News-Journal from Mansfield, Ohio • 6

i 6A OBITUARIES NEWS JOURNAL Tuesday, November ll, 2003 John K. Mayer George E. Swigart Elmer Ray Baldridge BOZEMAN, Mont. Elmer Ray Baldridge, 49, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, at home.

Elmer was born October 11, 1954, in Byrdstown, Tennessee, to Jessie Imogene Hensley Baldridge and Elbert Baldridge. Education was the driving force in Elmer's life. After graduating from Mansfield Se Police MANSFIELD George E. Swigart, 78, died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at MedCentralMansfield Hospital after a long illness.

George was born September 14, 1925, in Lexington, the son of the late Roy and Laola Swigart. A lifelong resident of Lexington, he was a 1943 graduate of Lexington High School. George served with the Air National Guard. He was a businessman and owned Swigart's Caf6 and Coach Sales in Lexington. George was instrumental in developing the public parks in Lexington and was one of the founders of Lexington Little League and Lexington Booster Club.

He was a charter member of Lexington-Shelby Elks Lodge and was a member of Lexington I 1 nior High School (1972), Elmer attended Cedarville Bible College, and then transferred to The Ohio State University where he earned his B.S. in education (1979) and his M.A. (1982). In Mon the dealership. Police checked the trailer, collecting evidence for the crime lab.

800 block of South Main Street Police got a call about 3 p.m. Monday regarding an intoxicated person in the vicinity. They found a 37-year-old Mansfield man lying on the ground, bleeding heavily from his head. He was issued a summons for intoxication and taken to MedCentralMansfield Hospital by Mansfield Ambulance Service. First block of South Mulberry Street, Mansfield An employee of Community Action Program, 40 Park Avenue West, told police Monday morning someone damaged several parked vehicles belonging to the social service agency.

Tail lights were broken, debris was placed in gas tanks and one vehicle had broken door glass, with contents of fire extinguisher released inside the car. Ocie Hill Neighborhood Center, 445 Bowman Mansfield The school program operated inside the building was evacuated Monday morning after a female employee received a call from a man who said, "This is Jack, you better empty the school because I'm going to blow it up in 30 minutes." The principal evacuated the building, which was then checked by a maintenance person. Classes resumed shortly afterward, according to police reports. 1400 block of Ohio 60, Ashland After an incident at the Evergreen tavern at 12:38 a.m. Sunday police charged a 31 -year-old Shelby woman with disorderly conduct.

Robert C. Swope SAVANNAH Former Savannah resident Robert C. Swope, 85, died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at The Good Shepherd Home after a short illness. Mr.

Swope was born March 12, 1918, in Ashland, Ohio, and was the son of Orvill and Wanda G. Fridline Swope. He had been a resident of the Ashland area all of his life. He was a graduate of Sullivan High School class of 1935. Mr.

Swope was employed as a Lithographer with the A. L. Gar-ber Co. in Ashland for over 44 years, retiring in 1982. He had also owned and operated Swope Tire Center on Ohio 250, south of Savannah, for many years.

He was a member of Savannah United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee and usher. He was also a member of Savannah Volunteer Fire Department, a 60-year member of Savannah Lions Club where he was a past president, trustee and served on many committees. He was a member of Ashland County Farm Bureau, Paint and Plain Saddle Club, and Amalgamated Lithographers of America. Bob enjoyed boating, fishing, playing cards, traveling and riding his tractor and lawnmower. On September 5, 1939, he was married to Eloise V.

McFadden who preceded him in death on May 13, 2003. Also preceding him in death were his parents; a daughter, Georgia C. Lefever; grandson, Christopher Lefever; two sisters, Catherine Samples and Helen Spitler; and two brothers-in-law, Glenn Spitler and Robert Aker. He is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, BALDRIDGE MANSFIELD John K. Mayer, 87, formerly of South Rock Road, died Sunday, Nov.

9, 2003, at Oak Grove Manor. Mr. Mayer was born February 6, 1916, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late John Mayer and Elizabeth Huber Mayer, formerly of Wood Street, and prior to that, Hungary. He retired from General Motors and was a member of Auto Workers Credit Union, Local 549. He was one of the founding board members of the Credit Union.

Surviving are son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Sharon Mayer of Mansfield; daughter, Carolyn Mayer of Toledo; grandchildren, Raelene Riggins and Bryan Mayer of Mansfield and Christopher Mayer of Lima; step-grandchildren, Lori Medina and her husband, Alfonso Amy McFarland and her husband, Preston, and Becky Nelson, all of Mansfield; greatgrandchildren, John Riggins, Brandon Grimm and Nevaeh Grimm; step great-grandchildren, Craig Meenach, Anissa Medina, Eric Medina, Ben Trumpower and Rachael Cowell; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Dora J. Cos-grove Mayer; and brother, Joseph Mayer. Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m.

at the funeral home, conducted by Pastor Rich Rader. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. his M.S. in tana, he earned Math (2001) at MSU in Boze- Dollar General, 1509 Ash-land Road, Mansfield A district manager told Richland County sheriff's deputies Friday that a former employee who worked the register took money by not giving customers receipts then getting manager to void the sale.

He told police he could prove the employee took $26, but believed the person was responsible for up to $1,500. 3000 block of Ohio 39, Lucas A 47-year-old resident told Richland County sheriff's deputies Saturday that she heard a chain across her driveway break, and found a 1979 GMC truck in her driveway. Her dogs apparently chased someone down the road, according to sheriff's reports. Deputies determined the vehicle was possibly used in a Knox County burglary. The vehicle, which had damage to a plastic piece around the headlight, was released to a towing company at the Ashland County Sheriff's Department's request.

Richland County Jail, 55 E. Second Mansfield A jail employee was taken to MedCentralMansfield Hospital for treatment after a 23-year-old male inmate allegedly kicked her in the stomach Sunday about 6 p.m. Mark Motor Cart, 1512 W. Fourth Mansfield The manager told Mansfield police Monday afternoon that the manager of a trailer park at 1496 W. Fourth St.

man. Besides his formal education, Elmer worked for the YMCA in Columbus and Mansfield, Ohio. In Billings, Montana, he worked for Kenco Security and Moses Law Firm. During his years in Bozeman, he managed Bozeman Inn, served as County Superintendent of Public Instruction and most recently, Quarry Works and Select Stone, Inc. in Belgrade.

Moose Lodge, Crestline Eagles, Lexington VFW, Bellville American Legion and Bellville Amvets. George is survived by his wife, Iligene; two sons and daughters-in-law, Earl and Peg Swigart of Lexington and David and Tina Swigart of Mason, Ohio; daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Robert Domrose of Carroll, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Swigart, Jason Swigart, Matthew Domrose, Katherine Swigart, Nicholas Domrose, Erin Swigart and Jaime Swigart; brother, Jack Swigart of Lexington; sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Charles Gleason of Taunton, Massachusetts; two sisters-in-law, Lois Ad-dlesperger of Mansfield and Wanda Addlesperger of Phoenix, Arizona; brother-in-law and wife, Lewis and Maryann Addlesperger of Lorain; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister-in-law and husband. found a large number of license tags stolen from the dealershiD in an The News Journal does not identify people charged with misdemeanor offenses in the Emergency Calls. This is a fairness issue related' to the large number of incidents that we cannot report in the wide geographic area being covered.

Offenders are identified through subsequent court listings. abandoned trailer Saturday after- at Online guest registry www.wappner.com. on. Fifty-six 30-day tags and 1 9 deal er tags worth $769 were returned to Carrie L. McMillan Man found dead in blaze identified When he came to Montana, Elmer taught for Butte Central High School, Colstrip High School, Billings Central High School and as a graduate assistant in the math department at MSU.

Elmer worked many jobs in order to become the one thing that meant the most being a teacher. No matter what job he had, it was important that he be the best he could be. Each and every one of his students were important to him, as he cared about kids and his students' reflections include, "Mr. Baldridge was the best." Students' learning was his greatest reward. He was a TEACHER.

As an educator, Elmer was a genuine caring leader and as a friend he was a generous man. Elmer is survived by his father, Elbert Ray Baldridge sisters, Arlene Baldridge Conley, Darlene Baldridge and Melissa Baldridge, all of Mansfield; brother, James, of Johnsville; numerous nieces and nephews; and many, many friends and teachers in Nevella and Lester Walker; brother-in-law, Charles Addlesperger; sister-in-law, Glada Swigart; and brother-in-law and wife, Robert and Lenna Addlesperger. Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home, conducted by the Rev.

George Billman. Burial will follow in Lexington Cemetery. Online guest registry at www.wappner.com. MOUNT VERNON Former Roseville resident Carrie L. McMillan, 66, died Sunday, Nov.

9,2003. Funeral services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at First Church of the Nazarene, 807 ESP uiona J. Cooke of Lexington, Janice E. and Edwin Winbigler of Shelby, Deborah L.

and John Dieker of Westerville; son-in-law, O. James Lefever of Long-wood, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; two sisters and one brother-in-law, M. Jean Aker of Home-rville, Bonnie L. and Merle Masters of Ashland; and brother-in-law, Robert Samples of Ronk, Pa. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Nov.

13, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Savannah United Methodist Church with the Rev. Richard Wallace and the Rev. Robert Snyder officiating. Burial will be in Ashland County Memorial Park.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at Denbow-Primm-Kemery Funeral Home. They may also visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Swope's memory may be made to Savannah Lions Club, in care of Kevin Reidy, 1394 County Road 1008, Ashland 44805 or Savannah United Methodist Church, 10 W.

Main Savannah 44874. Coshocton Mount Vernon, conducted by Dr. Wesley Frederick and Dr. Richard Jordan. Friends may call at Flowers-Snyder Funeral Home, 619 E.

Snyder Funeral Homes By Dan CI utter Gannett News Service NEVADA The Lucas County Coroner's Office confirmed Monday that the remains found in the debris of a fire late Thursday were those of James A. Brandt, 37, New Albany. According to the Wyandot County Sheriff's Department, dental records were used to identify Brandt. "The investigation is continuing and at this time there is no indication that foul play is involved," Wyandot County Sheriff Mike Hetzel said. Residents of Nevada said Brandt had not lived in Nevada for a long time and was not well- known in the community.

Hetzel said a missing persons report was filed with the Columbus Police Department on Friday morning. Additionally, Brandt had to report for work Friday. According to the sheriff's department, a call was received at 4:30 a.m. Thursday from a South Goodbread Street resident who reported a large explosion and brush fire in a wooded area on the west side of the village. The area is thought to be owned by Brandt's father, Robert Brandt.

The Wyandot East Fire Department responded to the blaze, which was estimated to be 25 feet wide, 35 feet long and 14 feet high. Jessie Eldridge High on Thursday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. and Friday at the church one hour before the services. Burial will be in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Hensley Baldridge; maternal grandparents, Elmer and Mary Hensley; and paternal grandparents, Elbert Sr. and Gladys Baldridge. Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003 from 6-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Nov.

13, at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Church, Box 305, Colstrip, MT 59323. Online guest registry at www.wappner.com. Bill benefits property owners around Lake Erie Patricia A.

Franz MANSFIELD Patricia A. Franz, 69, of Davis Road died Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, in Alterra Sterling House after a long illness. Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. could erode public access to Lake Erie.

The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Tim Grendell, a Chesterland Republican, would limit the state's control of shoreline properties. Grendell says the legislation to be introduced Wednesday also would change how lakeshore landowners pay for docks and COLUMBUS (AP) A state program to fight Lake Erie erosion would be restored under an alternative piece of legislation to be introduced later this week. The program was targeted for elimination under the legislation proposed in June. The original bill also eliminated the state's Coastal Management Program; the new version restores it Environmentalists continue to oppose the legislation, a lakeshore property rights bill, saying it Corene Frazier MANSFIELD Corene Fra Richard Umfleet WILLIAMSPORT Richard Umfleet, who died Saturday, Nov.

8, 2003, also was survived by his brother, Jerry Umfleet, and sister, Penny Umfleet, both of Bellville. BUCYRUS Jessie Eldridge, 62, of South Walnut Street died Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at OSU Medical Center, Columbus. He had been hospitalized since Nov. 4, when he fell at his son's home.

Born in Harlen, Kentucky, April 11, 1941, he was the son of Jessie Eldridge Sr. and Josephine Eldridge, both deceased. On Jan. 6, 1967, he married Janie Collins who died Oct 25, 2000. He is survived by children, Janice Eldridge of Mansfield, Jessie James Collins of Norton, Judy Young of Bucyrus, James Eldridge of Bucyrus, Joyce Ann Blankenship of Chat-field, Jaquline Loftis of Bucyrus, Jeannete Fast of Mount Gilead, Josie Eldridge of Bucyrus, Joseph Eldridge of Bucyrus, Josh Eldridge of Carey, and Pamela Eldridge of Florida; IS grandchildren; brothers, Johnny Eldridge of Clintwood Wade, Ted, George and Bill Eldridge, all of Virginia; and sisters, Ruby Collins of Norton Tammy Lynn Cody, Bernice Bounds, Mary Bowman, Patrica Foults, all of Tennessee, Lois Eldridge of North Carolina and Joyce Ann Smith of Virginia.

He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003, in Munz-Pirnstill Funeral Home with the Reverend Dan Rebon officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The family suggests memorials may be made to Bucyrus Assembly of God Church through the funeral home. Insurance companies gave heavily to justice Arnold Hall WILLARD Arnold Hall, 72, died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at St. Vincent's Medical Center, Toledo, after a short illness.

Born July 15, 1931, in Topmost, to the late Tivis and Myrtle Bailey Hall, he lived most of his life in the Shiloh, Plymouth, Willard area. He worked at Wiers Farm in Willard for 47 years. He was a member of Victory Temple Church of God, Celery ville. Surviving are his wife, Alice Hicks Moore, whom he married Dec. 1, 2001; three daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Earl Sexton of Shiloh, Jeannette and Jim Conley of Huber Heights and Bonnie and Dave Conley of Willard; three sons and daughters-in-law, John and Jodi Hall of Willard, Tivis Glen and Melissa Hall of Plymouth and James Hall of Plymouth; five stepsons, Paul R.

Moore of Plymouth, Kenneth A. Moore, Gary L. Moore and Eric Moore of Willard and Ronald Moore of Norwalk; stepdaughter, Teresa Slone of Willard; 23 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; and five step-great grandchildren; two sisters, Joyce Caudill of Shelby and Gerlene Adams of Willard; brother, Marvin Hall of Willard. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Myrtle Collins Hall, whom he wed Dec. 16, 1952; son, Arnold Hall parents; two brothers, Donald and Arvin Hall; sister, Inez Hall Dials.

Visitation will be Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at Victory Temple Church of God, Celeryville, where the funeral service will be Wednesday at 10 a.m., conducted by Tastor Earl Sexton. Burial at Maple Grove Cemetery, New Haven. Memorials may be made to the family. Ralph L.

Bogan GALION Ralph Bogan, COLUMBUS (AP) Insurance companies and agents contributed heavily to the campaign of Justice Maureen O'Connor of the Ohio Supreme Court, who in one of her first major rulings as a justice sided with the insurance industry in reversing a previous court position. O'Connor received $200,652 from insurance companies in 2002, or 11 percent of her $1.7 million total, an Associated Press review of campaign finance records showed. A separate analysis by Ohio Citizen Action found $206,000. Her opponent, Democrat Tim Black, received no money from insurance companies or agents, AP's review showed. Ohio Citizen Action identified $300 in insurance contributions to Black.

Citizen Action, which monitors campaign finance issues, checked contributors on the 2002 campaign finance reports against state insurance databases. The AP analysis looked only at the campaign finance reports. O'Connor, an Akron Republican, wrote the majority opinion in the court's 4-3 decision last week to throw out two 1999 rulings that insurance companies said could cost them millions. Those decisions were among a handful of key court rulings that had angered the business community and led to record campaign spending in recent court elections. May 8, 1932 -November 11, 2000 Billy W.

Hess Dad, how quickly 3 years have come and gone. Our memories of you will always linger on. Sadl Missed. Nengr Fnrgntt, zier, 72, died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at MedCentralMansfield Hospital after a short illness.

Mrs. Frazier was born March 24, 1931, in Wayne County, West Virginia, living in the Mansfield area most of her life. Corene was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to everyone. She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Kim and David Lawhorn and Denise and Mark Fultz, all of Mansfield; daughter-in-law, Debbie Frazier of Shelby; five grandsons, Tony Lee, John William Frazier, Justin Shears, Mark Fultz Jr. and Aaron Lawhorn, all of Mansfield; five great-grandchildren, Dalton, Dallas, Rebecca, Chad and Haley, all of Mansfield; five brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Eva Doss, Eugene Doss, Richard and Judy Doss and Roger and Loretta Doss, all of Fort Gay, West Virginia, and David and Joy Doss of Mansfield; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Julie and Don Pratt of Mansfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Tenny Pennigton Doss; husband, John H. Frazier; two sons, Johnny and Tony Frazier; five brothers, Jimmy Darrel, Danzel, Paul, Leonard and Kenneth Doss; three sisters, Ethel Adkins, Edith Frazier and Elizabeth Wellman; and son-in-law, Robert Lee Shears. Friends may call at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home, conducted by Forever Laved! Your Children! Marsha, Randy, Rhonda, Billie Jo Amy The moment you knew he wouldn't be behind In school anymore.

i inttSrV" riririrTiij Clarence Louis Donley LAKEVILLE Clarence Louis Donley, 74, of 14904 Ohio 39 died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at home after a long illness. Memorial services will be Thursday at 11 a.m. in United Methodist Church of Loudonville, conducted by the Rev. Patricia Reiter.

Friends may call Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in Byerly-Lindsey Funeral Home, Loudonville. Memorial contributions may be made to Holmes County Hospice, 931 Wooster Road, Millers-burg, OH 44654, or Loudonville United Methodist Church Music Fund, 124 N. Market Loudonville, OH 44842. Online condolences may be made to the family at I Share your JFK memories The News Journal will be putting together stories for the 40th anniversary of the death of President John F.

Kennedy on Nov. 22, and we invite readers to be part of it. If you recall the then-presidential candidate's campaign visit to Mansfield in 1960, have a favorite memory of JFK you would like to share orand would like to tell us about your memories of the day he was assassinated, call City Editor Calvin Jefferson at (419) 521-7233 or e-mail cjefferson nncogannett.com. Just bring coupon to your scheduled appointment to save 50 on the Sylvan Skills Assessment. NOT WLIO WITH ANV OTHER OFPEB.

EXPIRES 1 1 mm If your chilli il itruggling or not being challenged enough, 91, formerly of 240 Southern died Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at Galion Community Hospital Extended Care Unit Arrangements are pending at the MaVk A. Schneider Funeral Home, Galion. tne Kev. Herman Copley and Hank Webb.

Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park. Online guest registry at www.wappner.com. ciii sylvan todty. 550 Lex-Springmill Rd. Mansfield, Ohio 44906 (419) 528-4440 SYLVAN LEARNING CINTCr tMmindj fmm goodl" www.dueat.oom.