JOHN PHILLIP BURCH
John Phillip Burch, 82, of Candler, died Monday, March 1, 2004 at Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem. A native of Devotion, NC he was the son of the late Paul and Ennice Burch. Mr. Burch was a graduate of North Carolina State University and an honorable POW survivor of World War II. He was employed by the Asheville Citizen-Times from which he retired. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Virginia Jackson Burch. He is survived by his sister, Nell Burch Fulcher, and her husband Dr. O.M. Fulcher, of Devotion, NC; nephews, Paul Fulcher and his wife Susan, of Clemmons, NC, Martin Fulcher and his wife, Tracie, of Mount Airy, NC; niece, Joyce Fulcher Barbaree, of Overland Park, KS. The family will receive friends from 1:00 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 6, 2004 at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue, Asheville, NC. A Graveside Service will follow at 3:00 pm at Greenhills Cemetary. The Rev. Benny Wade will officiate.

ERNEST JACK GRISET, JR.
Ernest Jack Griset, Jr., a native of Asheville, died, Tuesday, February 24, 2004 after a stroke and a short bout with pneumonia. He was 94 years old. He worked for American Enka near Asheville and for Johnson and Johnson in New Jersey as a research engineer and inventor. He had over 70 patents with the U.S. Patent Office. He is survived by a son, Ernest Jack Griset, III of Asheville; a daughter, Mrs. Patricia Rhyne, of Charlotte, and two grandsons. A funeral service was held at 2:00 PM, Monday, March 1, 2004 in Morris Funeral Home Chapel, 304 Merrimon Ave. The Rev. Kimberly Richter officiated. Interment followed at Lewis Memorial Park. The family received friends from 7:00 8:30 PM, Sunday, February 29, 2004 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 789 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804.

DALE LAMAR McCLAIN
Dale Lamar McClain, 22, died Sunday, February 29, 2004. The son of Lawrence Jake McClain and Jessie Uerdella Ray, he was a native of Buncombe County. Dale was known as a quiet, nice, respectful man. He was full of life and energy and was loved by all who knew him. He gave gifts of his time to others. He was always willing to help those in his family and congregation when they had a need. He attended the Jehovah s Witness Kingdom Hall South Congregation most of his life. In addition to his parents, Dale is survived by his wife, Marissa Gleeson McClain and their six month old son Kobi Dale McClain, a sister, Lasheca M. McClain; a brother, Jake Lawrence McClain, Jr.; parents-in-law, Daniel and Debra Gleeson; two sisters-in-law, Danielle and Jillian Gleeson; a brother-in-law, Daniel Gleeson; grand parents-in-law, Gene and Kay Fabio; four nieces, one nephew, four aunts and two uncles. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday March 3, 2004, at Jehovah s Witnesses Kingdom Hall South Congregation. Brother Harry Fair will officiate.

KATHERINE M. SALE
Katherine M. Sale, of Asheville, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at a local hospital after a brief illness. Mrs. Sale was born in El Reno, OK, the daughter of Joseph H. and Garnett S. McNeely, and was a life long resident of Asheville. She attended Asheville City Schools and Sullins College. She was an avid golfer and for many years was active in the Asheville, Little Theatre Mrs. Sale is survived by her husband Leland Sale; sons, Graham Sale, of Asheville, and David Sale, of Washington, DC; sister, Florence McNeely, of Asheville; seven grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Graveside rites and burial will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, March 7, 2004 at Riverside Cemetery.

HOMER F.G. SCHRODER
Homer F.G. Schroder, 72, died Sunday, February 29, 2004 in a local hospital. A native of Chicago IL, he was the son of the late Dr. John and Matilda Frandsen Schroder. He was a Graduate of the University of Wisconsin and was a Navy Veteran who served in Korea. Mr. Schroder was the Director of Broadcast Standards and Practices with the ABC - TV Network. Surviving Mr. Schroder are his wife, Joan C. Schroder; daughters, Gwendolyn S. Casey and her husband, Robert, of Northbrook, IL, Melissa S. Raedle and her husband Mark, of Evanston, IL; brothers, John Eric Schroder and his wife Shirley, of Racine, WI, Vincent Schroder and his wife Beverly, of Gainesville, FL; sister-in-law, Marjorie Forwark, of Akron, OH; grandchildren, Gunnar, John and Lane; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Evanston, IL. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road Fairview, NC 28732.

ROBERT "BOB" DeBILL
Robert Bob DeBill of Fairway Dr., Asheville, NC, was called to heaven on July 5, 2004 due to a heart attack. He was 59 years young. He was born January 22, 1945 in Eau Claire, WI to the late Frank & Nina DeBill. He was raised in Spokane, WA by his mother and stepfather, James Arnett. He spent many hours with his brothers, Dennis and Delbert, fishing and causing mischief. He graduated from North Central High and broke Cross Country records while there. He was honored to have served his country as a US Marine at the age of 17. He served 1962 1966 and received commendations for his bravery in Vietnam. To those that knew him, Bob was the motto, Once a Marine, Always a Marine. He was married in 1965 to Sharon Smith and had one daughter, Cathy. Their marriage ended in 1983. He married Norma Jean Lemieux May 2, 1986. She survives him at their family home. After the Marine Corps, he worked in the Aerospace Industry primarily for General Dynamics and ROHR, both in San Diego, CA. He was especially proud of being the youngest foreman at the time for General Dynamics. While working, he followed his real passion, the passion for learning. While working full-time and raising a family, he attended night school at San Diego State University and received his degree in European History in 1972. He always dreamed of being a college history professor. His grandson, Cody, is planning on following in his footsteps. His legacy of teaching history will continue through Cody. Bob retired from Aerospace in 2000 and moved to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina with Norma Jean. Even though he retired, he missed working with others and was currently working part-time for the Home Depot in Asheville. He thought he never achieved his dream of being a teacher, but he shared his wisdom, experience, compassion and love for life with all those he came in touch with. He was a teacher after all, a life teacher. The greatest love in Bob s life was his family. He especially enjoyed his role as Poppa. He also enjoyed fishing, football (especially his beloved SD Chargers) and any other sport he could find to watch on television. But next to his family, he received his greatest pleasure from the game of golf. He always said he was most at peace when he was on the green. His heaven will certainly involve many rounds of golf with no sand traps, trees, water hazards or score cards. Bob was loved deeply and will be missed by all his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean of Asheville, NC; his daughter, Cathy (DeBill) Campagna, her husband, Rick and their two children, Heather and Cody of Mission Viejo, CA; his step-daughter, Carrie and her children, Ray Jr., Alexis and Rayanna of Lemon Grove, CA; and a granddaughter, Jordon of Escondido, CA; and his brothers Delbert DeBill and Dennis DeBill of Spokane, WA. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 13, 2004, at the Western North Carolina State Veteran s Cemetery, with full military honors by Buncombe County Veteran s Council Memorial Team. Donations may be made in Bob s honor to either The Vietnam Veteran s Memorial Fund at www.vvmf.org or The American Hearth Association at www.americanheart.org .

DEMOSTHENES WILLIAM GAILEY
Demosthenes William Gailey, 81, of Asheville died peacefully after a prolonged illness on Saturday, June 19, 2004 at Pisgah Manor Nursing Home. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Irene, sons George and Paul, daughter Elenie Fox, brother Platon and grandchildren Shirley, Eirene, Jennifer, William, and Glen. Born in Waterbury, CT and raised in New Haven, he later served in World War II as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Air Force. He received several decorations for his service as navigator flying long-range missions in Europe. A graduate of North Carolina State University, he worked as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace and defense industries including General Electric, Northrup and Stencil Aero Engineering and, most recently, as an engineering consultant for Carolina Knife. He was active in his church and was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Foundation. Known for his personal industry, integrity and sense of humor, he was also an avid gardener and enjoyed playing the piano. A funeral service was held Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 2:00 pm at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 227 Cumberland Ave. The Rev. Father Stavros N. Akrotirianakis officiated. Interment followed at Lewis Memorial Park. A Trisagion was held on Monday, June 21, 2004 at 7:30 pm at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Ave. Memorial gifts may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, P.O. Box 8369, Asheville, NC 28814.

PAUL F. LEAVITT
Paul F. Leavitt, 81, of Asheville, NC, died Thursday, July 8, 2004. Paul attended Done College in Crete, NE where he met his future wife, Janet Boyd from North Bend, NE. They were married on Dec. 3, 1943. Paul served with the Marine Air Corps in WWII. After the war Paul graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford in 1948. He then worked for Gerber Products Co. for 38 years, rising to Chief Engineer in Fremont, MI, where he lived with his family for 30 years. After retiring in 1968, Paul and Janet moved to Asheville, NC where they lived for ten years. Paul was a devoted member of the Asheville chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Singing in America. He was also very active on committees for Crowfields Condominium Association where they lived. He is survived by his wife, Janet Boyd Leavitt; his children Barbara Kingsford of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; Marsha Leavitt of Northampton, MA; Tom Leavitt of Maple Valley, WA; and Tracy Leavitt and husband Richard Witt of Accord, NY; brothers, Bill Leavitt of Lincoln, NE and David Leavitt of New York, NY; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He shared a love of golf with Barbara s husband, Don Kingsford who died in March of this year. They are probably teeing up right now. There will be a private service for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we urge you to support hospice areas in your area.

JOHN ROBERT SMITH
John Robert Smith, 79, of Pinecroft Road, died Thursday, July 8, 2004, at a local hospital. A life long resident of Buncombe County, he was the son of the late John Hartford and Ethel Price Smith. Mr. Smith was retired from the City of Asheville as a Building Inspector, he was also a Past President State Board of Building Inspectors. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Rosie Smith (1986). He is survived by his daughter, Patty Finch of Angier, North Carolina; sister, Lillian Peeler of Bryon, GA; three grandchildren, Matt, Bill & Marshall. A memorial service was held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, July 10, 2004 at Morris Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Kelvin Moseley officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the service, at Morris Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Habitat for Humanity, 30 Meadow Rd., Asheville, NC 28803 or The American Diabetes Association, 434 Fayetteville St. Mall, Two Hannover Sq., Suite 1600, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27601-1764.

THOMAS BENJAMIN BADEN
Thomas Benjamin Baden, 85, of Asheville, died Friday, Nov. 5, 2004. Tom was born on June 4, 1919, in Washington, D.C. He graduated from the Mercersburg Academy and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was involved in numerous activities including service as President of the University Band, President of Sigma Nu and induction into the Order of Golden Fleece. While at UNC, he met his beloved wife, Helen Hamrick Threadgill. They married in Chapel Hill on June 5, 1944. During World War II he served as an officer in the United States Marine Corps, as Captain with the First and Third Marine Division on Guam and in North China. They moved to Miami Shores, Fla., where he entered the real estate business, later establishing Baden Realty Company. He enjoyed an active civic life serving in many roles including President of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and the planning and zoning board of Miami Shores. He was an outstanding role model as both Cubmaster and Scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America. He was dedicated to his church, serving in many capacities including Sunday school superintendent and chairman of the Board of Trustees. He enjoyed playing piano and hiking at their summer home at Cattail Creek near Burnsville. Beyond his many achievements, he is primarily remembered for his integrity, kindness, friendly enthusiasm, positive attitude, thoughtful, unselfish love of others and his devotion to his family and Christian faith. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Henry Baden and Elizabeth Barbour Baden; a brother, James Henry Baden; a sister, Mary Adelle Baden Parker; and first grandchild, Kristin Louise Baden. Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Helen Hamrick Threadgill Baden; three children, Joseph Hamrick Baden and his wife, Anne Davison Baden, of Raleigh, Thomas James Baden and his wife, Sandra Bradley Baden, of Morganton and Helen Fullerton Baden Atwood and her husband, Nathan James Atwood, of Chesapeake, Va.; and 13 grandchildren, Rachel, Tom, Mark, Craig, Scott, Michael, Lauren, Wesley, Daniel, Sarah, Hannah, Noah and Ethan. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 8, 2004 at Arden Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Ken Crabb and Nathan Atwood officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, November 7, 2004 at Morris Funeral Home, Arden. Memorial gifts may be made to the Pensacola Volunteer Fire Department, 14 Laurelwood Dr, Burnsville, NC 28714.

ROBERT WALTER HABEL
Robert Walter Habel died unexpectedly Thursday, Nov. 4, 2004, at a local hospital. The son of the late Walter and Marie Habel, he was born on Jan. 21, 1932, in Long Beach, Calif., and grew up in Denver, Colo. He attended the University of Denver and then served in Japan during the Korean War. He returned to complete his studies at the University of Denver Law School. His focus was Patent Law where he clerked with the Chief Justice of the Court of Customs and Patent Appeals. In 1961 he moved to Asheville and worked with Enka in the Patent Department. Subsequently, he worked with corporations Eimco and Battelle Northwest. He then returned to Asheville to work with the Olin Corp. He retired from Ecusta International in 1989. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Bonnie Bauer Habel; two sons, Steve Habel and his wife, Rennie, of Tryon and David Habel and his wife, Betsy, of Kalispell, Mont.; brother, Charles W. Habel and his wife, Jane, of Ft. Collins, Colo.; a sister, Anna Marie Cook of Denver, Colo.; and eight grandchildren, Nathaniel, Jessica, Keckeley, Benjamin, Adam, Brandon, Ashley and Rebecca. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 11, 2004 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville with the Rev. Mark Ward officiating. A reception will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Mission Memorial Hospital, 509 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 28801, Asheville Sister Cities, 33 Page Ave., Asheville, NC and The Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville, 28801.

EUGENE OWEN KELLY
Eugene Owen Kelly, 65, died Monday, November 1, 2004, of complications from a stroke, at the VA Medical Center. A native of Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Thomas J. Kelly and Catherine J. Kelly. In addition to his parents he is also preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor Hebbeler. He served in the Army during the Berlin Wall crisis, 1961-1963. He and his wife, Rosanne moved to Asheville in 1983. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Rosanne; his brothers: Thomas J. Kelly, Jr. and his wife Marianne, of Rotonda West, FL., John J. Kelly, and his wife, Elaine, and his sister, Marion Ruehl, all of Staten Island, NY; five nieces and two nephews, and several great nieces and a great nephew. The family wishes to thank the staff of the VA Medical Center, doctors, nurses, and nursing assistants for the care and attention they gave Eugene during his year and a half on the Nursing Care Unit, second floor. Also, thank you to family and friends for their loving support. A prayer service was held at 7:00 pm, Thursday, November 4, 2004 at Morris Funeral Home, 304 Merrimon Avenue. The family received friends following the service. A funeral mass was held at 10:15 am, at the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Friday, November 5, 2004. The Rev. Morris Boyd officiated. Burial followed at the Western North Carolina State Veteran s Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to The Basilica of Saint Lawrence, 97 Haywood St., Asheville, NC 28801.

EDNA MARIE JONES LEINSTER
Edna Marie Jones Leinster, 95, formerly of Kenilwood Place, died Monday, Nov. 1, 2004, in a local health care facility. A native of Concord, she was the daughter of the late James Arthur and Zula Propst Jones and the wife of the late Robert Osborne Leinster. She was a member of Forest Hill Methodist Church in Concord. Mrs. Leinster moved to Asheville from Charlotte in 1944, then became associated with the Towel State Towel Company, retiring as manager. She is survived by her son, James Robert Leinster of Pisgah Forest; her daughter, Ann Marie Leinster Chakales of Asheville; three grandchildren, Catherine Ann Chakales of Asheville, Laurie Ann Leech of Fletcher and James Osborne Leinster of Brevard; and four great-grandchildren, Tyler and Garrett Leech of Fletcher and Kara Marie and Sara Elizabeth Leinster of Brevard. A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday., Nov. 14, 2004, in the Morris Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. John David Stewart will officiate. The family will receive friends following the service.

MAXIE 'MAX' BRYANT WELCH, JR.
Maxie Max Bryant Welch, Jr., 66, formerly of Parkview Ext. died, Monday, November 1, 2004 at Memorial Mission Hospital. Maxie was born May 26, 1938, in Scotland Neck, NC where he attended high school. He was the son of the late Maxie B. Welch, Sr. and the late Lotta Smith Welch. He was a graduate of Mars Hill College and a retired faculty member of AB Technical College. He was best known for his friendly personality and was frequently spotted at many ball games and events for his grandkids who meant the world to him. He is survived by his two daughters Angela Welch of Fairview, and her fianc , Brent Hurst, Debbie Welch Race of Fairview, and her husband, Tommy; and three grandchildren, Brandon, Brittany, and Little Max. Max will always be remembered as a well loved and wonderful Dad, Grandpa, and friend. The family received friends from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, Thursday, November 4, 2004, at Morris Funeral Home 304 Merrimon Avenue. A graveside service was held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, November 6, 2004, at the Baptist Cemetery in Scotland Neck, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Multiple Sclerosis Society P.O. Box 241535 Charlotte, NC 28224.