Alabama School Yearbooks by State and County
Jewel Shepherd
FOREST - Jewel E. Shepherd, 69, of 19406 TH 49, Wharton, died at 3 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004, at Birchaven Retirement Center in Findlay. Born in Risner, Ky., on Oct. 14, 1934, he was a son of Naith and Fannie (Moore) Shepherd. He married Doris Fraley on Aug. 1, 1953. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Jerry, Richwood; and Dan, Columbus; three daughters, Glenda Rush, Bowling Green; Marie Baumloin, Findlay; and Sharon Schmuck, Forest; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Annie Patton, Findlay; Rita Warren, Findlay; Jean McCalla, Harrod; and Colleen Hudson, Cuyahoga Falls. He was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters. Mr. Shepherd retired from H&H Construction in Lima. He was a 35-year member of Ohio Laborers AFL-CIO No. 574 in Marion. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Shields Funeral Home in Forest, with the Rev. Joe Searfoss officiating. Burial will be in Wharton-Richland Union Cemetery. Visitation is at the funeral home from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. Memorials may be made to Bridge Home Health and Hospice, Findlay.
Bruce Mutchler
BUCYRUS - Eighty-four-year-old Bruce E. Mutchler, formerly of Oceola, died at 7:55 p.m. Friday at Fairview Manor Nursing Home, where he had resided for the past year. He had resided at Heartland for more than a year before that. He was born in Oceola to the late Jesse and Bessie (Cox) Mutchler. On May 16, 1948, he married Kathryn L. Spreng. She died Nov. 19, 1991. Surviving are three sons, the Rev. J. Paul, Lancaster, Pa.; Michael, Bucyrus; and Douglas, New Albany; 12 grandchildren, Joshua and Jesse Mutchler; Kathryn Mason; Marissa, Jared and Mark Bruce Mutchler; Kristin Shank; Rebekah Stefaniuk; Rachel Young; Tonya Kimmel; and Tracy and Timothy Tomecko; numerous great-grandchildren; and a brother, Calvin, Oxford. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Kay Mutchler; and two brothers, Budd and Melvin Mutchler. A 1936 graduate of Holmes-Liberty High School, Mr. Mutchler attended Marion Business College. Mr. Mutchler began farming with his father. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he was active in numerous positions. Mr. Mutchler was a long-time member of the Farm Bureau. The funeral will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Donald L. Ebert and J. Paul Mutchler officiating. Burial will be in Oceola Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday from 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church in care of the funeral home.
Myron Berkley
NEVADA - Myron A. Berkley of Nevada-Wynford Road, Bucyrus, died Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, at his home. He was 86. Born on Aug. 10, 1917, in Antrim Township, he was the son of Homer C. and Marian F. (Armstrong) Berkley. He married Evalina I. Chance on July 6, 1944. She died Sept. 27, 1979. He then married D. Mildred Shroll on Oct. 2, 1982. She died June 19, 2002. Surviving are three stepdaughters, Janet Schiefer, Bucyrus; Joyce Wells, Anna; and Shirley Kraft, Hartford, Wis.; six grandchildren, Jeff and Greg Schiefer and Jennifer Scott, all of Bucyrus; Krista Meyer, Anna; and Kelly Kraft and Aaron Kraft, Chicago, Ill.; and eight great-grandchildren. A 1935 graduate of Nevada High School, Mr. Berkley retired in 1983 from Swan Rubber in Bucyrus after 35 years of work. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of Nevada Lutheran Church. Mr. Berkley was a charter member of the Nevada Lions Club, a member of the Robert Case Post No. 462 American Legion in Nevada, and a member of the VFW and Moose Lodge No. 669, both in Bucyrus. He also was a Crawford County Farm Bureau member, and enjoyed vegetable gardening and traveling. Graveside services will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. in Nevada Cemetery with the Rev. Oscar Kraft officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted at the cemetery. There will be no visitation, and Lucas Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Nevada Lions Club or the organization of the donor's choice in care of Lucas Funeral Home, PO Box 98, Nevada OH 44839.
Dolores Carr
NEVADA - Dolores M. Carr of Newark, and formerly of Nevada, died at her residence at 7 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2004. She was 71. Born in Columbus on July 27, 1932, she was a daughter of Russell F. and Helen E. (Teschler) Fletcher. She married Virgil H. Carr on Nov. 5, 1950. He died Feb. 9, 1997. Surviving are two daughters, Deborah Motter, Nevada; and Connie Schifer, Benton; six grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; a great-grandchild; and a sister, Shirley Cecil, Newark. She was preceded in death by a son, Larry. A 1950 graduate of Nevada High School, Mrs. Carr was a homemaker. She was a member of the Nevada United Methodist Church. Mrs. Carr enjoyed eating at Bob Evans, watching football, reading and visiting with family and friends. Graveside services will be Friday at 1 p.m. in Nevada Cemetery with the Rev. Rick Dawson officiating. There will be no visitation as it was Mrs. Carr's wishes to be cremated. Lucas Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Central Ohio in care of Lucas Funeral Home, PO Box 98, Nevada OH 44849.
Orville Decker
MARION - Orville "Butch" Decker, formerly of Barberton and a nine-year resident of Harpster, died at the age of 61 at 9:46 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2004. A son of John and Winnie (Shields) Decker, he was born in Brighton, N.Y., on Jan. 26, 1942. His mother survives. Also surviving are his companion, C.J. Henry, Harpster; two sons, Jason, Marion; and Johnny, Findlay; a daughter, Jodie Decker, Findlay; three grandchildren, including Kendra and Aaron; a brother, Bill Chapman, Northfield; and six sisters, Paula Hupp and Georgeanna Darst, Marion; Cheryl and Joanie, Columbus; Judy, Indiana; and Karen Hickman, Marion. He was preceded in death by his father. Mr. Decker served in the U.S. Navy. He was a retired truck driver for McIlvaine Trucking in Wooster, and also worked for Chemical-Layman Trucking. The funeral was today at Boyd Funeral Home in Marion, with the Rev. Charles Reed officiating. Burial will follow in Prospect Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by the Marion County Veterans' Council. Visitation also was at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Orville Decker family in care of Boyd Funeral Home, 122 W. Columbina St., Marion OH 43302.
C. Dorotha Frankenfield
SYCAMORE - C. Dorotha Frankenfield, formerly of Tiffin, died at Fairview Manor in Bucyrus, at 4:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, at the age of 94. A daughter of Edward L. and Clara (Stuckey) Coffman, she was born in Seneca County on May 26, 1909. She and Earl C. Frankenfield were married on May 28, 1930. He died May 12, 1978. Surviving are two sisters, Arlean Geary, North Robinson; and Leona Linn, rural Bucyrus; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Forrest, Clyde and Ronald "Pete" Coffman; and three sisters, Mabel Reffner, Ilah Jackson and Marguerite "Peg" Ekleberry. A 1929 graduate of Sycamore High School, Mrs. Frankenfield was a homemaker and helped her husband farm. Mrs. Frankenfield was a member of the Sycamore United Church of Christ. She also was a former member of the Eden Grange in Seneca County. The funeral will be Friday at 11 a.m. at Walton-Moore Funeral Home in Sycamore, with the Rev. Diane Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery, Sycamore. Visitation is at the funeral home Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Sycamore United Church of Christ.
Vesta Ward
GALION - Vesta E. Ward, 91, of Galion, died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at Fairhaven Retirement and Health Care Community, where she had resided for the past four and a half years. Born on May 4, 1912, in Huron, she was a daughter of Andrew and Christina (Hasle) Hardy. She married Cloyd Otto Ward on Oct. 30, 1937, in Covington, Ky. He died July 14, 1965. Surviving are three daughters, Connie Goodman and Vicki Clinger, Upper Sandusky; and Karen Seevers, Galion; two sons, Ronald, Orient; and David, Galion; four grandchildren, Lori Feightner, Utica; Lisa Rodriguez, Reynoldsburg; Phillip Karg, New York City; and Steven Karg, Upper Sandusky; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two grandsons, Tony and Mike Seevers; two brothers, Volney and Victory Hardy; and a sister, Vivian White. A homemaker most of her life, Mrs. Ward also was a waitress at the Galion Country Club for many years. She was a member of First United Church of Christ in Galion. The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Richardson-Davis Funeral Home, Galion, with the Rev. Samuel Buchrer officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Visitation is at the funeral home from 1-2 p.m. Saturday. Memorials may be made to Fairhaven Retirement and Health Care Community, 850 Marseilles Ave., Upper Sandusky OH 43351.
Marilyn Himes
FINDLAY - Marilyn I. Himes, 75, of Findlay, died Saturday morning, Jan. 17, 2004, at her residence. She was born Aug. 9, 1928, in Gallipolis, to Clemon and Meriyel (Fee) Saxton. She married Friend Allen Himes Sr. on Dec. 12, 1964. He died April 2, 2002. Surviving are a son, Michael, Findlay; two daughters, Penny Leightey, Carey; and Tammy Himes, Glendale, Ariz.; a stepson, Jerry Himes, Findlay; two stepdaughters, Jeanie Himes, Findlay; and Mary Francis Himes, San Francisco, Calif.; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother, Edwin Saxton, Bidwell. She was preceded in death by a stepson, Friend Allen Jr.; a sister, Margaret Denney; and two brothers, William Saxton and Clemon Saxton Jr. Mrs. Himes retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber after 33 years of service. She was a member of the AMVETS Auxiliary, Women of the Moose and Cooper Old Timers Club. Mrs. Himes enjoyed playing bingo, bowling and sold Avon products for 28 years. The funeral will be Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Coldren-Crates Funeral Home, Findlay, with the Rev. Amy Babcock officiating. Burial will be in Knollcrest Gardens, east of Findlay. Visitation is Tuesday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Bridge Home Health and Hospice.
Shirley Lang
CAREY - Shirley Marie Lang, 511 Clay St., Carey, died at 2:28 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center, at the age of 73. A daughter of James and Vivian (Smith-Baldridge) Harrold, she was born in Prestonburg, Ky., on March 13, 1930. She and Norbert J. Lang were married on Dec. 2, 1950, at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation in Carey. He died April 26, 2002. Surviving are four sons, Michael and Frederick, Carey; David, Findlay; and Timothy, Roseville, Calif.; three grandchildren, Eric, Rachele and Seth Lang; and four half sisters, Virginia Lee Bradley, Eastern, Ky.; Joanne Johnston, Findlay; Kay Thompson, Fostoria; Helen Gibson, Arcadia. She was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene "Bud" Harrold; and a half sister, Barbara Lou Ziessler. Mrs. Lang graduated from Carey High School in 1948, and Bowling Green State University in 1973. She retired from teaching in 1980 from Fostoria St. Wendelin, after 11 and a half years at the school. Before teaching, she worked at the former Swan Rubber Co. in Carey. She attended the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation. Mrs. Lang worked for the Wyandot County Board of Elections for many years. She was a member of TOPS Carey Chapter. A Mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation, with the Rev. Regis Schlagheck officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Carey. Visitation is at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, Carey, from 2-9 p.m. Tuesday. There will be a Christian wake service at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Greater Northwest Ohio Diabetes Association in care of Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, 225 W. Findlay St., Carey OH 43316.
Rev. Paul Koehler
The Rev. Paul David Koehler of Columbus, died at 11:35 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. He was 76. Born in Upper Sandusky on July 2, 1927, he was a son of Russell G. and Ruth Alice (Bowman) Koehler. He married Barbara Jean Kocsis on Aug. 10, 1952, in St. John's Lutheran Church in Steubenville. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Gretchen Mote and Christine Sellers, both of Columbus; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Mote, Christopher Sellers and Julia "Katie" Sellers; a sister, Doris Jean Suman, Sandusky; and many nieces and nephews. The Rev. Koehler graduated from Upper Sandusky High School in 1945, from Capital University in 1948 and from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1952. He was ordained as a Lutheran pastor in June 1952. In retirement, the Rev. Koehler served Trinity Lutheran in Marcy, and previously served St. Matthew in Logan, St. Jacob in Anna, and St. Stephen's in Hamler. The Rev. Koehler was an Eagle Scout, a HO Train hobbyist and enjoyed classical music. The funeral will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Upper Sandusky, with the Rev. Jerry Elsholz officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation is at Schoedinger Worthington, Columbus, today from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. It also will be at Lucas Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday, and at the church for an hour before the service Wednesday. Memorials may be made to any of the churches he served or the organization of the donor's choice in care of Lucas Funeral Home, PO Box 207, Upper Sandusky OH 43351.
John Harvey
John R. Harvey of South Goodbread Street, Nevada, died at his home Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004. He was 60. Born in LaRue on Dec. 31, 1943, he was a son of Arthur and Helen (Burkepile) Harvey. He married Freda Dyer on June 4, 1966, at her parents' home in Oceola. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, John, Bluffton, S.C.; and Bill, Oxford; three grandchildren, Heaven, Jordin and Emily; a stepgrandson, Gage; two brothers, George, Orlando, Fla.; and Lewis, Bucyrus; three sisters, Gertrude Rumer and Ruby Rogers, Bucyrus; and Dwilla Cramer, Springfield; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lloyd. Mr. Harvey was a welder for HCI in Galion. He had worked for Shunk's Manufacturing in Bucyrus, Marion Plant City in Marion, Mill's Metal in Upper Sandusky and Angel Construction in Oceola. He attended the Pentecostal Tabernacle Church in Oceola. Mr. Harvey enjoyed hunting and fishing, being a handyman around the house and helping others. The funeral will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at Lucas Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky, with the Rev. Carl Angel officiating. Burial will be in Nevada Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Pentecostal Tabernacle Church or the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Foundation in care of Lucas Funeral Home, PO Box 207, Upper Sandusky OH 43351.
Dorotha Corbin
GALION - Dorotha Mae "Dot" Corbin of Galion, died Monday, Jan. 19, 2004, at Galion Community Hospital. She was 82. Born in Shelby on Nov. 18, 1921, she was a daughter of George L. and Flossie (Bissel) Rogers. She married Richard D. Corbin on Oct. 4, 1945, and he survives. Also surviving are two sons, Michael E., Lynchburg, Va., and Mark R., Galion; a granddaughter Susan Corbin, Los Angeles, Calif.; a sister, Gwendolyn Swank, Damariscotta, Me.; and a brother, George, Mansfield. She was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn Stewart. Mrs. Corbin was a 1939 graduate of Springfield Township High School and attended Baldwin Wallace College. She retired in 1981 from Galion City Schools after 13 years as secretary to the principal at North Elementary School. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, Galion, and the church's Martha Circle. She was a member of Naomi Chapter No. 47 Order of the Eastern Star, Galion; and was a member of White Shrine and grand deputy of District No. 2 International Order of Rainbow for Girls, both of Mansfield. She enjoyed doings arts and crafts, sewing, gardening, cooking and baking. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Richardson-Davis Funeral Home, Galion, with the Rev. Tom Matus officiating. Burial will be in Mansfield Memorial Park. Visitation is from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army at 224 E. Rensselaer St., Bucyrus OH, 44820, or 47 S. Main St., Mansfield OH, 44902.
Lelah Mick
CAREY - Lelah E. Mick of Findlay, died at 1:25 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2004, at Fox Run Nursing Home in Findlay, at the age of 93. Born in Wyandot County on Dec. 14, 1910, she was a daughter of Charles and Nettie (Southward-Axline) Walter. She married Rollie Mick on April 23, 1932. He died Feb. 26, 1965. Surviving are a son, Rollie, San Antonio, Texas; two grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a half brother, William Axline, Findlay. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Schroen and Velma Steele; two brothers, Samuel and Charles Walter; and a half brother, Raymond Axline. Mrs. Mick was a retired homemaker. The funeral will be Thursday at 1 p.m. at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home in Carey, with the Rev. Mike McClurg officiating. Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery, Carey. Visitation is at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. today, and for an hour prior to the service Thursday. Memorials may be made to the Fox Run Manor Activity Fund in care of Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, 225 W. Findlay St., Carey OH 43316.
John Dardinger
John E. "Dusty" Dardinger, 81, of rural Upper Sandusky, died at the Wyandot County Nursing Home at 2:25 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004. Born in Kenton on Aug. 24, 1922, he was a son of Carl and Clara (Acree) Dardinger. He married Sara Madeline Ross on Dec. 1, 1945, in Vian, Okla. She survives. Also surviving are a son, Mike, Marion; two daughters, Belinda Guinther, Caledonia; and Kathy Lumpkins, Bucyrus; six grandchildren, Mike Dardinger Jr., New Orleans, La.; John Dardinger, Denham Springs, La.; Amy Kinler, Covington, La.; Kyle Lumpkins, Sterling Heights, Mich.; Adam Lumpkins, Bucyrus; and Jason Lumpkins, Orville; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Janet McMahan, Madison, Ind. He was preceded in death by a brother, William Richard. Mr. Dardinger attended Upper Sandusky High School and played football. Upon graduation, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Dardinger retired as a foreman with Quaker Oats in Marion, after 37 years of service. He was a member of Grand Prairie Baptist Church since 1978, and of its C.I.S. Sunday school class. Mr. Dardinger was a member of the Quaker Oats Century Club, and enjoyed refinishing furniture and woodworking, working on small motor and vehicle repairs. He also enjoyed coon hunting, stock car racing and watching football. Graveside services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in Oak Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Mohon officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by local service groups. Visitation is today from 4-7 p.m. and Friday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Lucas Funeral home in Upper Sandusky. Memorials may be made to the Grand Prairie Baptist Church or to the organization of the donor's choice in care of Lucas Funeral Home, PO Box 207, Upper Sandusky OH 43351.
Thomas Thornhill
URBANA - Thomas Thornhill of Urbana, died at 12:41 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. He was 73. Born on July 21, 1930, in Louisa, Ky., he was a son of Millard and Lillie (Moore) Thornhill. He married Aurelia Monarrez, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Ed; three daughters, Vicki Thornhill, Julie Parr and Jeanne Cracknell; a granddaughter, Elizabeth; a brother, Roger; and six sisters, Virginia Wynn, Carolyn Cox, Louise Tullis, Ruth Adams, Linda Jumper and Judy Thornhill. He was preceded in death by four brothers, James, Lawrence, Jackie and Burrell Thornhill. Mr. Thornhill was a retired vice president of A.O. Smith, and a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in the Korean War. A memorial service was held on Jan. 17 at the Walter-Schoedinger Funeral Home in Urbana. Burial will be at a later date in Terre Haute Cemetery, Terre Haute. Memorials may be made to the McAuley Center, 906 Scioto St., Urbana OH 43078.
Jeremy Barry
CAREY - Jeremy Allen Ray Barry, 23, of 9727 CH 81, Wharton, died Wednesday morning, Jan. 21, 2004, in Kenton. A son of Allen Jr. and Debra Darlene (Kimbler) Barry, he was born in Marion on Sept. 13, 1980. He married Autumn Nelson on June 16, 2001. They divorced. Surviving are a son, Corwin Tyrel; his father; maternal grandparents Ray and Betty Kimbler, Carey; paternal grandparents, Allen Sr. and Vivian Barry, Kenton; and many aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his mother. Mr. Barry had been employed at several area factories. He attended First Free Will Baptist Church in Carey. Mr. Barry enjoyed spending time with his son and playing the guitar. The funeral will be Monday at 11 a.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Brent Layne officiating. Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery, Carey. Visitation is at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral home, Carey, from 2-9 p.m. Sunday. Memorials may be made to the Jeremy Allen Ray Barry Memorial Fund in care of Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, 225 W. Findlay St., Carey OH 43316.
Paul Salyer
CAREY - Paul E. Salyer, formerly of Upper Sandusky, and more recently of 212 W. Brown Ave., Carey, died at 4:16 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004, at Marion General Hospital. He was 75. Born in Manila, Ky., on Aug. 2, 1928, he was a son of Charles James and Beulah (Conley) Salyer. He and Pearl Dorothy Lake were married May 11, 1947, in Newburg, N.Y. She died June 30, 1992. Surviving are his mother; three daughters, Janis Coffman, Forest Grove, Ore.; and JoAnn Woodruff and Barbara Cornish, Upper Sandusky; four sons, Paul, Walter and Richard, Upper Sandusky; and Charles, Walden, N.Y.; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Janis Billings, Upper Sandusky; and Garnet Sorg, Carey. He was preceded in death by a son, Christopher; a daughter, Tammy Salyer; and a grandson, Christopher Salyer. Mr. Salyer served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. He retired in 1991 as a driver for Yellow Transit Trucking Co. He attended Church of God of Prophecy in Carey. Mr. Salyer was a member of the Teamsters Local No. 40 in Mansfield. The funeral will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, Carey, with the Revs. Jane Ann Stoepfel and Tony Cooper officiating. Burial will be in Spring Grove Cemetery, Carey. Visitation is at the funeral home today from 2-5 and 6-8 p.m. Memorials may be made to the organization of the donor's choice in care of Stombaugh-Batton Funeral Home, 225 W. Findlay St., Carey OH 43316.
