J. Urben Farley
J. Urben Farley, 94, of Aurora, beloved husband of Virginia (nee Meis); beloved father of Gail F. Royster (Clyde) of Hudson, John U. Farley Jr. ``Jack'' (Ann) of Greenwich, Conn., Susan E. Farmer (Al) of Orinda, Calif., and William Devin Farley of Lake Geneva, Wis.; loving grandfather of Ronald Royster, Scott Royster, Stacia Royster, Kimberly Royster Miller, John Urben Farley III ``JUF,'' Cheryl Farley, Roger Farley, Steven Farmer, Laura Leigh Farmer, Christopher Farmer, Brenton Farmer, Dean Farley, Andrew Farley, Erin Farley, and Sean Farley; great-grandfather of Stephanie Royster, Heather Royster, Pierce Royster, Hunter Ward, Alexandra Ward, Dori Farley, and Mackenzie Miller; and dear brother of the late Robert Farley, Philip Farley, and Jean Core, died Sunday, March 22, 1998, in Aurora, Ohio. It is suggested by the family that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society. PRIVATE SERVICES WERE HELD. Johnson-Romito, a Golden Rule Funeral Home, in charge of arrangements. NO VISITATION.

Alan R. Fellows
Alan Fellows, 53, passed away suddenly March 21, 1998. Born in Akron in 1945, he was a resident of Norton. He was the owner of Selby, Inc., and was a member of the Summit County Machine Shop group. He was a member of Guardian Angels Church in Copley, the Norton Lions Club, and a past member of Christian Businessmen and the West Akron Board of Trade. Alan was currently a volunteer for the Good Samaritan Hunger Center. Alan (Clutch) graduated from Copley High School in the Class of 1963, and Akron University. He was a Cleveland Indians fan, and enjoyed playing golf. The family treasures the loving memories from the annual Sunset Beach family reunions. Alan lived his life to the fullest and will be remembered by his family and friends for his many loving acts as a husband, father, son, and brother. Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Kathy; children, Eric, Darren, and Melanie; his father, Albert Fellows and wife, Betty, of Norton; sisters, Rene (John) Kunz of Akron, Denise (Jack) Lawless of Jefferson, N. C.; brother, Brian (Victoria) Fellows of Coshocton; and several nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Copley. Friends may call at the Hummel Funeral Home West, 3475 Copley Rd., on Tuesday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Hunger Center or the American Heart Association. (Hummel West, Copley-Fairlawn, a Golden Rule Funeral Home, 666-1138.)

John L. Fihe
John H. Fihe, 85, died March 21, 1998. Mr. Fihe was born Richmond, Indiana and had lived in the Akron area since 1935. A member of the Living Hope Methodist Church of Norton, he was active with the Boy Scouts and had been a Scout Master. A graduate of Purdue University, he was a Registered Professional Engineer and was an avid woodworker. Mr. Fihe was a Mechanical Engineer for the B.F. Goodrich Co. with 39 years service and was an inventor, holding 3 U.S. and 2 Foreign Patents. Preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Louise Allen; sisters, Mary Elizabeth Fihe and Margaret Karns; he is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, John A. (Susan) of Delaware, Ohio and Fred H. (Jean) of Mobile, Ala.; daughter, Caroline M. (Don) Carrigan of Tallahassee, Fla.; son, William J. (Dianne) of Bath, Ohio; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren. Services will be held 11 a.m. TUESDAY at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., with Rev. Vickie Hillman-Breckner officiating. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. Friends may call at the funeal home MONDAY, 7 to 9 p.m. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 867-4141.)

Jeffrey M. Filas
KENT -- Jeffrey M. Filas, 43, died unexpectedly at his home Sunday, March 29, 1998. He was born in Akron and had been an area resident his entire life. Mr. Filas is survived by his wife, Sandra Bowers; father, Paul Filas of Akron; brother and sister-in-law, David and Melanie Filas of St. Louis, Mo.; mother and father-in-law, Betty and Keith Bowers; and his beloved cats, Zoey, K. D., Elizabeth, and Isabel, And was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn. in 1988. Funeral services will be held TONIGHT at 8 at the Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz Funeral Home. The family will receive friends TONIGHT from 5 until time of services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Portage County Animal Protective League. (Kucko-Anthony-Kertesz, 724-1281.)

Edward Lewis ``Mike'' Finney
Edward Lewis ``Mike'' Finney passed away March 17, 1998, at Akron City Hospital, after a short illness. He was born in Akron on Nov. 4, 1924, to John Henry and Mattie Finney. Mike served in the U. S. Navy Reserves from 1943 to 1946, serving two years in the Aleutian Islands. Mike also played various sports while in the service. Mike was All City in baseball, football, and basketball in 1942. In 1943, he made All City in basketball. After his discharge from the service, he played sports locally for a while, then went on to play in the Negro Major Leagues. Mike played on championship teams for the Baltimore Elite Giants in 1949 and the Canadian Mandak League in 1950, and various other Canadian teams. He was inducted in the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame in 1984 and was an active member of the Negro League Baseball Association in Kansas City, Mo. Mike was employed at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. for 34 years, retiring in 1989. He leaves, to cherish his memory, devoted wife, Mary Ann; daughters, Ethel Oden (Davis), Karen Finney of Stone Mountain, Ga., Denise Finney; sisters, Alma Collins, Henrietta Mays (Otis), Eastoria Sumpter (Merritt); eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Monday at Stewart & Calhoun Funeral Home, with Reverend Samuel Johnson officiating. Interment at Mount Peace Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. Procession will form and condolences may be sent to 1246 Hardesty. (Stewart & Calhoun, 535-1543.)

Bob G. Fisher
Bob G. Fisher, born July 12, 1928, a life resident of Akron, died March 27, 1998. Preceded in death by his son, Richard; parents, George and Dolly Fisher; special friend and mother-in-law, Hazel Turner; and sister and brother-in-law, Bernadene and Don Willis, he is survived by his best friend and wife of 48 years, Faye; son, Gary (Toni); and granddaughter, Lisa. Other family members include sister-in-law, Bette (David Gibb) Weidlich; niece, Kim (David) Mizelle; great-niece, Brittany; nephew, Kevin (Kim) Willis; niece, Cindy (Neal) Oberholtz; great-nieces, Michelle, Danielle, and Janelle; Uncle Bill and Aunt Betty Kinnan. Bob was Past Master in 1970 and 1986 of Ernest F. Schaefer Lodge 739, a 32nd Degree Mason, and Past Monarch of Yusef Khan Grotto in 1978. He was a member of the Reveler's Unit, Safety Unit, Kin Folk, Fun Club, and was also a member of F.O.O. 167 and V.F.W. Post 1062. Bob graduated from Garfield High School in 1946. He was a U. S. Army veteran (1946-1947), played baseball while in the service and also with many great area ball teams, including Krispy Kreme, Smith's Sheriff, and the Cleveland Indians farm system. He helped organize the Firestone Park Pee Wee Rams, where he coached football and baseball teams from 1965 to 1974. He worked for the Crane Co., and retired from Good Supply in 1993. Funeral services Monday, 1 p.m., at the Schermesser Funeral Home, 1446 S. Main St., Rev. William E. Norman officiating. Interment at Northlawn Memorial Gardens. Calling hours Sunday, 5 to 8 p.m.; Masonic services Sunday at 7 p.m. Memorials may be made to the Yusef Khan Grotto in his memory. (Schermesser, Akron Chapel, 724-9351.)

Raymond Edward Flickinger Sr.
BARBERTON -- Raymond Edward Flickinger Sr., 87, died March 30, 1998, at Pleasant View Health Care Center. He was born in Barberton, where he was a life resident. He was the finance director for the City of Barberton for 32 years, retiring 18 years ago. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, American Legion Post 271, and a World War II Army veteran. Preceded in death by wife, Dorothy; and brother, Vincent, he is survived by son, Ray Jr. (Chris) of Barberton; daughter, Joan (Dave) Hunter of North Palm Beach, Fla.; grandchildren, Amy, Eric, and Emily Flickinger, and Amber Hunter; brothers, Regis of DuBarry, Fla., William of Barberton; and sister, Josephine Stanley of Barberton. Funeral services Wednesday, 9:30 a.m., at the Hahn Funeral Home, with 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Fr. Robert Wisniewski, celebrant. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Calling hours TONIGHT, 7 to 9. Memorials are requested to St. Augustine Endowment Trust Fund. (Hahn, Barberton, 825-2467.)

Jeffrey L. Flight
Jeffrey L. Flight, 42, died Monday, March 16, 1998. Mr. Flight was born in Akron, had been a Copley resident since 1971, and was the Assistant Fire Chief of the Copley Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, Christine; children, Allison, Ashley, and Miles; mother, Betty Flight of Copley; brothers, Steven (Stephanie) of Copley and Ronald (Marsha) of Tallmadge; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Ruth Price of Norton; brother-in-law, Leonard (Michelle) Price of Sheffield Lake; sister-in-law, Sandra (Joseph) Stith of Johnstown, Ohio; and many loving nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Thursday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., at the CIRIELLO FUNERAL HOME--ROSE HILL CHAPEL, 3653 W. Market St. Funeral services will be Friday, 9:30 a.m., at St. Hilary Catholic Church. Interment at Copley Cemetery, where the Last Alarm Service will be held. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Copley Fire & Rescue Association. (CIRIELLO FUNERAL HOME--ROSE HILL CHAPEL, 666-3089.)

John J. Francis Sr.
John J. Francis Sr., 78, of Randolph, passed away Friday, March 27. He was a retired supervisor at Goodyear Tire & Rubber. He was the father of John Jr. and Joanna Francis, both of Randolph, and Helen Smucker of Westfield Center, Ohio; brother of Frank of Ravenna and Steve of Rootstown; and grandfather of six. He was preceded by wife, Margaret and brother, Joseph. Friends may call Monday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Shorts Funeral Home, Ravenna Chapel; wake service at 8:30 p.m. Funeral service Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Randolph. Burial at St. Joseph's Cemetery. Memorials may be made St. Joseph Preservation of Heritage Fund, 2643 Waterloo Rd., Mogadore, Ohio 44260. (Shorts, 296-6858.)

Rick Freeman
Rick Freeman, 44, died March 18, 1998. Services will be held at 2 p.m. TODAY at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd., where friends may call one hour before service. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Akron, 4904 Quick Rd., Peninsula 44264. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 867-4141.)

Robert A. Galbreath
Robert A. Galbreath, 101, fomrerly of Stow, died Saturday, March 21, 1998, at Crandall Medical Center. Born June 18, 1896, in Ashmore, Ill., to Louis E. and Eva Estelle (Whitmer), he was a member of First United Methodist in Cuyahoga Falls. A 1914 graduate of Villa Grove High School, and a graduate of the University of Illinois, he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. A Mason for 72 years, he was also a member of Loyalty Masonic Lodge 645 in Akron, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Professional Engineers. He retired as a civil engineer from Ohio Edison in Akron, and was also a first lieutenant in the Coast Artillery Corps during World War I. Preceded in death by son, Robert V. Galbreath in May 1996, he is survived by wife, Charlotte (Hilts), whom he married on Aug. 25, 1923; daughter, Barbara Bailey of Alliance; son and daughters-in-law, Bruce E. (Ingrid) Galbreath of Westlake and Lenora Galbreath; sister, Clara Galbreath of Peoria, Ill.; 10 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements provided by Beck Funeral Home, with interment at Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, Ill. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Copeland Oaks.

Pauline (Breitenstine) Giles
NORTON -- Pauline (Breitenstine) Giles, 66, went home to be with the Lord on March 29, 1998, after a sudden illness. Mrs. Giles was a graduate of Manchester High School and a 27-year employee of Bordens. She was a member of the Eastern Star. Preceded in death by her husband, Billy Giles, she is survived by daughter, Debbie Norman; brother, Paul (Helen) Breitenstine; sisters, Sylvia (Paul) McNeil and Elfie (Randy) Salisbury; grandchildren, Michael (Tricia) Norman, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Hammitt, Marge, Crystal, and Billy Norman; great-grandchildren, Michael Antony Norman, Jacob Andrew Hammitt, Debra Joy Norman; and special friend, Bernie Doyle. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Thanks for all you taught me, Mom! Love, Nubbin. Friends may call Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bacher Funeral Home, 3250 Greenwich Rd., Norton, where services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m., Rev. Dwight Strickland officiating. Interment at Greenlawn Memorial Park. (Bacher, NORTON, 825-3633.)

Arthur J. Gissinger
BARBERTON -- Arthur J. Gissinger, 74, passed away March 30, 1998. Arrangements announced later. (Cox, Barberton, 745-3311.)

Lester O. ``Les'' Graening
Lester O. ``Les'' Graening, 78, went home to be with the Lord on March 25, 1998. He was born in Akron and was a life resident of the area. Mr. Graening retired from the Ohio Edison Co. in 1982 after 41 years of service. He was an active member of the Firestone Park United Methodist Church, a member of Mt. Akra Lodge 680 F&AM, and a Kenmore alumnus, Class of '38. He is survived by wife of 51 years, Margot L.; sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Debbie, Bill and Kathy, all of Canal Fulton, Mike and Tracey of West Salem, Ohio; grandchildren, Melissa, Kelly, Michael, Mackenzie, Evan, Tyler, Jenna, Matthew, Zachary, and Clayton; nephew, Bruce (Polly) Graening, and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral services Saturday, 11 a.m., at Firestone Park United Methodist Church, 250 N. Firestone Blvd., Akron, with Rev. William E. Norman officiating. Burial at Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Prentice Funeral Home, 1154 Kenmore Blvd., 5 to 9 TONIGHT; and one hour prior to service Saturday at the church. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Firestone Park United Methodist Church. (Prentice, 753-7721.)

Paris Floyd Graham
Paris Floyd Graham, 70, of Beckley, W. Va., died Monday, March 16, 1998, at his residence, following a sudden illness. Born Sept. 10, 1927, in Stephenson, he was the son of the late Matthew and Erma McKinney Graham. Mr. Graham was a retired custodian for Raleigh County Schools, and a member of the D.A.V. He was a U.S. Navy veteran having served in World War II and the Korean Conflict. Preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Stone Graham, survivors include his wife, Dottie Graham of Sophia; son, David Graham and his wife, Nola, of Akron; grandson, Michael Paris Graham of Akron; stepdaughter, Candy Murdock of Sophia; stepson, Donald Murphy of Oak Hill; stepgrandchildren, Melanie Murdock of Sophia and William Murphy of Beckley; brothers, Lloyd Graham of Midway, Perry Graham of Brunswick, Ga., Brady Graham of Oklahoma, Chester Graham of Bolt, Md., Junior Graham of Delaware, and Willard Graham of Roanoke, Va.; sisters, Annie Ward of Canton, Betty Burns and Versie Hyatt, both of Akron, and Effic Lemon of Massillon. Graveside services and burial will be at 1 p.m. Monday, March 23, 1998, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Akron, with Rev. G. Rod Taylor officiating. Friends may call from 12 to 1 p.m. Monday at the cemetery. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Arrangements by Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Sophia.

Ruth B. Gray
Ruth B. Gray, 76 of Lady Lake, Fla., died Saturday, March 28, 1998. Mrs. Gray, a homemaker, was born in Akron, later moved to Lady Lake, Fla., from Waterford, Mich., in 1991, and was a member of the Protestant Chapel of All Faiths. She is survived by her husband, Edwin L. Gray; son, Edwin Gray of Tallmadge; daughters, Karen Richards of Warner Robins, Ga., and Kathy Moinar of Clinton Township, Mich.; brother, Richard Wagner of Silver Lake; sister, Jean Slusser of Nicombus, Fla.; eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Donald L. Griffith
NORTON -- Donald L. Griffith, 50, passed away March 17, 1998, after a long illness. Born in Akron, he was self-employed as owner of Surplus Supply, and a member of Rolling Acres Alliance Church. Preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Marion Griffith, he is survived by his wife of 22 years, Vivian of Norton; brothers, Dale and Dave (Vera), all of Florida; mother-in-law, Ethel Porter of Akron; brother-in-law, Don Porter of Uniontown; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services Saturday, 10 a.m., at the Eckard-Baldwin Sanctuary Chapel, 760 E. Market St., Pastor Gerald Morris officiating. Interment at East Akron Cemetery. Calling hours are Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. Should friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society. (Eckard-Baldwin Funeral Home & Chapel, 535-7141.)