Melvin C Platt

November 7, 2025

Melvin C Platt Jr was born Feb 24, 1940 in Florence KY to the late Melvin C Platt and Anna Lou Worrell Platt. Melvin died Nov 7, 2025.

He attended Simon Kenton high school, Independence KY, and played trumpet in the band. He decided on a musical career and went to the College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati where he finished his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1962 in conjunction with the University of Cincinnati, as well as the Master of Music Education in 1963.

He and Mary Milton Jennings of Nashville TN married in 1963. For two years he was the band director in Armada, MI. In 1965, he enrolled in the University of Michigan. He and Mary moved in 1968 to Virginia. He taught graduate music education courses at the Catholic University in Washington DC while finishing his dissertation. He received his PhD degree in Music Education in 1971.

In 1972, he was hired at Kent State University and while there was elected to represent the Fine and Professional Arts in the University’s Faculty Senate in 1973. In 1977 he accepted a position at the University of Oklahoma. He was elected president of the Oklahoma Music Educators Association in 1989. He received the Governor’s Arts Award in Arts and Education in 1990. Melvin became the Director of the School of Music at the University of Missouri in Columbia in 1991. In 2009 he was asked to become Chairman of the Art Department and remained in that position until his 2015 retirement from the University.

Melvin has been active in the Rotary Club of Columbia since 1992, serving as club president, long-time scholarship committee member, District Governor, and District Representative to the Council on Legislation.

Melvin is survived by his wife and their children, Melvin C Platt III, and Carol Platt Jennings and her husband, Mark Simmons; their grandchildren, Hailey Platt Bazan (Ben); Melvin C Platt IV; Alex C Platt (Joi-Lee); Elizabeth C Platt Lemcke (Tony) and their son, Levi J Lemcke; and Melvin’s brother, Duane G Platt (Nancye).

Funeral visitation will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov 15, 2025 and the funeral service at 2 p.m. at Missouri United Methodist Church, 204 S 9th St, Columbia, MO.

Jayne Cathcart Crisp

November 2, 2025

Jayne Cathcart Crisp, 81, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away at 10:47 a.m. Sunday, November 2, 2025, at her residence. She was born on August 30, 1944, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to the late Cecil Paul Cathcart and Rebecca Ruth Farmer Cathcart. Jayne graduated from Hopkinsville High School and earned her Associate’s Degree from Bethel Junior College and attended Austin Peay State University. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees as well as her Rank 1 from Murray State University. She was a retired educator who taught at Reidland Middle School and Paducah Tilghman High School. She was also a professor at Paducah Community College where she taught accounting and business classes. Jayne then served as the Executive Director for West Kentucky Educational Co-op.

She was a dedicated member of Reidland Baptist Church, where she served as pianist and organist. Jayne began playing piano for church services at the age of 13, and music was a gift she truly enjoyed sharing all of her life. She devoted many hours serving God at her church as a long-term Sunday School teacher, committee member, life group leader, Vacation Bible School leader and in any other capacity where she saw a need.

In addition, Jayne was a member of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators, the Association of Education Service Agencies, and the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association. She was a former member of the Heartland Cares Board, Advisory Board for “His Kids Too”, and the McCracken County School Board, where she served as Chairperson.

She was also a very active member of the Murray Rotary Club. She was a Paul Harris Fellow and was honored to bestow this designation upon her daughters, grandson and son-in-law, Michael. She was appointed Rotary District Governor of District 6710 for years 2014-2015.

Although Jayne accomplished much professionally in her life, her greatest joy was being a mother and ultimately a GiGi to her grandson. She devoted her life to her daughters, grandson, and family. She will always be remembered for encouraging words, grace, tenacity and infectious spirit. Her legacy will live on through the many lives she touched with her compassion.

Jayne is survived by her daughters, Shannon Crisp Darnell and husband, Greg Darnell of Benton, Kentucky, and Dr. Meredith Crisp Duffy and husband, Michael Duffy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; sisters, Ruth Ann Scruggs of Hopkinsville, Kentucky and Rachel Pauline Yahnig and husband Carl of Christian County, Kentucky; grandson, Landon Thomas; several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Larry Lewis officiating. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Greenhill Memorial Gardens in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Pallbearers will be Landon Thomas, Greg Darnell, Michael Duffy, Chris Westerfield, John Yahnig, and Bill Coleman. Honorary pallbearers are Ronald Crisp and Judy Bradley.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Sunrise Children’s Services, P.O. Box 1429, Mt. Washington, KY 40047, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

John Marshall Wilson

October 23 2025

John Marshall Wilson, 67, a resident of Luverne, passed away unexpectedly at Baptist Medical Center East in Montgomery on Thursday, Oct. 23, while surrounded by his family. Funeral services for John will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, at First Baptist Church of Luverne with Brother Clay Crum officiating. Interment will follow in Luverne Emmaus Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

ohn was the heart and soul of Super Foods. His family bought the store in 1971 and, except while away for school, John worked there for the rest of his life. He earned his bachelor’s in business from Samford University in Birmingham and was a member of Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity. While there, he loved being part of the BSU Choir and touring all over Europe with the Continental Singers… which included learning how seriously to take their bus getting a little too close to the Soviet Union while in Poland during the Cold War! Throughout his life, John was always a vital and integral part of his community. He never failed to serve that community, whether it was with the Luverne Rotary Club, where he not only served as District Governor in 2001 – 2002 but was also considered a “Rotary Legend,” or as a deacon with First Baptist Church of Luverne. He was also a member of the Alabama Grocers Association, as well as being a long-time board member and one-time chairman, who honored him as their 2012 Retailer of the Year. He was always and without fail generous with his community as he donated to educational programs in both Crenshaw and Butler counties as well as DHR, local law enforcement, the Luverne Public Library, and many, many more. That fierce generosity and love for the place he called home was why the Chamber of Commerce chose him as their 2014 Citizen of the Year.

John suffered from chronic health issues for much of his life, but he was a true inspiration for how he never allowed that to keep him down. He showed up for work every day and was the epitome of what a good citizen and human looks like. In his free time, he loved hunting and fishing, traveling, and his favorite classic TV shows like “Murder, She Wrote” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” He was also a big fan of American History, especially that of our military. It should come as no surprise however that his love of music stayed with him throughout his life. Like most southerners, he certainly loved his country music, especially his “country girlfriend” Carrie Underwood, but nothing spoke to this tenor’s heart like musical theater. From seeing Chorus Line, Chicago and numerous others in the theater or singing along with Hugh Jackman’s The Greatest Showman at home or in the car, John was there for all of it.

Never doubt that John was the “OG Girl Dad!” Bless him, a house full of women would drive most men crazy, but not him. Oh no, he absolutely loved every second of it, even when they all tried to manage his life for him… as we women “might” tend to do! No doubt they are a big part of why he always kept such a huge, open heart for everyone. He enjoyed every moment working with the employees who became part of his big extended family. That family included his customers, especially the older ladies who were always his best customers. And who would be surprised by how much both his employees and customers loved him back? With his generous, kind heart who never failed to be one of the friendliest people you’d ever meet. He was also just a big goofball who appreciated all different kinds of humor. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and PopPop who loved his family like they were worth more than all the legendary gold in Fort Knox because he knew they most certainly were. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with them, especially during the holidays. His presence always loomed large within his family and words cannot express how much he will be sorely missed by them. All of Luverne mourns with them as John will continue to be remembered for his selfless love and the generosity of his oversized heart.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John “Jimmy” Edmon and Alyce Pearl Marshall Wilson. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Lillian Kelley Wilson; their daughters, Heather Marie Wilson, Kelley Nicole Wilson-Derby (Anthony), Lauren Ashley (Nick) Atkinson and Savannah Grace Wilson (Beau) Spivey; grandchildren, Alyce Mae Wilson-Derby, Owen Wilson Atkinson, Madison Pearl Atkinson, Taytum Jeffery Spivey, Wrenlee-Kate Marie Spivey (due to make her arrival in December), Willow Grace Spivey and Cooper Reid Spivey and a host of extended family members, friends and members of the Super Foods Family.

Active pallbearers are Jimmy Morgan, Kyle Richburg, Larry Robinson, Glenn Schneider, Merrill Sport and Steve Sanders. Serving as honorary pallbearers are David Smyth, the deacons of First Baptist Church and the former members of the Luverne Rotary Club.

In his Citizen of the Year speech, John explained why he loved his home so much: “I’ve traveled across the United States, through Europe… and of all the places I’ve been. I’ve yet to be to any place that is better, or stands out better, than Crenshaw County.” That love is the tremendous legacy he will always be remembered and treasured for.

Alan Conners

September 16, 2025

Alan C. Conners, of Aurora, Ohio. December 6, 1930 – September 16, 2025. Born and raised during the Great Depression, his life centered around family, faith, and community service. Alan is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Alice (nee Unger), his children Nancy C. Keene, Lynne Conners and her partner David Fork, Tom Conners and his wife Marguerite, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Family will visit with friends at Steinbauer Funeral Home, 33375 Bainbridge Rd., Solon, From 4-7 PM Monday, September 22. Funeral Service Tuesday, September 23, 11AM at The Church In Aurora, 146 S. Chillicothe Rd., Aurora.

Memorials may be made to The Rotary Foundation

Ranjan Bailur Kini

August 9, 2025

Age 70, of Schererville, IN passed away on Saturday, August 9, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Nivedita Pai Kini; beloved children: Shloka Kini and Keertan Kini; and his mother-in-law, Karkal Susheela Pai.

Ranjan Kini was a beloved member of his community and family. He brought light and joy, and a love for life into everything he did and every interaction he had. He was a dedicated educator and tireless volunteer with Rotary, including his role as District Governor. He was a pillar in his community, from Lake County to his hometown in Mangalore. He was a listening ear, a trusted advisor, treasured colleague, balanced thinker, funny friend, and an adored father and husband. His warm energy lives on in all the lives he has touched.

Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Solan-Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave., Schererville, IN.

A celebration of Ranjan’s life will be held on Saturday, August 16 from 4:00-7:00 PM CT at Indiana University Northwest.

If you would like to share your memories, thoughts, pictures, or video messages about Ranjan, please add to this digital memorial (https://app.memories.net/memorials/ranjan-kini-850971)

James C. “Jim” Shrader

July 11, 2025

James C. “Jim” Shrader, September 20, 1937 – July 11, 2025 of Findlay, Ohio, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ—reuniting joyfully in Heaven with his beloved wife, Sue, and cherished grandson, Gregory. With renewed body and spirit, Jim is now dancing on streets of gold, finally face-to-face with the Savior he faithfully served throughout his life.

Born in North Jackson on September 20, 1937, Jim was the son of the late C.J. and Florence Shrader, who preceded him in death, along with his sister, Barbara Heamon.

On June 13, 1959, he married the love of his life, Sue Ann Kamerer, who preceded him in death on October 6, 2018. Jim is survived by three children: Chris (Terri) Shrader of Fairhope, Alabama; Jeff (Elsa) Shrader; and Carolyn (David) Copus, both of Findlay, Ohio. He is also survived by five grandchildren and one step-grandson: Jacob (Meghan Holst) of Marietta, GA; Austin Shrader of Denver, CO; Jonathan (Emily) Shrader of New Albany, OH; Graham (Kenidi), Hunter (Skyler), and Tyler Copus, all of Findlay; and one great-grandson, Callum Copus.

Jim graduated from Findlay High School in 1955 and earned a business degree from Bowling Green State University. After graduation, he proudly served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Fort Knox, KY, where he achieved the rank of Captain.

Following his military service, Jim entered into partnership and became President of Findlay International, a company that sold farming equipment, Scouts, semi-trucks, and lawn and snow equipment until 2001. He later joined Findlay Ford as a salesman—working for his fellow Rotarian Stan Kujawa and later the Reineke family—continuing to serve customers with integrity and joy until 2024.

Jim’s greatest pride and joy was his family. Summers were filled with unforgettable memories at Platte Lake and later at the family cottage in Petoskey, Michigan—days of tubing, sailing, dune climbing, and evening bonfires. He especially loved winter and skied well into his early 70s. Jim also cherished time spent on Little Traverse Bay, polishing Petoskey stones and being active in the Bay View Methodist Association. Whether at the family cottage or at home—always organized by his beloved “Susie”—family gatherings were the heartbeat of his life.

Jim’s life was marked by unwavering faith, servant leadership, and a deep compassion for others. A lifelong member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Jim truly embodied the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” His answer to those in need was always a heartfelt and enthusiastic “yes.”

A devoted Rotarian, Jim served as Past President of the Findlay Rotary Club and as District Governor. He participated in multiple humanitarian missions to Central America and Nigeria, where he courageously delivered polio vaccines.

At home, Jim served in numerous roles—never for recognition, but always with purpose. He offered rides, visited the sick, and supported countless causes. He served as Vice President and Board Member (later Emeritus) of the Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, helping to facilitate the fundraising for the new patient pavilion. He also served as Chairman of the Winebrenner Board, overseeing the expansion of the nursing care facility to its Eastern Woods location. Jim played key roles in the MESA Committee, the Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce (as Past Chairman), and was a founding member of the original Art Partnership/Festival Committee—recruited, of course, because he had a truck and a heart ready to help.

Jim often said, “I’m just ordinary, but when you put me with others, we become extraordinary.” He lived that belief every day.

Jim also had a gift for music and a passion for singing. He was a founding member of the Millstream Singers, and most recently sang in the St. Mark’s and the 50 North choir.

He led by example. A man of humility and generosity, Jim quietly made an indelible mark on his community for over six decades. He mentored others, shared wisdom freely, and lived out the values of faith, integrity, compassion, and service.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of kindness, purpose, and faith. He is survived by his loving family and countless friends and Rotarians whose lives are better because they knew him.

He didn’t just talk about giving back—he lived it. And in doing so, Jim Shrader made the world, especially his corner of it, a more caring and hopeful place.

The family would like to extend its greatest gratitude to his home health caregiver, Kellie from Cornerstone Caregivers, his family physician, Dr. Mark Fox, his cardiologist, Dr. Gregory Gerschutz, Nurse Practitioner Bridget Miller in Urology and all nurses who cared for him at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Bluffton Hospital Swing Unit and Bridge In-Patient Hospice.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 14, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Kirkpatrick Behnke Funeral Home. Additional visitation will take place from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, officiated by Pastor Dan Metzger. A graveside service will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to:

Findlay Rotary Club, 2447 Tiffin Avenue # 208, Findlay, Ohio 45840

Blanchard Valley Health Foundation, 1900 South Main Street, Findlay, OH 45840

50 North, 339 East Melrose Avenue, Findlay, OH 45840

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

William Stout

August 5, 1933 — September 13, 2025

William A. “Bill” Stout, 92, of Circleville passed away September 13, 2025 at home surrounded by family. Bill was born on August 5, 1933 in Circleville, Ohio to John Boyd Stout and Luella Marie (Stanley) Stout. He is survived by his children John (Cheryl) Stout, Daniel (Jane) Stout and David (Regina) Stout; grandchildren Emily (Josh) Brown, Elizabeth (Tyler) Puckett, Miranda (Don) Liebner, Jesse (Emily) Stout, Mary, Ella, Barbara and Thomas Stout; great-grandchildren Noah, Eliza and Addelynn Stout; Jean Droste, his partner since 1993 and adopted children Ed and Jill McFarland. He is preceded in death by his brother John “Homer” (Jean) Stout of Williamsburg, VA and grandson Jack Stout of East Lansing, MI.

Bill attended Washington Township grade school where he was a member of the Juvenile Grange, and the Washington Hill Climbers 4-H Club. He graduated from Circleville High School in 1951 lettering in football, basketball and baseball; was president of the Stooge Club and member of the Hi-Y club. In 1956 he graduated from the Ohio State University with a BS degree in agriculture and a minor in criminology. He was the president of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, basketball manager and a member of Varsity O. With season football and basketball tickets for over 65 years he never missed an opportunity for a good tailgate.

He served in the US Army for 10 years stationed at Fort Hayes, Columbus during college and Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas. In 1955 he started working in construction with his father. He was president of the Building Industry Association of South Central Ohio, president of the Ohio Homebuilders Association and senior life member of the National Association of Homebuilders while serving on the board of Directors. Through his time running the business he was able to restore several historic homes and historic buildings in the downtown area to include Lindsey’s Bakery store front.

He was very active in the community serving as president of the Circleville Jaycees, vice-president of the Ohio Jaycees and he received the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award. For 36 years he was on the Democrat Central Committee, chairman of the Democrat Executive Committee for 16 years and chairman of the Pickaway County Board of Elections for 12 years. After serving on the original John Glenn for Senator committee he remained close friends with the John Glenn family. Bill was an original member of the Tecumseh Outdoor Drama in Chillicothe. He was chairman of the Pickaway County Airport Authority for 6 years, board member of the Scioto Society, on the WOSU Friends Board for 6 years and a member of the Elks Club for 60 years. Rotary played a major role in his life with his presidency of the Circleville Rotary Club, Rotary International District Governor for district 6690 and district 6690 Foundation chairman. As a member of the Community United Methodist Church, he became a trustee and member of the Methodist district building and location committee. He was on the Berger Hospital Board of Governors for 18 years. He served as the president of the Circleville area Chamber of Commerce, president of the Pickaway County Tourist Bureau and on the Pumpkin Show Parade Committee for over 25 years. While serving on the Parade Committee he made sure the Little Miss Parade went off without a hitch. He announced Circleville football games for 27 years and was a life member of the Pickaway County Historical Society where he chaired home tours for 3 years. He served as an Auxiliary Deputy Sheriff for over 60 years. In 1958 he joined the 9am coffee club that met daily with Jack McGuire and continues to meet today. Their daily meetings closed 9 restaurants.

He developed the residential subdivisions of Knollwood Village, Lincoln Drive, Garden City and Valhalla. He built over 300 homes and apartments in Circleville. He also built many commercial buildings including 6 banks and the YMCA. He was president of the JB Stout Construction Company, Knollwood Development Company, general partner of Valhalla Enterprises, owner of Bill Stout Realty and partner in the Stout Investment Company. The Stout Cemetery was restored in Washington Township by several members of the Stout family in 2013. Bill was proudest of the fact that during the nearly 80 years of business neither he nor his dad missed a payroll.

He made generous use of his home on Court Street for fundraisers, parties, weddings, meeting and receptions. Bill supported many causes throughout his life. He was proud of his 57 years of perfect attendance at Rotary. He enjoyed traveling to over 64 countries and had friends all over the world.

On Saturday, October 4, 2025 the family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Community United Methodist Church. Service will be held after visitation, followed by a celebration of life at his home at 225 South Court Street, Circleville. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the JB Stout Scholarship fund of Circleville Rotary Club P.O. Box 505, Circleville, Ohio (notate on check “JBS Scholarships”), the Community United Methodist Church at 120 North Pickaway St. Circleville, Ohio 43113 or to any charity of your choosing. Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Stout, please visit our flower store.

Gaylon Stanley Hall

January 19, 1934 – August 8, 2025

Gaylon Stanley Hall, 91, of Bartlett, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2025. Born on January 19, 1934, in Huntingdon, Tennessee, he lived a long and full life marked by devotion to family, hard work, service to his country, and a quiet strength that touched all who knew him.

Gaylon proudly served in the United States Navy for 23 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. A decorated Vietnam veteran, he continued his commitment to excellence after military service, earning his degree from the University of Memphis. He led Moore Tech as President for 24 years, later being honored with the title of President Emeritus.

Throughout his life, Gaylon devoted his leadership skills to numerous organizations. He served more than 50 years on the Board of First South Financial Credit Union—many of them as Chairman—and was recognized as Board Member Emeritus. He received the Dean’s Service Award from the University of Memphis Fogelman College of Business & Economics. A two-time Paul Harris Fellow, he served as past President, as well as District Governor for Shelby County and North Mississippi Memphis Rotary Club. He was also a dedicated Salvation Army Board Member and Commission Chair for the Council on Occupational Education.

As a passionate University of Memphis supporter, Gaylon held season tickets for football, women’s basketball, and men’s basketball. He served as past President of the Rebounders Club, President of the Lady Tigers Fast Break Club, and was awarded the Ralph Hatley Silver M Award.

Gaylon and Janice have been faithful members of Lindenwood Christian Church since 1982. Together, they shared a love for travel, exploring the world over 42 years and setting foot on all seven continents.

Gaylon will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to service, his deep love for family, and the remarkable legacy he leaves behind in both his community and the countless lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Vivian Newbill, and brothers, Norman Hall and James Hall. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Janice Tankersley Hall; his daughters Gaylene Torres (Paul), Susan Blanchard (Tom), Julia Arnold (Roger), and Becky Hall; his grandchildren Michelle Coker, Kurt Zellmer, Jennifer Frees, Lauren Blanchard, and Kristen Smallwood; and his great-grandchildren Jackson Coker, Landon Frees, Joseph Frees, Ava Zellmer, Ella Smallwood, and Lily Smallwood.

The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations can be made to Lindenwood Christian Church or the University of Memphis Athletic Fund.

Mel P. Simón

March 7, 2025

Dr. Mel P. Simón, age 89 of Gallipolis, Ohio Passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, in Evanston, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

A Life Well-Lived

Dr. Mel P. Simón was born on October 29, 1935, in Angadanan, Isabela, Philippines, to Lucrecia Palatao Simón and Melecio G. Simón. He was the eighth of twelve children.

During his medical school years, he met his Valentine sweetheart, Lydia Sarzaba Simón, a young nurse who would become the love of his life. In 1959, when Dr. Simón traveled to the United States for further medical training, he arranged to be on Lydia’s flight, knowing that she was also heading to the U.S. for a position at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. They married that same year and soon arranged to work at the same hospital.

Dr. Simón graduated from the University of Santo Tomas Medical School in 1959 and completed his surgical internship and residency in Urology at Cook County Hospital in Chicago in 1966.
Settling in Gallipolis, Ohio, Dr. Simón dedicated his life to serving the community. He was the only urologist across several counties while working with Holzer Hospital. In 1972, he and Lydia founded the Hillcrest Urological Clinic, and also operated on his patients out of four hospitals in Ohio and West Virginia. His commitment to healthcare extended beyond urology—he was a founding member of Pinecrest Nursing Home, now known as The Arbors, in 1978.

He was an active member of the SPSA having served in various capacities for the society and was elected as President in 1987.

A man of deep generosity and service, Dr. Simón was actively involved in the Rotary Club of Gallipolis. Alongside Lydia, he led “Operation We Care,” a medical-surgical mission team that provided care to indigent patients in remote areas of the Philippines for over 30 years. With the help of Rotary International and local Rotarians, he brought hope and healing to many. His leadership was widely recognized, and he was honored to be the first Filipino American to serve as District Governor of Rotary District 6690 in the United States (1998-1999).

In 2009, he established the French 500 Free Clinic in Gallia County to provide medical care to uninsured patients. He also served on the Rio Grande University Board of Trustees for many years. In 2010, he was honored and inducted into the Ohio Senior Citizen Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the community.

Dr. Simón proudly served in the United States Air Force Reserves, Medical Corps, achieving the rank of full Colonel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. His love for service blended with his passion for flying, and he became an instrument-rated pilot, flying his own planes.
A philanthropist, he and Lydia were instrumental in the restoration of the historic Ariel Opera House Theatre, which led to the birth of the Ohio Valley Symphony Orchestra, where he served on the Board of Directors.

A world traveler, Dr. Simón always found solace at his home by the Ohio River. Fulfilling his father’s dream of becoming a farmer, he purchased and worked on a 150-acre historical dairy farm in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, renaming it Simón’s Old Town Farm.

He was an avid Harley motorcyclist, a downhill skier, and a lover of water sports and boating. A devout Catholic, he was a 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and an active parishioner at St. Louis Catholic Church.

Jack Earnest Polen

April 3, 1938 – October 18, 2024

Jack Earnest Polen, age 86 of Malvern passed away at Woodlawn Compassionate Care in Canton Ohio on Friday, October 18, 2024. Jack was born in Salineville, Ohio on April 3, 1938 to Clyde and Hazel (Frazier) Polen.

A dedicated professional, Jack spent his career contributing to the industry at TRW and PCC Airfoils, where he was a respected colleague and friend. After his retirement, Jack became a marketing specialist for Polen Meats.

Beyond his professional life, Jack was deeply committed to the Rotary community. He was a Past District Governor and served as Past President of what he proudly referred to as the finest little Rotary Club in all the world. Jack also held the position of President of the Carrollton Rotary Club and was an active member of the East Canton Rotary Club. His passion for service and fellowship took him across the globe, traveling to 23 countries on six continents and attending several Rotary International Conventions.

Jack’s life was one of service, dedication, and global friendship. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness and commitment to making the world a better place through his involvement with Rotary.

Jack is survived by two sons: Bryan of Dellroy and Bradley (Nancy) of East Canton; two daughters: Jacqueline (Robert) Carle of Minerva and Jennifer (Bill) Blake of Paris; Grandchildren: Meghan Polen of Alliance, Torrance Carle of Burlington, North Carolina, Hillary (Bryan) Taff of Minerva, Makenna (Matt) Frakes of Minerva, Bradley Jack (Kimber) Polen of Edwardsville, Illinois, Nathan Polen of Dover, Sophia Blake of Paris, Liam Blake of Paris, and Stella Blake of Paris; a great-granddaughter, Isla Rose Frakes; two great-grandsons: Jacob Wilderman and Oliver Walinski; and three brothers: John Polen of Columbiana, Clyde (Nancy) Polen of Alliance, and Jimmy (Cathy) Polen of Vienna, Virginia; and special friend, Louise Criss.

In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie Polen; a son, Barry Alan Polen; a sister, Patty Orr, and two brothers: Jerry and Robert.

Funeral service will be held at First Christian Church of Malvern, 4046 Coral Road, Malvern, Ohio on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 2 PM with Kenny Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at First Christian Church of Malvern.

Donn E. Alspach

June 21, 1931 – October 27, 2024

Donn Edwards Alspach, of Granville, Ohio passed away on Sunday, October 27th at age 93. He was born in Newark, Ohio to the late Harold C and Mary Louise (Edwards) Alspach. He leaves a proud legacy and love for family, church, hometown, university and organizations that serve others.

He is survived by a son, David (Helaine) of Dublin; three granddaughters, Christine Ford (Michael) of Marysville, Katherine McNamara (John) of Hilliard, and Teresa Plattenburg (Joseph) of Clintonville; four great-grandchildren, Alice Ford, Connor McNamara, Tobin Ford and Bruce Ford; in-law, Linda ODonnell of Millersburg; nephew, Mark (Denise) ODonnell, and nieces, Erin (Joe) Noss, Susan (Steve) Mulhall, Jill (John) Stankiewicz and Jennifer (Matt) Maxwell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, advocate, fan and promoter, Marilyn to whom he was married for 66 years; and also in-laws, Harland and Gwen Fargo; and Paul ODonnell.

Donn is a graduate of Newark High School and The Ohio State University (college of Human Ecology) with a bachelor of science in Sales Education. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and a lifelong Tau. After graduation he entered The United States Air Force with an ROTC commission and served three years flying as a navigator in Europe. He returned to Newark in 1957 and joined The Newark Coca-Cola Bottling Works as sales manager until being promoted to Executive Vice President and purchasing the company in 1965. The company grew under his leadership with the purchase of additional territories; Coshocton in 1966, Mt Vernon in 1974 and Findlay in 1976. He was on the leadership council for Coca-Cola Bottlers and the Prime bottlers led by Bryon Dyson. Newark was the world test market for the half liter plastic bottle in 1979. The Coca-Cola company made a major effort to repurchase the bottling franchises during the mid-1980s and he was the last central Ohio bottler to sell to them in 1986.

Donn rented an office in Jerry McClain’s headquarters prior to the close of the sale to have administrative support. Jerry’s daughter, Bev, came to him with the concept of assisted living and in 1987 he opened the Inn at SharonBrooke as the president and principal investor. Bev and partner Kandi exercised their option to buy him out after five years and continued to operate the Inn. Donn liked the assisted living business and partnered with his son to develop The Inn at Chestnut Hill by purchasing the first piece of commercial property sold by the New Albany Company in 1992. He felt the developer wouldn’t run out of money and New Albany would be a success. They developed and operated the inn through 2006. Donn had a good sense of business markets following the baby boomers from soft drinks in the 50s to assisted living in the 00s.

Donn was a competitor and believed that you won by outworking your competition. He was a frontliner for Woody Hayes in Licking County and a proud Buckeye supporting the athletic department, The President’s Club, The Pace Setters, endowing an athletic scholarship, sponsoring the bowl logos in the Woody practice facility, and the student lounge at Alford STEM building on the Newark Campus. He served two terms on the OSU-N citizens board and represented the Newark campus on the OSU Alumni advisory board for two terms.

Donn was a 66 year member of Newark Rotary serving as president in 1977, district governor in 1988 and a multiple Paul Harris donor. Donn is a 66 year and lifetime member of the Salvation Army board serving twice as chairman and facilitated the move to their current on East Main St. In 1957 he became a member of the March of Dimes board providing braces for polio victims and was chair of that board when the first Polio vaccines became available. They set up distribution locations in Licking County and there were no Polio cases in the county the next year. He was on the YMCA board and was president when the campaign to enlarge the facility and build the large outdoor pool took place. He was a member of the Newark Jaycees and launched the United Appeal parade with the first chicken bar-b-q on the square and earned the Jaycee Distinguished Service Award. Donn served two terms on the LMH board The Ohio Assisted Living Association Board for six years with two years as chair.

A special part of his life and success would be the Newark investors club which was formed in 1960 and stayed in together for 60 years. It held a tight bond of supportive and competitive fellows that believed in themselves, their families and Licking County. Special memories to Fred, Jack, T.D., Tom, Herb, Bill III, Bill M, Jim, Don, and Spike. With equal gratitude to their spouses who sponsored and supported their active lives in the community. There is a lot to be said to for friends and what they can do when they support each other.

He was a member The Presidents Club at The Ohio State University, The 1888 Society of The Buckeye Club, and OSU Pace Setter. Donn went through communicants class at Second Presbyterian Church and was an 80 year member, also a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, Moundbuilders County Club, Imperial Golf Club, New Albany Country Club, and Greenbrier Sporting Club. He was a 66 year member of the Elks, a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Shrine.

Donn was a 68-year Ohio State Football ticket holder. During the 80’s he used his airplane to fly to away games and seldom missed a home, away or bowl game and always with family or friends. He considered Woody, Earle, Archie many coaching staff and others in the program as friends.

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the Second Presbyterian Church, 42 E. Church St., Newark, OH on Saturday, November 2nd at 10 a.m. The calling hours for friends will be held on Friday, November 1st from 3-7 p.m. at The Newark Chapel of Henderson-Van Atta-Stickle Funeral Service, 59 N. Fifth Street, Newark with Elks and Masonic services at 6:45 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Second Presbyterian Church, The Salvation Army, The Newark Rotary Foundation or the Donn, Marilyn and David Alspach Family Scholarship fund at The Ohio State University.

Special thanks to those who were close and cared for Donn at Otterbein Granville including Denise, Jess, Lauri, Tamara and many others.

The Newark Chapel of Henderson-Van Atta-Stickle Funeral Service is assisting the family with arrangements.

James Gordon Graham

October 16, 2024

James Gordon Graham, 91, Brownsburg, passed away October 16 following his beloved wife Roberta Ratliff Graham, who passed away earlier this year. Born October 11, 1933, in Phillipsburg, Ohio to the late Gordon DeCou Graham and Ruth Fisher Graham, Jim spent much of his youth in Danville, graduating from Danville High School. Jim went on to earn a master’s degree in chemical engineering from Purdue University. After graduation and receiving his Naval officer commission, Jim entered the Navy’s jet pilot program becoming the shortest pilot in the Navy. After his service in the US Navy, Jim transitioned to the Army as a helicopter pilot for the Indiana National Guard and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Jim also had a successful business career as the President of AGA Fleet Products in Indianapolis.

Jim had a passion for aviation, learning to fly before learning to drive and continued flying well into his seventies. He was also well-known in Indiana for his philanthropy and the Rotary ideal of “service above self.”

Jim was an active member of the Lizton United Methodist Church and Brownsburg Rotary Club, serving as past president and Rotary District Governor. He served on the board of directors of the Indiana War Memorial Foundation and was a lifetime member of the Scouting Heritage Society.

Among the many awards Jim received are the Purdue University ROTC Hall of Fame, City of Indianapolis Distinguished Citizen Award, FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, Morton-Finney Public Service Award, Boy Scouts District Award of Merit, Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award, Rotary’s Cliff Dochterman Award, and Rotary International Service Above Self Award.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brother Robert and sister Charlotte Sherfey. He is survived by his sister Joan (Walt) Able; sister-in-law Virginia; sons Bruce (Julie) Graham and Richard (Angela) Graham; grandchildren Brent Graham, Brian Graham, Kathryn (Drew) Koning, Audrey (Wesley) Coolbaugh, Claire (Mitchell) Moore, William Graham, and great-grandchild, Asher Koning.

The memorial service will be November 2, 2024, at Matthews Mortuary in Brownsburg. Visitation will be 11:00 – 1:00; the service begins at 1:00. Interment will be at K of P Cemetery in Lizton, IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to Gift of Life International, PO Box 630436, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 or Riley Children’s Foundation, PO Box 3356, Indianapolis, IN 46206 (indicate in the memo line “to support Dr. Turrentine’s mission trips”).

Carroll Wayne Gates

April 25, 1940 — January 11, 2025

Funeral services for Carroll Wayne Gates, 84, will be held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. A graveside service will follow at Rose-Neath Cemetery in Bossier City. A visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Officiating the service will be Deacon Michael Young and Chaplain Mike Perser.

Wayne Gates served with the Shreveport Fire Department, beginning on January 15, 1962, and advanced through positions until retiring as Assistant Fire Chief after 33 years. He then served as interim Fire Chief for Benton Fire District 4 and served as Vice-Chair for the Fire and Civil Service Board. Wayne and his wife, Paula, met through a Rotary Group Study Exchange with Turkey in 2006 and were married in 2008 by then District Governor Bruce Willson, in what they referred to as their Big Fat Rotary Wedding. Between them, they have raised five children, Robert, Dwayne, Crystal, Claire, and Vangie, all of whom are Paul Harris Fellows.

Wayne served his community through his employment with local Fire Departments, but also through volunteer services with the local Sheriff’s Department. He served as Treasurer for Ducks Unlimited for eight years. He served as a Bossier Parish Sheriff Patrol Reserve Deputy for over twenty (20) years.

He joined the Benton Rotary Club in 1990, serving as President 1997-98, during which year he organized the Interact Club for Benton High School. He served in other Interact capacities at the district level. He maintained 18 years of perfect attendance at the Benton Rotary Club in 1995. He became a Rotary Benefactor. He presented a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow to the oldest Rotary Benton Club member and continued to do this until every club member received a Paul Harris Fellow status. He was instrumental in having the first annual Club Roast as the club’s largest fundraiser. He was selected as Rotary District 6190 Governor of Rotary’s Centennial Year 2004-05. In 1997, he was introduced to the Rotary Youth Leadership Award and has since served as Counselor, Camp Director, and District Chair. He served as Sergeant-At-Arms or Chief Sergeant-At-Arms at District Conferences, President-Elect Training, as well as other Rotary district meetings and Zone Institutes. He was the Rotary Endowment Fund chair and embodied the commitment to the Rotary Foundation, as he and his wife are major donors, benefactors, and bequest society members. He also managed the annual Benton Christmas parade each year. Wayne also hosted many Group Study Exchanges and Friendship Exchanges. He has served as Sergeant-At-Arms at approximately 23 District Conferences, 11 Zone Institutes, and 13 International Conventions, four of which he and Paula served as Senior Sergeant-At-Arms. He received a District Governor’s Award each year from 1998-2012, the Foundation Four Avenues of Service in 2001-02, the District Service Award, the Citation for Meritorious Service, and the Service Above Self Award, Rotary’s highest award. He and his wife Paula are third-level Major Donors, having also gifted Paul Harris Fellows to members of the Rotary Club of Benton and ensured that each of their children are Paul Harris Fellows. Wayne was always there to help and personified the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Wesley Gates; his mother, Lucille B. Gates; and his late wife, Frances Watson Gates.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his beloved wife, Paula Weaver Gates; children, Robert Gates, Dwayne Gates, and wife, Connie, Crystal Blackmon, and husband, Jason, Claire Shelton and husband, Nathan, and Vangie Crosby; grandchildren, Jason Gates, and wife, Teresa, Josh Gates, Erin Bullard Hepp, and husband Isaac, Connor Bullard, and fiancée, Kristen Arnette, Dylan Blackmon, and wife, Verenice, Landon Blackmon, Gunner Blackmon, and Kenna Shelton; great-grandchildren, Savannah Gates, Blakley Blackmon, and Oaklynn Blackmon; brother, Cecil Gates, and wife, Judy; sister, Benita Seymour, and a host of nieces and nephews, and countless friends and the Benton Coffee Club.

Honoring Wayne as pallbearers will be Joe Rice, Charles Duke, Bobby Edmiston, Bobby Cannon, J.T. Wallace, and Darryl Kendrick. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express thanks to the Willis Knighton Hospice team, the Elizabeth Family Clinic, Dr. Tyler Lash, Dr. Nicole McCommon, Dr. Matthew Hefner as well as Dr. Paul Cole, Dr. Gerardo San Pedro and Dr. Christopher Wilson for their care and compassion. The family would also like to give special thanks to Andy Shehee.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Benton Rotary Club, P.O. Box 525 Benton, Louisiana 71006.

Paulus Feico Kempff

March 20, 1949 – October 1, 2024

Paulus Feico Kempff passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, in Shreveport, Louisiana. Born on March 20, 1949, in Bilthoven, The Netherlands, to Henrietta and Paulus Kempff, Feico led a life filled with community spirit and dedication to those around him.

From an early age, Feico was involved in his community, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout while still in high school. He went on to graduate from the University of Texas at Arlington and built a successful career developing, brokering, and managing commercial real estate. A devoted Rotarian for over 30 years, Feico served as the Past President of the Red River Rotary Club in Shreveport and as District Governor. He was also a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Above all, Feico was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Linda Kempff, and their three children: Megan Whited and her husband Rob, Adam Kempff, and Lacie Wilson and her husband Aaron. He also leaves behind three cherished grandchildren—Jackson Posey, Theodore Whited, and Greyson Wilson—as well as two brothers, Pieter Kempff and his wife Sally, and Olfert Kempff.

A celebration of Feico’s life will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Osborn Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to your local Rotary Club or to a charity of your choice in Feico’s honor.

Patrick Scott Stone

August 5, 2024

Funeral service for Patrick Scott Stone, 91, will be Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church Decatur with Rev. Alex Beaube and Rev. Robert Sparkman officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Burial will be in Hartselle City Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church Decatur.

Colonel Stone passed away on Monday, August 5, 2024. Born in Hartselle Alabama, to J.E. Stone, Jr. and Patricia Scott Stone, on February 20,1933.

He graduated from Marion Military Institute and from the College of William and Mary. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity and participated in Varsity football and track. He was a Senior member of the Men’s Honor Council, the National Honor Society of Scabbard and Blade (Military), and President of the Baptist Student Union.

He was a Partner in Stone Lumber and Supply Company in Hartselle for 13 years, worked for Texas Instruments in Texas, the Henry S. Miller Company in Commercial Real Estate, several banks in Texas, the F.D.I.C. Regional office in Dallas, and completed over 6 years as President of Colonial Banks in Lawrence County, Alabama.

While working in Hartselle, he was President of the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce, President of the Kiwanis Club, President-Elect of the Rotary Club, served on the City Library Board and served as Chairman of the City Aviation Board for 4 years. He was selected as Outstanding Young Man of the Year and as Outstanding Citizen of the Year.

His civic record in Lawrence County included President of the County Chamber of Commerce for 2 years, President of the County Historical Association for 4 years, Charter President of the Rotary Club of Lawrence County, the Board of Junior Achievement of North Alabama, Executive Board of the Greater Alabama Council of Boy Scouts, Chairman of Group 2 of Alabama Bankers Association, a member of the Memphis-Atlanta Highway Committee and a member of the North Alabama Work Force Development Board.

Following his banking career, he ran for the Alabama House of Representatives District 9. He was elected to be the Republican Candidate for the November election, he lost the November election to a several year incumbent.

He was a member of Rotary International since 1965 and had received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He served as the District Governor of District 6860 for the Centennial Year of 2004-2005. Previously, he served as President of the River Oaks Rotary Club in Houston, Texas and as Charter President of the Rotary Club of Lawrence County, Alabama. He was currently a member of the Decatur Rotary Club.

He was a member of the Decatur First United Methodist Church and sang in the choir. He previously served as District Lay Leader and served several years on the Pensions and Benefits Committee for the North Alabama Conference.

He previously was elected twice as an alternate representative for the North Alabama Conference to the Jurisdictional Conference at Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.

While in Texas, he served as President of the 75th USA MAC Officers Association, Secretary-Treasurer of the Military affairs Committee of the Houston Chamber of Commerce.

Colonel Stone served 32 years in the Active Army Reserve and was a member of the General Staff of the 75th USA Maneuver Area Command, the largest Reserve headquarters in the Army at that time, located in Houston, Texas. He was a graduate of the residence course of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

He had received the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, as well as other medals.

Preceding him in death were his parents, J.E. Stone, Jr. and Patricia Scott Stone, his brother: J.E. Stone, III, and great granddaughter: Evelyn Franklin. Survivors include; Wife – Marguerite Livingston Stone, Son – Patrick Scott Stone, Jr., Daughters- Rebecca Bell Stone, Susan Rose Stone Taborn (Mike), Grandchildren – Tiffany Stone Kirk (Justin), Jackie Stone Franklin (Mike), Annabelle Taborn and Michael Taborn., Great Grandchildren – Stone Kirk, Ila Jennifer Franklin and Cole Franklin.,

Pallbearers will be Mike Taborn, Michael Taborn, LTC (ret.) Larry Hall, Col.(ret.) John Valieant, Jim Oden, Bill Sims and Mark Maloney

Honorary Pallbearers will be Ken Schuppert, Bill Stone, Bill Moyers, Ellis Chenault, Gordon Henry and all other Rotary Past District Governors.

In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial donations be made to Decatur First United Methodist Church.

C. Nelson French Jr.

September 6, 1925 – September 30, 2024

C. Nelson French, Jr., age 99, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024. Nelson was born on September 6, 1925 in South Bend, Indiana to the late Charles and Helen (Albaugh) French. He was preceded in death by his wife Emagean (Emmy) and Stepson Gary Kerr.

Nelson was a 1943 graduate of Upper Arlington High School and completed one year of college at Ohio State University, before going to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to earn his BS in Engineering in 1948. He continued his military service from 1948-53 with the U.S. Army, mostly as Nuclear Officer of Armed Forces and Special Weapons Project.

He started his professional career working at Battelle from 1953-58 in Paten Licensing & Management Consulting and from 1958-2000 he was Founder, Chairman/CEO of Basic Distribution Corp. Throughout his business career, Nelson was President and Director of Distributors Software Group, Board of Directors for National Assoc. of Electrical Distributors, Chmn. Govt. Affairs Comm, Affiliated Distributors Network Chmn, Long Range Planning Comm, Leadership Award; Ohio Small Business Council- Bd. Chmn; White House Conference on Small Business- Ohio Delegate; Ohio Chamber of Commerce- Bd. & Exec, Comm; Blue Cross of Central Ohio/Central Benefits Mutual Insurance Co.

Volunteer work was very important to Nelson. He was a member of Columbus Rotary Club for 63 years, Past President of Columbus Rotary Club, District Governor, Team Leader/Group Study Exchange/England; 87-year member of First Community Church, Chmn. Board of Deacons, Chmn. Governing Board and Board of Directors for First Community Village; President of Upper Arlington Booster Club and a Member of Scioto Country Club.

On May 12, 1969 Nelson married the love of his life Emagean Kerr. Together they had 7 children. Nelson will be deeply missed by his loving children Michael French, Andrew Kerr, Terri French, Pat French, K.C. (French) St. Louis, and Dennis Kerr; 5 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A memorial service celebrating Nelson will be held at 4:30 PM, Thursday, November 7, 2024 at First Community Church – South Campus, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., where family will receive friends immediately following service until 6PM.

In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to the Nelson and Emmy French Media Support Fund #54119 at First Community Foundation at https://www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/a691aa36-29b1-42f5-89f1-cb63c15a2c09 or to Hope Thru Housing Inc., a long-term residential substance abuse program for men and women in Columbus at https://funraise.org/give/Hope-Thru-Housing-Inc./246f6733-8fec-49f4-b7b9-d5cbe3beed7b/.

Richard S. Dunn

August 16, 2024

Richard Scott Dunn was born on May 12, 1949 in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois and passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024 in Fort Worth, Texas.

A longtime resident of Baton Rouge, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, John Dunn of Richmond, Virginia; sister, Nancy Burns of Austin, Texas; and parents, Barbara and Clarence “Buzz” Dunn of Baton Rouge and Richmond. He is survived by his wife, Ann Whitaker Dunn; sister, Jane Wallace of Richmond; and children, sons, Andrew of Baton Rouge and James and daughter-in-law, Lindsay Dunn of Fort Worth; daughters, Katherine and son-in-law, Savas Cecen of Fethiye, Turkey, Julie and son-in-law, Kabba Singhateh of Amman, Jordan and Elizabeth Dunn of Portland, Oregon. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, William, Thomas and Claire Dunn, Jacob and Luke Cecen and Sunny, Arlo and Richie Singhateh.

Richard graduated as valedictorian of Lee High School in 1967. A distinguished student, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from LSU in 1971 and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Virginia in 1974.

After working as a summer intern for Senator Russell Long in Washington, DC, Richard worked at Coopers & Lybrand in Los Angeles and then practiced law in Baton Rouge for over 40 years. He served on the first Board of Directors of Community Coffee, the LSU Union Governing Board, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Baton Rouge Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Richard was president of the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge from 1993-1994 and served as Governor of District 6200 of Rotary International from 2001-2002. Known for his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor, Richard will be dearly missed. Memorials:

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rotary Club of Baton Rouge Foundation Fund.

David Joseph Bellew

July 7, 2024

David, “Doc” as he was known to his many friends, patients, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passed away on July 7, 2024 after a four-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

David was the second born to parents Richard (Dick) and Priscilla Bellew in El Dorado, AR. After graduating from dental school at the University of Tennessee he served in the Army as a Captain. He was stationed at Fort Polk in Louisiana and Fort Bliss in Texas. Upon his honorable discharge, he established his dental practice in El Dorado, AR. He was very active in improving children’s dentistry in Arkansas, serving on many statewide boards and visiting schools to teach students how to care for their teeth. He often said that a dentist’s job was to work their way out of the job by teaching proper dental care at a young age. These beliefs often led to the embarrassment of his children when he handed out toothbrushes and dental floss on Halloween or sugar free candy, which in the 1970s was a child’s least desirable treat.

In the early 1980s, he moved his dental practice to Shreveport, LA where he continued to practice until he was 83 years old. Doc had a genuine love of people and dentistry, and his patients loved him very much; many made the two-hour drive to Shreveport from El Dorado to continue seeing him as their dentist after he moved. His generous spirit was displayed often in his willingness to take anything for payment from people who struggled to afford necessary dental work, even once accepting a 100lb bag of rice as payment from someone needing help. After closing his private practice in 2007, he continued his love of dentistry by working at David Raines Community Health Center until 2020.

While in El Dorado he was very active in Boy Scouts with his sons. He served as a Scout Master for Troop 23 and leader of the Order of the Arrow. He was known for never swamping a canoe even in the fastest water that would swamp the other canoes. His love for the outdoors and nature continued when he joined the Ozark Society years later.

David had a love of aviation that started with him receiving his private pilot’s license with a fixed wing rating in the 1970s and continuing through the 1990s when he received his Hot Air Balloon rating. He participated in numerous balloon rallies with his own balloon “Eagle Flight” and made many friends through the sport. His love of aviation led to his favorite hobby of designing and building remote-controlled airplanes. These designs led to him forming a company that manufactured kits to sell to other hobbyists.

David met his wife Judy when he was coerced by his friend and fellow Ozark Society member, Jim Overton, into attending “just one” ballroom dance at Kings Hwy Christian Church to be a partner for the many women who simply loved to ballroom dance and needed a partner to lead them around the dance floor. Soon after, the Eagle Flight balloon adventures and Ozark Society canoeing took a back seat to ball room dancing as he and Judy took lessons and danced every chance they had. With David’s adventurous spirit, his children were glad he took up dancing rather than buying a tuna boat to try out some fishing. David and Judy had 24 wonderful years together, living each day together to the fullest.

David was an early polio victim in the 1940’s and that drew him to the Rotary International organization which later carried the torch for the eradication of polio. David and Judy became increasingly more involved in Rotary over the years. David served as president of the Rotary Club of South Shreveport in 2003-2004 and in 2007-2008 served as District Governor of Rotary District 6190. They made lifelong friends with Rotarians locally and around the world as they traveled to Turkey and to several Rotary International Conventions.

David is survived by his loving wife, Judy Bellew of Shreveport, LA; children, David Bellew (Melissa) of Alexander, AR, Mike Bellew of Dallas, TX, Chris Bellew (Jill) of Dallas, TX, Matthew Bellew (Shelby) of Little Rock, AR and Melanie Miles of Irmo, SC. In addition, he had seven grandchildren. Also surviving him are his bonus children, Jodie Mueller-Reynolds (Jeff), Allen Plummer, III (Aimee) and their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard W. Bellew, Jr.

A special thank you to The Bridge Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center for their countless support and continued efforts to provide resources to caretakers and “their person” and to Dr. Meghan Harris and her staff at WK Pierremont Neurology Clinic. The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the WK Pierremont 6th Floor, Bristol Hospice and Elite Health Solutions for the genuine kindness, love and respect shown to our beloved “Doc”.

A memorial service will be held at Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Dr, Shreveport, Louisiana on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation to follow at the church. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Upper Room Sunday School Class of Broadmoor United Methodist Church. Officiating the service will be Reverend Dr. Wybra Price, Reverend Megan Twyman and Reverend Dr. Greg Davis.

In keeping with his generous nature, David donated his body to science in the hope that he may be of some help in Alzheimer’s research. The family would be honored by memorials, given in his name, to: Broadmoor United Methodist Church, 3715 Youree Dr., Shreveport, LA 71105 or to The Bridge Alzheimer’s & Dementia Resource Center, 851 Olive St., Shreveport, LA 71104 or to the favorite charity of their choice.

David leaves all of us on this side of Heaven with the Rotarian motto he tried to live each and every day, Service Above Self.

For now, until we see each other again, Over & Out from Eagle Flight.