Roy E. Mollenkopf

Roy Eugene Mollenkopf, 65, of Bucyrus passed away in his home Saturday, October 12, 2013 after a battle with cancer.
Born June 26, 1948 in Crestline, Ohio as Roy Eugene Washam, Roy was adopted by Robert and Betty (Chance) Mollenkopf at the age of six. Raised in Crawford County, he graduated from Wynford High School in 1966.

Roy married Jane L. Landversicht, who survives, on December 22, 1966, while on leave from the Marine Corps. They enjoyed nearly 48 years together as best friends.

He is survived by his two children, Amy (David) Williams of St. Louis, MO and Tyson (Jamie) Mollenkopf of Bucyrus and seven grandchildren, Peter Williams, Thomas Williams, William Houchin, Laney Mollenkopf, Loarel Mollenkopf, Lincoln Mollenkopf and Hailey Laughbaum.

Roy is survived by all of his siblings, Barbara (Raymond) Greenick of Bucyrus, Frederick Wilson of Lebanon, Ohio, Linda Merwin of Harriman, TN, Marlene (Jim) Stilwell of Sumter, SC, Greg (Jane) Atkinson of Kokomo, IN, Karen (Bob) Cruikshank of Peru, IN, Erik (Tonya) Atkinson of Peru, IN, and Stephanie (Jeff) Dicken of Peru, IN.

The majority of his professional life was dedicated to education. He earned a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and a Master of Education Degree from Ashland University. For 23 years, he worked at Marion Correctional as an electrical wiring instructor and job coordinator. Before that, he served as an apprentice and journeyman electrician for a number of companies in Orange County, Florida. He was also the owner of Roy's Electric in Bucyrus from 1979-1985.

Roy enjoyed fishing, bird watching, stained glass and wood working. He organized the Bucyrus Area Traveling System (BATS) Organization. He served for several years in the Bucyrus Athletic Boosters and was president from 1988-1989.

His passion for serving others was reflected in his work with the Council on Aging where he worked as a bus driver for the last few years. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Marion Masonic Lodge #70. He was active in the Masons for many years holding a number of roles including Grand Master.

There will be a private graveside service in Oakwood Cemetery.
The Mollenkopf House will be open to receive extended family, neighbors and friends from 5:00 to 8:00 on Thursday, October 17th.

The family suggests memorials be given to the Crawford County Council on Aging through the Wise Funeral Service.

Peg Wiley

RICHWOOD: Peg Wiley, age 76, of Richwood, died early Thursday morning, October 10, 2013 at the Gables at Green Pastures in Marysville. She was born February 14, 1937 in Williams County, Ohio to the late Pearl "Pete" A. and Fern D. (Tippe) Boyd.

On February 20, 1955 she married Gene Wiley in Byhalia and he survives; also surviving are their three daughters: Cathy Pratt of Lawrenceville, GA, Connie (Peter) Carroll of Kalamazoo, MI and Christy Wiley of Richwood; grandchildren: Amanda Briggs, Kara Pratt, Erica (Nate) Whitt, Brendan Carroll, Josh Seckel, Molly Carroll and Sean Carroll; great grandchildren: Natalie Parham, Colton Whitt, Emma Pearl Whitt and Grace Virginia Whitt; brothers and sister: Jim (Shelly) Boyd of Sun City, AZ, Jerry (June) Boyd of Ft. Smith, AK and Judy (Charlie) Wingfield of Kenton.

The most important thing in her life was that she was a homemaker, wife, mother of three, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of four. Peg was a member of the Richwood Church of Christ. She worked at North Union Jr. High for nine years, Marion Correctional Institution for nine years and Ohio Reformatory for Women for nine years. She served on the Richwood Village Council for fifteen years.

Peg was very active in her community, some of the things she accomplished were, she contributed to Union County Chamber of Commerce, Union County Community Improvement Co-op, Union County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Union County Economic Development Partnership. She had been involved with the development of Richwood Industrial Park, the expansion of Richwood water and sewer plants, the securing of various grants for the Village, the purchase and rehabilitation of the new Richwood Village Administrative Building and improvements made to the Richwood Park. She served on the Village safety committee, and the Northern Union County Fire and EMS Board. She received the "Leader of Union County" Award in 2011.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 14, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Richwood Church of Christ, 29063 Sivey Road, Richwood, OH 43344, Pastor Matthew Craig will officiate. Friends may call Sunday form 2-5 pm at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in Richwood.

Memorial gifts may be made to: Alzheimer's Association , 1379 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215.

Remembrances and condolences may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com

Gary Wayne Cox, Sr.

MARION: Gary Wayne Cox, Sr., age 57, of Marion died, Saturday, August 10, 2013 in Caldwell, OH.

Gary was born on October 23, 1955 to the late Charles and Barbara (Mummey) Cox in Kenton, OH. He married Tammy Furniss, who survives. He retired from the State of Ohio. Gary proudly served his country during Vietnam in the Marines.

Gary was a member of American Legion 584, VFW 7201, AMVETS 777, DAV, Marine Corp League, Leather Neck (Joe C. Paul Chapter), Army/Navy 137 and DVOP with the State of Ohio. He participated in American Legion Riders Legacy Scholarship Fund, was a commissioner for Buckeye's Boy State, enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, riding his motorcycle, watching NASCAR, drag racing, and rooting for The Reds, The Bengals, and The Buckeyes.

In addition to Tammy, Gary is survived by sons, Gary (Nicole) Cox Jr. of Caledonia and Ryan Cox of Marion; daughter, Brandi Swartz of Marion; brothers, Alan (Jennifer) Cox of Marion, Cory (Melanie) Cox of Marion, Robert (Noelle) Cline II of Marion, Thomas Statts of Tiffin, Dave (Brenda) Cooper of Kenton; sisters, Charla (Bob) Sons of Marion, Brenda (George) Pavolick of Findlay, Kathy (Ashley) Heil of Kenton, and Deb (Jim) Newland of Ridgeway; grandchildren, Austin Kuczewski, Peighton Sines, Gary W. Cox III, Laurie Ann Cox, and Kaylynn A. Cox; parents-in-law, Donald "Larry" (Bev) Furniss; sister-in-laws, Cheryl (Ben) Collins and Jill Vance; brother-in-law, Larry Furniss; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 3 until 7PM Thursday, August 15, 2013 at the Boler Activity Center, located on the Marion Catholic Campus, 590 Forest Lawn Blvd, where services will be held 7PM with Rev. Jim Oates officiating. Gunder/Hall & Folk Funereal Directors are handling arrangements. Burial will follow at a later date at The Marion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.gunderhallandfolk.com.

Eugenia "Nia" Protopapas

Eugenia "Nia" Protopapas

MARION: In the early morning of Saturday, August 9, 2013 Eugenia "Nia" Protopapas passed away at the age of 72, after succumbing to cancer.

She was born in Patras, Greece in 1941 and came to the United States after her wedding to Nicholas "Nick-deceased) Protopapas in 1960.

She is survived by their three daughters, Dorothy Protopapas-Wallace, Athena Nancy Diven (Tom Diven) and Mary Protopapas (Ron Henderson); grandchildren, Nick (Emily); great-grandchildren, Cameron and Skylar, Leslie, Andy, Zach, Ian, Megan, Alex, Nick and Katie.

She was known for her generosity of spirit and her amazing talents in her home and in her garden. Her beauty and smile were matched by her love for life and the energy she exuded. She will be remembered for the twinkle in her eyes and the songs on her lips. She worked hard all her life and put effort and determination into everything she did. She will be greatly missed but lovingly remembered.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, August 14th at 1:30PM at Boyd-Born Funeral Home followed by a procession to Prospect Cemetery for interment. Officiating the service will be Father Demitrios Gardikes. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:30pm.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.boydbornfuneralhome.com

Published in the Marion Star on August 12, 2013

Danny Paul Glass

GLOUSTER: Danny Paul Glass, age 64, of Glouster, Ohio died Saturday July 27, 2013 at 9:15 AM at Grant Medical Center in Columbus. He was born March 9, 1949 in Marion, Ohio to the late Melvin and Mary (Stansberry) Glass.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Darlene Wood Davis; daughter, Shannon M. (Steve) Ault of Prospect; grandchild, Andrew (A. J.) Ault, Sister, Peggy (Jerry) Kuntzman of Galena; brothers, John Glass of Colorado and Frank (Tammy) Glass of Marion.

He was a self employed Farrier, has an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from The Ohio State University. Member of the Fota Lambda Sigma Fraternity, Marion Lodge # 70 F. & A. M., Circle M Horsemen of Marion, 4H Advisor, and an avid Santa Claus Volunteer.

Family will receive friends at the Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home in LaRue on Thursday August 1, 2013 from 5 to 8 PM.

Instead of flowers just bring a good story about Danny. Remembrances and Condolences may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.

Published in the Marion Star on July 30, 2013

Mark R. Cowart

DELAWARE: Mark R. Cowart of Delaware, OH died Monday evening, July 15, 2013 at the home of his sister in Cambridge, OH surrounded by family and friends.

He was born February 5, 1952 at Lockbourne AFB in Columbus, OH. He is preceded in death by his father Earl W. Cowart. He is survived by his mother Melba J. Greene and step-father John Greene of Cambridge, OH.

He was at his best when he was helping others and spent over 20 years in counseling centers and agencies in eastern Ohio. He then relocated to the Delaware area and worked over 20 years at North Central Correctional Institution and Marion Correctional Institution. In June of this year, he was awarded the DRC Impact Award for exemplary service in his life's work within the agency. He has touched many lives over the years and will be remembered for his ability to listen and connect to all he met.

He was an avid golfer and was a fan of the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Pirates and Columbus Blue Jackets to name a few. He had a deep love of music and was self taught on the mandolin. He enjoyed photography and once taught in the Zanesville area. He took meticulous care of his BMW and enjoyed driving it. He enjoyed grilling and cooking and was quite good at it.

He was a graduate of Ohio University summa cum laude with a degree in Psychology and summa cum laude graduate of Case Western Reserve where he received his MSSA.

He is survived by his sister Deborah Neff of Cambridge, OH; cousins, Mrs. Mary Tipton of Old Washington, OH, Jim Tipton of Cambridge, OH, Marcia and Carl Beatty of Old Washington, OH, Martha and Gary Nuff of Lima, OH, Jo and Mark Rodgers of PA, Patty and Gary Stillions of Newark, OH, Bobbie Henderson of Fort Meyers, FL; and a lifetime of friendships. He leaves a rich legacy of service, compassion and understanding. He touched many lives and will live on in our hearts.

Memorial contributions may be made to Case Western Reserve MSSA program or Ohio University.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 19, 2013 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm at Bundy-Law Funeral Home. The service will be on Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 1:30pm at Bundy-Law with Chaplain Warren Burbury and Dr. Terry Litton will officiate.

His online tribute wall may be viewed and signed at www.bundy-lawfuneralhome.com.

Published in the Marion Star on July 18, 2013

Steven Lee Justice

MARION: Steven Lee Justice age 56 of Marion, Ohio, passed away Wednesday July 3, 2013 at the Marion General Hospital.

He was born May 20, 1957 in Marion to the late Ralph R. and Betty J. (Dean) Justice. Steven was retired as a Guard after 10 years from the North Central Correctional Institution. He also worked at the Grafton Correctional Institution and the Marion Correctional Institution. Steven was also a U.S. Army Veteran.

He is survived by four daughters, Tabitha (Chris) Bryant of Ontario, Ohio, Tiffney Mays of Galion, Ohio, Erica Hafer of Chillicothe, Ohio, and Miranda Wickman of Marion, Ohio; six grandchildren survive; as well as a sister, Diana Cordell of Larue, Ohio; and one niece and one nephew. Besides his parents Steven was preceded in death by a brother, Sammie Carl Justice.

There will be a Memorial Service for Steven on Monday July 8, 2013 at 12:00 Noon at the Larue Baptist Church in Larue, Ohio. Officiating the service will be Pastor Tim Pasma. Burial will take place at a later date in Chapel Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Donor's Choice. On line condolences to the family can be made at www.boydbornfuneralhome.com.

Published in the The Marion Star from July 4 to July 6, 2013

Leonard Thompson

MARION: Leonard Thompson went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 14, 2013 at 2:10am at Select Specialty Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was born on July 4, 1958 in Kenton. OH to the late Eskel and Maxine (Fields) Thompson.

On December 28, 1983 he married the love of his life Geneva Thompson standing in the kitchen of his mother and step-fathers home in front of the wood burning stove. Geneva brought with her three children, Angie, Brian and Crystal who quickly became his heart and world. Leonard was a big Ohio State football fan and he dearly loved his "Fur Babies" Spike, Jordan and Duke who brought him great laughter filled with wagging tails and lots of kisses. His three grandchildren, Jessica, Amanda and Nathanial were the apples in his eyes and he loved and spoiled them daily.

Surviving are his loving wife of 30 years, Geneva (Taylor) Thompson of Marion; a son, Brian L. Hoffer(Karen and children) of Marion; two daughters Angela R. Young and Crystal G Lane; three grandchildren, Jessica, Amanda and Nathanial; two brothers Charlie(Chris) Thompson of Marion, Kenny (Patricia) Thompson of Marion; three sisters Mary Ward (Russell), Ruth Ann Dunn of Marion and Donna (Michael) Queen of Portsmouth, OH; two brothers-in-law, George Thompson and Jim Blanton; also surviving is his step- father, Roy "Blackie" Burk of Portsmouth, OH; numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Fred Thompson; three sisters Doris Thompson, Alice Blanton and Faye Welch; also by two brothers-in-law, Terrance Welch Sr. and Eugene Dunn.

Friends may call on Friday April 19 from 2pm to 4pm and 6pm to 8pm at Boyd-Born Funeral Home. Funeral to be held Saturday April 20, 2013 at 11:00am at Boyd-Born Funeral Home with Minister David Harruff, long time friend. Burial will follow at the Price Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the PKD Foundations in honor of the family. On line condolences to the family can be made at www.boydbornfuneralhome.com.

Published in the Marion Star on April 17, 2013

Timothy G. Anthony

MARION: Timothy G. Anthony, age 66, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 16, 2013.

Born January 15, 1947 in Marion, Ohio to the late Lloyd and Evelyn (Pierce) Anthony, Tim married the former Sharon Mullins on December 26, 1965. Upon graduating from Marion Harding High School in 1965, Tim enlisted in the United States Navy as a Communications Technician, later becoming an Ocean Systems Technician. He held positions in the contiguous United States, Japan, the Turk Islands and Hawaii and served as a submariner on the USS ASPRO. He completed his 20 year career in 1985 as a recruiter in Marion and Columbus. Following his Navy career, Tim held positions at McDaniel's Motors, McDonald's Management and Marion General Hospital. He again retired in 2009 from a second 22 year career as a Food Service Manager with the Marion Correctional Institution. He was a member of the Marion Evening Lion's Club and volunteered many hours to multiple organizations such as Kairos (prison ministry), AmVets and Emmaus. Tim is remembered for his quick wit, great sense of humor and genuine smile. He loved eating, watching the Food Channel, eating, preparing the best deep-fried turkey and BBQ ribs in town, fising and …eating. Over the past 35 years he held several positions at Good Faith Baptist Church including Treasurer and Deacon and was an ordained Minister. Tim is currently enjoying the fruits of his labor and feasting at God's table in Heaven.

Tim was preceded in death by his brother, Joel Anthony in 1995.

Surviving with his wife, Sharon; are his daughter, Vicki L.; his son, Sergeant First Class Jeffrey L. (Heather) Anthony; his five grandchildren, Megan, Colton, AlexAndrea, Cayden and Ashlynn; a great-grandchild, Aaron; his sister, Mary Anderson; and his in-laws, Rev. Lee (Lois) Mullins; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Wednesday from 5 PM until 8 PM at the Hughes-Allen Funeral Home where funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 AM with Pastor Barkley Slone officiating. Burial will follow in Marion Cemetery where military honors will be presented by the Marion County Joint Veteran's Council.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Marion General Hospice and expressions of sympathy may be sent directly to his family by signing the online guestbook at www.hughesallen.com

Published in the The Marion Star on March 19, 2013

Randy Lee Messenger

MARION: Randy Lee Messenger, age 58, of Marion passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at 8:25 p.m. in the Riverside Hospital, Columbus.

He was born in Marion, Ohio on August 20, 1954 to the late Charles Edwin and Marjorie Vivian (Stevens) Messenger. Randy married the former Sharon Kay Orr in Marion on August 30, 1999 and she survives. He was an avid golfer and an exceptional bowler where he achieved several 300 games. Randy also enjoyed and entertained people while singing kareoke. He was employed for 30 years as a corrections officier with Marion Correctioal Institutrion before retiring in 2008.

Surviving along with his wife, Sharon; are two daughters, Tracy L. (Jason) Williams of Marion, Oh. and Holly (Nathan) Sandusky of Richwood, Oh.; nine grandchildren, Dominique, Sierrah, Brock, Nathan, Camron, Colton, Isaiah, Quinton, & Gabriel; two brothers, Steve Messenger & Doug (Kathy) Messenger both of Marion, Oh.; a niece, Missy Messenger, and a nephew, Mike Messenger.

The Messenger Family will announce a memorial service to be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Randy's name. Condolences to the family may be sent to: www.boydbornfuneralhome.com

Published in the Marion Star on March 18, 2013

Joan H. Keen

MARION: Joan H. Keen, age 78, of Marion passed away on Friday, March 15, 2013, at 2:00 a.m. in the Marion Manor Nursing Home.

She was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 24, 1934 to Charles and Helen (Young) Fish. Joan married Shelby Keen in Rayville, Louisiana on March 27, 1954 and he survives.

Before her retirement, she was employed as a corrections officier for the State of Ohio working at both Marysville and Marion Correctional Institution.

Surviving along with her husband; Shelby are a son; Gary Lee (Linda) Keen of Petersburg, Va., a daughter; Deborah Cornely of Marion, Oh.; four brothers, Charles Fish of Ft. Pierce, Fl., David (Linda) Fish of Delaware, Oh., Bill (Becky) Fish of Delaware, Oh., and Jerry Fish of Marion, Oh.; a sister, Sylvia L. (Rick) Fosnaugh Of Marion, Oh.; a daughter-in-law; Gayle Keen of Marion, Oh.; seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Carry R. Keen; a great-grandchild; and sister-in-law, JoAnn Fish.

The family will be receiving friends on Tuesday, March 19th, 2013, from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Boyd-Born Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Chapel Heights Memory Gardens. Pastor Dwight Hord will officiate.

Contributions in Joan's name may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the American Diabetes Association Condolences to the family may be sent to: www.boydbornfuneralhome.com

Published in the Marion Star on March 17, 2013

Kevin Phillip Shafer

Kevin Phillip Shafer

WALDO: Kevin Phillip Shafer, age 49, of Waldo passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2013, at 4:52 p.m. in The Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus.

He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on September 5, 1963 to the late Keith P. & Jacqueline (Dardis) Shafer. On March 24, 2012 Kevin married the former Rebecca Sue Withrow in Fiji and she survives. He has worked for nearly 22 years as a labor relations officier for the State of Ohio working at both the Marion Correctional Institution and the offices of Job & Family Services.

Surviving along with his wife, Rebecca; are three stepsons, Jackson & Grant Gooding at home and Jeremy Jenkins of Marysville, Oh.; two stepdaughters, Gabrielle Gooding at home and Ashley Byrd of Marion, Oh.; four brothers, Greg (Deborah) Shafer of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl., Keith Shafer Jr. of Luck, Wi., Tim Shafer of Westerville, Oh., & Brett Shafer of Waverly, Oh.; one sister, Susan (Edward) Zollman of St. Paul Park, Mn.; a granddaughter, Olivia Jenkins; two nieces, Nikki (Aaron) Trudeau & Sherri Shafer, and a nephew, Tim Shafer Jr.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lori Ann Shafer.

Calling hours will be held in the Boyd-Born Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, from 3-6 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Kevin's life will follow calling hours at 6:00 p.m.Tuesday.

Published in the Marion Star on March 4, 2013

Calvin C. Crum

NEVADA: Calvin C. Crum, age 88, of rural Nevada, Ohio, passed away on Friday, January 18, 2013 at his home.

Cal was born on December 10, 1924 in Greenup, Kentucky. He married Betty (Lady) Jury on May 14, 1966 and she died on November 26, 2000.

Surviving is a son, Jim (Sharon) Jury of Nevada; and two daughters, Judy Ulsh of Marion and Bonnie Williams of Bucyrus; seven grandchildren, Jay Ulsh, Lisa Hoffman, Jeffrey Ulsh, Matthew Jury, Laci Showalter, Andrea Garrett and Andy Williams; and 11 great grandchildren, Emily and Sara Hoffman, Alexa Jury, Taylor Jury, Lillie and Hannah Garrett, Lauren, Morgan and Trevor Ulsh, Smantha and Colton Showalter; and a sister, Mae Kelly of Upper Sandusky.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Dewey and a sister, Dolores.

Cal spent 22 years in the Army having served our country in WWII in the following theaters, European Theater - Normandy Landing and 3 other major battles including Bastogne. He also served in Korea with 4 major battles. He received the Bronze Star for Valor and 3 Purple Hearts. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and the Senior Parachutist Badge. He served in the 1st. Division., The 101st Airborn, and the 25th, 24th, 25th Fourth Divison during his Army Service.

After his retirement from the military Cal worked for Wyandot Popcorn and then from Marion Correctional Institute, from which he retired.

He was a member of the Harpster United Methodist Church and the following Service organizations, VFW Post 2842, from which he was a life member, American Legion #225 and the Amvets Post #777, all in Upper Sandusky. And he was a member of the Non Commissioned Officers Association of the United States of America.

For hobbies Cal enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Private Services for Calvin Crum will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home with Rev. Soo Hea Park officiating. Burial will follow at Grand Prairie Cemetery. There will be no public calling hours observed.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project and can be sent to Lucas-Batton Funeral Home, 401 S. Main St., Nevada, OH 44849.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lucasbatton.com.

Published in the Marion Star on January 21, 2013