Obituaries

Michael D. Darras

Mar 20, 2025

Michael D. Darras, 74, of Van Wert, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 20, 2025, at the OSU Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio. He was born January 18, 1951, in Van Wert, to Andrew L. Darras and Geneva "Jenny" (Decker) Ellis. On July 13, 1987, he married the former Helen Campbell.

He retired in 2021 from Schneider National after 30 years of...

Marion D. Rickard

Mar 19, 2025

Marion Dewey Rickard passed away on March 19, 2025, of natural causes.

After 34 years, he retired from the Ford Engine Plant in Lima, OH

He was preceded in death by his father, Dewey Rickard; his mother, Alma Rickard; and his sister, Evelyn Rickard.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Rickard of Convoy, Ohio; and his five children: David Rickard of Convoy,...

Beverly Eichenlaub

Mar 14, 2025

Beverly Sue Eichenlaub, 78, went peacefully to be with her Lord at 9 a.m. on March 14, 2025, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Van Wert, Ohio.

Born at Van Wert Hospital on October 19, 1946, Beverly was the beloved daughter of Donald B. McOmber and Anna L. (Edwards) McOmber. She is survived by her brother, Michael McOmber, and his wife,...

Diane Comer

Mar 13, 2025

Diane Mary Comer, 82, of Haviland, left this world peacefully on March 13, 2025, at Paulding County Hospital. She was born on July 8, 1942, in Fort Wayne, IN, to William Russell and Louise (Delegrange) Pabst.

Diane graduated from Blue Creek High School in 1961 and dedicated 30 years of her career as a custodian at Wayne Trace...

Tammy Martin

Mar 13, 2025

Tammy Lynn Martin, a beloved daughter, mother, sister, and grandmother, passed away at her residence on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on December 17, 1957, in Van Wert, Ohio, Tammy brought joy to the world with her warmth and kindness.

A woman who treasured the great outdoors, Tammy found peace in nature. Whether it was fishing...

Larry Caffee

Mar 11, 2025

Larry A. Caffee, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Fort Wayne. Born on August 26, 1941, in Black Creek Township, Ohio, to the late Vernon and Donna (Johns) Caffee, Larry grew up surrounded by the beauty of rural life and a deep-rooted love for farming that would define his life's work.

...

Russell Beard

Mar 10, 2025

Russell Lewis Beard, 93, of Convoy, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 10, leaving behind a legacy of love, hard work, and treasured memories.

Born to John and Marie (Allmandinger) Beard at his home with the round barn in Middlebury, Ohio on January 9, 1932, Russell grew up with a strong sense of family, sharing his childhood with his...

Billy Perry

Mar 9, 2025

Billy R. Perry, 78, of Rockford died Sunday, March 9, 2025 at his home. He was born March 31, 1946 and was the son of the late Bill and Sarah M. (Adkins) Perry.

On January 10, 1982 Billy married Jane (Dickson) Perry, who survives.

Billy served in the U. S. Army. He was a member of the Rockford Fraternal Order of Eagles...

Shirley Baltzell

Mar 9, 2025

Shirley J. Baltzell, 87, formerly of Rockford, Ohio and Celina, Ohio, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025 at Elmwood Assisted Living Center in New Bremen. She was born December 29, 1937 in Middlesboro, Kentucky and was the daughter of the late David and Louvernia (Hensley) Wilson.

Shirley graduated from Celina High School. After graduation, she married James "Jim" Baltzell on March...

Carol Cleona Miller

Mar 7, 2025

Carol C. "Cleona" Miller, 82, of Van Wert, passed away Friday afternoon, March 7, 2025, at Country Inn Enhanced Living Center, Paulding, Ohio. She was born May 29, 1942, in Grover Hill, Ohio, to the late Everett and Violet (Fruchey) McClure. On June 17, 1962, she married Garry D. Miller, who preceded her in death on April 19, 2018.

She is...

Robert W. Harter

Mar 7, 2025

Robert W. Harter, 90, of Van Wert, passed away March 7, 2025.

He was born April 28, 1934, in Jennings Township, to John W. and Bertha (Wheeler) Harter.

Surviving are his children, Nanette Harter of Kehei, Hawaii, Pamela Beamer, Melanie (Will) Levy and Warren Harter, all of Van Wert; 3 grandchildren, Madison (Dennis) Shelton, Will (Meghan) Levy and Hailey McAllister; 11 great...

Wayne Adkins

Mar 6, 2025

Wayne Adkins, 88, of Oakwood, Ohio, died March 6, 2025, at the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Facility. He was born September 7, 1936, in Jackson, Ohio, to the late James Edward and Opal Marguerite (Crabtree) Adkins. Wayne married Beulah May (Coble) Adkins, who survives.

After graduating high school, Wayne enlisted into the United States Navy and served, honorably, from 1956-1960.

There are...

Marlene L. Freund

Mar 4, 2025

Marlene L. Freund, 93, of Van Wert, died at 2:47am on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Ohio Health, Van Wert.

She was born February 15, 1932, in Greenville, Ohio, to the late Albert and Sophia (Grote) Oehrtman. In April of 1953, she married John J. Freund.

Marlene owned and operated Freund's Nursery, in Van Wert, with her husband for many years. She...

Marilyn L. Donley

Mar 4, 2025

Marilyn L. Donley, 96, of Van Wert, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Ohio Health, Van Wert. She was born on September 29, 1928, in Nappanee, Indiana, to Donald and Edith Mae (Reed) Tobias. In 1974, Marilyn married Donald Donley.

She retired from Aeroquip Corporation, in 1989, after 32+ years of service.

Marilyn will be fondly remembered as an avid...

LaDonna Feasby

Mar 2, 2025

LaDonna Ruth Feasby, 94, of Delphos, Ohio, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2025, at Vancrest of Delphos. Born on December 9, 1930, in Van Wert, Ohio, she was a beloved daughter of the late Gern and Ada (Hurless) Bagley. LaDonna's life journey took a beautiful turn when she married her sweetheart, Lloyd Feasby, in...

Patricia Chapman

Mar 1, 2025

Patricia J.. Chapman, of Van Wert, locally known as Jennifer's great aunt Pat, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on August 20, 1931, in Van Wert, OH, to the late John and Ruth (Sudlow) Groh, Pat lived a life rich in love and family.

Pat spent many cherished years in Marietta, Georgia, and Bluffton,...

John L. Blake

Feb 28, 2025

John L. Blake passed away at home on February 28, 2025, surrounded by family.

John was a man of faith and is now spending eternity with Jesus and his family and friends who have passed before him.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Dorothy "Dotty" Jean (Vetter) Blake, sisters Barb and Jennie, and son Brett Blake.

John was...

W. Edward Hatcher

Feb 27, 2025

W. Edward "Ed" Hatcher, age 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Ft. Wayne, in in 1947, he was a proud graduate of Northside High School (1964), Indiana University, BA (1968), and Ohio Northern University, JD (1974). He dedicated 50 years to practicing law, passionately advocating for his clients, including defending four...

Doyle Parsons

Feb 26, 2025

Doyle Parsons, 77, of Scott, Ohio, passed away Wednesday morning, February 26, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

He was born June 4, 1947, in Van Wert, to Carl and Alice (McCray) Parsons. On June 29, 1968, he married the former Pamela Webb.

Doyle was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War. He was...

Norma Nichols

Feb 25, 2025

Norma J. Nichols, 85, of Rockford, Ohio passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 25, 2025. She was born November 6, 1939 in Jackson, Kentucky and was the daughter of the late Les and Jettia (Smith) Carpenter.

On January 19, 1957 Norma married John W. Nichols, who preceded her in death on February 9, 2007.

Norma always...