Mr. Jessie J. Taylor
A homegoing service was held for Bro. Jessie J. Taylor on Thursday, April 2, 1998, at Shiloah Baptist Church in Indianapolis, Ind. Interment was at Crown Hill Cemetery. He leaves, to cherish his memory, mother, Mary Lou Arnold; adopted sisters, JoAnn Fowler Combs, Blanche Billups, and Jackie Porter; the entire Shiloh Baptist Church family, and friends. (Marco Sommerville, 836-2725.)

John E. Taylor
John E. Taylor, 77, passed away April 1, 1998, at Cleveland Clinic, after a courageous battle with lung disease. Born in Parsons, W. Va., he had lived in the Akron area most of his life. John retired from the B. F. Goodrich Co. with 30 years service, was an Army veteran of World War II, and a lifetime member of V.F.W. Airport Post 8975. He is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Betty (Paul) Schuckert of Manchester, Linda (Gary) Stevenson of Uniontown, Brenda (Rod) Massey of Akron; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, several half-sisters and half-brothers. Visitation Sunday, 3 to 6 p.m., at Hecker Funeral Home in Uniontown, where a funeral service will be held Monday at 11 a.m., Rev. Herbert Garnes officiating. Interment at Hillside Memorial Park. Barberton V.F.W. 1066 and Bob Appleman Post 3294 will conduct graveside military services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association. (Hecker, 699-2600.)

Robert M. Tester
DOYLESTOWN -- Robert M. Tester, 50, died unexpectedly April 5, 1998. He was a life resident of Doylestown. A self-employed contractor, Mr. Tester was also employed by Greenlight Electrical Contractors. He was a Chippewa Township trustee, a Vietnam era Army veteran, and a member of the Doylestown American Legion. Preceded in death by father, Roy Tester and sister, Lucille Golubov, he is survived by wife, Sharon; sons, Heath Tester of Elyria, Griff Tester of Doylestown; mother, Doris Tester, also of Doylestown; brothers, Dale and Carl Tester, both of Doylestown; sister, Juanita Tibbitts of Orrville, Carolyn Capen of Bellefontaine; mother-in-law, Jean Kaylor of Doylestown; numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services Wednesday, 2:30 p.m., at Easton Union Cemetery, with Pastor Paul Lintern officiating. Burial at Easton Union Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Zak-Monbarren Funeral Home in Doylestown. Memorials may be made to Chippewa Township Fire Department and E.M.S. (Zak-Monbarren, 658-2211.)

Dorothy L. McConnell Thomas
Dorothy L. McConnell Thomas, 67, died April 6, 1998. She was an area resident all her life. She was employed by Goodwill Industries and was a member of Goss Memorial Church. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Marguerite McConnell; sister, Betty Faulkner; and brother, James McConnell. She is survived by son, Eddie Faulkner of Knoxville, Tenn.; three grandchildren; brothers, Bob (Helen) McConnell of Port Clinton, Ohio, and Fred (Alberta) McConnell of Waldorf, Md.; sister, Margie (James) Moore of Brimfield. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Schlup-Pucak Funeral Chapel, Kenmore Boulevard at Eighth Street, where funeral services will follow at 8 p.m., with Rev. Bud Couts officiating. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park. For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Dorothy Thomas Memorial Fund at Goss Memorial Church, 2247 11th St., Akron 44314. (Schlup-Pucak, 745-3131.)

Denny Thompson
Akron music legend Denny Thompson passed away Sunday, April 5, after a sudden illness. Denny is survived by his three children, Jean of Akron, Nan of Delray Beach, Fla., and Denny Jr. of Cleveland. He also leaves three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many cherished friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Lois; his brother, Bernard; and his sister, Jane. Born in Meadville, Pa., Denny formed his first orchestra at West High School. Later called ``The (Akron) University Revelers,'' his band entertained hospitalized servicemen throughout the area during World War II. In 1931 they opened the Mayflower Hotel Puritan Room and entertained there five years, where they were featured in a weekly radio broadcast. Denny's orchestra was a regular feature at the annual Charity Ball Cotillion and the All-American Soap Box Derby for many years. Beacon Journal columnist Ken Nichols once wrote that ``every successful wedding reception requires three things: a bride, a groom and Denny Thompson's orchestra.'' Known as ``The Lester Lanin of Akron,'' Denny and his band also played for nationally prominent affairs, including Martha Firestone's 1947 wedding to William Ford, and a birthday party for then-vice president Richard Nixon in Washington, D. C. In 1988, Denny came out of retirement for a year to entertain Akron City Club members each week with his incomparable piano artistry. He was a lifelong member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, Akron Rotary Club, Akron Shrine, Adoniram Lodge 517, Yusef Khan Grotto, Stark County Consistory, Jesters, the Shaggy Dogs, and the Akron City Club, where he was an Honorary Life Member. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and was elected to the Akron Radio Hall of Fame. He was also a member of the Akron Musicians' Union, Insurance Agents of Summit County, and the Akron Real Estate Board. Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at St. Paul's Episcopal Chapel, 1361 W. Market St., Akron, with Dr. Richard L. McCandless officiating. Cremation has taken place. Remembrances may be made to the Hospice of Visiting Nurse Service, 3358 Ridgewood Rd., Akron 44333; or the charity of your choice. (Hummel-West, Copley-Fairlawn, a Golden Rule Funeral Home, 666-1138.)

William (Billy) Timms
William (Billy) Timms passed away April 10, 1998. A memorial service will be held at Mt. Liberty Baptist Church, 244 Ira Ave., Akron, at 7 p.m. Friday, April 17.

Julia M. Turner (nee Centa)
WADSWORTH -- Julia M. Turner (nee Centa), 90, died Thursday, April 9, 1998, at Life Care Center of Medina. Mrs. Turner was born in Barberton and resided in Wadsworth since 1942. She was a stitcher in the Book Match Department at the Ohio Match Co., retiring in 1970 after many years of service. She was a member of the Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. Mrs. Turner is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Dee of Wadsworth, and James and Doris of Columbia Station; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Jennie Krupa of North Carolina and Angie Polk of Barberton. She was preceded in death by grandchildren, Tom and Linda; sister, Lucy Durbin; and brothers, Paul and Lloyd Centa. The family will receive friends Monday 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hilliard Cox Mullaney Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman Street, Wadsworth, where services will be held Tuesday at 10 a.m. Mr. Donald Schar officiating. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. (Hilliard Cox Mullaney, 334-1501.)

Paul E. Uber
MUNROE FALLS -- Paul E. Uber, 76, died April 5, 1998. Born in Akron, he was a lifetime area resident, and had retired from B. F. Goodrich after 43 years service. An avid gardener, he enjoyed flowers and working around his home. Mr. Uber was a U. S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in Company M 120th Infantry Regiment and receiving a Purple Heart. Preceded in death by wife of 53 years, Ann M., in 1997; and by parents, Homer and Grace Uber, he is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Dave Tsoufiou of Hartville; son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Barb Uber of Cuyahoga Falls; grandchildren, Tracy, Troy, Laura, Denise, Michael, Adam, and Chad; great-grandchildren, Jessica, Brittany, Alex, Breanna, and Ana; sisters, Esther Wilson and Dorothy Brown of California, Barbara (Dave) Fishback of North Carolina; brothers, Robert (Henrietta) and George (Geri), all of Akron; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marian and John Cannone; sister-in-law, Josephine Sherman, all of Cuyahoga Falls; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to express their appreciation to Cuyahoga Falls General Hospital and Cuyahoga Falls Country Place for their excellent care. Friends may call Wednesday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., at Redmon Funeral Home, where Rev. Eloy Pacheco will conduct services Thursday, 10 a.m. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park. The family requests no flowers, but asks that memorials be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 3250 W. Market St. Suite 304, Akron 44333. (Redmon, Stow, 688-6631.)

Harry E. Ulrich
Harry E. Ulrich died April 11 at Sumner Home on Merriman, of old age. He would have been 104 years old on July 6, 1998. Mr. Ulrich was born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1894. He came to Akron in 1912. He enlisted in the Army in 1917 and served in France, Italy, and Yugoslavia during World War I. Mr. Ulrich was a charter member of St. Sebastian Church, a trustee of the Catholic Service League, a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, a member of the Izaak Walton League, and a director of the old Mayflower Hotel. He was employed by Carmichael Construction Co. for 40 years, where he retired as president. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna; son, Edgar; and daughter-in-law, Ruth. He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Marge and Fred Schnee of Akron, Patricia Wright of Los Osos, Calif., and Betty and John Burkley of Silver Lake; 16 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. Calling hours TODAY, 6 to 8 p.m., at Dunn-Quigley, Ciriello & Carr, Fairlawn Chapel, 39 S. Miller Rd. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of Divine Charity, Francesca Hall, 39 N. Portage Path, Akron 44303. (Dunn-Quigley, Ciriello & Carr, Fairlawn, 867-7306.)

William M. Van Cleave
William M. Van Cleave, 76, died April 3, 1998. A life resident of the Barberton and Akron areas, he retired from B.F. Goodrich, and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II. He was a member of Barberton G.B.U., Mogadore V.F.W. 8487 and Mogadore Moose Lodge 1082. Preceded in death by mother, Zelma Lamkin, surviving are, wife, Mary (Nangle) Van Cleave; sons, Bill, Terry and Randy; daughter, Karen L. Stewart; stepdaughter, Jackie Dillard of Ellet; 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill and Bob Lucas, and Jess Cecil; and sister, Catherine Abraham. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fr. Albert Kunkel, celebrant. Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, where a military graveside service will be conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Visitation Sunday, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., with a wake service at 3 p.m. (Campfield-Hickman-Collier, 745-3161.)

Joseph Edward Victor
Joseph Edward Victor, 79, founding Amway distributor and resident of Cuyahoga Falls and Naples, Fla., died March 30, 1998, in Naples. Mr. Victor was born Jan. 26, 1919, the son of Anna and Charles Victor of Owings, W. Va. He attended Fairmont State College in Fairmont, W. Va., prior to moving to Akron in 1936. In 1937, he met Helyne; they were married in 1940. In 1942, daughter Cynthiann Victor, was born, followed in 1944 by daughter, Linda Sue Victor; sons, Joseph Edward Victor Jr. was born in September 1947 and Ronald Paul Victor in February 1949. In 1942, he was ``drafted'' into the U. S. Army. With his discharge in 1945, he returned to Averill Dairy delivering Borden's milk. Joe met Fred Hansen in 1951, who convinced him that he could do better. With this, he began a Nutrilite distributorship. In 1959, as a charter member and founding distributor, along with his wife, Helyne, Joe began the American Way Association, now known as Amway Distributors Association, that led to the development of the ``Amway'' business. Joe was elected and served on the board of directors serving all Amway distributors beginning in 1959 and continuing through 1988 when he was elected in the ``Presidents Cabinet.'' He served as vice president and president for many years. Joe and Helyne's Amway business stretches around the globe in over 80 countries; they have attained the Crown Level of achievement. A 32nd Degree Mason, Joe was a member of Akron Lodge 83 F&AM and of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Akron. Joe was active in support of many charities and ministries around the world. He and Helyne attended The Chapel in Akron. Preceded in death by his daughters, Cynthiann in 1942 and Linda Sue Victor Boyd in 1967, he is survived by his wife, Helyne; son, Joseph Edward Victor Jr. ``Jody'' of Manchester, Ohio, married to Kathy; grandson, Stephen Joseph Victor of North Canton, married to Marcia; granddaughter, Terri Sue Victor Fraumann of North Canton, married to Gregory L. Fraumann; grandson, Joseph Edward Victor III ``Joey'' of Manchester; son, Ronald Paul Victor ``Ronny'' of Naples, Fla., married to Debra; granddaughter, Jennifer-Helyne Victor ``Jenah'' of West Point, Miss.; and grandson, Ronald Paul Victor II ``R. J.'' of Naples, Fla. Additionally, Joe leaves behind brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles Donald and Barbara Victor of Las Vegas, Nev., and Jack W. and Mary Lou Victor of Sarasota, Fla.; sisters and brother-in-law, Lena Golden, Helen Houchin, and Gloria Dovoli of Shinnston, W. Va., and Geraldine ``Jerry'' and Ralph J. Ford of Fairmont, W. Va. Services will be held at 11 a.m. FRIDAY at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Rd. Interment at Northlawn Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home THURSDAY, 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 867-4141.)