Friday, April 17, 2020

Richard E. Byrd



MT. GILEAD - Richard E. Byrd, 82, of Mt. Gilead, died peacefully Tuesday April 14, 2020 at his home.

He was born March 20, 1938 in Bristol, West Virginia to the late Lanis W. and Mary E. (Culp) Byrd. He was also preceded in death by siblings: Jimmy, Donald, Bill, Lanis Jr., Janet, Irene, Kathleen and Pauline.

He served our country as a veteran of the United States Air Force. Richard was retired from the Marion Correctional Institute as a Unit Manager.

He enjoyed his involvement with Community Theatre, both in Marion and Mansfield. His favorite role was Norman Thayer in On Golden Pond. He was a member of the D A V and had received the “Man of the Decade Award” for Community Service from the MCI branch of the Red Cross. While in Mt. Gilead, he served on the Library Board in different positions. Richard was an OSU Buckeye fan, supporting his alma mater where he received his bachelor’s degree.

He also enjoyed bird watching and reading.

But the true center in his life was his family, he dearly loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Surviving are his children: Robyn (Mike) Carey of Everett, WA, Thomas (Carena) Byrd of Richmond Hill, GA, David (Cindy) Byrd of Bothell, WA and Mark Byrd of Akron.

Grandchildren: Jessica, Ayla, Zachary (Molly), Dalston, Anthony (Thaies) and Sommer Great grandchildren: Audrey and Raya Siblings: Jack (Karen) Byrd of Johnstown and Pat (Joe) Wolfe of Caledonia.

Due to the current health situation, there will be a Memorial Service at the Prospect Cemetery at a later date.

The Stofcheck-Ballinger Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Memorial gifts may be made to the American Red Cross 1849 Summerset Dr, Marion, OH43302.

Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com


Tuesday, April 14, 2020

John E. Dawson Jr.


Mansfield - John E. Dawson Jr., 55, of Mansfield, passed away at OhioHealth Mansfield on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. John was born on May 8, 1964 in Ashland, Ohio. He was the son of John and Rosemary (Ellery) Dawson Sr.

John was a graduate of Ashland High School and was currently employed as a correctional officer at the Marion Correctional Institution since 1996. Loved by everyone, John was a trustworthy, hardworking, and genuinely kind man. John lived life to the fullest and found laughter to be good medicine for the soul. He loved to fish, play baseball and even played on many leagues throughout his life. John was a devoted and loving son, father, and grandfather. He shared many cherished memories with his grandchildren flying kites, going to the park, and rides to the horse farm where he use to work. He had a deep love for horses and was a member of the American Saddlebred Horse Association.

John leaves behind his daughters, Ashley Dawson and Danielle (Vincent) Vickers; his mother, Rosemary Dawson; his adored grandchildren, A'Marie, Ada, Avery, and John; his brothers, Charles Daniel Dawson and Van (Rose) Brown; his sisters, Catherine Winburn, Sarah (Eugene) Hudgins, Elizabeth Dawson, and Dorothy (Douglas) Dawson-Sheldon; his brothers-in-law, Sixto (Bridgett) Rodriguez and Angel Rodriguez; his sister-in-law, Rosa; numerous nieces, nephews, other dear family members; and many good friends and co-workers. John was preceded in death by his father, John Edward Dawson Sr.; and his wife, Ada (Rodriguez) Dawson.

A memorial service will occur at a later date. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family of John Dawson.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com
Published in the News Journal from Apr. 13 to Apr. 14, 2020