a total of 36 years of service.
He was a member of the Antwerp American Legion Post #253, a charter and lifetime member of the Antwerp VFW Post #5087, and a member of the Antwerp Masonic Lodge. He had also been an Antwerp firefighter and EMT and was formerly on the board of directors of Gen Fed Credit Union in Antwerp.
Surviving are three daughters, Sandra Richards and Sharon Lothamer, both of Antwerp, and Beverly Miller of Butler, Ind.; a brother, Alvin Boger of Coldwater, Mich.; two sisters, Ursula Lynn of Coldwater, Mich., and Kathleen Jetmore of Syracuse, Ind.; eight grandchildren; seven grandchildren; three step grandchildren; and five step great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Dean; one brother; and two sisters.
Services were held Tuesday, March 11, at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery, Antwerp. Preferred memorials are to the Antwerp EMS or the American Heart Association.

CATHERINE KILLION
1937-2003
PAULDING — Catherine Elizabeth (Bates) Killion, 65, died at 1:35 a.m., Sunday, March 9, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
She was born Oct. 4, 1937, in Isabella, Tenn., the daughter of Claude and Florence Bates. On June 15, 1955, she married Carl Vernon Killion, who survives. A long-time resident of Paulding, Catherine had been a vital part of the community for many years. Most recently, she was the owner and operator of both Catherine’s Village Shoppes on the square in Paulding, and Maid to Order, a janitorial and maintenance business. Previously, she had worked for the Paulding County Hospital, Paulding Progress, and National Stone Company, Defiance. For many years, she was active in the sports booster program at Paulding High School, a tremendous cheerleader and supporter of the baseball program.
Also surviving are three sons, Michael (Machelle) and Douglas (Tere), both of Plano, Texas, and David (Lisa) of Wake Forest, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three brothers, Calvin (Marilyn) Bates of Mooresburg, Tenn., Edwin Bates of Lake Worth, Fla., and Bob Bates of Lakes Wales, Fla; and four sisters, Polly Eller of Ft. Meyers, Fla., Patsy Hatmaker of Baneberry, Tenn., Reba White of Ann Arbor, Mich., and Jeanie Farrow of Jefferson City, Tenn.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 12, at the Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, with the Rev. Jack Berry officiating. Burial will be in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding. Visitation is today from 8 a.m. until time of services.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Home Health Care.

BRANDY FLYNN
1987-2003
PAULDING — Brandy Jo Flynn, 15, of Paulding, died at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, as the result of a traffic mishap in Paulding.
She was born March 11, 1987 in Toledo, the daughter of Danny R. and Jenifer J. (Kimmel) Flynn. She was a freshman at Paulding High School.
Surviving are her mother, Jenifer Flynn of Paulding; her father, Danny Flynn of East Dublin, Ga.; a sister, Danielle Flynn, Paulding; a maternal grandmother, Judy (Robert) Dix of Paulding; maternal grandfather, Edwin Kimmel Jr. of Scott; maternal great-grandmother, Joyce Kimmel of Paulding; and paternal grandmother, Ivadelle Hawk of Dublin, Ga.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, James Flynn; paternal step-grandfather, Max Hawk; and great-grandparents Edwin Kimmel Sr., Orvall and Dalie Glass and Calvin and Flora Vaughn.
Services were held Friday, March 14, at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial was in Hedges Cemetery, Jackson Township. Preferred memorials are to the Brandy J. Flynn Family.

JOHN COREY
1915-2003
GROVER HILL — John Corey, 87, of Grover Hill died at 10:10 a.m. Monday March 17, at the Van Crest Health Care Center in Van Wert.
He was born Sept. 9, 1915, in Akron. On Aug. 29, 1940, he married Mary J. Miller, who preceded him in death in 1965. On Aug. 23, 1966, he married Betty Dimock, who preceded him in death in 1991. He was the owner/operator of Corey Hardware in Grover Hill, and was previously employed at Aero Corp. in Bryan, and Grizzly Manufacturing in Paulding. He attended the DuPont Church of the Brethren. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Surviving are a daughter, Linda (Jerry) Scarbrough of Grover Hill; three grandchildren, Laurie Janka, Kerry Laudick and Corey Scarbrough; and six great- grandchildren, Levi and Joel Elston, Kelly and Janey Janka, and Laine and Grant Laudick.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Terry Porter officiating. Burial will be in the Middle Creek Cemetery in Grover Hill.
Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today, March 19.
Preferred memorials are to the Grover Hill EMS or Dupont Church of the Brethren.

ROBERT DERCK
1935-2003
HAMILTON, Ind. — Robert E. Derck, 67, Hamilton, Ind., died at his son’s home in Hamilton.
He was born April 13, 1935, in Antwerp, the son of Francis and Galen (Carr) Derck. He was employed by International Harvester, Fort Wayne and then Ohio Art, Bryan. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Surviving are three sons, Raymond of Baltimore, Md., Robbie of Edon, and Derk of Hamilton, Ind.; four daughters, Theresa Stultz of Hamilton, Ind., Angela Hancock and Madonna Ali, both of Fremont, Ind., and Dolphin Ramanathan of Angola; two brothers, George of New Haven and John of Columbus; six sisters, Ruth Derck, Anne Wiedeman, Jean Reinhart, Mary Donut, Linda Pendergrast and Lucinda Knight, all of Antwerp; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one son, Randy; and a half-brother, Thomas Cottrell.
Services were held Saturday, March 22 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Antwerp. Burial was in Maumee Cemetery with graveside military honors by Antwerp VFW Post #5087. Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

VIOLET FULK
1913-2003
PAULDING — Violet “Vi” Mae Fulk, 89, died Tuesday, March 18, at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne, where she had been a resident for two years.
She was born in Tully Township of Van Wert County on May 10, 1913, the daughter of Kirk and Elva (Reed) Whitman. In 1930, she married Floyd A. Fulk, who died in 1951. She was a cook at the former Paul & Millie’s/Harry’s Lunch/Jim & Jane’s for 25 years.
Surviving are four sons, William (Edna) Fulk of Paulding, Earl (Ruby) Fulk of Bryan, Tom Fulk of Defiance and Jim Fulk of Toledo; five daughters, Joyce (Harold) Dangler of Bryan, Shirley (Paul) Cramer, Diane Foor and Betty (John) Clark, all of Paulding, and Nancy (Richard) Burditt of Hamilton, Ind.; one sister, Helen MacDonald of Bluffton, Ind.; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by a daughter, Wilma Jean Fulk; a son John; two brothers, Art and Lawrence Whitman; two sisters, Alice Corbin and Gertie Grace; four grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Services were held Friday, March 21 at the First Christian Church in Paulding with the Rev. Susan Taylor officiating. Burial was in Lehman Cemetery, Payne.
Preferred memorials are to Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne or Paulding County Senior Center.

DON BRUCKART
1923-2003
CECIL — Don C. Bruckart, 79, Cecil, died on Tuesday, March 18 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born Aug. 21, 1923, in Crane Township, the son of Perry and May Ida (Kopp) Bruckart. He was employed as a machinist. He served in the U.S. Army in the occupation of Japan after WWII and also served in the Korea Conflict. He was a member of Antwerp VFW and American Legion posts.
Surviving are two sisters, Doris and Lois Bruckart, both of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services were held Friday, March 21 at Dooley Funeral Home, Antwerp, with the Rev. David R. Meriwether officiating. Burial was at Rochester Cemetery in Cecil.
Preferred memorials are to American Diabetes Association.

EVELYN LANTZ
1922-2003
MANSFIELD – Evelyn Maxine Castor Lantz, 80, of Mansfield, died Saturday, March 22, in MedCentral Mansfield Hospital following a long illness.
She was born April 20, 1922 in North Baltimore, the daughter of Melville and Juanita (Parsons) Patterson. For 30 years she worked as a registered nurse in hospitals and in private duty, taking time off to raise her children. She later worked as a factory nurse for Hartman Electric in Mansfield. Through the 1970s, she worked as a secretary with First English Lutheran Church in Mansfield. On Aug. 14, 1982 she married John J. “Jim” Lantz, who survives. She was a member of Lexington Presbyterian Church and was a collector of cow and angel figurines. She enjoyed reading a good mystery and tending her flower gardens, but she most enjoyed lavishing attention to her poodle Crystal.
Also surviving are a son, Robert D. (Janet) Castor of Lexington; a daughter, Tami J. (Joseph) Bassin of Mansfield; two step-daughters Teri (Wally) Daniels of Cecil, and Cheryl K. Peters of Angola, Ind.; four grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; 13 step-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Arthur (Mary) Patterson of North Baltimore.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, Charles Castor, in 1978; a brother, Dwight Patterson; and a step granddaughter. Services were held Tuesday at Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home, with Pastor Jack Sharp and the Rev. Cloyd Kress officiating.
Preferred memorials are to the American Lung Association.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com

ELMO ELLIOTT
1921-2003
ANTWERP — Elmo L. Elliott, 81, of Antwerp, died at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, at the Hickory Creek Nursing Home in Hicksville.
He was born Oct. 24, 1921, in Antwerp, the son of George and Mae (Hissong) Elliott. He was a WWII veteran. On Dec. 31, 1951, he married Ellen Maxine Ish, who survives. He was employed 31 years at Grizzly Manufacturing, and more recently retired from Dietrich in Hicksville. He was a member of the Antwerp VFW Post #5087.
Also surviving are a daughter, Judy Hull of Hicksville; one sister, Marcellene Noll of Antwerp; five grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Gilbert and Norbert.
Graveside military services were held Tuesday, March 25, at the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp. Dooley Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

BRUCE JOHNSTON
1947-2003
ANTWERP — Bruce L. Johnston, 55, of Antwerp, died at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at Lutheran Hospital.
He was born Dec. 22, 1947 in Defiance, the son of James A. and Betty (Crawford) Johnston. On May 17, 1980, he married Lori Pugh, who preceded him in death in 1998. He was employed at Defiance Metal Products.
Surviving are a daughter, Jodi Barker of Antwerp; a sister, Sandra Ryerson of Arizona; and two grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, March 26 at Dooley Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jim Edwards officiating. Burial will be in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.

BRANDY FLYNN
In the obituary for Brandy Flynn, which was published March 19, the name of her stepfather, William E. Hicks, was omitted.

JEAN FRIEND
1935-2003
ANTWERP — Jean Ruth Louise Friend, 67, died Wednesday, March 26, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
She was born April 29, 1935, in Cumberland, Wis., the daughter of Leonard and Hazel (Smith) Kallsen. On Feb. 6, 1954, she married Richard Friend, who survives. She was employed as a secretary at Uniroyal Goodrich for 16 years. She was a member of the VFW Post 5087, the Methodist Women 4th Circle, a volunteer at the Bargain Box in Hicksville, a previous Sunday school teacher, and a Girl Scout leader.
Also surviving are two sons, Harry Joe and Jon Friend, both of Antwerp; a daughter, Deb Karallus of Leo, Ind.; two brothers, Carl Kallsen of Fort Wayne, and Lee Kallsen of Antwerp; a sister, Ronnie Shipman of Antwerp; two half-brothers, Jack Kallsen of Cumberland, Wis., and Len Kallsen of Little Falls, Minn.; three half-sisters, Florence Foust, Carole Severson, and Eva Grubar, all of Cumberland, Wis.; and two grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were her parents; and a grandson.
Services were held Saturday, March 29 at Antwerp United Methodist Church with the Rev. Gregory Swann officiating. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery. Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the American Cancer Society.

LAURETTA PEFFLEY
1923-2003
ANTWERP — D. Lauretta Peffley, 79, of Antwerp, died at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, at the Bluffton Regional Medical Center in Bluffton, Ind.
She was born Dec. 29, 1923, the daughter of Roy and Bernice (Skinner) May. On Dec. 30, 1959, she married Charles “Junior” Peffley, who preceded her in death in 1982. She was a homemaker, and a member of the VFW Auxiliary Post #5087.
Surviving are four sons, Timothy, Jonathan, William and Bradley Peffley, all of Antwerp; a daughter, Cindi Shull, Antwerp; a brother, Harold May of Ossian, Ind.; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Also preceding her in death were two brothers, Virgil May and Wilson May.
Services were held Friday, March 28 at Dooley Funeral Home in Antwerp, with the Rev. Max Begley officiating. Burial was in the Maumee Cemetery in Antwerp.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Crippled Children’s Society.

KENNETH WHITE
1917-2003
PAULDING — Kenneth E. White, 85, died at 1:01 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
He was born July 3, 1917, in Springfield, Ohio, the son of Henry Val and Louvisa (Setty) White. On Nov. 15, 1949, he married Louise Ann Johnson, who died in 1987. He was a graduate of Lima Central High School and Ohio Northern University. He was a member of the United States Army Air Corps, serving in WWII. He was employed by the B.&O. Railroad as a conductor, and also was a medical technologist at Paulding Hospital, retiring in 1980 after 22 years. He was a member of Paulding United Methodist Church, Widow’s Son’s Lodge #571 F&AM, Royal Arch Masons, Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo, and Mizpah Temple, Fort Wayne.
Surviving are three sons, Doug (Pam) White of Bryan, Brett White of Paulding, and Dr. Kenneth White of Lima; two daughters, Jeanene Aukerman of Fairborn, Ohio, and Jackie Miller of Columbus; a companion, Lucy Miller; two sisters, Bernice Wellbaum Frey and Berneta Offenbacher, both of Lima; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were eight brothers, Herbert, Cecil, Herschel, Wallace, Ralph, Phillip, Howard and Kermit.
Services were held Saturday, March 29 at Den Herder Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jack Berry officiating. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery, Paulding.
Preferred memorials are to the American Diabetes Foundation or to Mizpah Shrine, Fort Wayne.

CLAIR FORREST SR.
1923-2003
TIFFIN — Clair March Forrest Sr., 79, of Tiffin, died at 9:45 p.m., Tuesday March 25, in St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo.
He was born April 6, 1923, in Wood County, the son of Clair L. and Eunice (March) Forrest. In 1947, he married Martha Ann Zeis, who survives. He was a 1940 graduate of Paulding High School, and a graduate of Bowling Green State University. He received his Juris Doctorate degree from Vanderbilt Law School. He practiced law in Tiffin for 35 years. He also taught at Gumpton Jones Mortuary College in Nashville, and Tiffin University. He served as an Army Paratrooper in the 13th Airborne Division-European Theater during WWII. He was affiliated with Trinity United Church of Christ, a member of the Seneca Bar Association, Pioneers Auto Club, Tiffin Jaycees, Downtown Coaches, Disabled American Veterans, and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. His special interests were his family, antique cars, his farm and Forrest Woods in Paulding County, and numerous civic, political, and hobby associations.
Also surviving are three sons, Clair March (Linda) Forrest Jr. of Tiffin, Lynn Sherwood (Marissa) Forrest of Columbus, and Kirk Wesley (Anne) Forrest of California, Md.; two daughters, Anne E. Forrest-Martin of Tiffin, and Lisa Sue Forrest (Christopher) Heim of Mason, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; two brothers, Robert A. of Hicksville, and George L. of Tiffin; and two sisters, Jean White of Fort Wayne, and Janice Mollica of Granville.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Dallas Don Forrest; and a sister, Lois Stevenson.
Services were held Saturday, March 29, in the Turner-Engle Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. Louis H. Dorsch officiating. Burial was in the Greenlawn Cemetery, where the United Veterans Council held a graveside service.
Preferred memorials are to the Seneca County Veterans Association, Trinity United Church of Christ, or the donor’s choice.

JESSE VARNER
1916-2003
SHREVE — Jesse M. Varner, 87, of Shreve, Ohio, died Friday, March 28, at the Wooster Community Hospital.
She was born March 23, 1916, in Oakwood, the daughter of William Clifford and Fannie E. (Bidlack) Lloyd. On April 10, 1938, she married Virgil O. Varner, who preceded her in death in 1996. Along with her husband, she farmed most of her life, did bookkeeping for their gas station, and managed their apartment buildings. She was a member of the Shreve United Methodist Church.
Surviving are three sons, Harry (Judy) Varner of Shreve, Harvey (Kathy) and Hugh (Cathy) Varner, all of Wooster; three daughters, Hazel (Del) Nirode of Oak Creek, Wis., Hattie (Larry) McConkle of Mansfield, and Helen (John) Farvel of Boxford, Mass., 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Gale Lloyd of Stryker.
Also preceding her in death was a son, Henry; a daughter, Hilda Mae Wachtel; infant twins, Hope and Honey; one sister, Grace Bingman; and a brother, Leo Lloyd.
Services were held Monday, March 31 at Schlabach Funeral Home in Shreve with the Rev. Bill Lawson officiating. Burial was in the Oak Grove Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Shreve United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 525, Shreve, Ohio, 44676.

EDGAR DIX
1915-2003
PAULDING — Edgar E. Dix, 88, a former resident of Silver Springs, Fla., died Wednesday, March 26 at his daughter’s residence in Seymour, Ind.
He was born Feb. 21, 1915, the son of Edwin and Mary (H Hardesty) Dix. On Oct. 30, 1937, he married Marjorie Teeple, who survives. He retired as plant superintendent for the former Grizzly Manufacturing in Paulding, following 30 years of service. He was a charter member of the Eagles Lodge, and the Loyal Order of the Moose.
Also surviving are three sons, Ron Dix of Paris, Tenn., James Dix of Cecil, and Roger Dix of Paulding; a daughter, Linda (William) Barker of Seymour, Ind.; a brother, Clyde Dix of Paulding; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two sons, Roger Lee, and Jerry Edgar Dix; four brothers, James, Lloyd, Lewis and Virgil Dix; and a sister, Fanny Beltz.
Services were held Saturday, March 29, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, with the Rev. Wayne Goldsmith officiating. Burial was in the Live Oak Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

JAMES EITNIEAR
1933-2003
DEFIANCE — James R. Eitniear, 70, Defiance, died on Wednesday, April 2, in Defiance.
He was born March 24, 1933, in Defiance, the son of Forest R. and Eva A. (Harmon) Eitniear. In 1953, he married Nancy A. Brewer, who survives. A Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict, he was employed from 1954-1995 at the Defiance Crescent News, where he was director of advertising. He was an Ohio DECA alumnus and a member of Defiance Elk’s Lodge, Defiance VFW, and Trinity United Methodist Church in Defiance.
Also surviving are three daughters, Kathy (Sidney) Weber of Delphos, Cindy (Wayne) Newman of Defiance and Becky (James) Bidlack of Greenwood, S.C.; two brothers, Robert of Paulding and Bernard of Sun City, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one daughter, Connie Jo Eitniear.
Services were held Saturday, April 5 at Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance with Dr. Roger Braun officiating. Burial was in Riverview Memory Gardens, Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to Hospice/The Caring Way of Defiance or Senior Citizens.

JOSEPH SANCHEZ
1944-2003
PAULDING — Joseph L. Sanchez, 58, of Paulding, died at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, March 30, at his residence, following an extended illness.
He was born July 19, 1944, in Paulding, the son of Lewis and Mary (Range) Sanchez. On Nov. 11, 1986, he married Wanda Osborne, who survives. He was a 1962 graduate of Paulding High school, and a U.S. Army veteran. He retired in 2002 from G.M. Powertrain, after 39 years of service. He was a member of the Church of Christ in Paulding, UAW Local #211, and an avid Cleveland Indians and Browns fan.
Also surviving are his mother; seven sons, Dennis Coburn of Defiance, Butch Coburn of Grover Hill, William Coburn of Fort Wayne, Mark Coburn of Butler, Ind., Bruce Coburn in Ohio, Scott Coburn of Michigan City, Ind., and Noah Thacker of Panama City, Fla.; two daughters, Penny Harrison of Fort Wayne, and Sheila Coburn of California; four brothers, James, David, Patrick and Gilbert Sanchez, all of Paulding; three sisters, Delores Sanchez of Continental, Antonia Reid of Antwerp, and Theresa Sanchez of Paulding; 17 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Preceding him in death were his father; a son, Gregory Thacker; and two sisters, Rebecca and Mary Sanchez.
Services were held Thursday, April 3, at Den Herder Funeral Home, with Pastor Tom Dooley and Toby Miller officiating. Burial was in the Brunersburg Cemetery in Defiance, with graveside military services.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

TREY DANIELS
2002-2003
COLUMBUS GROVE — Trey Tyler Daniels, 6 months, Columbus Grove, died on Tuesday, April 1 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center, Toledo.
He was born Oct. 4, 2002, in Lima, the son of Ricky Daniels and Michele Boden of Columbus Grove.
Surviving are his parents; half brother, Conner Daniels of Columbus Grove; maternal grandparents, Joe and Kathy Boden of Ottawa; paternal grandmother and step-grandfather, Cindy and Claude Girardot of Columbus Grove; maternal great-grandmother, Pauline Boden of Ottawa; and paternal great-grandmother, Justine Daniels of Paulding.
He was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Rick Daniels; maternal great-grandfather, Paul Boden; paternal great-grandfather, Swanson Daniels; and maternal great-grandparents, Donald and Virginia Harman.
Services were held Monday, April 7 at Heitmeyer Funeral Home, Ottawa. Burial was in Harman Cemetery, Gilboa.
Preferred memorials are to the family.

LUCILE BENSCHNEIDER
1914-2003
PAYNE — Lucile Benschneider, 88, Payne, died Wednesday, April 2 at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
She was born May 7, 1914, in Antwerp, the daughter of Jerry and Minnie (Pugh) Overmyer. In 1932 she married Ervin Benschneider, who preceded her in death in 1992. She was a homemaker, and a member of St. James Lutheran Church, Hesperian Chapter 281 O.E.S., and the Payne Grange.
She is survived by one son, Don Benschneider of Payne; one brother, Harold (Bud) Overmyer of Hicksville; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by one son, Richard, who died in 1997.
Services were held Tuesday, April 8 at St. James Lutheran Church in Payne with the Rev. Joseph Allen officiating. Burial was in Wiltsie Cemetery, Payne. Slade Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to St. James Lutheran Church.

JANIE PHLIPOT
1946-2003
DEFIANCE — Janie M. Phlipot, 56, died at 8:25 a.m., Sunday, April 6, in her residence.
She was born Aug. 16, 1946, in Defiance, the daughter of Glen and Norma (Burkhart) Relyea. In 1968, she married Richard Phlipot, who survives. She was employed at Elder Beerman for 15 years as an assistant department manager in retail sales, and also worked at Stop and Shop, and Zeller Corporation. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church and bowled in many women’s leagues at Holiday Lanes.
Also surviving are three daughters, Tammy (Anthony) Lockmiller and Danielle Phlipot, both of Defiance, and Michelle (Chad) Brown of Erie, Mich.; her mother, Norma Relyea of Defiance; three brothers, Patrick, Michael and Timothy Relyea, all of Defiance; five sisters, Virginia Relyea, Cecelia Relyea and Ann (Kurt) Bachellor, all of Defiance, Norma Jean (Paul) Appel of Edgerton, Ohio, and Dolores (Leonard) Cereghin of Arizona; and three grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were her father, Glen Relyea; a daughter, Nichole Lynn Phlipot; and two sisters, Theresa and Mary Carleen Relyea.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. today, April 9, at St. Marys Catholic Church in Defiance, with Father Tim Kemmerer officiating. Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery in Defiance.
Preferred memorials are to Caring Way Hospice or St. Marys Building Fund.

JOSEPH BENNETT
1919-2003
PAULDING — Joseph F. Bennett, 83, died at 1 a.m. Friday, April 4, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
He was born June 4, 1919, in Zanesville, the son of Walter and Mary (Bell) Bennett. On Dec. 29, 1945, he married Mary (Betty) E. Hall, who survives. He was a WWII Army veteran, and a plant superintendent for Anchor Hocking in Zanesville, retiring in 1979 after 42 years of service. He was a life member of Knights of Columbus St. Joseph Catholic Church Council 3584 in Paulding, VFW Post 587 of Paulding, and American Legion Post #297 in Payne.
Also surviving are two sons, Walter (Carol) Bennett of Sydney, Ohio, and Michael (Pam) Bennett of Anna, Ohio; a daughter, Linda (Luke) McCain of Paulding; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were two brothers, Walter and Frank Bennett.
Services were held Monday, April 7, at Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial was in the St. Paul Cemetery, Paulding, where military services were conducted by Paulding VFW Post 587.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding or Payne EMS, or to the donor’s choice.

ISAAC THOMAS
1913-2003
PAULDING — Isaac R. Thomas, 89, died at 11:52 a.m. Sunday, April 6, at the Dallas Lamb Foundation Home in Payne.
He was born Oct. 15, 1913, in Paulding County, the son of Riley and Betty (Foltz) Thomas. On March 17, 1936, he married Mabel M. Essex, who preceded him in death in 1993. He was a farmer, retiring in 1988 after 50 years. He was a member of the Paulding United Methodist Church, John Paulding Historical Society, and a former Paulding Exempted Village school board member.
Surviving are four sons, Joseph (Marjorie) Thomas of New Haven, Steven (Bonnie) Thomas of Lancaster, Pa., David (Cathy) Thomas of Houston, and William (Nylice) Thomas of Paulding; a daughter, Alice (Carl) Good Lawson of Paulding; a brother, Kenneth Thomas of Paulding; three sisters, Sarah Renollet of Paulding, and Louise Hanenkratt and Betty Lou Goyings, both of Palmetto, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were a son, Richard Lee; four brothers, Walter, Leo, John and Edward; and a granddaughter, Mariah Kathleen Thomas. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10, at Paulding United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jack Berry officiating. Burial will be in the Live Oak Cemetery.
Visitation is from 2-9 p.m. today, April 9, at Den Herder Funeral Home in Paulding, and one hour prior to services at the church. Preferred memorials are to the Paulding United Methodist Church or to the John Paulding Historical Society.

MARTY COTTRELL
1952-2003
BRYAN — Marty C. Cottrell, 51, of Bryan, died Sunday, April 6, at Community Hospitals of Williams County-Bryan emergency room.
He was born Feb. 22, 1952, in Antwerp, the son of Estel and Delores (Quisno) Cottrell. He was employed in the processing department at General Tire in Bryan. He had served in the U.S. Army, and the Ohio Army National Guard as a Military Police officer. He was a member of the Bryan Fraternal of Eagles 2233.
Surviving are his father, Estel (Karen) Cottrell of Antwerp; his mother, Delores (Ned) Garver of Bryan; three daughters, Angela (Eric) Villalovos of Wauseon, Jessica Cottrell of Pioneer, and Courtney Cottrell of Bryan; a stepson, Steven Breeding of Wauseon; one brother, Kevin Cottrell of Huntsville, Mo.; two sisters, Tonya Cottrell and Tammy Brown, both of Antwerp; and six grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 10 at the Oberlin-Ford Funeral Home in Bryan. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. today, April 9.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

HOWARD FREDERICK
1918-2003
DEFIANCE —Howard A. Frederick, 84, died at 12:35 p.m. Monday, April 7, at his residence in Defiance.
He was born Nov. 26, 1918, in Paulding County, the son of Amos and Emma (Bennett) Frederick. On Nov. 1, 1941, he married Mary Frances Sebring, who survives. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and a retired carpenter and farmer. He was a 50-year member of Carpenters and Joiners Union Local 1581 of Napoleon, and a member of Junction Christian Bible Church in Junction. Also surviving are four daughters, Barbara (Gene) Vogel and Kathy Handy, both of Defiance, Carol (Jack) Hernandez of Fort Wayne, and Nona (Joe) Baker of Decatur, Ind.; four sons, Gary (Judy) Frederick of Oakwood, and Dennis (Sue), Gregory (Pam), and Kenny (Marianne) Frederick, all of Defiance; 27 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were four sisters, Helen Knoop, Doreth Long, Mae Richardson and Betty Doty; three brothers, Harold, Richard and Henry Frederick; a granddaughter; and a step-granddaughter.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 11, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Oakwood, with the Rev. Gene Yenser officiating. Burial will be in the Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood.
Visitation will be from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, April 10, and from 9 a.m. Friday until time of services.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding Area Visiting Nurses and Hospice.

ERNEST FARRIS
1927-2003
GROVER HILL — Ernest Farris, 75, died at 5:35 a.m. Monday, April 7, at the Van Wert County Hospital.
He was born Aug. 3, 1927, in Harts, W.Va., the son of Millard and Nila (Dingess) Farris. He married Lola R. Workman, who survives. He was an auto body mechanic for Bob Dunn, Van Wert, and a coal miner for Island Creek Coal Company.
Also surviving are three sons, Clifford of Harts, W.Va., Cledith (Rita) Farris of Grover Hill, and Ernest Jr. (Linda) of Payne; a daughter, Linda (Keith) Miller of Grover Hill; three brothers, George of Harts, W.Va., Charles of Bryan, and Journey Farris of Grover Hill; two sisters, Virginia Rakes of Defiance, and Donna Hoit, Grover Hill; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents; a brother, Lewis; and a sister, Bonnie Smith.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 10 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding. Burial will be in the Middle Creek Cemetery, Grover Hill. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today, April 9, at the funeral home, and one hour prior to services.
Preferred memorials are to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

ISAAC STAHL
1920-2003
GROVER HILL — Isaac James Stahl, 82, died Tuesday, April 8, in Paradise Oak Quality Care Center, Cloverdale.
He was born June 28, 1920, in Grover Hill, the son of Henry and Maude (Ashenfelder) Stahl. In 1946, he married Florice M. Cotterman, who died in 1985. He was a retired labor foreman for ODOT, retiring in 1985 after 30 years. He was formerly employed at Oakwood Oil Company and Paulding County Highway Department.
Surviving are three sons, Ronald (Ellen) Stahl of Grover Hill, Jerry (Carolyn) Aldrich of Seibring, Fla., and Roger (Rowena) Aldrich of Paulding; three daughters, Clarice (Rolland) Ice of Findlay, Velma (Greg) Bidlack of Tracey, Calif., and Janice (Gail) Rhees of Oakwood; three sisters, Wilma Porter of Paulding, Opal Fry of Delphos, and Coral Cocke of Hicksville; 22 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were an infant son, Tommy Lynn Stahl; two brothers, George and Woodrow; three sisters, Alice Strahley, Ida Moore and infant sister, Helen; a grandson, Mark Bidlack; and a great-grandson, Austin Tritsch.
Services were held Saturday, April 12 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, Grover Hill with William Sherry officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, was in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses Association.

GEORGE BALDWIN
1907-2003
PAULDING — George Baldwin, 96, died Friday, April 4, at the Hawthorn Court Nursing Home.
He was a former resident of the Paulding County Home, where he gardened, raising flowers and vegetables.
He was born Jan. 11, 1907, the son of Thomas and Frances (Burkmier) Baldwin.
Surviving are many nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were six brothers, Ezra, John, Joseph, Fred, Thomas and William Baldwin; and a sister, Elizabeth Kinze.
Services were held Monday, April 14, at Den Herder Funeral Home. Burial was in the Rochester Cemetery in Cecil.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

BARBARA CASTO
1949-2003
CECIL — Barbara J. Casto, 53, died at 10 a.m. Sunday, April 13, in her residence.
She was born July 10, 1949, in Wheeling, W. Va., the daughter of Francis I. and Theresa (Pomorski) McMahon. On July 15, 1967, she married John E. Casto, who survives. She was employed by Plastic Corporation in Bryan, and Stokely Canning Plant formerly in Paulding.
Also surviving are her parents; two daughters, Michelle (Michael) Lyons of Fort Wayne, and Cassandra Casto of Celina; four brothers, Paul (Barbara), Francis (Lynn), Joseph and Jeffrey McMahon, all of Wheeling, W.Va.; two sisters, Rita (Danny) Mullins of Hicksville, and Diane (Greg) Hinerman of Roan Mountain, Tenn.; and seven grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were paternal grandparents, Thomas McMahon and Wilda Ridle; and maternal grandparents, Anna and Walter Pomorski.
Services were held Tuesday, April 15, at the Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with the Rev. Roy Nelson officiating. Burial will be at a later date.
Preferred memorials are to the Paulding County Area Visiting Nurses/Hospice.

ELEANOR LaFOUNTAIN
1923-2003
CONTINENTAL — Eleanor “Becky” LaFountain, 80, Continental, died on Tuesday, April 15, at Defiance Hospital.
She was born March 7, 1923, in Alliance, the daughter of Harry and Pearl (Johnson) Mitchell. She married Thomas LaFountain, who preceded her in death. She was retired and had been previously employed at the former Lucky Lounge Bowling Alley in Continental.
She is survived by three sons, Garry (Dorothy) LaFountain of Paulding, Mike LaFountain of Johnstown, Pa., and Steve (Tina) LaFountain of McComb; one daughter, Sandra Chilcote of Fort Wayne; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Services were held Thursday, April 17, at Heitmeyer Funeral Home in Continental with the Rev. Greg Wack officiating. Burial was in Monroe Cemetery, Continental.
Preferred memorials are to the American Heart Association.

JOHN WILKIN
1923-2003
MIDDLE POINT — John W. Wilkin, 79, Middle Point, died on Tuesday, April 15 in Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born Aug. 19, 1923 in Van Wert County, the son of William Henry and Ernestine “Tena” (BeVard) Wilkin. In 1942, he married Ruth J. Swartz, who survives. He was employed for 33 years at General Motors Central Foundry, Defiance, retiring in 1981, and operated a grocery store with his wife in Wetzel for 15 years. He owned and trained race horses for 40 years.
He was a 1941 graduate of York High School, a member of United Auto Workers Local #211, Defiance, a member of Van Wert Count Harness Horse Association, and associated with Zion Christian Union Church.
Also surviving are three sons, John Wayne “Butch” (Trudy) Wilkin of Grover Hill, Larry G. (Carol) Wilkin of Van Wert, and Roger Lynn Wilkin of Middle Point; two daughters, Lyla Kay (James) Caris and Joyce A. (Ron) Weck, both of Paulding; one sister, Anna E. Buettner of Van Wert; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Charles Sylvester Wilkin; and one sister, Ruby G. Rager.
Services were held Saturday, April 19 at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert with the Rev. Joseph D. Harr officiating. Burial was in King Cemetery in Washington Township, Van Wert County.
Preferred memorials are to the American Diabetes Association.

EDDIE BROWN
1929-2003
LAS VEGAS — Edgar Simon “Eddie” Brown, 73, former resident of Antwerp and Paulding, died Wednesday, April 9, in Las Vegas.
He was born Dec. 14, 1929 in Cleveland, Okla., the son of John W. and Ruth F. (Simonton) Brown. He graduated from Antwerp High School in 1948 and served in the Marines during the Korean War. For many years, he owned and operated a restaurant in the former Barnes Hotel in Paulding. He also had been a security guard at a mining facility in Nevada.
He is survived by two sisters, Barbara Hill and Mary Ann Clark, both of Fort Wayne.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bill; and two sisters, Maxine Watson and Evelyn Salisbury.
There were no services. Garden Memorial Funeral Home, Las Vegas, was in charge of arrangements.
Services held for local centenarian

FAY SCABROUGH
1902-2003
GROVER HILL — Fay P. Scarbrough, 100, died at 11:10 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at the Van Crest Healthcare Center in Van Wert, where he was a resident.
He was born Dec. 11, 1902, in North Star, Mich., the son of Ed and Myrtle (Burkett) Scarbrough. On Oct. 24, 1924, he married Gladys L. Wistner, who preceded him in death in 1995. He was a farmer, worked in several factories, and for the State of Ohio. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, a sports enthusiast, an avid ball player, and loved bowling and horse racing.
Surviving are four sons, Gene (Nova), John, Jerry (Linda), and Gail (Krista) Scarbrough, all of Grover Hill; three daughters, Pat (Dan) Ward of Midland, Mich., Carol Bryant of Lima, and Marge (Don) Stahl of Grover Hill; 25 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and 24 great-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding him in death were five brothers, Lawrence, Rex, Ralph, John D., and Glenn Scarbrough; one grandchild; and a great-grandchild.
Services were held Saturday, April 19, at the Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Paul Miller officiating. Burial was in the Middle Creek Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the Grover Hill EMS.

INEZ BIDLACK
1923-2003
DEFIANCE — Inez M. Bidlack, 79, of Defiance, died at 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, at the Laurels of Defiance.
She was born May 25, 1923 in Paulding County, the daughter of Burton and Edna G. (Skiver) Millard. In 1942, she married Martin Bidlack, who preceded her in death in 1983. She was a homemaker/domestic, and a member of North Mt. Zion Church in rural Defiance.
Surviving are a daughter, Margery “Jean” Bidlack of Defiance; three sons, Ed and Donald Bidlack, both of Continental, and Richard Bidlack of Defiance; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
Also preceding her in death were her parents; and two sons, Larry Bidlack, and Gary Bidlack, who died at birth.
Services were held Saturday, April 19, at North Mount Zion Church, with the Revs. Gerald Ringenberg and Brent Gibson officiating. Burial was in the North Mt. Zion Cemetery in Putnam County. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home in Defiance is in charge of arrangements.
Preferred memorials are to the donor’s choice.

PHILLIP DUDGEON
2001-2003
DELPHOS – Phillip D. Dudgeon, 18 months, died the morning of Sunday, April 20, at his residence.
He was born Oct. 25, 2001 in Fort Wayne, the son of Brian and Jennifer (Mullen) Dudgeon, who survive. He had chubby little cheeks and an ornery grin. He loved to play with his tools.
Also surviving are a brother, Corey, at home; maternal grandparents, Dan and Diana Mullen of Delphos; paternal grandmother, Linda Hartsock, Delphos; paternal great-grandparents, Ruth and Don Hartsock, Delphos; maternal great-grandmothers, Wanda VanMeter and Mary Mullen, both of Delphos; four uncles; and seven cousins.
He was preceded in death by a grandfather, Phillip Dudgeon; and two great-grandfathers, Dale VanMeter and James Mullen.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25, at Harter and Son Memorial Chapel, with the Rev. Dave Howell officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Visitation is from 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. today, April 23, and Thursday at Harter and son Funeral Home, Delphos.

JUANITA SPEISER
1930-2003
SHERWOOD – Juanita C. Speiser, 72, Sherwood, died Saturday, April 19 at her home.
She was born May 11, 1930, in Defiance, the daughter of Ray and Ethel (LaPree) Hohenberger. In 1961, she married LaVon Speiser, who survives. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and Auglaize Village Historical Society, and was a cook and cashier at Vagabond Village.
Also surviving are two sons, Leon Elling of Sherwood and Alan Swary of Weston; two daughters, Cathy (Vincent) Bennett and Beth Hasch of Cecil; a brother, David Hohenberger of Dundee, Mich.; two sisters, Joyce (Robert) Romes and Sharon (Ronald) Drewes of Holgate; and six grandchildren.
Preceding her in death were a son, Stanley Elling; and a sister, Joan Ward.
Services will be at 11 a.m. today, April 23, in Rice-Burr Funeral Home in Sherwood, with the Rev. Donald Luhring officiating. Burial will be in Sherwood Cemetery.
Preferred memorials are to the family, or Jason Hasch College Fund c/o Cathy Bennett.

CHARLES JOHNSON
1915-2003
VAN WERT — Charles R. “Cy” Johnson, 87, Van Wert, died Tuesday, April 22 in Lincolnway Nursing Home, Middle Point.
He was born Sept. 21, 1915 in Ridge Township of Van Wert County, the son of Frank Clifford and E. Orah (Burgner) Johnson. In 1943, he married Virgil L. Shrider, who died in 1985. In 1987, he married Betty Lou Linninger, who died in 1999. He was an US Army Veteran of WWII. He owned and operated Johnson & Medford Welding in Van Wert, and was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Van Wert, and Van Wert American Legion Post 178.
Surviving are three stepsons, Bob, Tom and Jim Rhoades, all of Van Wert; and six step-grandchildren.
Services were held Thursday, April 24 at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home in Van Wert with the Rev. Joe Wilck officiating. Burial was in Ridge Cemetery, Middle Point. Graveside services were conducted by the Van Wert American Legion and VFW Posts. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

RUTH LAUB
1914-2003
HICKSVILLE — Ruth Laub, 88, Hicksville, died Sunday, April 20, in Hickory Creek of Hicksville.
She was born Aug. 9, 1914, in Putnam County, the daughter of Almon and Sarah (Purnell) Mullet. In 1942, she married Richard Laub, who survives. She graduated from Defiance College in 1940 with a bachelor of science degree in education and was a home economics teacher in Grover Hill, Continental and Hicksville schools. She was a member and children’s coordinator at Grace United Methodist Church in Hicksville, a member of America’s Association of University Women, Ohio and Defiance County Retired Teachers’ Associations and a past president of Hicksville American Legion Auxiliary.
Also surviving are twin sons, Jerry of Springfield and Jack of Vancouver, Wash.; a sister, Mary Mullet of Defiance; and four grandchildren. Preceding her in death were a brother, Rolland Mullet; and four sisters, Dr. Sevilla Mullet, Madge Petereit, Lois McKibben and Emma Mullet. Services were held Thursday, April 24 at Grace United Methodist Church in Hicksville with Pastor Greg Inboden officiating. Burial was in Forest Home Cemetery, Hicksville.
Preferred memorials are to the church.

SHARON HUEBNER
1948-2003
LAURENS, S.C. — Sharon K. Huebner, 55, Laurens, S.C., died Sunday, April 20, at Geauga Community Hospital in Chardon, Ohio. She was born Feb. 21, 1948 in Columbus, the daughter of Donald M. and Florence J. (Roth) Huebner. She graduated from Parma High School, attended Cleveland State University and worke