Dale M. Brown

MARION: Dale M. Brown, age 97, of Marion passed away in the Kingston Residence on Sunday, October 14, 2012, at 2:00 a.m.

He was born on September 7, 1915 on a farm in Bremen, Ohio to the late Carl and Alice (Rowles) Brown. He was the beloved husband of 52 years of Mary Margaret (Johnston) Brown whom he married o May 18, 1942. She preceded him in death on November 15, 1994 in Marion.

Dale was the dear father of Ted (Kay) Brown of Wilmington, De., Mike (Carrie) Brown of Hiiliard, Oh., Connie (Ron) Doll of Strongsville, Oh.; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers; Kermit and Dean Brown; along with his parents and wife. Dale was loved and will be missed by his long-time companion Juanita Albert Fields.

Dale was a World War II veteran in the European Theatre. He served from August 5, 1941 until August 22, 1945 and was part of the Army's 29th Division, Staff Sargent of the Adjutant General's Office. Dale landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day plus 10 and finished in Bremen, Germany, earning a bronze star and the honorary French medal. Dale came to Marion, Oh. in 1949 and worked as Business Manager at the Marion Correctional Institution for 26 years, retiring in 1975.

In retirement, Dale worked part-time for Universal Auto Parts, volunteered for VITA at tax time, and helped distribute items at the food pantry. He was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church, the Marion Senior Center, VFW Post 7201, American Legion Post 162, and the MCI Retirees.

Friends may call at the Boyd-Born Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, from 4-7 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 p.m. Officiating will be Rev.David Hoffman. Calling hours will continue on Thursday from 1-2 p.m. in the Morgan Funeral Home, Bremen, Oh. with a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Grandview Cemetery, Fairfield Co. Contributions may be made to the Marion Senior Center or to the Marion General Hospital Quality of Life Hospice Program.

Condolences may sent to the family at:www.boydbornfuneralhome.com

Published in the Marion Star on October 16, 2012

Mary Elaine Forman

MARION: Mary Elaine Forman, age 65, of Marion, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at 12:28 a.m. from the O.S.U. Hospital, Columbus.

She was born in Marion, Ohio on August 1, 1947 to the late James and Isobel (Mitton) Coffman. The 1965 Harding High School graduate was a member of American Legion Post 584, the VFW, Moose Lodge 889, Junior Service Guild, and the Citizen Police Alumni Association of Marion. Mary was a Marion General Hospital Volunteer and was employed as a Corrections Officier with the Marion Correctional Institution for 19 years before she retired in January of this year.

Surviving are a son, Garry (Katie) Pryor of Marion; two daughters, Teresa (Gary) Scott & Ginny (Todd) Stockdale both of Marion; a brother, Lawrence Coffman of Mexico; two sisters, Virginia (James) Long & Evelyn Atwood both of Columbus, Oh.; five grandchildren, Brian Scott, Nicole Berg, Corynne Pryor, Logan Stockdale, and Kyla Stockdale. Mary will be greatly missed by all friends & family.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Roger L. & Marvin W. Coffman; and a sister, Wilma Jones.

Friends may call at the Boyd-Born Funeral Home on Friday, September 28, 2012, from 4-7 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted by Pastor John Grimm in the funeral home on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and burial will follow in Chapel Heights Memory Gardens.

Contributions in Mary's name may be made to the American Cancer Society, Claridon United Methodist Church, Junior Service Guild, or M.C.I. Prison Ministries.

Condolences to the family may be sent to: www.boydbornfuneralhome.com

Published in the Marion Star on September 27, 2012

Mark R. Stevens

CADIZ: Mark R. Stevens, 60, Cadiz, formerly of Marion, died Saturday, September 15, 2012 at his home.

He was born May 3, 1952 in Marietta, Ohio a son of Carl (Linda) Stevens of Atlanta, Georgia and the late Jeannette White.

He was a retired Lieutenant with the Department of Corrections having worked in Marion, Ohio. He attended the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

He was preceded in death in addition to his mother, by a grandson, Kyle.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Ruckman Stevens of Cadiz; his stepfather, Clyde White of Marion, Ohio; two sons: Adam Stevens of Pennsylvania and Zane Stevens of Huntington, WV; a daughter, Casey Stevens of Delaware; three stepchildren: Robert Long of Charleston, VA, Jeannette Long of Marion and Jodi Quinn of Cadiz; a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren; and a brother, Rick Stevens of Georgia; and two stepsisters, Nancy (Bill) Abrams and Debbie (Carl) Kisner; and a stepbrother, Mark (Tammy) White.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Marion, Ohio. Arrangements by Clark-Kirkland Funeral Home, Cadiz, Ohio.

The memorial guestbook may be signed at www.clark-kirkland.com.

Published in the The Marion Star on September 18, 2012

Homer J. "Stretch" Starcher

Homer "Stretch" J. Starcher

MARION: Homer "Stretch" J. Starcher, age 61, of Marion, passed away on Monday morning, August 20, 2012, after a long battle with cancer, at his home. He was surrounded by his cherished family.

Stretch was born on February 22, 1951, the son of Harmon and Mary (Beck) Starcher.

He was born and raised in Marion, attending the Marion City Schools and graduating from Harding High School in the class of 1969. After high school, he was honored and proud to serve his country in the Vietnam War serving in the United States Army. After serving his country, he came back home and married Cheryl L. Collins in Marion on December 23, 1978. Together they raised their family and treasured 33 years of marriage.

Stretch worked for the Marion Power Shovel company until they closed. He then took a job at the Marion Correctional Institute, working as a Correctional Officer. He was so proud of the work he did there and he had the respect of all of his co-workers and inmates.

Stretch was an avid hunter, and always looked forward to the hunting season every year. He enjoyed going on cruises and will also be remembered for his great love of cooking and the numerous recipes he tried and perfected. But most of all, Stretch was deeply devoted to his family and was extremely proud of his grandchildren who adored him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Cheryl Starcher of Marion; his children, Joseph Clark of Kenton, Joshua (Melanie) Starcher of Marion and Brandy (Joseph) Benson of Grove City; his grandchildren, Colton and Liam Benson, Mariah, Megan, McKenzie and Cody Clark; siblings, Robert (Stephanie) Starcher, Larry J. Starcher and Marguerite Richard; and many friends and loved ones.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his grandchild,Tracker Benson; and siblings Roxy Taylor and Eddie Starcher.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 East Center Street from 4PM to 7PM; Friends may also gather on Friday at the funeral home from 10AM to 12Noon, Memorial services will begin at 12PM with Pastor Tim Miller officiating, the Marion County Veterans Council will honor Stretch's life with military honors following the memorial service.

At the conclusion of the services, a luncheon will follow at the Cornerstone Alliance Church, 2010 Marion-Marysville Rd., Marion. If so desired, donations may be sent to Hospice of Morrow County.

Denzer-Farison-Hotttinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Stretch's family and your private condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Published in the Marion Star on August 22, 2012

John (Jack) Leffler

Jun. 20, 1928 - Aug. 1, 2012

John N. (Jack) Leffler passed away Wednesday morning August 1, 2012 at Riverside Hospital, Columbus, Ohio after a long battle with heart, lung and kidney disease. Born in Marion June 20, 1928 to the late Catherine E. and Edwin Godfrey Leffler. Jack retired from Marion Correctional Institute in 1994.

Jack was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church in Marion.  Surviving Jack are his wife Pat Leffler of Caledonia, Ohio, two sons John L. (Elaine) Leffler of Marion, Steven Ray (Kathy) Leffler of Mt Gilead, five granddaughters Christina (Tony) Bell of Stow. Ohio, Carie (Kasey) Green of Harpster, Ohio, Kelly (Randy) Bates of Marion, Stacie Leffler of Denmark, Ohio.

Jamie (Ben) Schaad of New Lexington, Ohio, one grandson Garet Leffler of Mt. Gilead, six great-grandsons, three great-granddaughters, one sister Jean Kelly of Marion, one brother Richard (Pat) Leffler of Fort Wayne, Ind., and a number of nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at noon at First Presbyterian Church 143 South Prospect Street Marion with Pastor Rob Howard officiating. Family will greet friends from 10:30 a.m. until noon prior to the service. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church or The Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors are in Charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gunderhallandfolk.com

David E. Cheney

David E. Cheney

MARION: David E. Cheney, age 81, passed away Friday, July 13, 2012 in his home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Born in Marion, OH on May 14, 1931 to the late Rhu and Miriam Cunningham Cheney.

Retired after 32 years as a Spanish and Science teacher at Pleasant High School in Marion. Also worked for the Erie Railroad and taught evenings at the Marion Correctional Institution. Longtime member of Ohio Education Association, National Education Association, Epworth Methodist Church in Marion and Pleasant Teacher's Assoc. Earned his Master's Degree from Ohio Wesleyan, Bachelor's from The Ohio State University and graduated from Marion Harding High School, Class of 1949.

Veteran U.S. Marine Corps, Korea, having served as a radio operator. David's varied hobbies and interests included; stamp collecting, The Ohio State Marching Band, OSU Alumni Band, travel, Sons of the American Revolution, Columbus Garden Railroad Society, Marion Historical Society and 3rd Marine Corps Division.

Preceded in death by brother, Donald, whose widow, Marguerite, survives.

Survived by his loving wife, Judy; sons, David W. and Paul (Carolyn); stepsons, Greg Artz (Candy Estep), Rob Artz (Jodi), Tim Artz (Dana); grandson, Michael Cheney; step-grandchildren, Mike, Alexa, Jas, Natalie, Lydia and Zachary; former wife, Gloria Mulvaine.

Memorial Service 2 PM Tuesday, July 24, 2012 at Rutherford-Corbin Funeral Home, 515 High Street, Worthington, OH. Burial with military honors 10:30 AM, Tuesday, August 7, Marion Cemetery, 620 Delaware Ave., Marion, OH.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity in David's memory.

Please visit www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com to send on-line condolences.

Published in the Marion Star on July 22, 2012

Richard J. "Dick" Leary, age 74, of Marion and formerly of Mount Gilead, died Sunday evening, April 29, 2012, at the Grant Medical Center following injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

On May 16, 1937, Dick was born in Bangor, Maine, the son of the late John and Margaret (Mars) Leary.

Shortly after high school, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1958 to 1961 as a cook, while he was stationed in Germany.

Upon his honorable discharge, Dick moved to Mount Gilead to work in the oil and gas industry. While there, he married Karen Williams on May 1, 1965, in Cardington. He also went back college at the Ohio State University, where he earned his Bachelor's degree in sociology.

Using his degree to become a social worker, Dick worked in the correction's system for the State of Ohio for over 17 years until he retired in 2000. He worked at the Marion Correctional Institute, the Ohio State Reformatory, the Mansfield Reformatory, and lastly was a unit manager for the State Prison System. A man of many interests, after retiring from the prison system, Dick followed his dreams of joining the circus, working for Barnum and Bailey's and driving the tiger's truck. He also worked at the Worthington Christian Center, helping get the elderly from place to place.

Dick was a proud member of Mensa, the American Legion in Whitehall, and too many other organizations to be able to name them all.

With a love for the open road, Dick died doing what he loved most…riding his motorcycle. He loved being out and about, and his motorcycle helped give him the freedom he wanted to come and go as he pleased. Energetic even in his 70's, Dick was always active and on the go. He also loved being there for others, which is what led him to become a social worker.

He will be missed by his wife, Karen Leary of Marion; three children: Mark (Judy) Leary of Marion, Marielaina (Jeff) Kanniard of Cardington, Shannon Leary of Marion; three grandchildren: Jessica and Marissa Leary, and Kent Kanniard; two sisters: Mary Jane Parrillo, and Peggy (John) McCabe, both of Rhode Island; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Including his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Leary.

The Leary family will greet friends from 4 - 7 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services honoring his life will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Patrick N. Kelly officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A.), Central Ohio Chapter, P. O. Box 232, Grove City, OH 43123.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead is honored to have been chosen to serve Dick's family, and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Published in the Marion Star on May 3, 2012

David L. Seigfried

LARUE: David L. Seigfried, age 60 of Kiwanis Village in LaRue, died Sunday afternoon, January 15, 2012 at home. He was born May 30, 1951 in Marion to the late John J. Sr. and Edna (Ferguson) Seigfried.

On September 22, 1991 he married the former Sharon (Cox) Johnson in Caledonia and she survives in LaRue.

He was an over-the-road trucker for many years before working as a corrections officer at MCI. He was a veteran of the U. S. Navy serving with the Seabees in Vietnam. An avid fisherman, David loved to fish anywhere there was a puddle.

Besides his wife; he is survived by two sons, Michael D. Seigfried, Marion, Richard L. (Nicole) Seigfried, Marion; a step-son, John J. Johnson, Marion; two granddaughters, Abby Lynn Johnson and Shayley Seigfried; a niece, Laura Kincaid; and two nephews, Jeff Seigfried and Joseph Hansen.

In keeping with David's wishes there will be no calling hours. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to Marion General Hospice, 1000 McKinley Park Drive, Marion, OH 43302 or LaRue Baptist Church, 217 N. High Street, LaRue, OH 43332. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com

Published in the Marion Star on January 17, 2012