Donn E. Alspach

June 21, 1931 – October 27, 2024

Donn Edwards Alspach, of Granville, Ohio passed away on Sunday, October 27th at age 93. He was born in Newark, Ohio to the late Harold C and Mary Louise (Edwards) Alspach. He leaves a proud legacy and love for family, church, hometown, university and organizations that serve others.

He is survived by a son, David (Helaine) of Dublin; three granddaughters, Christine Ford (Michael) of Marysville, Katherine McNamara (John) of Hilliard, and Teresa Plattenburg (Joseph) of Clintonville; four great-grandchildren, Alice Ford, Connor McNamara, Tobin Ford and Bruce Ford; in-law, Linda ODonnell of Millersburg; nephew, Mark (Denise) ODonnell, and nieces, Erin (Joe) Noss, Susan (Steve) Mulhall, Jill (John) Stankiewicz and Jennifer (Matt) Maxwell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, advocate, fan and promoter, Marilyn to whom he was married for 66 years; and also in-laws, Harland and Gwen Fargo; and Paul ODonnell.

Donn is a graduate of Newark High School and The Ohio State University (college of Human Ecology) with a bachelor of science in Sales Education. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and a lifelong Tau. After graduation he entered The United States Air Force with an ROTC commission and served three years flying as a navigator in Europe. He returned to Newark in 1957 and joined The Newark Coca-Cola Bottling Works as sales manager until being promoted to Executive Vice President and purchasing the company in 1965. The company grew under his leadership with the purchase of additional territories; Coshocton in 1966, Mt Vernon in 1974 and Findlay in 1976. He was on the leadership council for Coca-Cola Bottlers and the Prime bottlers led by Bryon Dyson. Newark was the world test market for the half liter plastic bottle in 1979. The Coca-Cola company made a major effort to repurchase the bottling franchises during the mid-1980s and he was the last central Ohio bottler to sell to them in 1986.

Donn rented an office in Jerry McClain’s headquarters prior to the close of the sale to have administrative support. Jerry’s daughter, Bev, came to him with the concept of assisted living and in 1987 he opened the Inn at SharonBrooke as the president and principal investor. Bev and partner Kandi exercised their option to buy him out after five years and continued to operate the Inn. Donn liked the assisted living business and partnered with his son to develop The Inn at Chestnut Hill by purchasing the first piece of commercial property sold by the New Albany Company in 1992. He felt the developer wouldn’t run out of money and New Albany would be a success. They developed and operated the inn through 2006. Donn had a good sense of business markets following the baby boomers from soft drinks in the 50s to assisted living in the 00s.

Donn was a competitor and believed that you won by outworking your competition. He was a frontliner for Woody Hayes in Licking County and a proud Buckeye supporting the athletic department, The President’s Club, The Pace Setters, endowing an athletic scholarship, sponsoring the bowl logos in the Woody practice facility, and the student lounge at Alford STEM building on the Newark Campus. He served two terms on the OSU-N citizens board and represented the Newark campus on the OSU Alumni advisory board for two terms.

Donn was a 66 year member of Newark Rotary serving as president in 1977, district governor in 1988 and a multiple Paul Harris donor. Donn is a 66 year and lifetime member of the Salvation Army board serving twice as chairman and facilitated the move to their current on East Main St. In 1957 he became a member of the March of Dimes board providing braces for polio victims and was chair of that board when the first Polio vaccines became available. They set up distribution locations in Licking County and there were no Polio cases in the county the next year. He was on the YMCA board and was president when the campaign to enlarge the facility and build the large outdoor pool took place. He was a member of the Newark Jaycees and launched the United Appeal parade with the first chicken bar-b-q on the square and earned the Jaycee Distinguished Service Award. Donn served two terms on the LMH board The Ohio Assisted Living Association Board for six years with two years as chair.

A special part of his life and success would be the Newark investors club which was formed in 1960 and stayed in together for 60 years. It held a tight bond of supportive and competitive fellows that believed in themselves, their families and Licking County. Special memories to Fred, Jack, T.D., Tom, Herb, Bill III, Bill M, Jim, Don, and Spike. With equal gratitude to their spouses who sponsored and supported their active lives in the community. There is a lot to be said to for friends and what they can do when they support each other.

He was a member The Presidents Club at The Ohio State University, The 1888 Society of The Buckeye Club, and OSU Pace Setter. Donn went through communicants class at Second Presbyterian Church and was an 80 year member, also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, Moundbuilders County Club, Imperial Golf Club, New Albany Country Club, and Greenbrier Sporting Club. He was a 66 year member of the Elks, a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Shrine.

Donn was a 68-year Ohio State Football ticket holder. During the 80’s he used his airplane to fly to away games and seldom missed a home, away or bowl game and always with family or friends. He considered Woody, Earle, Archie many coaching staff and others in the program as friends.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the Second Presbyterian Church, 42 E. Church St., Newark, OH on Saturday, November 2nd at 10 a.m. The calling hours for friends will be held on Friday, November 1st from 3-7 p.m. at The Newark Chapel of Henderson-Van Atta-Stickle Funeral Service, 59 N. Fifth Street, Newark with Elks and Masonic services at 6:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Second Presbyterian Church, The Salvation Army, The Newark Rotary Foundation or the Donn, Marilyn and David Alspach Family Scholarship fund at The Ohio State University.

Special thanks to those who were close and cared for Donn at Otterbein Granville including Denise, Jess, Lauri, Tamara and many others.

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

James Gordon Graham

October 16, 2024

James Gordon Graham, 91, Brownsburg, passed away October 16 following his beloved wife Roberta Ratliff Graham, who passed away earlier this year. Born October 11, 1933, in Phillipsburg, Ohio to the late Gordon DeCou Graham and Ruth Fisher Graham, Jim spent much of his youth in Danville, graduating from Danville High School. Jim went on to earn a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University. After graduation and receiving his Naval officer commission, Jim entered the Navy’s jet pilot program becoming the shortest pilot in the Navy. After his service in the US Navy, Jim transitioned to the Army as a helicopter pilot for the Indiana National Guard and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Jim also had a successful business career as the President of AGA Fleet Products in Indianapolis.

Jim had a passion for aviation, learning to fly before learning to drive and continued flying well into his seventies. He was also well-known in Indiana for his philanthropy and the Rotary ideal of “service above self.”

Jim was an active member of the Lizton United Methodist Church and Brownsburg Rotary Club, serving as past president and Rotary District Governor. He served on the board of directors of the Indiana War Memorial Foundation and was a lifetime member of the Scouting Heritage Society.

Among the many awards Jim received are the Purdue University ROTC Hall of Fame, City of Indianapolis Distinguished Citizen Award, FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, Morton-Finney Public Service Award, Boy Scouts District Award of Merit, Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award, Rotary’s Cliff Dochterman Award, and Rotary International Service Above Self Award.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brother Robert and sister Charlotte Sherfey. He is survived by his sister Joan (Walt) Able; sister-in-law Virginia; sons Bruce (Julie) Graham and Richard (Angela) Graham; grandchildren Brent Graham, Brian Graham, Kathryn (Drew) Koning, Audrey (Wesley) Coolbaugh, Claire (Mitchell) Moore, William Graham, and great-grandchild, Asher Koning.

The memorial service will be November 2, 2024, at Matthews Mortuary in Brownsburg. Visitation will be 11:00 – 1:00; the service begins at 1:00. Interment will be at K of P Cemetery in Lizton, IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to Gift of Life International, PO Box 630436, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 or Riley Children’s Foundation, PO Box 3356, Indianapolis, IN 46206 (indicate in the memo line “to support Dr. Turrentine’s mission trips”).

Paulus Feico Kempff

March 20, 1949 – October 1, 2024

Paulus Feico Kempff passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Born on March 20, 1949, in Bilthoven, The Netherlands, to Henrietta and Paulus Kempff, Feico led a life filled with community spirit and dedication to those around him.

From an early age, Feico was involved in his community, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout while still in high school. He went on to graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington and built a successful career developing, brokering, and managing commercial real estate. A devoted Rotarian for over 30 years, Feico served as the Past President of the Red River Rotary Club in Shreveport and as District Governor. He was also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Above all, Feico was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Linda Kempff, and their three children: Megan Whited and her husband Rob, Adam Kempff, and Lacie Wilson and her husband Aaron. He also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren—Jackson Posey, Theodore Whited, and Greyson Wilson—as well as two brothers, Pieter Kempff and his wife Sally, and Olfert Kempff.

A celebration of Feico’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Osborn Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to your local Rotary Club or to a charity of your choice in Feico’s honor.

C. Nelson French Jr.

September 6, 1925 – September 30, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patrick Scott Stone

August 5, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Joseph Bellew

July 7, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Harold K. Camp

February 28, 1929 – May 9, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page Dobson

July 26, 1935 — March 5, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Johns

February 3, 1938 — February 23, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

Theodore D. Griley, II

February 16, 1932 – January 10, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raymond ‘Ray’ Klinginsmith

January 17, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

Richard “Dick” Robinson

January 1, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

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

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

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

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

Jerry W. Erskine

December 16, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com

Kenneth Buel

August 31, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James L Lacy

October 14, 1930 – October 4, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joseph Elam, Sr

August 29th, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ralph Adkins Coston

September 11, 1935 – July 6, 2023

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

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

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

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

Donald Robert Adkins

August 2, 1931 – November 11, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ronald Dee Brogan

August 19, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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