Robert E. Brown
Robert E. "Bob" Brown, 74, of 600 Stanley St., Middletown, died Thursday, March 16, 2000, in his workshop. He was born in Middletown on June 27, 1925, the son of Harry L. and Ethyl Mae (Conn) Brown, and graduated from Monroe High School in 1944. Bob served in the Army during World War II as a combat engineer in Europe. He worked for more than 35 years at Armco Steel Co., retiring in 1983 as a locomotive engineer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Leigh and Ethyl Brown of Middletown; a sister, May Hardeman of Orlando, Fla.; a brother, George Brown of Middletown; and a daughter, Linda Diann Brown of Middletown. Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Ruthie Brown; a son, David, and his wife, Nancy, of Indianapolis, Ind.; a son, Philip Brown; a grandson, Rob O'Brien; a granddaughter, Catherine Garnet Brown of Boston, Mass.; a grandson, John Frederick Brown, and his fiancée, Laura Brown, of Pennsylvania; two granddaughters, Casey Elizabeth Brown of Middletown and Brooke Nicole Brown of Hamilton; and three brothers, John of Franklin, Charles of Yorkshire, Ohio, and Harry Leigh of Monroe, La. Bob was past president of the Miami Valley Woodcarvers Club and the Miami Valley Stamp Club. He was a member of Lincoln Masonic Lodge, an active member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ and a longtime volunteer at Middfest.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Sunday, March 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, followed at 7 p.m. by a brief memorial service. The Rev. Susan Jones Thompson will officiate. A private family service and committal will be held on Monday, with burial to follow in Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Family requests contributions to either the American Heart Association or St. Paul's United Church of Christ.

Joseph J. Burichin Sr.
Joseph J. Burichin Sr., 76, of Franklin Township, Ohio, died Monday, March 13, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born on Jan. 8, 1924, in Dunlo, Pa., the son of Michael and Annie (Gavalecz) Burichin. Mr. Burichin was a member of Holy Family Parish. He was also a past member of Louella Thompson's Feed the Hungry board. Surviving are his wife, Garnett Burichin of Franklin; a son, Joseph Burichin Jr., and his wife, Saunyla Carter, of Clearwater, Texas; five daughters, Judith Burichin, M.D., and husband, Jerrold Twohig, of Franklin Township, Susan Burichin-Bee, and husband, Stephen Bee, of Dillon, Colo., Christine Burichin of Dillon, Colo., Mary Beth Burichin, and husband,, Anthony Ellis, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Kelly Burichin of Middletown, Ohio; two brothers, Edward Burichin of Dunlo, Pa., and Francis Burichin of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and six grandchildren, Emily Bee, Patrick Twohig, Mary Elizabeth Twohig, Samuel Bee, Juliana Ellis and James Burichin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Annie Burichin; a sister, Helen Alberta; a brother, Michael Burichin; and a sister, Marie Hoffenson.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. John's Church of Holy Family Parish in Middletown, with Father Charles Mentrup as celebrant. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Louella Thompson's Feed the Hungry, 828 Yankee Road, Middletown 45044.

Donald L. Clark
Donald Lester Clark passed away Monday, March 13, 2000, after a lengthy hospital stay, in Houston, Texas, at the age of 81. He was retired from Armco Steel Co. Mr. Clark was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Clark; his son, David Allen Clark; his grandson, Richard Allen Clark; two brothers, Virgil and Stanley Clark; and two sisters, Alma Brown and Letta Callous. He is survived by his sons, Donald Lee Clark and Donald Lee Clark Jr.; his granddaughter, Janna Clark Browning, and his great-grandchildren, Richard Allen Clark Jr., Karlee Browning, Meagan Browning. Holly Browning and Haley Browning; a brother, Leon Clark, and his wife, Clare Clark, of Middletown, Ohio; sister-in-law, Loretta Chamberlain of Trenton, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Services have been concluded and he was laid to rest in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, March 16.

Robin A. Coddington
Mrs. Robin A. Coddington, 75, of Middletown, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Middletown on April 15, 1924, the daughter of the late Arthur L. and Marjorie (Starkey) Robinson. She attended Miami University. During World War II, Mrs. Coddington was employed for a number of years in the engineering department of the former Fabricating Division of Armco Steel Co. She was also a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church and was extremely proud of her roots to early Methodism in this country. Survivors include her husband, Jack E. Coddington of Middletown; two sons, Todd Edward Coddington of Middletown, Del., and Kipp Andrew Coddington of Arlington, Va.; a daughter, Polly A. Verbanic of Columbus, Ind.; two sisters, Emily Kinkley of Sequim, Wash., and Louise Roosa of El Cajon, Calif.; three grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Woodside Cemetery Chapel, with the Rev. John Keeny officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown 45044; or First United Methodist Church, 120 S. Broad St., Middletown 45044. Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home is handlng arrangements.

Gregory Keith Coldiron
Gregory Keith Coldiron, 53, of Middletown, died Saturday, March 18, 2000 at Mercy Hospital in Fairfield. He was born Nov. 27, 1946 in Middletown. Mr. Coldiron was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked in construction. He was preceded in death by his parents, Estal and Mildred Coldiron; a daughter, Sara Elizabeth Coldiron and a sister-in-law, Darlene Coldiron, wife of Richard. He is survived by his wife, Marie Coldiron; a daughter, Angela Lawson and husband Matt of Middletown; brothers, Jack Coldiron and wife Penny of Phoenix, Ron Coldiron of Warner Robins, Ga., David Coldiron and wife Janet of Franklin, Richard Coldiron of New Miami and Robert Coldiron and wife Wanda of Trenton and a sister, Joy Elaine Sivak and husband Mike of Middletown.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation is Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial is in Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions can be made to a charity of choice.

Leah M. Cooper
TRENTON--Mrs. Leah M. Cooper, 87, of Trenton, died Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was born in Alabama on May 26, 1912, and had lived in this area for 57 years. Mrs. Cooper was formerly employed processing insurance at the Middletown Medical Center for eight years. She had also been a sales coordinator at Irvings Dress Shop for 20 years. She was a member of the Middletown First United Methodist Church, Forest Hills Country Club, a lifelong member of Eastern Star Ida Morningstar Chapter, and member of the Middletown Elks Socialites and American Legion Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Charles A. Cooper, on Feb. 5, 1994; a brother, James F. Freeze; and a sister, Audrey N. Moore on Sept. 11, 1992. Survivors include a niece, Pamela A. (David L.) Fields of Middletown; a great-niece, Robyn A. Layne of Middletown; a great-great-niece, Samantha L. Layne of Middletown; a great-great-nephew, Zachary Joseph David Layne of Middletown; a nephew, Ronald (Carrol) Freeze of Butler, Pa.; a great-niece, Julie Freeze of Butler, Pa.; a great-nephew, Andrew Freeze of Butler, Pa.; and her caregiver and special friend, Janis Quinn.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Saturday at the Woodside Cemetery Chapel in Middletown. Visitation is from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the chapel.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 105 McKnight Drive, Middletown 45044; or American Cancer Society, 105 McKnight Drive, Middletown 45044. Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home in Middletown is handling arrangements.

Jerry W. Gabbard
HAMILTON - Jerry W. Gabbard, 48, of Hamilton, died on Friday, March 17, 2000. He was born on March 28, 1951, in Hamilton, the son of Robert and Betty (Evans) Gabbard. He was married on June 21, 1969, in Newport, Ky., to Anna (Baker) Gabbard, who survives him. He worked for Butler County as a road crew supervisor in Liberty Township. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Betty Gabbard. He is survived by his wife, Anna Gabbard; two children, Frank Gabbard of Hamilton and Betty Gabbard of Middletown; three brothers, James and wife Faye Gabbard, Darrell Gabbard and Ronald and wife Beth Gabbard; five sisters, Judy and husband Robert Clair, Doris and husband John Brueggemann, Doloris and husband Bill Deems, Sylvia and husband Steve Vaughn and Lillian and husband Lenny Bailey; a granddaughter, Sabrina Cassingham and many nieces, nephews and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Kowalk Funeral Home-Rose Hill Chapel, 2565 Princeton Road, Hamilton, with the Pastor Duke Markley officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may visit today from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Margarette Hinds
Mrs. Margarette (Cox) Hinds, 80, formerly of Middletown, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2000, in Springfield, Mass., where she had lived since 1954. She was born on July 11, 1919, in Dothan, Ala. Mrs. Hinds was retired from the Springfield Armory in Springfield, Mass. She had also worked as a waitress at Barton's Restaurant on Eighth Avenue in Middletown. She was an avid gardener, loved to entertain friends and was very active in her church circles. Mrs. Hinds was preceded in death by her parents, Evans and Mary Cox; her husband, Goldbert Hinds; and brothers Eddie, Willie, Charlie and Eugene Cox. She is survived by a nephew, Louie Cox (Carlene), a niece, Marie Jett (Elmo), and special great-niece, Deborah Johnson, all of Middletown; nephews Darnell and the Rev. Richard Cox of Trotwood, Ohio; a niece, Nodie M. Battle of Panama City, Fla.; and nephews Edward and Homer, and niece, Nettie Cox, all of Tampa, Fla.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial services were concluded at St. John's Congregational Church United Church of Christ in Springfield, Mass., on Tuesday, March 21, with the Rev. Howard-John Wesley, presiding.

Jocelyn R. Holbrook
Jocelyn Renee Holbrook, 40, of 1219 Grove St., the beloved daughter of Rosemary McCuller Thomas-Patterson and Clarence Thomas Jr., was born in Middletown, Ohio, on June 9, 1959. She departed this life on Saturday, March 18, 2000, at 1:45 p.m. at her residence. At an early age, Renee joined the Tried Stone Baptist Church in Middletown and later became a member of Power of Deliverance Temple in Middletown. Renee was active in the Eastern Stars until her health failed. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted mother, Rosemary McCuller Thomas-Patterson, and her father, Clarence Thomas Jr., both of Middletown; her grandmother, Mary B. Thomas of Middletown; a daughter, Consuelo Bernice Thomas, and a son, Jamali K. Fuller, both of Middletown; two sisters, Clarissa A. Thomas and Arleta C. Thomas, both of Middletown; a brother, Clarence J. Thomas of Middletown; two grandchildren, Kenneth H. Lewis and Michael D. Ivory Jr., and one expected grandchild, Jamali, also of Middletown. She also leaves to cherish her memory many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at Power of Deliverance Temple, 401 Crawford St., with Bishop Keith J. Brooks officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time at the church. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until time of service. Arrangements are by Hall-Jordan Memorial Chapel.

George Matthew Verity Hook
For all that George Matthew Verity Hook accomplished, Jim Waxweiler will remember him for his generosity. Waxweiler said Hook, 82, who passed away Saturday in Naples, Fla., was well-known for helping others. Years ago, when Poland was under communist rule, he arranged for a young man from there to attend college in the United States. "He knew that's what the boy wanted," said Waxweiler, who replaced Hook as vice president, Europe and Africa, for Armco International in 1977. Hook also opened his house in Normandy, France, to friends and family and loved to treat them to a fireworks display. "It was a beautiful place," Waxweiler said. "Absolutely lovely." Hook was born in Middletown in 1917. He was the son of Armco chief executive Charles M. Hook and grandson of Armco founder George M. Verity. Hook's first job at Armco was as a cold mill feeder at the company's Middletown Works during school vacation periods in 1936 and 1937. His first full-time assignment, shortly after graduating from Yale University in 1939, was at the Kansas City works of Armco's Sheffield Division. During World War II from 1942 to 1945, Hook served as lieutenant in the 40th Tank Battalion, a unit in Gen. George Patton's Third Army. Involved in the liberation of Metz, Hook's tank received a direct hit. He was wounded and forced to return to the U.S., but his efforts were recognized by the French government. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre for bravery in saving the French village from destruction. He also received a Silver Star and Purple Heart. After the war, he rejoined Armco as a sales trainee in Armco International, took a leave of absence the same year and, along with William Verity, worked on the so-called Quota for Force Plan for Peace, a proposal to use only the armed forces of small nations to help the U.N. keep the peace. He later was named assistant to the president at Armco, and then general manager for Armco-Paris and European area director in 1957. He retired in 1977 as vice president, Europe and Africa, for Armco International. Waxweiler said Hook also enjoyed playing golf and tennis, a sport he played at Yale. He said Hook had a good sense of humor, and he loved telling stories. "He was just wonderful," Waxweiler said. He leaves his wife, Rosalie Hook, formerly of LeFroy, France; a son, George, of Portland, Ore.; a daughter, Jean Kaywood of Baltimore, Md., and a grandson. The family announced a memorial service will be held for him in Paris at a time to be determined.

Sarah E. Hurtt
LEBANON - Sarah E. Hurtt, 80, of Lebanon, passed away Monday, March 13, 2000, at the Lebanon Country Manor Nursing Center in Lebanon, Ohio. She was a lifelong resident of Wayne County. Mrs. Hurtt is survived by her daughter, Lynda Hurtt Poe of Lebanon; two sisters, Carole Doyle of Alexandria, Va., and Rosella of Missouri; four grandchildren, Jessica Renee Clark, and her husband, Phil, of Columbus, Ohio, Brent Montgomery, and wife, Becky, of Waynesville, Cheryl Mink of South Lebanon and Jennifer Lutsko of California; four great-grandchildren, Kayla, Ryan, Jazmyne and Boen. She was preceded in death by her brother, Clark Allan Bradley in 1990.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the Stine-Kilburn Funeral Home, 801 Monroe Road, in Lebanon, where friends may call two hours prior to services starting at noon. Burial will be at Miami Valley Memorial Gardens in Centerville, Ohio.

Robert E. Izor
CARLISLE -- Robert Eugene Izor, 62, of 7491 Red Robin Circle, died Thursday, March 16, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital at 6:48 a.m. He was born in Franklin, Ohio, on June 11, 1937, the son of Clarence and Magdalen (Ifcic) Izor. He graduated from Springboro High School with the class of 1955. Mr. Izor was a member of the ACE Car Enthusiast Club, St. Mary's Church in Franklin and was an avid bowler. He was employed at Armco/AK Steel Co. for 381Ú2 years as a crane operator, retiring in 1994. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Izor. Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Charlene (Koettell) Izor; three sons, Tom Izor of Fairfield, Steve Izor of Franklin and Tim Izor of Groton, Conn.; a daughter, Linda Izor of West Carrollton; two brothers, Leroy Izor, and his wife, Wanda, of Middletown, and Jim Izor, and wife, Patsy, of Miamisburg; and four grandchildren, Kristi, Kimberly, Josh and Emily.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at St. Mary's Church in Franklin, with Father Joseph Bruening as celebrant. Burial will be in Heritage Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home.

Jean K. Jacoby
MIAMISBURG -- Mrs. Jean K. Jacoby, 85, of Miamisburg, passed away Thursday, March 16, 2000, at Hospice of Dayton. She was born in Middletown, Ohio, on Sept. 6, 1914, to the late James Nathaniel and Carrie (Dell) Kimball. Mrs. Jacoby was a graduate of Middletown High School, class of 1933, and a graduate of Ohio State University, class of 1939, where she received her B.S. degree in education. She was the past president of the Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi Sorority at Ohio University. She was also a member of Kappa Delta Phi/Beta Beta Chapter and St. Jacob Lutheran Church. Mrs. Jacoby was a founding member of the original Mother's Club in Miamisburg. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. William D. Jacoby in 1986; an infant brother, Jamie Kimball; and her sister, Anna Margaret Kimball. She is survived by her loving children, Dr. W. David Jacoby, and his wife, Amber K., of Tucson, Ariz., Sally Martin, and her husband, George, of Oakwood, and Elizabeth Dalton, and husband, David M., of Miamisburg; six grandchildren, Bill and Jennifer Jacoby of Arizona, Ben and Laura Martin of Oakwood and Emily and Meaghanne Dalton of Miamisburg.
ARRANGEMENTS: There will be no public visitation. A graveside service will be held Saturday, March 18, at 11 a.m. at the Hillgrove Cemetery in Miamisburg.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Diabetes Association of the Dayton area, 184 Salem Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45406. Arrangements are in the care of Gebhart-Schmidt-Parramore Funeral Home, 508 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg.

Edna Marie Johnson
Edna Marie Johnson, 74, of Middletown, formerly of Dayton, passed away Friday, March 17, 2000, at Garden Manor. She was born August 20, 1925, to the late Arnold and Edna (Townsend) Tackett. She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Tackett in 1982. She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, John and Denise Johnson and Michael and Marilyn Johnson, both of Middletown, and Douglas and Sally Johnson of Boca Raton, Fla.; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: There will be no visitation. Graveside funeral services will be Monday at 3 p.m. at Highland Cemetery, Miamisburg. Dalton Funeral Home of Germantown is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Langworthy
FRANKLIN -- Charles Paul Langworthy, 78, of Flint, Mich., formerly of Franklin, Ohio, died Saturday, March 18, 2000, at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was born on Sept. 25, 1921, in Miamisburg, Ohio, to Roy L. and Judah (Carpenter) Langworthy. On Dec. 30, 1980, he married Rita Gardner and she survives in Flint, Mich. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Southwest Pacific during World War II. He was employed by Brinks Inc. in Dayton, Ohio, and Flint, Mich. Following his retirement, he worked as a teacher's aide at Mott Adult High School in Flint, Mich. Mr. Langworthy was a member of the American Legion Post 149 in Franklin, Ohio, lst Marine Division, Guadalcanal Veterans Association and the Studebaker Driver's Club. He is survived by his wife; a daughter, Deborah, and her husband, Joe Sweeney of Middletown, Ohio; a son, Steven Langworthy of Kentwood, Mich.; a stepdaughter, Lin Randolph, and husband, Robert Damm, of Cliffside Park, N.J.; two grandsons, Bryan, and his wife, Angie, of Mount Clemens, Mich., and Thomas Earl of Shelbyville, Mich.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today, March 22, at the Brough-Getts Funeral Home, 102 S. Second St., Miamisburg, Ohio, with the Rev. Charles Paxton officiating. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery in Franklin, with veteran services by American Legion Post 149. Friends may call at the funeral home today from noon until time of service.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Guadalcanal Veterans Association or the 1st Marine Division Scholarship Fund.

Ruth M. Larson
LEBANON -- Mrs. Ruth Margaret (Dear) Larson, 78, of Lebanon, died Saturday, March 18, 2000, at Hospice of Cincinnati. She was born on March 27, 1921, in Dayton, Ohio, to Ralph and Thelma (Penquite) Dear. Mrs. Larson was a special education teacher in the Kings Mills School District. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Lloyd Larson; and a son, Paul Michael Larson. Survivors include three sons, Robert Lloyd Larson Jr. of Wauwatosa, Wis., Gerald Norman Larson of Sacramento, Calif., and James Albert Larson of Lebanon; a foster son, Michael Heinlein; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today, March 24, with funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home in Lebanon. Interment to follow at Lebanon Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Cincinnati.

Richard MacLean
Richard "Dick" MacLean, 75, of Middletown, died Saturday, March 18, 2000 at his residence. He was born July 21, 1925 in Middletown and lived his entire life in the community. He retired as an assembler from General Motors in 1991. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and was a lifetime member of American Legion Post 218. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Susan MacLean; two brothers, Kenneth MacLean and William MacLean and two sisters, Virginia Teemer and Patty MacLean. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Marion "Max" MacLean; a brother, Charles MacLean of Middletown; two sisters, Betty Lewber of Dayton and Nancy Snowden of Phoenix; many nieces and nephews; many great nieces and nephews and many great-great nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation is Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial is at Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 105 McKnight Drive, Middletown, 45044.

Mary Margaret Morris
Mary Margaret Morris, 59, of Middletown, died on Sunday morning, March 19, 2000 at Middletown Regional Hospital. She was a member of Holy Family Parish. She and her husband, Paul A. Morris, were married for 40 years. She is also survived by two sons, Bill (Yvonne) Williams of Trotwood and Paul (Phyllis) Morris Jr. of Kettering; four daughters, Paula (David) Seible and Mary Morris, both of Middletown, Martha (James) Craner of Butler and Angela (Raymond) Gault of Athol, Ky.; mother-in-law, Dorothy Hillard of Middletown; two brothers, Vernon Rose of Dayton and Richard Daniels of Bluffton, Ind.; a sister, Barbara Garrett of Miamisburg; a good friend, Troy Fields; 23 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are 10 a.m. Tuesday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, with the Rev. John Civille officiating. Visitation is Tuesday from 9 a.m. until time of the service. Interment is at Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Alexander P. Nemcic
Alexander P. Nemcic, 81, of Middletown, died Sunday, March 19, 2000, at Willow Knoll Retirement Community. He was born in Middletown on June 8, 1918, to Frank and Marie Nemcic. He was an Army veteran of World War II. Mr. Nemcic was a member of Holy Family Parish, American Legion Post 218 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3809. He was also an avid golfer and played baseball as a member of the American Legion 1935 state championship team. He leaves his wife, Dorothy of Middletown; two sons, Frank M. Nemcic of Middletown and John A. Nemcic of Cincinnati; a daughter, Cathy L. (Scott) Emley of Germantown; a sister, Mary Stickleman; and five grandchildren, Sarah, Rachael, Matthew and Aaron Nemcic and Alexis Emley. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three brothers, Frank, Louis and Steve Nemcic.
ARRANGEMENTS: Mass of Christian Burial is set for 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. John's Church of Holy Family Parish, with Father John Civille as celebrant. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today, March 21, at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery. American Legion Post 218 Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the graveside. Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Ernest Pitts
Ernest Pitts, 81, of Middletown, died Thursday, March 16, 2000, at Hawthorn Glen Nursing Home. He was born on July 7, 1918, in Campbell County, Ky., and lived here for more than 40 years. Mr. Pitts was a self-employed truck driver and dispatcher for 60 years before retiring in 1983. He was affiliated with the Breiel Boulevard Church of God and was a member of the Kentucky Friends of the Blue Grass of Menifee County and the Blue Grass Club. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pansy Pitts in 1992; two sons, Donald Dale Pitts and Monty Kyle Pitts; six brothers; and one sister. He is survived by three sons, Douglas A. Pitts of Camden, and Michael Pitts and Dwight Timothy Pitts, both of Middletown; a daughter, Lawana Bowers of Middletown; 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Carrie Cooper of Frenchburg, Ky., and Betty Doughty of Michigan.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home, with the Revs. David Colp and Eric Newell officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Paul I. Redkey
Paul Isaac Redkey, 83, of Dayton, formerly of Middletown, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at Miami Valley Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wives, Ann, Ruth and Katherine. He is survived by his children, Brenda (and John) Seasholtz, Charlotte (and Vernon) Moore, Ken (and Vivian) Howard, Jean Redkey, Shirley (and David) Wise, Ron (and Irene) Scheidt and Roger (and Judy) Scheidt. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his loving caregiver, Oneida "Miss Kitty" Baker; brothers Jack and Donald; and sisters Evelyn, Jessie, Marge and Betty. Paul proudly served in the U.S. Army, 779th Battery D, during World War II. He was a member of Belmont United Methodist Church for 50 years, a member of Jefferson Lodge 90 Free and Accepted Masons in Middletown, Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton, and Antioch Shrine. He and his wife, Katherine, were actively involved in the Hithergreen Strummers and Seniors, Inc., and the National Dulcimer Society. They also enjoyed square dancing in several local groups. His special interests included wood carving and painting.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 20, at the Tobias Funeral Home, Belmont Chapel, 648 Watervliet Ave., Dayton. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Belmont United Methodist Church.

B.L. Saylor
HAMILTON - B.L. "Bill" Saylor, 66, died Saturday, March 18, 2000 at Fort Hamilton Hospital. He was born on July 11, 1933 in Molus, Ky., the son of Willie and Bessie (Hopkins) Saylor. He received his education in the schools of Somerset, Ky., graduating from high school in 1950. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. On Nov. 19, 1960, he married Wilma J. Phillips. Mr. Saylor was employed by the Pillsbury Company for 25 years and was employed as a pipe fitter for Ford Motor Company in Sharonville for the past 22 years. He was a member of the Church of God and locally attended the Princeton Pike Church of God. He is survived by two children; Darrell Saylor of Middletown and Kimberly and her husband Travis Meadors of Hamilton; five grandchildren, Lauren, Joshua, Jared, Jacob and Jennifer Meadors; three sisters, Mavis (Moss) Paul of Lakeland, Fla., Stella Lane of Middletown and Louise Roark of Hamilton; one brother, Aubrey Saylor of Dayton and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Rhoda Diamond, Occie Caldwell, Imogene Weisbrod and Maude Saylor and by two brothers, Reed and Claude Saylor. His chief joy in life was his delight in his grandchildren and they adored him. Another source of pleasure for him was his enjoyment of church stories and all good gospel music.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral serivces will be Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home, 980 N.W. Washington Blvd., Hamilton, with Pastor Don Combs officiating, assisted by the Rev. C.E. Landreth. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park.
MEMORIALS: Memorials may be given to The Princeton Pike Church of God, 2470 Princeton Road, Hamilton, 45011, in his memory.

Ethel Smith
FRANKLIN - Mrs. Ethel Smith, 75, of 602 E. Second St., died Monday, March 13, 2000, at 9:45 p.m. at Franklin Ridge Nursing Home. She was born in Jackson County, Ky., on June 27, 1924, the daughter of James and Amanda (Bargo) Messer. Preceding her in death were her parents; a son, James Leonard Smith; and a brother, Bob Messer. Surviving are her husband of 50 years, Otis Smith; a son, Robert J.C. Stevens, and his wife, Sue, of Peebles; two daughters, Jean Kidder, and husband, Herschel, of West Alexandria, and Faye Flannery, and husband, George, of Franklin; a brother, Ray Messer of Cincinnati; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 1 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home. Burial will be in Butler County Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday from 11 a.m. until time of service.

Winfred S. Taylor
Winfred Scott Taylor, 93, of Middletown, died Monday, March 13, 2000, at Garden Manor Extended Care Center. He was born in Dover, Tenn., on Nov. 5, 1906, to Album and Dora Taylor, but lived here most of his life. Mr. Taylor was a carpenter. He had worked at Tom Strinko Co. for 15 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ollie Taylor in 1988; his parents; and two brothers and one sister. Surviving are three sons, Troy E. Taylor, Harold Taylor and Charles G. Taylor Sr., all of Middletown; numerous grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; two sisters, Irene Williams of Lake Wales, Fla., and Earlene Strinko of Fort Myers, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 106 N. Clinton St., Middletown 45042.

Cora E. Thomas
Mrs. Cora E. Thomas, 96, of Middletown, passed away at 6:45 a.m. Sunday, March 19, 2000, at Hospice of Dayton. She was born on April 1, 1903, in Lincoln County, Ky. She had lived in Middletown for 72 years. Mrs. Thomas was a homemaker and loved cooking, baking and gardening. She was a lifelong member of the reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She was a Sunday school teacher for many years and was very active in the church. She was preceded in death by her parents, John W. and Harriet (Brown) Oliver; her husband, Oscar R. Thomas on Sept. 29, 1979; a daughter, Marilyn Briggs in 1998; a son, Curtis L. Thomas in 1994; a daughter-in-law, Peggy Thomas in 1995; a son-in-law, Paul Lambert in 1994; a grandson, Stephen L. Thomas in 1994; a great-grandson, Cory Fultz; a brother, Herman Oliver; and two sisters, Dovie Grice and Hazel Baber. Surviving are four daughters, Dorothy Irene (Howard) Blevins and Lois Kathleen Lambert, both of Middletown, Wanda (Kenneth) Stubbart of Columbus and Judith (Clayton) Pearce of Austin, Texas; two sons, Victor H. (Justine) Thomas of Middletown and Gerald (Barbara) Thomas of Cincinnati; 27 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at noon Thursday, March 23, at the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with Elders Dana Freberg and William Helsinger officiating. Visitation will be Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon at the church. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery in Middletown.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, Ohio 45420. Arrangements are by Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Webmaster Note: Cora Thomas was http://www.middletown.com's/ Featured Citizen in March of 1999. Visit the Home Page of that section and visit the Comments Page where many emails from her family are recorded.

James A. Tucker
James Arnold Tucker, 74, of Monroe, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at his home. He was born on Nov. 1, 1925, in Winterset, Iowa, and graduated from Winterset High School in 1943. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was an aviation cadet when World War II ended, receiving an honorable discharge. After the war, he received a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Duke University in 1948. Mr. Tucker worked as a project engineer for Manchester Machine Co./Voith Sulzer Paper Technology for 28 years before retiring in 1991. He lived in the Monroe area since 1963 and was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church. Mr. Tucker was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Ellsworth, Sr., and Catherine Dell (Givan) Tucker; a sister, Elaine Jean Tucker; and a stepson, Howard Albi. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dorothy (Netherly) Tucker; a son, Gary Tucker, and his wife, Melissa, of Liberty Township, Ohio, and their children, Luke, Courtney, and Isaac Tucker; a daughter, Karen Silber, and husband, Brad, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and their child, Rachel Silber; a brother, Charles E. Tucker Jr., and wife, Sue, of Winterset, Iowa; two stepsons, James Albi and wife, Sue, of MIddletown, Iowa, and Lonnie Albi, and wife, Cheryl, of Rochester, N.Y.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 20, at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Revs. Richard Thomas and Bill Bowdle officiating. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Harley B. Turner
TRENTON -- Harley B. Turner, 84, of Trenton, Ohio, died Monday, March 13, 2000, at the Friendly Nursing Home in Germantown. He was born on Sept. 3, 1915, in Calhoun County, W. Va., the son of Emery and Stella (Davis) Turner. Mr. Turner worked for 23 years for Black-Clawson Co., retiring in 1979. He was a Navy veteran of World War II and attended the Germantown Nazarene Church. Survivors include two sons, Richard (Phyllis) Turner of Tucson, Ariz., and Bernard (Judy) Turner of Trenton; a daughter, Barbara J. (Windle) Taylor of Germantown; two sisters, Lillian Smith of Akron and Orita Huffman of Columbus, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Goldie Ruth Turner in 1994; and his parents.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dennis Wilson officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Wayne Township. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 8899 Brookside Ave., Suite 102, West Chester, Ohio 45069.

Cornalee Watkins
Mrs. Cornalee Watkins, 80, of 1521 Pershing Ave., died Monday, March 13, 2000, at her residence. She was born on Dec. 14, 1919, in Garrett, Ky., the daughter of Everett Daniels and Effie (Smith) Daniels. She worked as a licensed practical nurse and was a member of the Franklin Freewill Baptist Church. Mrs. Watkins is survived by two sons, Frank (wife Augusta) Gayheart of Bowling Green, Ky., and Gene Gayheart of Corbin, Ky.; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lillian Forson and Sharon Gibson, both of Marysville, Ohio; and two brothers, Charles Daniels of LaPorte, Ind., and Floyd Daniels of Garrett, Ky. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grover Watkins in 1991; a sister, Dorothy Sue Combs; and two brothers, James B. Daniels and Everett Arnold Daniels; and her parents.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 16, at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery.

Timothy C. Andre
Timothy C. Andre, 46, of Dayton, Ohio, formerly of Middletown, died Thursday, March 9, 2000, at Miami Valley Hospital. Mr. Andre was preceded in death by his parents, Lincoln M. and Beverly (Roebuck) Andre. He is survived by a dear friend, Mike Baer of Dayton; a daughter, Brianne Andre of Middletown; two brothers, Victor (Carol) Andre and Earl Andre, both of Middletown; and three sisters, Arlene (Chester) Selby, Suzie (Dennis) Vitori and Monica Andre, all of Middletown. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral will be private at the convenience of the family.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Middletown, 4414 Lewis St., Middletown 45044. Wilson-Schramm-Spaulding Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Frank Antrobus
FRANKLIN -- Frank Antrobus, 90, of 918 Victoria Drive, passed away Friday, March 10, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born on Feb. 10, 1910, in Franklin, the son of Andrew Jackson and Viva (Coatney) Antrobus. He was employed in sales in the life insurance industry. Mr. Antrobus served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He is survived by his wife, Miriam (Wolffrum) Antrobus; and a son, G. Michael Antrobus of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and two grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 13, at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Greg Cundiff officiating. Burial will be in Woodhill Cemetery with military honors. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

David C. Breeding
David C. Breeding, 69, of Germantown, Ohio, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2000. He was born in West Alexandria, Ohio, on Jan. 30, 1931, to the late James Franklin "Frank" and Margaret "Belle" (Moore) Breeding and was a member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church. He retired from the Delco Air division of General Motors and was preceded in death by his wife, Betty J. (Izor) Breeding; two sisters, Ethel Ernst and Beulah Suggs, and four brothers, Lloyd Dalton, James "Wiseman," and Frank and Voyce "Buss" Breeding. He is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Terry and Stephanie Breeding of Huber Heights, Steve and Connie Breeding and Randy and Sandi Breeding, all of Germantown; five grandchildren, Terry Breeding II, Heather Breeding, Kandy Breeding, Amanda Breeding and Meeka Breeding; five step-grandchildren, Michael Snelling, Kimberly Moore, Amanda Moore, Cheyenne Moore and Logan Blankenship; three great-grandchildren, Terry Breeding III, Thomas Breeding and Britney Whitlock; three sisters, Welcome Smith Shaffer of New Lebanon, Velma Moore of Germantown and Virginia Warwick of Dayton; two brothers, Curtis (Marilyn) Breeding of Franklin, Ohio, and Everette (Shirley) Breeding of Germantown.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call today from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Dalton Funeral Home, at the corner of Ohio 4 and Weaver Road in Germantown, where the funeral service will be held Monday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Larry Lindstrom officiating. Burial will be at Germantown Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Germantown Rescue Squad or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Dale Brewer
Dale Brewer, 49, of 50 Hawkins Circle, Wheaton, Ill., formerly of Middletown, died Wednesday morning, March 8, 2000, at his residence. He was born in West Liberty, Ky., on Feb. 28, 1951, the son of Elisha and Genola (Tolson) Brewer. He had a master's degree from the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Brewer was vice president of Hassett Air Express. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda (Pierson) Brewer; a son, Dylan, at home; his mother, Mrs. Genola Brewer of Middletown; and numerous other relatives. His father preceded him in death.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at noon Saturday at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, with the Rev. Thomas Mellott officiating. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until service time on Saturday. Burial will follow in North Monroe Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.

Carl S. Cornele
Carl S. Cornele, 61, of Middletown, passed away Friday, March 10, 2000, at 8:50 p.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born March 25, 1938, in Middletown to John Wilbur and Margaret (Sargent) Cornele. He was a lifetime resident of Middletown. He worked as a drywall hanger for Dixie Dry Wall for 22 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 218, the Sons of Italy, Fraternal Order of Eagles 528 and a lifetime member of the D.A.V. Chapter 131. He was preceded in death by his father, John Wilbur Cornele; eight brothers, Don, Mike, John, Charles, Bill, Dave, and Paul Cornele and infant brother, Steven Cornele; and a sister, Margaret Long. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Dora; four sons, Steve Cornele and wife Hattie of Middletown, Mike Cornele and wife Lori of Kettering, Ohio, Carl Cornele Jr. of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Robert Arnold Cornele of Honolulu, Hawaii; a daughter, Peggy Cast and husband Ronald of Trenton, Ohio; five granddaughters, Laura Engle and Lauren, Morgan, Logan and Beth Cornele; one grandson, Brian Cast; mother, Margaret Sharits of Middletown; and two brothers, Tom Cornele of Middletown and Rick Cornele and wife Rita of Hamilton, Ohio.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Tuesday, March 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 15, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home with Dr. Howard Sears officiating. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery with military service by American Legion Post 218 Honor Guard.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Cancer Society.

Barbara Eaton
Barbara Eaton, 83, formerly of Franklin, died Sunday morning March 12, 2000, at Barbara Parke Care Center. A native of Franklin, she was the daughter of Dr. Walter and Anna (Governey) Siegfried. Barb formerly worked for Eldridge Publishing in Franklin and she was an avid golfer at the Franklin Golf Club as well as Brown's Run and Wildwood in Middletown. She also was a former member of the Eastern Star in Franklin. She is survived by a son, Steven, of Middletown; a daughter, Darlene, of Franklin; and one sister, Margaret Gage of New Haven, Conn. She is also survived by three grandchildren, Stephanie, Jennifer and Robert, and two great-grandchildren, Savannah and Evan.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Eaton Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. The Rev. Claude Robold will officiate. Burial will be in Springboro Cemetery.

Russell Lee Edwards
Russell Lee Edwards, 66, of Middletown, Ohio, died Friday, March 10, 2000, in Middletown. He was born June 21, 1933, in Middletown and had lived in the city his entire life. He is a veteran of the Army serving in the Korean War. He worked as a machinist at the NCR Corp. for 20 years, retiring in 1973. He also worked in TV repair for Edwards TV Repair and was a member of American Legion Post 218. Mr. Edwards was preceded in death by his father, Henry Edwards; mother, Minnie (Haywood) Edwards; brother, William B. Edwards and sister, Alma Redkey. He is survived by sons, John Steven Edwards of Middletown, Christopher Lee Edwards of Dayton, Ohio, and Mark Vincent Edwards (Cynthia) of Centerville, Ohio; stepson, William Tharp Jr. of Middletown; step daughter, Heather Rebecca Grove of Middletown; five grandchildren; brothers, Clifford Edwards (Pauline) of West Middletown and Robert Edwards of Gratis; sister, Jean Shepherd of Middletown, and numerous nieces and nephews.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 14, at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home with Pastor Lawrence Haney officiating. Burial will be at Woodside Cemetery. Military honors will be performed at the graveside by American Legion Post 218 Color Guard. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 13, at the funeral home.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Hospital of Dayton.

Milford Ellington
Milford "Duke" Ellington, 74, of Middletown, died Monday, March 6, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born on Jan. 5, 1926, in Morehead, Ky., but lived in this area for more than 50 years. He served in the Army during World War II. Mr. Ellington had worked as a shoe salesman for 41 years and retired from his job in 1988. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reynold Cranston and Esther Grace Ellington. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Geraldine Ellington of Middletown; a son, Reynold B. Ellington of Middletown; four stepchildren; three grandchildren; and a sister, Margenia Hardin of Clearfield, Ky.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 2 p.m. Wednesday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. Visitation is from noon Wednesday until time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Careview Home Health Care, 4214 Grand Ave., Middletown 45044.

Billy D. Harp
Billy D. Harp, 75, of Middletown, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2000, at 1:54 a.m. at Middletown Regional Hospital where he had been a patient for three days. He was born on Jan. 26, 1925, in Brodhead, Ky., and had lived in Middletown since 1953. He served in the Coast Guard during World War II. Mr. Harp was a Sears technician for the Sears store service department for more than 35 years, retiring in 1987. He was a country music fan. He handcrafted guitars and restored antique guitars. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Minnie (Osborne) Harp. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Madge I. Harp; two sons, Russell D. Harp and Rex D. Harp, and his wife, Candy, all of Franklin; six grandchildren, Billy J. Harp, Kelly Harp and Nina Coffey, all of Middletown, Russell Harp II and Michael Melampy, both of Franklin, and Pvt. Jeremiah Tharp of Fort Sill, Okla.; three great-grandsons, Chandler, Nicholas and Christopher, all of Middletown; a sister, Blondell Riddle of Brodhead, Ky.; and a brother, Donald Harp, and his wife, Pauline, of Durham, N.C.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. at Herr-Riggs Funeral Home, 210 S. Main St., Middletown. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home with the Rev. David Zornes officiating. Interment will be at Butler County Memorial Park in Trenton, with military services conducted by the Honor Guard of American Legion Post 218. `

Martha Hobbs
FRANKLIN -- Mrs. Martha Hobbs, 79, of Franklin, passed away Sunday, March 12, 2000, at Franklin Ridge Nursing Home. She was born in Bath County, Ky., on Feb. 16, 1921, and lived here for more than 50 years. Mrs. Hobbs had worked as a waitress for Frisch's, the Meadows and at T's over the years. She was a member of the Trenton First Church of God. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Ed Ginter; her second husband, Willie Hobbs; a daughter, Brenda Crouch; and a sister, Thelma Craycraft. She leaves a daughter, Bonnie Saylor of Franklin; four grandchildren, Joseph Saylor of Franklin, Dawn (Nathan) Savarda of Middletown, Sean Crouch of Lebanon, and Tracie (Todd) Singh of Middletown; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Galena Toy of Trenton; and a brother, William Dennis of Mount Sterling, Ky.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation is from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday. Pastor Steve Cable will officiate. Interment will be at Woodside Cemetery.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Vitas Hospice, 1132 W. Kemper Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45240.

Warren E. Howard
Warren E. Howard passed away Saturday, March 11, 2000, in Winter Haven Hospital, Winter Haven, Fla., from complications as a result of colon cancer surgery. Warren was born in Middletown, Ohio, on June 18, 1924, and graduated from high school in 1942. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and received two Purple Hearts, a Good Conduct Medal and a Sharp Shooter's Medal. He played baseball with the Cherry Point Flyers against other Marines and colleges. After returning from service, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds minor league team and played ball for two years. Warren returned to Middletown and worked at Armco Steel Co. He was manager of Chautauqua Baptist Fellowship Park and was district manager of American General Life for 30 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Martha Howard; his wife, Jessie Howard; and sons Johnny Howard and Bill Howard. He is survived by his wife, Wanda Yeakle Howard of Hamilton, Ohio; three daughters, Tracey (Ney) Nix of Wauchula, Fla., Marcia (Dave) Waddle and Sandy (Marty) New, both of Hamilton, Ohio; three sons, Danny (Beverly) Howard of Middletown, Tom (Sue) Howard of Cape Coral, Fla., and Larry (Maxine) Schneider of Miamisburg; 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and devoted friends, James and Kathy Walker of Wauchula, Fla. Warren belonged to numerous organizations, served a district governor for the Lions Club and was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Middletown. He was also a member of the American Legion in Fort Meade, Fla., Elks Country Club in Hamilton and Forest Hills Country Club in Middletown. Warren was a member of the First Church of God on Breiel Boulevard and attended the First Baptist Church of Wauchula, Fla.
ARRANGEMENTS: Visitation will be Wednesday, March 15, from noon to 2:30 p.m. at Joseph Baker-Stevens Funeral Home. Services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor David Colp officiating. Interment will be in Woodside Cemetery. Military honors will be performed at the graveside by the American Legion Post 218 Honor Guard.
MEMORIALS: Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Breiel Boulevard Church of God.

Robert M. Lahman
SPRINGBORO -- Robert M. Lahman, 79, of 135 E. Central Ave., died Wednesday, March 8, 2000, at 7:30 p.m. at Sycamore Hospital in Miamisburg following an extended illness. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on Oct. 21, 1920, the son of George M. and Edith (Wolf) Lahman. He graduated from Springboro High School. Mr. Lahman was a former Springboro City Council member and served with the Clearcreek Township Fire Department. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias. His wife, Glenna I. Lahman, preceded him in death in 1997. Surviving are a son, Dane Thomas Lahman, and his wife, Deborah, of Lebanon; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
ARRANGEMENTS: Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 12, at the Springboro Cemetery, with Brother Delbert Dawes officiating. There will be no visitation. Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

James Lambert
James McCarty Lambert, age 93, of Pleasant Valley Road in Somerville, Ohio, died Sunday, March 12, 2000, at Oxfordview Nursing Home in Oxford, Ohio. He was born in Middletown on July 28, 1906, to James and Anna (Keller) Lambert Sr. He worked for Maxwell Paper Mill. He was preceded in death by his wife Anna in 1986. He was a member of the Greenbush United Methodist Church. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Marilyn Lambert of Eaton, Ohio; two grandchildren; a sister, Martha Bethune of Philadelphia, Pa., and a brother Ulysses "Brub" Lambert of Middletown. Also deceased is a sister, Juanita Hackman.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2000, at Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home in Gratis with the Rev. Gary Wood officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Gratis. Friends may call at the funeral home in Gratis on Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. in the afternoon.
MEMORIALS: Donations may be made to the Greenbush United Methodist Church.

Robert A. Martin
Robert A. Martin, 77, of 15 S. Heinkel Road, died Tuesday morning, March 7, 2000, at Middletown Regional Hospital. He was born in Stanton, Ky., on July 25, 1922, the son of Floyd and Elizabeth (Dennis) Martin. He was a World War II veteran of the Army Air Corps. Mr. Martin worked for Armco/AK Steel Co. for 42 years, retiring in 1983 as a locomotive engineer. He was a member of Jefferson Lodge 90 Free and Accepted Masons. He is survived by his wife, Ruth (Peters) Martin; a daughter, Patricia Ann Duffey (husband Robert J.) of Middletown; a son, Robert A. Martin Jr. (wife Brenda L.) of Monroe; grandchildren, Katherine Lynn, Robert J. Duffey Jr., Sara Renee Burnett, Jodi Martin, Travis Martin and Mary Wood; a sister, Marguerite Hall of Raynell, W. Va.; and numerous uncles. He was preceded in death by a son, Ronald A. Martin in 1994.
ARRANGEMENTS: Friends may call at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home from noon until 1:45 p.m. Friday when a Masonic service will be held. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with the Rev. Susan Jones Thompson officiating. Entombment will be in Woodside Cemetery Mausoleum.

Edna R. McGrew
LEBANON -- Mrs. Edna R. McGrew, 80, formerly of Riley Wills Road, died Tuesday, March 7, 2000, at Franklin Ridge where she had resided since 1994. She was born in Mason, Ohio, on May 14, 1919, the daughter of John T. and Mary Jane (Landenberg) Rawlings. She graduated from Middletown High School. Mrs. McGrew was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, in 1997; and a sister, Juanita Eifert. Surviving are two sons, Ronald McGrew, and his wife, Sherry, of Springboro, and Donald McGrew, and his wife, Patricia, of Franklin; four brothers, Arthur Rawlings of Fairfield, Harry Rawlings of Mason, William Rawlings of Germantown and Robert Rawlings of Lordstown; a sister, Laverne Baker of Ashland, Tenn.; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
ARRANGEMENTS: Funeral services are set for 10 a.m. Saturday at Unglesby-Anderson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Harry Sinks officiating. Burial will be in Miami Valley Memory Gardens. Visitation will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.