Maxine Ewing was born November 11, 1909 in Kunkle the daughter of Arthur and Leah (Traxler) Ewing. She married George Armbruster and they had three sons, George Allan, Ronald Martin, and Philip Rick. After Maxine’s death on January 23, 1978, George remarried Geneva Krill on November 18, 1979.

Maxine was a former employee of Bryan Cameron Community Hospital and the Aro Corporation. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and Bryan Senior Citizens Club. In addition to farming, Mr. Armbruster was an employee at the Williams County Courthouse and on their custodial staff. Family and friends consider them to be kind, quiet, friendly and generous.

Mr. Arnos was a contractor and built many homes in this area and Mrs. Arnos was a homemaker. Mr. and Mrs. Arnos were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan.

Mrs. Arnos wanted the funds to be used “for any needed community projects.”

On June 12, 1982 he married Jayne Doss, also of Piqua. They had one son, Jason, born in 1986.

Also in 1982, he was offered the position of manager of the Uhlmans store in Bryan (now known as Peebles). From his first step into Bryan, Mark loved the town. He became a member of the Bryan Rotary Club and served as a director of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce and President of the Bryan Retail Merchants Association. He also was a member of the United Way Board. One of his proudest accomplishments was participating in the building of the Imagination Station. To him, it was just one example of what the people of Bryan could accomplish by working together.

In 1991, Mark and Jayne opened their own business, Special Occasions, in downtown Bryan. Jayne ran the new party and gift store, while Mark continued working at Uhlmans and offered her physical and mental support.

Mark died suddenly on March 31, 1995 at the age of 40, of a heart attack. At the time, he was manager of the Uhlmans store in Bryan and supervisor of the Uhlmans stores in Napoleon, Ohio and Rochester, Warsaw, and Marion, Indiana. He and Jayne were also still owners of Special Occasions.

Mark will be remembered for his congenial personality and sense of humor. His energy and enthusiasm for any project he took on and his love for Bryan and the community are qualities that will always be remembered by those who loved him. He would be proud of having a memorial fund within the Bryan Area Foundation.

Mary attended Miami University and graduated from Ohio State University. While in college, she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority at Ohio State University. Upon graduation, she came to Bryan in 1927 and taught home economics at Bryan High School. She later taught kindergarten in Bryan for many years.

She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan. She was a Taine Club member, active in the International Friendship Club, and a member of the Williams County Retired Teachers Association.

Mary married Francis I. Bell in June, 1928, and he preceded her in death in 1974. Mary and her husband spent five years in India involved in the International Farm Program. They spent winters in Mexico after retirement. They had two sons, James Bell of Michigan City, Indiana, and Dr. David Bell of Cincinnati, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Bruce and Joan Benedict, along with their children, Gregory, Andrea, Lori and Scott and their families, have established the Benedict Family Fund as their way of giving something back to the community. Bruce and Joan have always tried to instill in their family a strong sense of responsibility to other people, and felt that a gift to the Foundation was one way of helping others, and was a fitting tribute to their family.

Bruce, Joan and Greg, moved to Bryan in 1957 upon completion of Bruce’s military service as an Air Force pilot. He joined his uncle’s firm, Fisher Automatic Service and eventually purchased it. Andrea, Lori and Scott were born in Bryan and all, including Greg graduated from Bryan High School. Greg received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado and his doctorate of law from the University of New Mexico. The other three followed in their parents’ path and graduated from Michigan State University.

Bruce is a founding member of the Bryan Area Foundation. He served as president of the Foundation and achieved his goal of reaching $1,000,000 in assets during his tenure. He has served as member of the executive committee of the Shawnee Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church, past president of the Williams County Kidney Foundation; member and past president of Orchard Hills Country Club and Bryan Rotary Club.

Joan’s activities included former member and past president of Northwest Ohio Community Action Commission and of Northwestern Ohio Family Planning, member and past president of Bryan Community Hospital Auxiliary and Bryan Civic League.

Miss Bentley worked at the General Telephone Company as a telephone operator for 35 years. She did not have any brothers or sisters or any other close relatives surviving her.

A graduate of Toronto University, Dr. Biddle practiced veterinary medicine in Wauseon for a time and then moved to Bryan. He soon became recognized as an outstanding practitioner by fellow members of his profession. On one occasion he was offered the post of state veterinarian at Columbus, but declined the honor.

His vocation helped him pursue a lifelong interest in horses. With two other Bryan associates, Henry L. Taylor and George Mellott, he organized the Williams County Horse Breeders’ Association. He helped stage the annual county horse shows, and served as association secretary. Biddle was widely known among saddle and racing horse breeders in the area.

When local interest in horses began to decline after 1940, he had to join in disbanding the association, whose funds were turned over to the Bryan Recreation Park Fund.

In his private life he was a member of the Masonic Blue Lodge and the Loyal Order of the Moose in Bryan. Dr. Biddle died in 1958.

Vincent and his wife never had any children which left a gap in their lives. Unfortunately she had a relatively short life.

Vincent was a longtime member of the Williams County Planning Commission. His regular attendance and keen, clear thinking helped make this organization a real asset to this county.

He was proud of the great stand of timber on his land, and he took pride in managing it so that it was carefully and timely harvested. The harvesting was done without waste and with an eye to the future.

The Redbone Coon Hounds were a part of Vincent’s lifelong joy of hunting. People who like dogs will understand what a real part of life these dogs were to him. Vincent Bordner died in 1996.

Bob was a resident of Bryan all of his adult life and was a retiree of the ARO Corporation. Upon his death on July 12, 1990 he was survived by several brothers and sisters. His will left one-half of his estate to the Bryan Area Foundation. This was Bob’s way of expressing his gratitude to the community in which he had lived all of his life.

Fred I. Bowman was born in Cassopolis, Michigan on July 31, 1888. He served his country in World War I before coming to Bryan in 1925 to work for the Bryan Washing Machine Company.

In 1929, Fred purchased the business and built a new facility at 938 West High Street under the Delite manufacturing name. Delite washing machines were manufactured in Bryan until 1940 when production was dropped. He operated the business as a washing machine repair service until his retirement in 1956. His son-in-law Charles Meyer took over the business and Speed Queen Appliances were added under the name of Charley’s Appliances.

Fred was a charter member of the Bryan Rotary Club and served as a Bryan City Councilman for six years. He also served as president of the council.

After the death or his first wife Gertrude in 1950, he married Treva and they spent their retirement years in Sun City, Arizona. He died at the age of 93 in Arizona. He was preceded in death by his daughter Jeanne E. Meyer in 1970.

The Fred I. Bowman trust was established with a portion of the income to be used for community charitable purposes by the Bryan Area Foundation as a memorial for his only child Jeanne E. Meyer.

Jeanne was born in 1916 in Elkhart, Indiana. She lived nearly all her life in Bryan and was united in marriage to Charles Meyer on January 7, 1940. One daughter, Linda, was born to their marriage.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bryan. She was employed as a secretary of Delite Manufacturing and also worked for Everhart’s Restaurant in Bryan.

She died October 22, 1970 at the age of 53.

Jack and Amy Brace are lifelong residents of Bryan. Jack worked for many years in the banking industry before becoming the Bryan Area Foundation CEO from 2013 through 2020. Amy is an educator and is now teaching English as a Second Language. Both Jack and Amy are very involved in community music having been members of the Bryan City Band for over 50 years. They also played in the pit orchestras for many high school and community musical productions. They created this endowment fund to benefit the Bryan community.

For the next 11 years he worked at the Citizens National Bank, and then left to enter the Army. He served in the European Theater of Operations in WW II, and was discharged in December, 1945.

After his return he opened Brownie’s Drive-In restaurant at the corner of Walnut and Butler Streets. He sold the business in April, 1975.

His deep-rooted interest in Bryan and area community affairs led him into service on many boards, committees and other groups all marked by a common interest in making Bryan and the county outstanding places in which to live. Grant’s service includes four years on Bryan City Council and 12 years on the Williams County Board of Commissioners.

In his 65 years’ membership in Wesley United Methodist Church, he was a lay leader, a member of the board of trustees and Sunday school teacher. In the community, he has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years, was a member of the Bryan Service Club during that group’s existence, and was an active member and past president of the local Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. While on the Board of Commissioners he was appointed to the State of Ohio Executive Board, serving as its president in 1966.

After his retirement in 1975, he devoted his time to the development of Norlick Place sub-division. This became the first sub-division in the county to have blacktop streets with curbs and gutters, its own water system, sanitary sewers and sanitary plant. It also had its own storm sewers and underground electrical wiring.

He was married in 1937 to Kathryn Long of Ottawa, Ohio. They had four children, George, David, Beth and Bettina.

Throughout their college years at The Ohio State University, they lived next door to one another in the Delta Tau Delta and Kappa Kappa Gamma fraternity houses. Julie earned her B.A. degree in international studies in 1965 and worked for the Defense Department in Columbus while George earned his B.S. and D.D.S. degrees in 1967 and 1969. George Grant Brown II and Julie Ann Stockwell were married in Bryan, Ohio on June 19, 1966. They spent two years in the U.S. Army stationed at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, in a clinic preparing soldiers for duty in Vietnam. Their first child Laurie was born there in 1970.

George and Julie always knew their hearts were in Bryan and returned in 1971. Their son Scott was born in 1972. George joined the Bryan Dental Group and quickly became involved in the community. He was a founding officer of Bryan Jaycees and served as president of Bryan Community Pre-School. As a Chamber of Commerce director, he helped establish Bryan Development Corporation, becoming its first chairman in 1976. In 1974 he began a weekly commute to OSU for a two-year orthodontia residency. During this time, he coordinated the drafting of a renovation plan for Bryan by the OSU School of Architecture. Bryan Development Corporation continues to implement those guidelines.

Dr. Brown joined the Defiance orthodontic practice of Dr. Jerold Behringer and built a second office in Bryan. George served on the school board for eight years while Julie helped lead Literary Forum, Williams County Panhellenic, and Bryan Civic League. Both Julie and George are members of Wesley United Methodist Church where they have taught Sunday school and serve on leadership boards. They especially enjoyed activities shared with their children including leadership in Bryan Baseball, Bryan Swim Team, Bryan Music Boosters, coaching Little League and basketball. Julie served on the first YWCA board beginning in 1984 and was president for two terms. She has chaired the Toledo Symphony performances in Bryan for many years.

When their children left for OSU, George returned to his interest in the Chamber of Commerce serving as Christmas decorating chairman and president. He remains an active member and past president of Bryan Rotary. Service to his national orthodontic associations has taken George and Julie too many parts of the U.S. and Canada. They both serve the OSU Alumni Association in Columbus and Bryan on various boards.

Dr. Brown’s practice, Behringer, Brown, Herman and Eckhardt, has offices in Bryan, Defiance and Wauseon. Julie serves the Bryan Area Foundation as chairman of the grant making committee, a position made more special because her late father-in-law, G. Grant, also held it. In their home in Norlick Place, they have hosted hospital and Republican fundraisers, school levy meetings, rotary exchange visitors, and a special Swedish student. Visits from Laurie, Scott, his wife Emily and their son Brandon are always a highlight. George and Julie were taught that to whom much is given, much is expected. They plan to continue living up to that family tradition knowing that their fund will enhance the quality of community life after they are gone.

Mr. Calvin was born July 16, 1901 to Albina (Scott) and E.E. Calvin in Metz, Indiana. As a small child, his family moved to Bryan, Ohio.

During his working years he was a partner in Calvin & Gotshall, a plumbing and heating business in Bryan. He retired in 1954. Mr. Calvin served on Bryan City Council for 2 ½ terms.

On retirement they spent their winters in Clearwater, Florida. Mrs. Calvin died on April 26, 1990. Mr. Calvin died at the age 90.

After attending Ohio Wesleyan University, Larry eventually owned and operated Canter’s; a Furniture, Appliance, and Flooring business in Sidney, Ohio. While a resident of Sidney, Larry was a member of many organizations there. He was a member and Trustee of the First United Methodist Church, co-founder of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce, Director of Wilson Memorial Hospital, member of the local Masonic Lodge, member of the Epicurean Club, and President of Sidney Rotary Club.

In 1965 Larry purchased Scott Port-a-Fold in Archbold, Ohio and moved to Bryan. While in Bryan, Larry served on the Finance Committee of Wesley United Methodist Church and has the distinction of being the first person to “shoot his age” at Orchard Hills Country Club golf course.

Alice L. Canter was born to Charles and Alice Grisier in Wauseon, Ohio. She was active in drama and literary organizations as a student at Wauseon High School. Alice attended Ohio Wesleyan University (where she met Larry when they were both students) and completed graduate courses at Johns Hopkins University.

Alice was very active during the 26 years the Canters lived in Sidney, Ohio. She served on the Citizens’ City Council Candidate Recruiting Committee, and the Land Committee of the Sidney City School System. Alice co-founded the A to Z Investment Club, and was a member and officer of Charity League, Book & Travel Club, Shakespeare Club, and the Sidney Girl Scout Council. Since coming to Bryan, Alice has volunteered for over 20 years with the Hospital Auxiliary.

Both Alice and Larry commented often that they appreciated the richness of life to be found in Bryan. They admired both the opportunities here and the people. Their gift to the Bryan Foundation is an attempt to return something to the community that has been so welcoming to them.

Harvey D. Carlin was born on February 28, 1903 in Williams County, and remained a county resident all his life.

He was united in marriage to Helen G. Gates on February 21, 1925. Two children were born to their marriage, Donna E. (Carlin) Bever and Wayne E. Carlin.

Harvey and Helen were in farming all of their married life. Their Williams County farm grew from 100 to 1,500 acres. They custom farmed and owned one of the first mechanical corn pickers and self-propelled combines in the area.

Harvey operated his own sawmill, and performed custom sawing in the winter time and Helen enjoyed cooking, crocheting and working in her garden besides helping with the farming. Harvey was widely known and respected for his advice and expertise in farming. Many of the areas young farmers came to him for advice. Also he was an early pioneer in the practice of financial planning in all phases of farm operations. Because of his astute judgment he was elected a member of the board of directors of the Farmers State Bank of Stryker, Ohio, a post he served for many years. For a period of time he was the president of the bank.

His favorite vacation pastime was hunting in Pennsylvania and Wyoming. Harvey and Helen were active in the Pulaski Methodist Church and the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren. Helen passed away on April 7, 1991 and Harvey passed away on November 9, 1982. They loved and served their community all of their lives.

Wayne is very interested in the betterment of the community and has, therefore, served on several local boards and national offices – positions he thoroughly enjoyed. He was a member of the Stryker Bank Board, which, through several mergers, became what is now Huntington Bank. Wayne was also a member of the finance committee of the National Cattlemen Board, as well as National Regional Director for District I for several years. Additionally, he served six years on the Ohio Beef Board and as president for two years. Furthermore, Wayne was President of the Ohio Cattlemen, where he had the opportunity to travel to Israel with other agricultural leaders including the Ohio Director of Agriculture on the Project Interchange Mission. In 1991, Wayne was awarded the Beef Cattle Industry Excellence Award for the state of Ohio.

Locally, Wayne was member and superintendent of the Pulaski Methodist Church; president of Bryan Rotary; member of the Bryan Area Foundation; member of the Bryan School Board (eight years) and president (2 years); and member of the Four County School Board. In his free time, Wayne enjoys hunting and golfing.

Lucille Carlin has also farmed her entire life. In addition, she served on the YWCA board for several years. She was also the president of the Ohio Cattle Women as well as a member of the National Cattle Women where she served on several committees including the A Team, which was responsible for the restructuring of the National Cattle Women organization. At home, Lucille was a member and teacher at the Pulaski Methodist Church. She enjoys flower arranging, quilting, hunting, golfing and traveling.

Nina Lois Lemper Carrico was born in Auburn, Indiana in 1940. She graduated from Auburn High School in 1958. Lois attended St. Francis College on a scholarship and graduated in 1962. She was employed as a Medical Technician at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana before working in research at the Pharmacology Department at Indiana Medical School in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In 1963 Norm and Lois were married. They were blessed with two daughters, Pamela Beth born in 1964 and Sandra Kelly born in 1966. In 1972 the family moved to Bryan. A tragic car accident took Sandra’s life in 1984.

Norm has numerous professional affiliations including, member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, member of the Ohio and American Academy of Family Medicine, member of the Ohio State and American Medical Association, past President of the Williams County Medical Society and past President of the Ohio Academy of Family Physicians. He was the past Chief of Family Practice, past Chief of Staff and past member of the Board of Directors at the Bryan Community Hospital.

Awards received by Norm include Who’s Who in Medicine and Health Care, Who’s Who in Medical Specialties, Who’s Who in America and named one of America’s Top Physicians by the Consumers’ Research Council.

Over the years, Norman has served locally through Rotary International, Board of Trustees YMCA, Board of Directors United Fund, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors Junior Achievement and as a Member and Trustee of the Bryan Area Foundation.

While working at the Bryan Medical Group in Bryan Ohio since 1972, Norm served as Clinical Professor of Family Practice at Medical College of Ohio, Medical Director of the Bryan Area Health Education Center, Preceptor of medical students at Medical College of Ohio and Director of Continuing Medical Education at Community Hospital and Wellness Center. Norm retired in 2011.

For over ten years Lois and two friends ran a catering business. Lois was past president of Civic League, past board member of the YMCA and past secretary of the Black Swamp Art Guild. Her interests now include working in the arts.

Pamela Carrico Miller graduated from Bryan High School in 1982. Pam attended Defiance College and graduated with honors majoring in accounting. She worked in accounting for the Bryan Times Newspaper. In 1987 she married David Allan Miller who teaches at Fairview School. They have three children, David, Jaret and Kelly. Currently Pam is an active member of the Civic League and involved in her children’s numerous activities.

This fund was established at the Bryan Area Foundation as a means to honor their family and give back to the community.

Carl left Evansport in 1913 to work at Willys Overland Auto in Toledo, Ohio. Upon his retirement in 1953 he was second in seniority of all employees at Willys Overland Auto.

In 1957 Carl moved to Bryan, Ohio where he made his home until his death on December 3, 1982. His principal hobbies were woodworking and making furniture, and he enjoyed fishing and hunting in Northwest Ohio and Northeast Indiana.

Prior to his death he expressed to his brother, Guy Caulkins, his desire to leave a portion of his estate to the Foundation for the good of the community in which he had lived. This memorial fund was established by his brother in honor of this request.

During World War II she met and married her future husband, Harry M. Chadbourne. In 1947, her son Jim was born. Shortly thereafter, Hilda’s husband was tragically killed in an airplane crash. She returned to Bryan to raise her son. She worked as a dental assistant in Dr. Ralph Cunningham’s office for many years. Later she returned to school and earned a teaching certificate from the University of Toledo. Mrs. Chadbourne then taught health occupations at Four County Joint Vocational School for 13 years.

Hilda Chadbourne appreciated the opportunities that living in Bryan afforded her and her son, Jim. She established an unrestricted fund as her way of saying thank you to the community she loved so much. In August, 2002, Hilda moved from Bryan to Akron to be closer to her son and his family.

Gwendolyn (Gwyn) Bischoff Cotterman was born to Hazel (Krontz) and Clarence Bischoff on February 25, 1926 in Montpelier, Ohio. Gwyn was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, a charter member of Claire Newcomer Club of Bryan, past president of Bryan Civic League and a member of the Red Hat Ladies of Hamilton. Gwyn died on October 9, 2003.

Joined in marriage on January 1, 1949, John and Gwyn went on to have four children of whom they were extremely proud: Mary (John) Hageman, Cathy (Ben) Peirce, Nancy Cotterman and David (Nancy) Cotterman. They also have five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Although retirement years were lived in Hamilton, John and Gwyn continued to spend much time in Bryan and appreciated the opportunities that the Bryan community had afforded them and their children. Their desire was the establishment of a fund to continue the enhancement of the quality of life for the people of Bryan.

He was originally from Vassar, Michigan, and Demah Cullis was from Fayette, where her family was among the earliest members of the community.

He owned the Democrat in partnership with Leo Cooney and became sole owner in1937, until 1947, when half interest was bought by his son, Ford Cullis.

The Bryan Times was formed in 1949 as a daily paper, a merger of the Cullis’s Democrat and the weekly Bryan Press. Cass Cullis continued as publisher until 1976, and as an editor was widely quoted throughout the area.

Mrs. Cullis was a member of the Taine Club for many years, and held the presidency and all other offices. She was active in local dramatics in her early years in Bryan.

Cass Cullis was an amateur astronomer, and enjoyed sailing at Clear Lake. Many Bryan people had their first sailboat ride with him, and others took their first look at the craters of the moon, the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn through his telescope.

He had a large collection of classical records, and played bass viola in a Bryan Symphony Orchestra in the 1930’s.

They traveled widely, and Cass Cullis toured Russia with Ernest Spangler long before such travel became commonplace. Cass and Demah Cullis went around the world in the 1960’s to attend a Rotary convention in Tokyo.

He served several terms on the Bryan Public Library Board and was secretary much of the time. He was a charter member of Rotary, past president, and a Paul Harris Fellow.

Demah Cullis died in 1977, Cass Cullis in 1980. Their children are Mrs. Carol Hoffman and the late Ford Cullis of Bryan. Prior to his death, Ford along with his son Christopher were publishers of The Bryan Times, making them the third generation of the family with the newspaper.

Orville L. Dally was a consummate professional musician who served many years as musical director at Bryan High School.  During his tenure he initiated the string ensemble program, honed it to top-level performance standards, and had the satisfaction of seeing it become one of the outstanding orchestras in Ohio.

Cy is remembered by his many friends as a leader who was at once demanding, humorous and talented, and also loving and sensitive.  He was blessed with an abundance of energy and drive.  He applied all these qualities to the development of the school’s orchestral program.  He helped form the National School Orchestra Association, served on it for eight years as secretary and four years as president.

Cy kept his priorities in sound order, and confided to friends he would like to be remembered first as a Christian, second as a good father and husband, and then as a teacher of children. Only one month before his death, he said to a friend, “I just want to teach.” 

June (Dally) Webster was a beloved Bryan City Schools Music Teacher and enthusiastic supporter of the arts.  Upon CY’s death she took over his choral responsibilities at school and church.  She initiated the first high school musical, the madrigal, the cultural arts explosion, and leadership for community concerts.  June was totally a “Bryan” individual, and she was awarded the YWCA Woman of Arts Award, and the Bryan Area Foundation Citizen of the Year award with her husband, Paul Webster.  Her involvement in several federated clubs promoted worthy community projects. 

The final season of her life was filled with service at the first Presbyterian Church as choir director and Christian education director to promote Christian faith in both young and old.  June was always encouraging, loving, and full of creative energy in the community, but her family remembers her as the best “Mimi”!  June was a major part of the Dally family music legacy in the Bryan area.

In January of 1949 he married Melba Deardorf and they had two children, Jan M. and Ned E. In 1962 he joined Isaac Tire Inc. of Bryan where he was actively involved at the time of his death in 1997.

Max was a member of The Wesley United Methodist Church and served as chairman of the trustees. He belonged to the Edgerton American Legion, Hicksville VFW, F & AM #357, 32nd Degree Mason Scottish Rite, Zenobia Shrine of Toledo, Northwest Shrine, Bryan Moose Lodge. He was a former member of the Bryan Rotary Club and Orchard Hills Country Club. He served on the advisory committee of Bandag Tire Company and board of directors of The Ohio Tire Dealers Association.

Dick began his business career as an eight year old by selling copies of the Bryan Press “on the square”, a much coveted beat. It was here that he first met many Bryan businessmen whom he admired and who remained role models, friends, and supporters through the years. He also worked as a caddy at Orchard Hills Country Club, and at age sixteen, paid sixteen dollars required to become a junior member. Through the years he claimed the OHCC championship title six times.

A life-long athlete, he excelled at basketball. In elementary school he was a member of the Bryan Midgets, and in high school, a member of the 1940 team that played in the state tournament.

Dick served in the 13th Air Force in the South Pacific during World War II as a radioman and gunner on a B-24. He was wounded during a raid on Truk in 1944 for which he received a Purple Heart.

After being discharged in June of 1945, he attended Ohio State University and then, together with his brother, Harold, purchased the Roy Snyder men’s clothing store located on the northeast corner of High and Lynn street in Bryan, and renamed it DeGroff Brother’s Haberdashery.

In 1951, he joined the Andres-O’Neil Insurance Agency, and remained with that firm for thirty-five years, becoming a partner, and serving as vice-president until his retirement in 1986.

Dick enjoyed a deep-rooted interest in his community, and served it in many ways. He felt that life in Bryan had been very good for him and he welcomed opportunities to serve. Always maintaining his interest in athletics, he was an active supporter of the community sports scene for young people. He was instrumental in the formation of Little League in Bryan, and served as the first president of that organization. He served on the board and as president of the Bryan Recreational Council, and was public address announcer at high school football games for many years.

Dick was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Bryan Chamber of Commerce, and a board member at Orchard Hills Country Club. He was chairman of events such as the local golf pro-am which benefited the Williams County Cancer Society.

Dick and Patricia (Foglesong) were married in December, 1945, in the Methodist Church, then located on the corner of Butler and Beech Streets. They had five children, Michael, Thomas, Anne, Amy and Jane – all graduates of Bryan High School. Their daughter, Anne, died in 1973 at age 22.

Although following retirement Dick lived in Michigan and a few months in Arizona, his love and interest in Bryan remained steadfast. He sincerely felt Bryan was the perfect place to have grown up, lived, worked, and raised his children.

His family is most appreciative of the donations from family and friends that have made this memorial fund possible.

Sally E. Dwyer was born in Dayton, Ohio, on October 15, 1932, to Homer A. and Estella Didier. She married John B. Dwyer III in 1952. Before her marriage, she attended Ohio State University. Later she decided to return to college and earned a degree in education from Defiance College in 1969. She taught special education in the Bryan City Schools. Sally was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, serving as a deacon and an elder. She was also a member of Literary Forum, Claire Newcomer Club, Bryan Civic League and the YWCA Board of Directors. She served as the first executive director of the Williams County YWCA from 1983-1987. She was also a member and trustee of the Bryan Area Foundation. Sally’s favorite place to spend time was at her cabin on Lake Manitou, Monitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada. Though Sally lost her husband and two sons to a neuromuscular disease and battled cancer herself, she never wavered in her faith.

John and Sally’s oldest son John B. Dwyer IV was born September 18, 1953, in Arlington, Virginia. He graduated from Bryan High School and Wright State University. He was self-employed as a bookkeeper and tax preparer. He attended Rocky Point Chapel and was involved in obtaining access in public buildings and private businesses for disabled and handicapped people. He and his wife Kristina had one son, John B. Dwyer V. John IV died in Springfield, Ohio, on August 22, 1991.

Timothy A. Dwyer was born April 26, 1955, in Toledo. After graduation from Bryan High School, he earned a degree in music performance and education from Chaldron State College in Chaldron, Nebraska. In 1984, he received his juris doctor degree from Ohio Northern University Law School. He began his law practice in Montpelier and moved his office to Bryan in 1987. Tim was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bryan where he served as a deacon. His professional membership included the Williams County Bar Association, where he was secretary, vice-president, and president, Northwest Ohio Bar Association, and American Bar Association. He was active in the local Republican Party, United Way, and Cub Scouts. He also served as the local drive chairman for the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon beginning in 1993. Tim married Donna Keach in 1978, and they had two sons, Casey and Danny. Tim passed away on January 28, 1998.

Born on July 16, 1958, in Montpelier, Joel grew up in Bryan and attended Bryan City Schools until the tenth grade. He then attended Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, graduating in 1976. Later he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in social studies in 1982 from Rockford College in Rockford, Illinois. Joel married Christine L. Howard on September 1, 1979, and they resided in Rockford, Illinois. There he started as a production supervisor at Pacific Scientific. He later owned and operated Top Value Liquors and Catering before deciding to return to school for criminal justice studies. He then became a probation officer in Rockford. In 1996, Joel and his family, including son Sean and daughter Erin, moved to Bryan where he worked as an adult parole officer. Joel served as a deacon at the First Presbyterian Church. He is an avid golfer and enjoys fishing and relaxing at the family cottage in Canada.

Son Patrick was born in Bryan on March 27, 1964, and graduated from Bryan High School in 1981. He attended Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1985. Then he attained a juris doctorate degree from the University of Detroit-Mercy Law School in 1989. After a brief legal career in Royal Oak, Michigan, and with his brother Tim in Bryan, Patrick attained his teaching certificate from Defiance College in 1994. He is a teacher of civics and economics in the Liberty Center Local School District. Patrick married Tammy Rehmert on October 4, 1993. He is a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Bryan where he has served as both a deacon and an elder. He is also the Community Lay Director of The Awakening, a spiritual retreat for teenagers.

John B. Dwyer was born May 19, 1928 in Montpelier, to Dr. John B. and Bessie Dwyer. He graduated from Montpelier in 1946. In his boyhood he attained the rank of Eagle Scout, and played basketball and football in high school.

He graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. In 1952 he graduated with a law degree at Ohio State University, where he was third in his class. In May of the same year, he and the former Sally Didier were united in marriage. Four sons were born to them.

As an Army 1st Lieutenant, Dwyer served three months at the Judge Advocate General’s school in Charlottesville, Virginia, and the rest of his two-year term at the Pentagon. After leaving the Army, he joined the law firm of Fuller, Henry, Harrington and Hodge in Toledo. The Dwyer’s moved to Bryan in 1955 when John joined the law firm of Gebhard and Hogue.

Here he found his opportunity to become actively involved in community affairs. He served as president of the Bryan Board of Education and president of Orchard Hills Country Club. He was an elder and deacon in the First Presbyterian Church, a member of the Moose Lodge and the Chamber of Commerce and a founder-secretary of the Bryan Area Foundation.

He became president of the Citizens National Bank in 1969 and chairman of the board in 1978. In April, 1963 he became incorporator, director and first secretary of Bryan Properties. During his banking career he was instrumental in merging the West Unity Bank and Pioneer Bank with the Citizens.

He pursued all his interest actively until his death on February 17, 1980.

Upon completion of her formal education, she returned to Bryan and joined her family’s insurance business. There she continued the Ellis Insurance Agency into its 84th year in Bryan until her retirement in 1976.

Virginia, known as Ginny, enjoyed many outdoor activities, especially golf. Her brother, Charles W. Ellis, planned and co-founded the Orchard Hills Country Club. It was there that young Virginia learned to love the game of golf. While in college, she played competitively and spent summers at several resorts in upstate New York as a golf instructor. She was the Orchard Hills Women’s Club champion four times, 1943, 1947, 1954 and 1955.

Ginny believed strongly in the education of children. She unselfishly donated time and finances to the youth of Bryan through the First Presbyterian Church, the Y.M.C.A., the Williams County Library and many private contributions to children and young adults.

Just prior to her death, Ginny made a financial donation of the Bryan Parks and Recreation Department for a flower garden to be established at the new Central Park on the corner of Portland and Center Streets. Memorial tributes to the fund at the time of her death resulted in the establishment of the E. Virginia Ellis Flower Fund, a lasting memorial to Ginny, her love of nature and to the city of Bryan.

Miss English was a teacher in the Williams County, Kunkle, Pioneer, Montpelier and Bryan City School systems for a total of 42 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Bowling Green State University.

She was a member of the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren and the Delta Kappa Gamma teacher sorority. She enjoyed flowers and was a member of the Garden club.

Other interests included a love for books, travel, basketball and baking. For many years, she cared for her brother George English. Miss English always had her door open to other people and always kept a positive caring attitude to friends, family and students.

Orvell spent some forty years working for the Measuregraph Corporation in St. Louis, Missouri, before retiring in 1975. He was also President of the National Screw Machine Products Association in 1972, as well as President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, while attaining the level of 33rd degree Shriner.

In June of 1977, Orvell and Edna moved to Bryan, Ohio, where he became the plant manager at Essman Screw Products. He also was a manufacturing consultant at D.W.E. Screw Products in Napoleon, Ohio and ARO Corporation in Bryan, Ohio.

Orvell always believed in the highest moral and ethical standards and because of those beliefs was dearly loved by all who knew him. Orvell passed away on August 27, 1992.

Betty, as she was better known, graduated from Bryan High School in 1929 and Hillsdale College in 1933. After teaching school in Winchester, Ohio, she married Gib Fenton in 1936 and in 1938 returned with him to Bryan. With the exception of World War II years and her husband’s law school years, she has been a housewife and contributor to civic activities.

Betty helped organize the Bryan Women’s Welcome Club, Claire Newcomer Club, Les Bas Bleu Club and the Williams County Community Concert Organization. She has written two additions to the history of the First Presbyterian Church. Betty and Gib were much in demand by many countywide groups giving slide shows and travelogues recounting their many foreign trips as well as talks on the history of Williams County.

Betty continues to reside in Bryan and is a member of the Orchard Hills Country Club, the Williams County Playhouse, the Williams County Community Concert Organization, the Taine Club and the Bryan Literary Club.

Gibson Lucien Fenton was born on August 10, 1906 in Winchester, Ohio, and died in Bryan, Ohio on March 13, 1994. His parents were Clifton L. Fenton and Elizabeth Gibson Fenton. Gib, as he was better known, graduated from high school in Winchester, Ohio and was a graduate of Virginia Military Institute and Salmon P, Chase Law School in Cincinnati, Ohio. During his law school years, he also taught school in Terrace Park, Ohio.

He married Elizabeth Newcomer on June 23, 1936, in Bryan. He moved to Bryan in 1938. After serving as an Army Captain in World War II, he and Fritz Parker formed The Parker and Fenton Law firm (now Gallagher, Milliken & Stelzer).

Gib was very active in his community serving as the First Bryan City Attorney and as Williams County Prosecuting Attorney for two terms. He served as State Representative in the Ohio Legislature in 1942-1943 and again in 1945-1947. Gib was a charter member of the Bryan Rotary Club as well as a past president and Paul Harris Fellow. His other memberships included the Bryan Moose Lodge, Bryan Masonic Lodge, Orchard Hills Country Club, First Presbyterian Church and the Williams County and Ohio Bar Associations. Gib’s easy sense of humor and speaking ability led to his frequent appearances as a toastmaster for many school, community and civic organizations.

He and his wife, Betty traveled widely all over the world – at least six continents – and often shared the experiences with many groups throughout the county, starting with their honeymoon trip to China, Japan and Hawaii in 1936. In 1987 he celebrated his fifty years of law practice. Gib and Betty have two children, Clifton L. Fenton born in 1943 and Nancy E. Fenton born in 1945.

First Federal Savings and loan has been an active supporter of Bryan since it opened its first branch in Bryan in 1953. First Federal has had four office managers: Gus Fipps (1953-1955). Tom Johnston (1955-1980) and Jack Brace (1980-1999) and Cindy Castor (1999-present).

First Federal makes an annual contribution to the Bryan Area Foundation.

Clarence and Ann married on May 17, 1841 and had two children. Jon lives in Columbus and works for IBM. Sue married John Compo and they are associated with Compo Corporation in Defiance.

Clarence and his brother worked as Fitzenrider Brothers Construction and Ann was employed in the Office of the Williams County Schools for over thirty years. Upon retirement they spent their winters in Florida.

They were active in Wesley United Methodist Church. Clarence served as a trustee, and usher, and member of the building committee. For a number of years Ann was secretary of the Administrative Board and treasurer of United Methodist Women.

Clarence died on June 20, 1995.

Karen K. Gallagher was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and was raised in Defiance, Ohio. She is a graduate of Defiance High School and was awarded a bachelor of art degree from Bowling Green State University and a Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. Karen has been a resident of Bryan, Ohio since 1986. She is also an attorney with the firm of Gallagher & Yosick, Ltd.

Ralph and Karen are the parents of two children: David, a 1987 graduate of Bryan High School and a 1991 graduate of Miami University, and Daniel, born in 1990.

Ralph has served as president of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce, Bryan Rotary Club, and Junior Achievement. He also served on the boards of Quadco Rehabilitation Center, Williams County YWCA (along with being a member of the committee which developed the YWCA) and Bryan Development Corporation. He is a member, past trustee and Chairman of the Bryan Area Foundation. Ralph was a volunteer pilot with Air Lifeline and a volunteer reader in the Bryan City Schools. He has also served as the drive chairman for Bryan United Way.

Karen is a recipient of the Athena Award and has served as president of Bryan Business Women and the Bryan Rotary Club. She has served on the board of directors of the Williams County YWCA and now serves on the board of the Bryan Area Foundation, Bryan Area Health Education Center and the Bryan Chamber of Commerce. A member of Bryan Civic League, she has served as chair of the Bryan Charter Review Committee and chair of the Rotary Volunteer Reading Program.

Both Ralph and Karen were involved in the Bryan Skate Park Project.

No Biography Available

Raymond Wesley Gibson, son of Elizabeth (Gresley) and John M. Gibson, was born March 31, 1909, in Monroeville, Indiana, and passed away in Bryan on September 25, 1990.

The couple was united in marriage at Fort Wayne, Indiana on August 12, 1929. They moved to Bryan in 1950 from White Plains, New York, constructing their home at 520 Belmont Avenue, Bryan where they lived out their remaining years.

Mr. Gibson was self-employed in the timber and lumber business throughout his life. Mrs. Gibson was a housewife and loving companion.

Mr. Gibson was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Bryan Masonic Lodge No. 215, Free and Accepted Mason, Bryan Council No. 101, Bryan Commandery No. 74 and the Maumee Valley Scottish Rite of Toledo.

Mrs. Goebel had been employed at Bryan Custom Plastics and the former Elder Pharmaceuticals. She was a volunteer for the Outreach Program, Meals on Wheels and the Thrift Ship. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, the Bryan Eagles Auxiliary 2233 and Bryan VFW Auxiliary 2489.

Mrs. Goebel gave her estate in equal shares to three charities. They are: St. Patrick Catholic Church of Bryan, the VFW National Home in Eaton Rapids, Michigan and the Bryan Area Foundation. The income from the Foundation gift may be used for any purpose deemed advisable by the Bryan Area Foundation.

Mrs. Grim was a lifelong resident of the Bryan area and for many years was employed at the Holabird Company, in Bryan. She was a member of the First Brethren Church and the Bryan Business and Professional Women’s Association. Upon her death, one of the Foundation’s largest funds, the Leland S. Grim and Wilma E. Grim Memorial fund, was established.

Dale began his career first by raising Purebred Hogs as a 4-H member. After graduating from Bryan High School he went into farming. In 1951, he attended Reppert School of Auctioneering. Upon graduation Dale traveled to seventeen different states selling Purebred Poland China Hogs. Also, during this time he developed what is known as Hallock Subdivision, north of Bryan. In 1971, Dale, along with his wife, Wavel began the business known now as Hallock Realty, Inc. and Auction Service, where he served the public for twenty-six years. This three generation business is now owned and operated by his son Jack and grandson, Jack Jr.

He was active in the Bryan Rotary Club for thirty four years and was a Paul Harris Fellow; member of National and Ohio Board of Realtors; Ohio Auctioneers Association; served as a board member for Habitat for Humanity; member and Elder at West Bethesda Presbyterian Church and was active many years in Presbytery and Camp Premauca.

Dale found much enjoyment fishing on Lake Erie, as well as, traveling with Wavel and spending time together at their cottage at Clear Lake, Indiana.

Wavel was born December 18, 1915 to Orlo and Mary Anna (Ruff) Fulmer in Bryan. She graduated from Bryan High School. She worked for the Ohio Gas Company for a number of years and the Bryan Medical Group before they formed and opened Hallock Realty and Auction Service. Wavel enjoyed gardening and canvas painting along with traveling. She was a member of the Bryan Community Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered her time as a mentor for the Bryan City Schools.

Dale died October 9, 1997 following a lengthy illness. Wavel died April 7, 2011 at the age of 95. A memorial honoring their memory has been established by family and friends.

Wilson Hardy, born November 8, 1912, was the youngest of the four children of Roy and Pearl Hardy. Roy may be remembered as a member of the Bryan Police Department until his retirement. Wilson was an outstanding athlete at Bryan High School and held the pole vault record for many years.

Marjorie (Marnie) Gleason was born in Bryan on January 18, 1915, to Olin and Beulah (Lana) Gleason. Olin Gleason was a local businessman and served as mayor from 1912 to 1917 and also from 1943 to1957. Marnie’s older brother Robert died in 1966.

After their marriage, the couple lived in the Chicago area where Wilson was employed by Aro Equipment Company for a time. He served in the Navy as an ordinance expediter from April 1944, until January, 1946. Later his employment with Walker Manufacturing entailed moves to Saline, Michigan, and Beaverton, Oregon. In 1955, they returned to Hinsdale, Illinois.

They had hoped to retire in Bryan, and after Wilson died unexpectedly in 1969, Marnie soon made the move to Bryan. She became active with the Church Women United and served on its scholarship committee. She also delivered Meals on Wheels for many years and was a supporter of the Bryan Public Library. Marnie died in November 1997, after a three-year illness.

Wilson and Marnie had no children but had always been close to their nephews and a niece who are their only survivors. This memorial was given to honor the memory of Wilson and Marnie Hardy and their enthusiasm for this community.

Mr. Hawk served as a trustee of the Foundation since its inception and was the first president from 1969 to 1976. Mr. Hawk established the “Good Citizen” award through his parent’s memorial, The Howard C. and Mary Allene Hawk Memorial Fund. Mr. Hawk received the “Good Citizen of the Year” award in 1984.

He was very active in Bryan community affairs having been a member of the Bryan Rotary Club for 50 years and a trustee of the Bryan Public Library for 21 years. He served as president of both organizations. He managed the campaign to build the Ruth Edwards Markey children’s wing of the Bryan Library.

Mr. Hawk was an avid sports fan. He was a former Bryan High School athlete and co-organized the Bryan Old Timers organization. He served on the first Bryan Recreation Board and was club champion at Orchard Hills Country Club in 1954. He also served as president of Orchard Hills 1940-41 and was instrumental in its later expansion.

He came to Bryan with his parents at age 13. He graduated from Bryan High School and attended Kenyon College and Toledo University before beginning his business career at The Aro Corporation in 1930. He retired as senior vice president after 40 years. Mr. Hawk served on the board of directors of The Aro Corporation from 1938 to 1971. In 1922 he married Marjorie Palm. They had one daughter Barbara Hampton.

Miss Isaac worked at various office positions in Bryan before moving to Fort Wayne, Indiana where she served on the staff of Fort Wayne Bible College for 21 years. After retirement, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she lived for six years before returning to Bryan in June 1991.

She was a charter member of the steering committee of the Fort Wayne Christian Women’s Prayer Breakfast.

George Isaac was born in Bryan, Ohio, the youngest of nine children. His parents were natives of Bloudan, Syria and immigrated to America through Ellis Island at the turn of the century. George graduated from Bryan High School in 1940 and attended Miami University, but quit after one semester upon the death of his father. He then became involved in the family business with his brothers and sisters on his 18th birthday.

Mr. Isaac is past President of The Isaac Corporation, which was a dealer/broker/processor of scrap iron and metals.

As a young man, Mr. Isaac read an article in a magazine about a man involved in the development and leasing of commercial properties. This was the catalyst for the family real estate ventures. He is Chairman of Isaac Land Investments and George Isaac Properties, which engages in industrial/commercial real estate and shopping center development.

Mr. Isaac has served as President of Bryan Properties, Inc., developer of the Bryan Industrial Park; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan; President of Bryan Chamber of Commerce; Director of National City Bank in Toledo; Trustee of Defiance College; and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Medical College of Ohio.

He served as a Trustee of the National Foundry Educational Foundation, a charitable foundation awarding college scholarships for students in the metal casting industry and is a Charter Member of Bryan Area Foundation. He also serves as a Trustee of the Endowment Fund Committee of the Toledo Symphony; a Trustee of WGTE Public Broadcasting Foundation of Northwest Ohio; a Trustee of the Medical College of Ohio Foundation; and Chairman/President of the Bryan Senior Center, a public facility/activity center for Senior Citizens of the Bryan area. Mr. Isaac established the George Isaac Foundation, a private charitable foundation in 1992; and in 2000, he established the George Isaac Cancer Research Center at the Medical College of Ohio.

Mr. Isaac received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Defiance College in 1996, an Honorary Doctor of Technical Letters at Northwest State Community College in 1997, and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the Medical College of Ohio in 1999.

In addition, he was selected as Master Entrepreneur of the Year for Northwest Ohio in 1992 and the Bryan Area Foundation’s Good Citizen of the Year in 1996. He also was the Greater Toledo Association of Arab Americans Honoree for 1998, received the Medical College of Ohio’s Distinguished Citizen Award in 1998, and was first recipient of the annual “George Isaac Award for Integrity” from the Medical College of Ohio, Department of Occupational Therapy in 1998. In 1999, Mr. Isaac was selected as Outstanding Philanthropist by The Northwest Ohio Chapter of the National Society of Fund Raising Executives. He was selected by the Black Swamp Area Council of Boy Scouts as the George Isaac 2000 Eagle Scout Class Honoree in March of 2001. Mr. Isaac was selected as a 33rd degree honorary member of the Supreme Council of Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in September of 2003. In 2004, he was selected for the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame, and he received the Multiple Sclerosis Silver Hope Award in 2006.

His two sons, George III and Zac, are involved in the executive management of the family companies. The company offices are located in Bryan, Ohio.

In Bryan, she became involved in many community charities. Prior to the birth of her two sons, she was involved in the local Girl Scouts. Thereafter she served as a Den Mother and Pack Secretary for the local Cub Scout Pack for many years and was active in numerous activities in the local schools in many capacities. Lill was active for many years in the Bryan Civic League and served as President in 1963. She was also active in the Wesley United Methodist Church for over 50 years, but maintained her membership in St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a 55 year member of the Eastern Star and held other memberships including the YWCA/YMCA where she swam daily for many years.

Lill valued her church and education and so chose to establish a fund to support the Wesley United Methodist Church and a scholarship fund for children attending St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.

She was born to George and Mary Isaac, in Bryan. After finishing her schooling she entered the family real estate and industrial scrap business. Until 1972 she was president of various Isaac Corporations in Bryan, Toledo, Findlay and Bowling Green. She died June 3, 1992 in Bryan.

Rosa was active on the Women’s Federation board for 35 years, and served as president and civic chairman. Her work with this group was instrumental in bringing a full-time probation officer to Bryan in 1961, establishing an adult education program, arranging for a Bowling Green State University extension in the community, and promoting support for parks and recreation. She served on the former Bryan Recreation Council, helping promote the North Side Playground which was dedicated in 1956. She was also influential in having the city purchase land for an East side Playground. When it opened in 1970, it was named Roseland Park in her honor. She served on the Bryan Parks and Recreation Board from 1953 to 1989.

Rosa’s other board memberships have been with the American Field Service and Junior Achievement. She has been an influential board member of Junior Achievement since its founding in 1961. In 1957 she helped lead a drive to provide special housing and life-sustaining equipment for a Bryanite who had become afflicted with polio. She was an active member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, since its dedication in 1934, and served as treasurer for nearly 50 years.

Rosa died on June 3 1992 at the age of 88.

Allen attended the one-room Ramsey School, Farmer School and Bryan High School, graduating in 1949. He earned a degree in rural sociology from The Ohio State University, then served two years as an Air Force Intelligence Officer in Korea. After a time as Associate County Agent in Kenton, he returned to college, graduating from the OSU College of Medicine in 1961.

In 1962, at the invitation of Dr. H. R. Mayberry, the Jackson’s moved to Bryan and Allen joined his general practice on North Lynn Street. After a few years, Dr. Donald Cameron approached Allen about forming a group practice. They enlisted the other practicing physicians, and the Bryan Medical Group was founded.

In 1968, Dr. Jackson returned to Columbus Children’s Hospital for a pediatric residency. While there he recruited fellow resident Rick Hess to practice with him in Bryan. Returning to the Bryan Medical Group in 1970, he practiced medicine for another 21 years as a pediatrician with a special interest in children with learning disabilities. His interest in children extended to the Bryan Schools where he served 12 years on the school board.

During Dr. Jackson’s active practice years, the Medical College of Ohio established an Area Health Education Center in Bryan, and he was named its first director. In 1991, MCO recognized Dr. Jackson for meritorious service to medical education and for his part in pioneering community medical education.

During their early years in Bryan, the Jackson’s participated in the First Presbyterian Church. Kay also served as president of Women’s Welcome Club, Claire Newcomer Club, and the Bryan Civic League. Kay and a friend developed the Bryan Head Start Center, and she served as co-teacher and center director. Later she taught junior high English and literature in Bryan and did extensive volunteer work for the Bryan Swim Team.

The Jackson’s were active in local politics, helping rejuvenate the Young Democrats organization and working on campaign committees to elect worthy local candidates. Allen and Kay were partners with two other couples in developing Deerfield Addition and, when Kay’s parents retired, they bought and operated the summer SnoKone business at the Auglaize County Fair with their family.

From 1983 until 1994, Kay served as deputy registrar of the license bureau for Williams County, reorganizing and staffing the office to produce a “user friendly” business. In 1996, Kay and two friends started Dollars and Cents, a women’s investment club. Kay served the Bryan Area Foundation as a trustee and past president.

In 2001, Kay received the Athena Award for her efforts to promote leadership among women, and later that year was inducted into the (Columbus) West High School Alumni Hall of Fame for her leadership and community service. The Jackson’s have three children: Dan, a CPA with a master’s degree in finance, and John and Jane, who are both attorneys. Their ten grandchildren are a joy for Allen and Kay who have shared a lifelong interest in and dedication to children.

He lived on the 172-acre farm where he was born until he moved to Bryan in the middle 60’s. In 1947 he purchased the farm from his mother. During his later years he farmed 70 acres on his own, and then sold the property in 1979.

Louys was an active member of the Pulaski Methodist Church, where he served on the board of trustees for many years. He was active in Pulaski Grange, Pomona Grange and in Bryan Senior Citizens. Among other benefactions, he funded the paving of the blacktop driveway in the Springfield Township Park. Louys died July 3, 1981.

Rita was born in Latty, Ohio to Gladys and Edward Rulman. She graduated from Bryan High School in1943 and considers Bryan her home town. As a young woman she worked as the ratings clerk at the Bryan Truck Line, which was founded by her parents.

While working as Executive Secretary at Challege-Cook Brothers, Rita earned her elementary education teaching degree from Bowling Green State University, teaching 5th grade at St. Patrick’s School and 7th grade math at the Bryan Junior High School. She completed her doctoral degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Toledo and became a professor in the College of Education at BGSU, ending her career as Assistant Dean. Upon retirement, they moved to Savannah, GA and Rita returned to work as crisis psychologist at Chatham County Schools in inner city Savannah.

Edward was born in Columbus to Edward J. and Mary Frances Keefe. He graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Columbus in 1943. He enlisted in the Navy, attended Notre Dame University, Iowa State University and Midshipman’s School under the prestigious V12 Officers Training Program. He graduated as an Ensign in 1945, served on the USS Gratiot in the Pacific witnessing Hiroshima after the nuclear bomb, and was discharged in 1946.

Edward earned a Bachelor Degree in Marketing in 1948 at Ohio State University’s College of Business. In 1949 he was employed in Sales and Marketing in the Electrical Products Division of 3M specializing in industrial magnets and retired as a Senior Account Executive in 1988.

They were members of the Orchard Hills Country Club and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Rita participated in Literary Forum and Progress Club. Edward spent many enjoyable breakfasts with the Methodist Men’s group at Lester’s Restaurant. After Edward’s death in 2014, Rita established the Edward F. and Rita R. Keefe Community Fund to give back to the community they loved so well.

Flora died August 4, 1978. The terms of her will provided for a memorial gift to the Foundation.

He attended the University of Michigan in 1926 and 1927, and thereafter worked for 9 years in New York City in the building construction equipment business. In 1936 he returned to Bryan and until his death was engaged in the insurance business with Lowe Brothers Insurance Agency and the Andres O’Neil & Lowe Agency.

During World War II he served three years in the U.S. Army in the European Theatre, receiving a citation for participation in the Battle of the Bulge.

Bob was active in the Wesley United Methodist Church, serving as chairman of the memorial committee and a member of the building committee and the board of trustees. Equally active in civic affairs, he was a founder, trustee, and officer of the Bryan Area Foundation, member of the Bryan City Schools Board of Education from 1956 to 1964, drive chairman for the Bryan Community Chest and chairman of the Bryan Chapter of the American Red Cross.

His other community membership included American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Bryan Lions Club, Bryan Masonic Lodge, Fraternal Order of Eagles and Orchard Hills Country Club.

As a young man Bob was and excellent athlete. In 1925, his senior year in Bryan High School, he was a member of the basketball team that won the District Championship. As a college student he was a pitcher for the University of Michigan baseball team and while living in New York he pitched for the Mamaroneck All-Stars, a semi-pro team. Also an avid golfer, he won trophies at Westchester Country Club in New York and Orchard Hills Country Club, Bryan.

In 1941 he married Mary Watkins of Hamilton, Indiana. Their three children are Robert T., Jean and Debra.

Mary Lowe was born in Hamilton, Indiana, on February 6, 1922, to Roscoe and Georgia Watkins. Mary was an active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Bryan Area Foundation and charter member and past president of Bryan’s Civic League.

Robert died May 5, 1984, and Mary died March 13, 1990.

As an officer in the U. S. Navy from 1967-71, Bob served on board two destroyers which included one year overseas duty and participation in four campaigns of the Vietnam War. He was twice awarded the Navy Achievement Medal. After his discharge, he returned to Bryan and married Kristine K. Lindsey and had one son, Robert Lindsay Lowe born in 1980 and became engaged in the practice of law as a partner with the firm of Bish, Lowe & Roth Ltd. He served as the assistant Williams County Prosecuting Attorney and as the solicitor for the villages of Edgerton and West Unity for over twenty years.

Bob was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and the Bryan Area Foundation where he served as trustee from 1980-1987 and as secretary to the Board of Trustees from 1980-1987. In addition, he was past president and trustee of the United Fund of Bryan as well as a member of the YWCA Board of Trustees of Williams County, the Bryan Rotary Club, the American Legion Post #284 and the V.F.W. Post #2489. Also, he served as an advisor to the Church Women United Thrift Shop, the Bryan Baseball Association, the Bryan Area Cultural Association, the Millcreek-West Unity Area Foundation, the United Way of Williams County, and was a trustee to Northwest Ohio Affordable Housing.

An avid golfer, Bob was a member and past president of Orchard Hills Country Club where he won six championships between the years 1960 and 1967. Playing golf with friends and son Rob was always a source of real relaxation and pleasure for Bob, and he often talked with great fondness of his time spent with his father enjoying the game.

Bob died May 11, 1997 at age 54. Bob was truly an exceptional individual, serving his country, community and family tirelessly and with great integrity. The money contributed to the Bryan Area Foundation in his memory will continue his legacy of service.

A 1924 graduate of Bryan High School, he attended Tri-State College from 1926-1927 and graduated from Utilities Engineering Institute in Chicago, taking classes in refrigeration engineering service. In 1930 he worked in the U.S. Post Office as a sub-clerk carrier while working in the family general store in Pulaski and also doing domestic and commercial refrigeration service. On August 18, 1932 he married Catherine Goeller. In 1939 he was appointed manager of State Store No. 99, Ohio Department of Liquor Control, a position he held until August 1, 1975, when he retired.

He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Bryan for over 50 years, where he was acting superintendent of Sunday school for several years and taught adult classes. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythia Lodge, Loyal Order of Moose and Masonic Lodge 215 F & AM. He had been chairman of Bryan City Civil Service Commission and was treasurer of the Williams County Community Concert Association, the Williams County Historical Society and the Humane Society.

Charles established this fund in 1999 by making a challenge gift to the citizens of Bryan. His significant gift was contingent upon the community raising enough money to construct a center specifically for the use of senior citizens in Bryan. His vision was realized in 2002. Charles died October 31, 2001 prior to the groundbreaking of the Bryan Senior Center in 2002.

No Biography Available

She was married to Harry McCord in 1933. To this happy union were born three children, Robert, Susan, and Bruce.

Mrs. McCord was Past Matron and secretary of Order of the Eastern Star #394, treasurer of the Stryker Chamber of commerce for a long term, manager of the Stryker Drug Store for many years, and was secretary-treasurer of the Stryker Local Board for 10 years before her retirement in 1980.

She was a sincere and faithful member of the First Baptist Church for more than 40 years. Her family remembers her as a blue-ribbon wife, beloved mother, family anchor and a persistent homemaker. Kathryn McCord was a pillar of strength during her last, extended illness. Her death came on June 26, 1985.

He was an original incorporator of North Western Electric Cooperative for Rural Electrification in 1936. After he and Florence sold their farm, he was employed as Vocational Agriculture teacher at Edgerton for a short time. He was then employed by North Western Electric Cooperative for 10 years as Electrification Advisor. After retirement in 1974 the McCoy’s moved to Florida. Mr. McCoy died in 1983 and Mrs. McCoy in 1991.

Bula and Joseph were married in 1943 and made their home in the Detroit area. Bula was a dedicated mother and homemaker to their four children, Judith, Joseph, James, and Ron. Joseph, Sr. died in 1979. In 1993 Bula married John McQuade and he preceded her in death in 2012.

Bula passed away on December 15, 2020. The family established this fund in Bula’s memory to improve and enrich life in Williams County, Ohio.

William F. Metz II, also known as Bill, was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania, in April 1957, the only child of William H. Metz and Sally M. Beaman-Metz. Due to his father changing jobs, the Metz Family relocated to Bryan, Ohio, in December 1971, where William has resided most of his life.

Before graduating from Bryan High School in 1976, William was a class officer, co-chair of the 1975 Junior-Senior prom decorating committee, homecoming float design/construction team, and the high school theatrical group, Mask & Sandal, where he worked on lighting, sound, and set construction for performances. William also participated in high school science fairs at the local, regional, district, and state levels, and earned recognition and awards for his involvement.

After high school, William attended Northwest State Community College, Archbold, Ohio, and obtained an Associate Degree in Business Management in 1979, where he also received the College President’s Award for Leadership. He got a second associate degree in computer programming through evening courses. Years later, William graduated from Defiance College with his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration.

The Heating, Ventilation, Airconditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR) Industry was Williams’s occupation for 44 years, until retiring in 2023. Eleven years were spent at Fitzenrider, Inc., Defiance, Ohio, as their office/service coordinator, and 33 years at Bard Manufacturing Company, Inc., Bryan, in the customer service, and sales and marketing departments. While at Bard Manufacturing, he got the chance to travel throughout the United States and Mexico and participate in numerous Williams County Relay for Life events.

A dutiful son, William helped care for his father after he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis until he passed away in 1989. He also cared for his mother who had dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, until she died in 2023.

Interesting experiences always happened when William volunteered on church mission trips. He got to rebuild a home after Hurricane Katrina in Biloxi, Mississippi, worked with Habitat for Humanity in Laport and Michigan City, Indiana, and completed several local single-day Northwest Ohio builds. During the four-and-a-half-day Habitat for Humanity trips to Indiana, William helped build homes from floor joists to shingles and prepared for the next week’s crew to continue the construction. When free time and funds were available, William could be found with his friends on the beaches of Florida, Honolulu, Maui, and Cancun.

When the Lord decides that the Bryan area no longer needs William, his final resting place will be Shiffler Cemetery.

In 1948, Ned founded M & N Engineering Company, a design and consulting firm serving the non-ferrous field. Eight years later the firm became incorporated as MENCO, Inc. with Mitchell as president. In 1955, he founded Bryan Metals, and then began making plans for retirement. On January 1, 1969, he gave up his semi-retirement and returned to Bryan to take active control of the company.

Ned died September 6, 1970 while on a fishing trip near Pine Dale, Wyoming. At the time of his death he was living in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

She was a former organ and piano teacher. She played the organ and piano in several churches, The Oberlin-Ford Funeral Home and the former Temple Theater for many years. A member of Wesley United Methodist Church for over 50 years, she was a Charter member of the Civic League and a member of Orchard Hills Country Club.

With her husband, Bob Mitchell, she owned and operated the Huenefeld Furniture Stores in Bryan and Defiance. The stores were sold in 1972 and the Mitchell’s moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida. In 1986, after Bob’s death, Mid returned to Bryan to make her home. Mid passed away September 12, 1991.

Robert ‘Bob’ Mitchell was born in Toledo, Ohio on January 31, 1914 to John and Ida Marie (Yocom) Mitchell. Bob was an avid golfer and fisherman. He was a member of the First Church of Christ and the Orchard Hills Country Club. Bob passed away April 4, 1986 at Port St. Lucie, Florida.

She began working at the Ohio Art Company in 1930 following graduation and was appointed office manager and accounting supervisor in 1942. In 1973 Juanita retired from the Ohio Art Company after 43 years of service.

Juanita was a charter member and past president of the Bryan Business and Professional Women, a member and past matron of the Order of the Eastern Star No.248. She also worked on the United Fund Board, was a trustee of the Bryan Area Foundation as well as a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.

His love of the land contributed to his commitment not just to use but to improve and save the farms for the needs of the future. His curiosity about heredity was exemplified by his lifetime work in developing a flock of purebred Shropshire sheep known nationally for their productivity.

He, along with his wife, Pauline, spent much time and effort in the activities of the Methodist Church. Not only did they work enthusiastically for the local church, but also were involved with district and state Methodist activities. In the later years they traveled to foreign countries with the World Hunger Program to support their belief in helping people to help themselves.

Presidency of the Defiance College Alumni Association, President of the Ohio Wool Growers, and Board of Directors of National Cooperative Association are just a few of his activities.

Bryan and the surrounding area will always be his home and has had his special concern and dedication during his lifetime. Positive and optimistic, he believed opportunities and better times were always ahead for us, and we should continually strive to move forward.

She married David Newcomer on December 28, 1971 and had two children, Lynea and Anne. She was an avid reader. She also enjoyed hiking, theatre, the ballot, cycling and travel.

Mrs. Newcomer was a licensed professional counselor with Community Hospitals since 1989. Prior to that, she served as a guidance counselor with Bryan City Schools for 10 years, eight years at the high school and two years at the middle school. While a counselor with the Bryan City Schools, she was involved with the establishment of the Chemical Abuse Reduced through Education Program. Mrs. Newcomer also worked as a counselor with the Gorham-Fayette Schools, Williams County Department of Human Services and Northwest Ohio Community Action Commission.

Mrs. Newcomer served on the Board of the Williams County YWCA and Four County Mental Health Board. She was active for many years with the Bryan Area Foundation Scholarship Committee.

After a brief stint at the First National Bank he became commissioned as a lieutenant, j.g. in the Navy. After his discharge he returned to the bank and worked there until his retirement in 1963 as a vice-president and continued as a director.

His memberships were with the Masonic Blue Lodge and Chapter, and with the Toledo Consistory, 32nd degree, Army and Navy Class, WW I. He was president of the Bryan Businessmen’s Association in 1941. During WW II, and until peace was declared, he served two nights weekly with the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Mildred (Peg) Pennell was united in marriage to Philip Niederaur, October 13, 1923. She was born in Van Wert, Ohio July 7, 1896 to Doran and Inez Craig Pennell. After graduation from high school she attended Maryland College for Women. She became a dietitian for institutions including Kellogg’s of Battle Creek, Michigan and at Louisville, Chicago and New York City.

In 1941 Peg was named Outstanding Woman of the Year in Bryan for community service. She also served presidencies of the Garden Club and the Bryan Park Board. She and Phil became members of Trinity Episcopal Church when a mission was founded here in 1957.

Peg died in March, 1979. Phil died in January 1991 at age 97.

Doris’s husband, Henry was employed by Hawk’s for many years and preceded his wife in death.

Terry graduated from North Central High School in Pioneer. He attended Ohio State University for two years and Bowling Green State University for one year. Terry was a Bridgewater Township farmer and raised livestock. He died September 23, 1993 at age 50.

A lifelong resident of Bryan, Earl C. Oberlin II was born on June 19, 1922, in Bryan to Earl C. and Thelma (Smith) Oberlin. A graduate of Bryan High School, he attended Ohio University and graduated from the Cleveland College of Mortuary Science with a Doctorate of Mortuary Science degree (DMS). A veteran of WWII, he served in the South Pacific for two years in the U.S. Navy. After being injured, he was discharged from the Navy and returned to the U.S.

Prior to his death on April 25, 1999, Earl owned and operated the Oberlin-Ford Funeral Homes in Bryan and Hamilton, Indiana, and Bryan Merit Monument Company. He also founded the former Premium Metallic Casket Company of Toledo, and Quality Care Medical Equipment, (now American Homepatient) in Bryan. Earl, along with his wife Polly and his mother Thelma, founded MFI Investment Corporation in 1959. National recognition came to Earl C. and Polly Oberlin in 1993 when their company was chosen by Inc. Magazine as one of the 500 fastest growing, privately held companies in the United States. They received this recognition three times through 1995 when they merged MFI with MidAm Inc.

Active in the community, Earl held memberships with Wesley United Methodist Church, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion Post #284 in Bryan, V.F.W. Post #2489 of Bryan, Orchard Hills Country Club, Bryan Masonic Lodge #215, Chapter, Council and Commandary, High Twelve and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Valley of Toledo. He was active nationally in the International Association for Financial Planning and traveled extensively around the world with Polly.

Pauline (Polly) Weber Oberlin was born to Clarence F. and Ida K. (Moll) Weber in Archbold, Ohio, on April 21, 1924. Polly moved to Bryan with her family in 1925. Polly has been active in the community as a charter member of the Claire Newcomer Club, past president of the Bryan Civic League, life member of Community Hospital of Williams County, and past president of the Wesley United Methodist Women. Other memberships include Wesley United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star #248 in Bryan, International Association for Financial Planning and National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Living in Toledo, Ohio, he attended Fulton Grade School, Scott High School and the University of Toledo. Jim worked at the Travelers Insurance Company and the Brooks Insurance Agency in Toledo before coming to Bryan on September 3, 1946 as a partner with Earl B. Andres to form the Andres-O’Neil Agency, now the Andres-O’Neil and Lowe Agency.

He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church and served for many years on the Official Board, Finance Committee, and Landscape Committee; the Bryan Rotary Club, serving as president in 1957-58 and was made a Paul Harris Fellow; the Loyal Order of the Moose of Bryan; the Bryan Masonic Lodge and rose to the 33rd degree; Toledo Scottish Rite; Ancient Accepted Valley of Toledo Scottish Rite; Zenobia Temple of Toledo; Royal order of the Jesters Court 21; Northwest Shrine Club, the Williams County Conservation League; and the Orchard Hills Country Club. He was also a life member of the Defiance County Fish and Game Club, a past president of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce, and on the Board of Directors of the Citizens National Bank.

Jim loved his fellow man and nature. He planted many trees for his friends, Wesley Church, and Orchard Hills Country Club.

On October 24, 1936, he was married to Charline Jackson in Toledo, Ohio. His two sons, Michael and Patrick, and a grandson James Patrick, live in Dallas, Texas.

Upon release from the U.S. Navy in 1946 he continued his education at Manchester College where he was awarded a B.S. Degree in Education in 1947. From 1947 to 1950 he taught H.S. Economics and History at Butler High School, Butler, Indiana. During the Korean War, he was recalled to active duty with the Navy and served most of his time in Japan. He attained the rank of Commander while serving in the Navy.

In 1954, Stan and Loella formed the Stan Pepple Motors Corporation in Hicksville, Ohio. In 1970, they purchased the Lindsey Motor Sales and moved the corporation to Bryan.

In 1944, Stan and Loella were united in marriage. From this marriage, six children were born: Jane McMaster, Columbus, Ohio; William S. Pepple, Jr., Bryan, Ohio; Janet Yoder, Bryan, Ohio; Joyce Pepple, Columbus, Ohio; Judity Greffin, Chicago, Illinois; and Capt. Scott Pepple, U.S. Army.

Stan was a Bryan Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow, Past President of the Hicksville Rotary Club, Past President of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce, Trustee Ohio Auto Dealers, Vice President of the Bryan Development Corp., Director of the First National Bank, Director of Mid-Am Inc., Member Masonic Temple, Member Zenobia Temple and a Member of the Bryan Moose.

Loella is interested in bridge, reading, sewing and traveling. Stan was interested in golf, fishing, hunting, bridge and traveling.

After researching different practice opportunities for 2 years, they became very interested in Bryan, as there were 4 small optometry practices for sale all within Williams County. So one snowy night in December of 1995, with Diane 8 months pregnant with their first child, “we drove to Bryan for the first time. As we pulled into Bryan’s Courthouse Square, our eyes lit up as we saw what we thought was the most amazing Christmas display of lights and decorations we’d ever seen. We both felt God’s blessing as we experienced one positive interaction after the other with the people we met while visiting Bryan.”

So Randy & Diane moved to Bryan in March of 1996 and still live here. They have raised their 3 children here, and continue to own businesses in their respective professions (Peters Family Eyecare and Bryan Psychological Services). In 2019, Peters Family Eyecare had outgrown their space south of town, so after renovating the building Bryan Psychological Services had been in since 2009, Randy also moved his practice into the heart of downtown Bryan.

”We will feel forever grateful to the community and people of Bryan and Williams County, and decided that a Community Fund through the BAF was the perfect way to give back in a significant way. We feel fully confident that BAF understands the needs of our community and shares the same goal we do – to improve the lives of people that live, work, and visit here. One of our deepest beliefs as a couple is that there is no more important way to create genuine meaning in life than by helping to better the lives of the people around us.”

Russell was employed at the Oldsmobile Division of General Motors in Lansing, Michigan for fifteen years. Twelve of these years he was on the executive staff, at which time he was deeply involved in school and local government. He served as president of the local school board for six of eight years and as a member of the Ingham County School Board for two years. He also served twelve years on the Ingham Township Board as a trustee and as the Board member on the zoning and appeal boards of the township.

In 1949, Mrs. Pettit started managing school lunch programs in the Lansing area schools and summer camp lunch programs in children’s camps in northern Michigan. At the same time Russell was hired by Michigan Elevator Exchange, the state grain cooperative, as a grain merchandiser. After one year he became Manager of the Grain Division and in four years he was Works Manager and Assistant General Manager. Memberships included Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and National Grain, feed agricultural dealers associations, and Grain Elevator and Processing Supervisors (GEAPS) Seaway Chapter.

In 1960 the Pettits became senior partners in Stout Construction Company, Inc. of Sylvania, Ohio, builders of grain processing and storage facilities, feed manufacturing plants and flour mills in the tri-state area. Russell retired in 1968 after becoming associated with Bryan Elevator, Inc. Bryan. Moving to Bryan in 1972 the family immediately felt the friendliness, enthusiasm and compassion of the Bryan area people, and this led to their desire to become a part of the community project through the Foundation.

The family hobbies consist of world travel and photography, starting with Russell’s 124 day trip around the world in 1959. Their pictorial memoirs include motor trips through all fifty states and all but two Canadian provinces, plus many overseas trips to the remote corners of the world.

Bob attended Bryan City Schools and will be remembered for playing the position of center on the winning football teams of 1937 and 1938.

From the time he was eight year old he spent many hours in the plumbing shop doing errands and learning to do the numerous jobs connected with the business. After graduation from high school in 1938, Bob worked as an apprentice with his father and a year as a mechanic at Wright-Patterson air Base in Dayton.

On June 14, 1942, he married Eugenia Critchfield and they have one child, Linda. During World War II, Bob served in the U.S. Navy for three years on a landing craft as a Shipfitter First Class. There he increased his knowledge in welding and sheet metal work.

After his discharge from the Navy, Bob returned to Bryan and purchased the family business.

Bob was one of the founders of the Bryan-Montpelier Holiday Inn. He was an active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, where he served as trustee for several years, the Bryan Masonic Lodge, Loyal Order of the Moose, American Legion and the Orchard Hills Country Club.

After a serious illness of three years, Bob passed away November 7, 1978.

An active member of the community, Dr. Riesen was a trustee of the Bryan Public Library, a member of the Bryan City Council, and a member of the Bryan Area Foundation. He also served on the original board of directors of Junior Achievement in Bryan and on the board of directors of the Orchard Hills Country Club. His memberships also included Rotary, the Masons, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

Dr. Riesen and his wife, the former Irene Donchez, were originally from Wisconsin. They were married on December 1, 1961. Mrs. Riesen was a member of Bryan Civic League and Orchard Hills Country Club where she was an avid golfer.

They moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, following Dr. Riesen’s retirement in 1982. Dr. Riesen passed away in 1988 and Mrs. Riesen passed away in 2003. Upon Mrs. Riesen’s death, the assets were distributed to the Bryan Area Foundation. This donation was the largest single gift in the Foundation’s history.

Frederick took great pride in Bryan where he chose to practice his profession, opening his office on North Main Street in March 1940. He practiced Optometry in Bryan for over 50 years.

Frederick was very interested in Bryan’s civic affairs. He held membership in the American and the Maumee Valley Optometric Associations, the local chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, was a charter member of the Luncheon Club formed in 1940, the Bryan Service Club, Rotary Club (president 1954-55), Bryan Chamber of Commerce (president 1969), the Bryan Lodge F & AM, Williams County Historical Society and the Ohio State Alumni Association (president 1949).

Susan F. (Swisher) Richardson (1917) was born in Williams County. After graduating from Monticello Jr. College in 1935 she enrolled at Ohio State University. After Susan and Frederick were married they came to make their home on County Road I on Christmas Eve 1940. Blessed with two sons, Wallace C. and Norris F., who attended school in Bryan, Susan directed her interest in childrens’activities, became a Cub Scout and Girl Scout Leader, assisted students and adult organizations in their money-making and artistic projects, helped at the free pre-school clinic, assisted the Chamber of Commerce with “Miss Top of Ohio” Pageants and as a judge of parade floats and Christmas decorated homes. She volunteered hours, first as a Gray Lady then as an auxiliary member, to the Bryan Hospital. Her long associations were with the Literary Forum and Taine Clubs, ARTS Club (charter member, 1977) and the Williams County Historical Society.

Diana first taught in Bryan in 1998. She taught Business Education, until being named Assistant Principal, Curriculum Director, and finally Superintendent. Diana was the first female Superintendent of Bryan City Schools. With the support and help of the community, Diana made significant impacts to improve education in Bryan, including the construction and renovation of the school facilities. Diana also served the community in Rotary, as a board member, past President, and District Governor for District 6600 in Ohio. She is a member and Trustee of the Bryan Area Foundation, currently serving as Grant Chair. Diana also served on the board of Junior Achievement of NW Ohio. Together, they have two children. Tory graduated from Bryan in 2013 and was a kicker on the football team and two-time district tennis qualifier. Trista graduated in 2017; she was a two-time district tennis qualifier and a record holding pitcher for the softball team. She was named Williams County player of the year in 2016. Tory currently works as a computer security specialist and lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife, Sara, and puppy, Winston. Trista currently works as a sixth grade teacher and lives in Indianapolis, Indiana.

We decided to create a community fund to show our gratitude for all that Bryan, Ohio has given to our family – the support, the opportunities, the experiences. We have always said that we may not have been born in Bryan, but, Bryan has become our home.

Dave retired in 2003 after serving for 30 years as Bryan’s Parks & Recreation Director, enjoys music and is a member of the Black Swamp Art Club. Dave and Janet are active members at First Lutheran Church in Bryan.

Her business career started at The Aro Corporation in 1952 while she was still attending Bryan High School. Her experiences covered most all aspects of a manufacturing office environment with a strong background in government contracts becoming Contract Administrator. After a total of 42 years she retired in December 1995. Wanting to stay in the business world, she worked at Sky Bank retiring in 2001 and then worked part-time at several local stores.

Her past community involvement consists of past Secretary/Treasurer of the Bryan Women’s Bowling Association where she is a member of Bryan’s Hall of Fame, and past recorder of the Women of The Moose.

She currently is a board member of the Bryan Area Business Women’s Club having served numerous years as treasurer and a member of the YMCA. Also she is a volunteer at Harborside Healthcare of Northwestern Ohio, Church Women United Thrift Shop, and auditor at Northwestern Federal Credit Union and frequently serves other groups and organizations.

During warmer weather you will find her daily at Riverside Greens where she organizes a ladies golf league. Marilyn is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir and serving as a Deacon.

Margaret was an active member at Faith United Methodist Church. She loved to knit and crochet and made many items over the years for the church bazaar. Margaret and her husband Rex enjoyed traveling the world but never loved any place more than Bryan, Ohio.

Robert served in the United States Army during World War II and was a resident of Montpelier for most of his adult life. After his service in the military he worked for many years as a machine operator for the Vistron Corporation in Bryan.

At Robert’s death on November 15, 1989 he was survived by two brothers and a sister. His will left his estate to the Foundation as a way of benefiting the community in which he lived.

In 1950 he founded the L.E. Smith Company which became a wholesale distributor of kitchen and bath products and sold their products to kitchen dealers, cabinet shops and lumber companies. In 1965 the company purchased the most advanced equipment to produce all kinds of counter tops on a continuous line process. With warehouses in Toledo, Ohio and Elkhart, Indiana the company became a leading supplier in a three state area.

From their marriage five sons and two daughters were born, Steven, Joseph, James, Larry Jr., Alexander, Sharon and Susan.

Mrs. Smith was an owner and operator of the former Chistman Hotel in Bryan before retiring on December 30, 1978. Usually in her white uniform, Mrs. Smith was a familiar sight as she worked in the lobby or sat in a chair near the window of the once elegant Christman Hotel.

The 50- room Christman Hotel, which was located across from the Bryan post office on North Main Street, was known far and wide as the most prestigious hotel between Toledo and Elkhart, Indiana after its opening in 1895.

Zach Smith was made the manager of the Christman Hotel in 1895, coming from Decatur, Indiana. He acquired half interest in 1917 and married Helen Mohart Bradley of Fort Wayne, Indiana that same year. In 1922, they purchased the remaining half interest from Del Locke.

During its heydays, two presidents stayed at the Christman. President William McKinley and his family occupied 12 rooms in late July 1895. President Warren G. Harding also stayed at the Christman when he was a U.S. Senator. Zach Smith said in 1945 that practically every governor and senator from Ohio in his time had been his guest.

Before coming to Bryan in 1918, Mrs. Smith had been a World War I nurse. Her first husband Mr. Bradley was killed in World War I. The daughter of Imogene (Pursley) and Oren Mohart, she was born October 22, 1883 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There are no immediate survivors.

Mr. Smith died in 1953 and Mrs. Helen Smith continued in the business until her retirement. The hotel was razed in1979 and Mrs. Smith moved to Paulding after 61 years in the historic hotel.

Arthur’s high school diploma was delayed until 1900, following Army service during the Spanish-American War in Cuba. During a year in England, he sold display tables made by Yesbera Manufacturing Company of Toledo. After returning from Europe, he spent one year at Harvard, and then worked for Yesbera and later Cole Label Company as a salesman in the east and south.

On August 20, 1906, Arthur purchased the Gold Leaf Baking Powder Company of Defiance at a sheriff’s sale. He moved his newly acquired $450 investment to Bryan, where it became the Spangler Company.

Arthur was married to Helen Rodgers on June 20, 1916. Two children were born to their marriage: Betty Jean, 1917 and Theodore Rodgers, 1919.

Throughout his lifetime, Arthur read widely, was active in civic affairs and politics, and evidenced a quiet but deep patriotism. He served several terms on the Bryan City Council and the Bryan Library Board. For recreation, he enjoyed playing trombone with the Bryan City Band. He served one term as a director of the National Confectioners’ Association.

During World War II he headed the Williams County Draft Board. His memberships were in the Masonic Order, Bryan Service Club, Bryan Rotary Club, Orchard Hills Country Club (where he served a term as president) and the Clear Lake (Indiana) Yacht Club.

Arthur died of drowning in a boating accident at Snow Lake, Indiana on August 30, 1945. Three Bryan friends perished with him: Dr. C.C. Schwartzbek, Ross O. Stine and Harry Huffman.

Greg, the son of Charles and Martha Spangler, grew up in Maumee, Ohio, where his family lived while his dad managed Spangler Candy & Tobacco of Toledo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spangler Candy Company. Greg graduated from Maumee High School in 1958. He then attended the University of Michigan where he obtained an undergraduate and a graduate degree. Mimi graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Dayton and then attended Immaculate College in Washington, D.C., where she graduated in 1965.

Mimi and Greg moved to Bryan in 1969 when Greg joined Spangler Candy Company as assistant to the President, Harlan (Bun) Spangler. As the second generation of Spangler’s retired, Greg assumed additional responsibilities that culminated in becoming President, Chairman and C.E.O. He retired from active duty at the company in 2006, but remained a consultant and member of the board of directors. He was elected to the Candy Hall of Fame in Hershey, Pennsylvania in 1993.

Greg and Mimi were both very active in the community of their adopted hometown of Bryan. Mimi spent much of her time helping at St. Patrick School and St. Patrick Church. She also was a member of Bryan Civic League. Greg’s community activities included the Bryan Area Foundation, Rotary, Junior Achievement, Bryan Montessori and The Bryan Development Corporation.

They are the parents of Lora (Knight), Julie (Klug) and John Spangler. They have five grandchildren.

Charles was born in Bryan in 1911 to Ernest and Edith Spangler. Charles’ twin brother, Thomas, died at birth. Martha was born in Williamsport in 1912, the daughter of John Rupert Gregory and Daisy (Haughton) Gregory.

The newlyweds began their married lives together in Maumee, Ohio, so that Charles, along with a younger brother, Albert, could manage Spangler Candy & Tobacco of Toledo, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Spangler Candy Company in Bryan. They had two children, Charles Gregory Spangler and Barbara (Spangler) Fredericks and five grandchildren.

In 1960, they moved to Bryan so that Charles could join the parent company as Vice President of shipping. Martha became active in the Bryan community, including becoming one of the founding members and the first President of the Bryan Hospital Auxiliary. They were both active at St. Paul’s Trinity Episcopal Church.

Charles retired from the family business in 1976 and began enjoying golf at Orchard Hills Country Club. Martha died on September 11, 1989 and Charles, 13 years later, on February 6, 2002 at the age of 90. Both are buried at Fountain Grove Cemetery in Bryan.

After graduating from Bryan High School in 1956, Duane started Spangler Excavating and later founded Trufast Corporation in 1981. In December of 2005 Trufast Corporation was purchased by a 180-year-old family-owned business named Altenoh, Brinck & Company located in Ennepetal, Germany.

The Duane and Barbara Spangler Community Fund was established to honor people in the community who gave their time and guidance to the Spangler family. Duane and Barbara felt the best way to give something back to the community that treated them so well, was through a gift to the Bryan Area Foundation.

At age 21, he started working with his father, Albert, as a traveling salesman for a local manufacturer of display tables. From there he went to Darling Candy Company in Toledo. In 1904 he started a candy business with Don Barnard.

Four year later, the Spangler Candy Company in Bryan had grown to the point where it could support a second partner in a modest fashion. Ernest then sold his interest to his partner, joined Arthur Spangler in Bryan and invested $400 capital in the business. It was money he and Arthur had earned on a joint paper route in their boyhood.

Ernest was united in marriage to Edith Talbot Boyer on October 12, 1909, in Philadelphia. Five sons were born to their marriage: Charles Boyer, 1911; Thomas (died at birth); Norman Ernest, 1913; Albert Talbot, 1916; and Frank Talbot, 1924.

In 1929, Ernest and his family moved to Maumee, Ohio to operate the Spangler Candy and Tobacco Company of Toledo.

Ernest was a quarterback on one of Bryan High School’s earliest football teams. During his adult life, he was a leader in the Boy Scouts, and president of the Bryan School Board during the ‘20’s. In the late ‘40’s and early ‘50’s he was president of the Maumee School Board.

Edith, his first wife, died in 1948. In 1962, at age 79, he married Nancy Brown Young of Maumee. Ernest died in his Maumee home in 1975, age 91.

The ‘Second Generation’ led the company from the mid-1940’s until the late 1970’s. During their leadership, the company was transformed from its position as a small regional chocolate manufacturer to that of a national manufacturer of hard candy. The key events propelling that change were the acquisition of Dum Dums in 1953 and A-Z Candy Canes in 1954.

This group led the company and generated consistent growth, outstanding customer service and financial stability. They contributed their leadership talent to many local civic organizations, community groups and churches.

One-half of the annual proceeds of the Spangler Foundation supports scholarships administered by the Bryan Area Foundation. The remaining annual proceeds are contributed to the general fund of the Bryan Area Foundation to meet current community needs.

Members of the Spangler “Second Generation” are as follows:

• Helen Spangler Hurley and Lowell Hurley
• Charles Boyer Spangler and Martha Gregory Spangler
• Harlan Gillis Spangler and Ernestine Brocklebank Spangler
• Norman Ernest Spangler, Dorothy Burnett Spangler, Margaret Swartzbaugh Spangler
• Albert Talbot Spangler and Mary Overholt Spangler
• Betty Spangler Levenson and Neil T. Levenson
• Theodore Rogers Spangler and Doris Nixon Spangler
• Frank Talbot Spangler and Jeanne Stechshulte Spangler

Beginning in her high school years, she lived in Bryan and was a 1914 Bryan High School graduate. During her adult years, she spent summers at Clear Lake, Indiana, and winters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

On June 20, 1916, she married Arthur Garfield Spangler in Bryan. He died in a boating accident on Snow Lake, Indiana, with three Bryan friends, on August 30, 1945.

She married Carl J. Anderson on October 19, 1950, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and they lived in Bryan. Mr. Anderson died March 29, 1964.

In 1981, she was Grand Marshall of the Bryan Jubilee Parade honoring the Spangler Candy Company’s 75th anniversary. The firm was founded by her husband, Arthur Spangler. She was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan.

She had a daughter and son-in-law, Betty and Dr. Neil Levenson of Bryan; a son and daughter-in-law, Theodore R. and Doris Spangler of Bryan; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Herbert and Lura were united in marriage on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1936. Their three children… Jerrold, Duane and Lindell… live in the Bryan area.

In 1932 Herbert began teaching in a one-room schoolhouse located across from Lost Creek Cemetery in Farmer Township. After 11 years he moved to West Unity, where he taught for another three years.

In 1948, Herbert and Roy Spangler, father and son, put up a building at the intersection of U.S. Route 6 and combined State Road 2 and what was then 384. After the relocation of Route 6, the business was moved across the road.

The business became widely known as Spangler Implement Sales. After Herbert’s retirement, Jerrold ran the business until it was sold to Ford-New Holland in December, 1986. The Spangler’s are active members of Williams Center Calvary United Methodist Church. They have also been involved in community activities. Present and past memberships include the Grange and Masons. Herbert was one of the original organizers of North Western Electric Co-op and served for a time on the board of trustees.

Lura and Herbert hope their gift will work for the benefit of the community.

After 13 months active duty in the Spanish-American War, he returned home to marry his boyhood sweetheart, Faie Gillis. Two children were born to the marriage… Helen (Hurley) and Harlan.

After working as manager of the Williams County Telephone Company until 1914, he joined his brothers at the Spangler Candy Company. He took charge of book-keeping and accounting.

The candy factory was his livelihood, but the municipal light and water plant was his love. During his 22 years as chairman of the Board of Public Affairs, he tenderly planned each brick, nut, bolt and drop of water for the rapidly expanding facility. His reputation for integrity was known throughout the local business community and by electric power facilities of several states.

Omar wore his Masonic Shrine emblem with pride. As a devoted Presbyterian, he served as elder, treasurer and representative to presbytery and synod. In emergencies, he counseled ministers and gladly hand-pumped the organ.

“Sincerity of Purpose” would be a fitting epitaph for him.

Doris (Nickie) Nixon Spangler was born in Uledi, Pennsylvania, on August 21, 1923, to Dr. Holbert J. Nixon and Beatrice (Berner) Nixon. She graduated from Uniontown Pennsylvania High School in 1941 and Denison University in 1945. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority.

Ted and Nickie were united in marriage in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on April 28, 1950. Their three daughters are Blair Nixon (b 1953), Drew Rodgers (b 1955) and Kim Williamson (b 1957).

In 1940 Ted went to work for Spangler Candy Company, founded by his father. The next year he was drafted into the Army, served five years in an armored (tank Battalion) unit in the Pacific, and was discharged with the rank of captain. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.

He resumed his career at the factory, beginning in sales, was President from 1957 to 1968; Chief Executive Officer from 1976 to 1979, and then Chairman of the board until his retirement in 1984.

His business and community activities were many: member, Young Presidents’ Organization, 1961-69; board member, World Business Council, 1977-83; board member, National Confectioners Association, 1967-80; dean, National Candy Wholesalers Association, 1975. Founding member, Bryan Area Foundation, and president 1975-81; board member, Bryan Junior Achievement for 16 years; board member, Cameron Memorial Hospitals, Bryan and Angola, Indiana, 1964-71; president, Bryan Chamber of Commerce, 1950; member, Bryan Board of Education, 1961.

Also, Bryan Rotary Club, since 1946; 22 year member, Bryan Zoning and Planning Commission; elder, First Presbyterian Church; Shawnee Council Boy Scouts executive committee, 1964-72; twice a member of Bryan United Fund board; since 1972 a regional chairman, Ohio Republican Finance Committee. Ted and Nickie were life members of the Williams County Historical Society and the Ohio Historical Society.

Both Ann and Art are from longtime Williams County families. They met in Bryan High School Chemistry class. Following graduation, Art attended The Ohio State University, but after Pearl Harbor enlisted in the Army Air Corps becoming a fighter pilot. Ann attended Miami University graduating with a degree in Science and Business; she worked for Procter and Gamble, doing Market Research in every major city east of the Mississippi.

In 1947, they were married at the Bryan First Presbyterian Church and subsequently returned to Columbus where Art graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Aviation Business. After weighing several offers, they decided to return to their beloved Bryan, building a home on Belmont Ave.

Art joined his father in the construction business, Spletzer and Son, which Art operated until his retirement in 1995. They built numerous residences in the county and commercial endeavors included Spangler Candy Company buildings, additions to Cameron Memorial Hospital and hotels in Holiday City.

Ann and Art devoted time to the Bryan Community. They were active members of the First Presbyterian Church working on a Community Dinner Committee.  Art taught adult and children’s Sunday School classes, was an outreach minister for small rural churches, served on the building committee for the new church, and was a deacon and elder for many years.

Ann was involved in Claire Newcomer Club, where she was instrumental in bringing ballet classes to Bryan from Toledo Ballet, elementary school tutoring, Election Board officiating, Delta Gamma Sorority and Miami University alumni association.

Art was elected to Bryan School Board for 20 years, to the Bryan City Council from 1974-81 and involved in the founding of the Bryan Area Foundation, serving on the Board until 2016. He was fundraising chairman for the YMCA and on the architectural committee for the Bryan Senior Center. In 1987 he was honored with the Bryan Good Citizen Award due to his unwavering contributions to the community.

One of Art’s proudest accomplishments was his involvement in the founding of Four County Technical School and Northwest Technical College (now Northwest State Community College). Appointed by Gov. J. Rhodes, he spent many years working on the organization of these schools, served on the Four County School Board and was a member of the founding Board of Trustees for Northwest Technical College.

Both Ann and Art were avid members of Orchard Hills Country Club; he serving as president several times. Both lamented its closing, hoping it would become a public community course.

Ann and Art raised three daughters in Bryan, Nancy, Janet, and Barbara. Although the daughters no longer live in Bryan, because of their wonderful childhood memories, they wish Bryan to continue to prosper through this community fund.

In 1919 Arthur formed the construction company that continues today under the Spletzer name. Examples of his work abound in the area, and are too numerous to list.

In civic affairs, Arthur served on the charter commission that guided Bryan from a village to a city in 1940. He and Clara were both active members of the First Lutheran Church, the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary.

Arthur and Clara lived in Bryan, reared their two sons and helped build Bryan. Their lives were totally integrated into the community. There was never another place where they would have preferred to live.

George taught and coached in Bryan from 1957 to 1974. He earned his master’s degree in education and finance in 1967 from Toledo University. George served as principal at the Bryan Junior High School from 1969 to 1974. In 1969, George became involved in the insurance and finance industry on a part time basis, going to full time in 1974.

George and Carol have always been active in Bryan. George was president of Rotary in 1984 and president of the Chamber of Commerce in 1985. He has been a member of the Bryan Area Foundation since 1978. George is active at Wesley Methodist Church and Carol is active at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Bryan is a great community. George and Carol hope to make it just a little better for the next generation.

Al and Kay moved to Bryan in 1952 so that Al could fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a shareholder and officer in a corporation. With an engineering background and several patents to his credit, Al went to work at Aro Corporation as President J.C. Markey’s assistant. During his career of over 25 years he rose to the position of Executive Vice President of Manufacturing.

Daughters Nancy and Julie and son, John were all born in Sycamore between 1941-1946. Twin boys, Michael and Marc were born in 1956 in Bryan. Their home was always bustling with activity of all kinds: business and social entertaining, and school events for the children. Kay was a marvelous cook, revered hostess and maintained beautiful flower gardens.

Al and Kay were members of the First Presbyterian Church where Kay taught Sunday school for many years. They loved golf and both served Orchard Hills Country Club in various leadership positions. They built a new home on the golf course in later years so that they could be even closer to their favorite game. Both also loved the game of bridge along with music and travel. Many of their dinner parties ended with friends gathered around the piano singing favorite songs.

While retirement and the Florida sunshine drew them away in 1979, they always thought of Bryan as home and Kay returned for many summers after Al’s death in 1984 to enjoy the closeness of her family. Upon Kay’s death in 2003, the Stockwell’s children established a community fund in their memory and are very grateful to the many friends and community members who honored Kay and Al with contributions.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Amish country in Holmes County, Ohio, Stan excelled in athletics at West Holmes High School, setting scoring records in basketball and earning All-State honors in baseball. He played baseball at Miami his freshman year but gave it up to concentrate on studying to become a dentist. He became a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity.

Connie was born in Indianapolis, the daughter of the Republican majority leader of the Indiana Senate. A graduate of North Central High School in Indianapolis, she graduated from Miami where she served as president of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority.

After their marriage, Connie taught eighth grade English while Stan attended the Ohio State University School of Dentistry. Then they moved to Virginia Beach where Stan was a dentist in the Navy for two years. In 1975, their son Mark was born in Virginia.

An opportunity to practice dentistry at the Bryan Dental Group opened, and the Tipton’s moved to Bryan in January 1977. Their daughter Emily was born in 1978 and son Alex in 1986. Raising a family while serving the Lord became the focus for the Tipton’s. They enjoyed watching their children play soccer, baseball, football, and basketball as well as tennis, softball, gymnastics, and cheerleading.

The Tipton’s became active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Bryan where Stan and Connie taught Sunday school and served as elders. Connie also directed Vacation Bible School and organized retreats. Stan served as a deacon and played saxophone in the praise band. Together they were board members of the Tri-State Yokefellow House, a Christian retreat center near Evansport, and participated on numerous Great Banquet spiritual weekends.

In the community, Connie served as the executive director of the American Cancer Society and later coordinated public relations at the hospital. She served on a task force that developed the Academic Booster Club and then became the ABC’s first president. Later she introduced the idea of constructing a community-built playground in Bryan and subsequently served on the core committee to plan, raise funds, and build Imagination Station. She is a member of the Bryan Area Foundation where she was a trustee and chair of the public relations committee.

Stan’s love of athletics has continued throughout his life. One of the highlights was participating in the Cincinnati Reds Dream Week in Florida. Stan often coached his sons in baseball and basketball and led them to team championships at several levels. He continues to play and coach for the church softball and basketball teams.

Paul attended a one-room school until the age of nine, at which time the family moved to North Manchester, Indiana. He graduated from Chester Township High School in 1946 and served in the United States Army for one and a half years before entering college.

At college, Paul worked for the State of Wisconsin before taking a job in Bryan with the Aro Corporation in 1952. While still working at Aro, he started Allied Moulded Products, Inc. in his garage in 1958. Today, Allied Moulded has grown to a successful company with three plants and more than 300 employees.

Paul married Betty Lou Fluttrow in 1953. They have two children, a daughter Sherrie and a son Mark. Sherrie is a school teacher in the Stryker school system and lives with her family in the Bryan area. Mark owns and operated Paragon Custom Plastics in Bryan. He lives with his family near Butler, Indiana.

Paul is on the advisory board of Community Hospitals of Williams County, Inc., and has served on the advisory board of F&M Bank.

Paul would like the fund to honor Mr. Loren Rosenberry, his beloved business partner for so many years, for his help and encouragement through many difficult times.

Jim was born in Milton, New Hampshire May 29, 1916. He had a commendable career in the utility business, having served as President, CEO and Director of the Ohio Gas Company for over 30 years. He was associated with the natural gas industry for 63 years.

At the time of her retirement Myrna served as corporate Secretary of the Ohio Gas Company.

Jim died January 21, 2005.

A fund was established by Gregory F. Van Gundy and Martin L. Van Gundy, sons of Paul and Edna (Sanders) Van Gundy on behalf of the Van Gundy family in 1985.

Paul Van Gundy, was born in Van Wert County in 1909. He attended schools in Brady Township, West Unity and Bryan, graduating from Bryan High School in 1926. The autumn of 1926, he was employed at the Bryan Press and continued with this printing business as employee, partner and owner until retiring from business in 1972.

In 1933 he was married to Edna Marie Sanders, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin D. Sanders of Edgerton. She was a graduate of Edgerton Schools and Anthony Wayne College and was a legal secretary in the county prosecuting attorney’s office and in the court of common pleas of Williams County until becoming associated with management of the Century Press.

He filled a number of public positions, having been elected mayor of Bryan three times, serving as councilman three times, and director of the Northwestern Ohio Council of governments for Law Enforcement in the civil disorders of the late sixties and early seventies. After retiring in 1972 his book “Stories of the Fountain City” was published by the Bryan Area Foundation in 1975 as a prelude to the local Bicentennial Year celebration.

Three sons were born to this family. Edwin died in Bryan in 1940. Gregory, born in Columbus, Ohio in 1945 and graduated from Bryan High School, Ohio State University and Ohio State University College of Law. Martin, born in Columbus, Ohio in 1950 and graduated from Bryan High School, Purdue University, and the Puerto Rico School of Anesthesia in 1977, afterward moving to the southwestern part of the United States.

Steve and Kelly were college sweethearts, graduating from Baldwin-Wallace College in 1991, and were married in 1993. They lived and worked in Cincinnati, OH and Pittsburgh, PA before moving to Bryan in June of 1998. The lure of small-town living, starting a family and a career opportunity for Steve at Bryan-based Potter Inc. triggered their move back to Steve’s hometown.

Steve and Kelly have been blessed with three daughters, Grace, Megan and Ella, all born and raised in Bryan. They feel privileged to have spent many years watching their girls participate in youth and high school sports, including soccer, basketball, softball, track & field and swimming. Bryan provided a safe, friendly and supportive environment for their kids to grow up in.

Steve has served on various boards, including the Bryan Rotary Club, the Bryan Chamber of Commerce, the Bryan Girls Softball Association, and the Bryan Athletic Boosters. He has also been a member of the Bryan Area Foundation since 2015.

Kelly credits her greatest blessing as being a stay at home mother when her children were young. She feels fortunate to have had that opportunity and treasures those memories. She has also served on various boards and organizations, including the Williams County Family YMCA, the Claire Newcomer Club, Bryan Civic League, the Bryan Academic Booster Club, and the Bryan Parks & Recreation Dept. Kelly works part time at the Bryan Area Foundation and admires the positive impact the organization has on the community.

Steve and Kelly agree that Bryan has been the perfect place to raise their family. They have tremendous gratitude to so many people within the community for the positive influence they have had on their children, enabling them to thrive and pursue their dreams. Their appreciation for the Williams County Public Library, the Bryan City Schools, the Bryan Recreation Park, Moore Pool, and the YMCA makes them want to give back. The Bryan Area Foundation and the establishment of the Steve & Kelly Voigt Family Community Fund will allow them to do just that, benefitting future generations to come.

Tom graduated from BHS in 1960 where he was captain of the baseball team and active in school newspaper and school plays. He graduated from Miami University in 1965 where he was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon social fraternity.

Wendy graduated from BHS in 1962 where she was president of the student council, Top Ten Percent, a cheerleader all four years, band and city band member and Homecoming Queen. She graduated from Denison University where she was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi social sorority.

Tom and Wendy married in 1965 and made their home in Bryan. They had three children, Shelly, Steve and Scott, all who graduated from BHS and small Ohio colleges.

Tom served six years with the U.S. Army Reserves. He worked for The Bryan Times for more than 40 years where he was Vice President and general manager. Wendy was a high school teacher in the late 60’s. She has been an investigator for the Williams County Courts for more than 30 years.

The Vogt’s have been active in many community organizations. Tom has served on the Bryan Area Foundation since 1974; Bryan Rotary Club (past president and Paul Harris Fellow); Bryan Chamber of Commerce (past president); United Way of Williams County (director and chairman); Bryan Jaycees (charter member and past president); Bryan Retail Merchants Association (past president); Bryan Development Corporation (chairman); Bryan Economic Growth Council (chairman); Bryan Parks and Recreation Board (past president); Bryan Girls’ Softball Association (founder and past president); Four County All-Star Classic for Special Olympics (founder and chairman); the Imagination Station Core Committee and the Baseball ’93 Project (chairman), as well as past president of the Ohio Newspaper Advertising Executive Association. Tom was chosen to be part of a Rotary Exchange Team and spent six weeks in Pakistan in 1977. Tom has served on the board of directors of First Federal Bank of the Midwest since 1995. He was chosen “Good Citizen of the Year” in 1993 by the Bryan Area Foundation.

Tom and Wendy served United Way of Williams County as campaign chairs in 2009. Over the years Wendy has been active on the Bryan Community Pre-School Board, the Bryan Swim Team Board, Williams County Panhellenic Board, Wesley Latchkey Program, Bryan Area Reading Coalition, Les Bas Bleus, Five County Center for Child and Family Advocacy, Hospital Older-Adult Task Force and Orchard Hill Country Club. She has served on various leadership boards at Wesley United Methodist Church. Wendy is also a member of the Academy of Family Mediators and the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts. She enjoys reading and playing in a dulcimer band.

Tom has also been active with youth sports in Bryan. He coached boys and girls baseball and softball for 17 years. He plays golf and is an avid runner having run three marathons including the 1984 Boston Marathon. They spend summers at their Clear Lake cottage and the winter in Florida.

Wanda E. Patten was born near Bryan, Ohio in 1913. She graduated from Bryan High School in 1931. Wanda and Henry were united in marriage in 1938 in Bryan, and to this marriage was born one son, Ronald H. Walters. They enjoyed traveling and spending time at their summer cottage at Clear Lake, Indiana.

They were members and past officers of Pulaski Grange and Williams County Pomona Grange. They were members of Wesley United Methodist Church of Bryan. Henry served several terms as a trustee of the church, and Wanda sang in the Church Choir for 15 years. Henry belongs to several Bryan Masonic Bodies, is a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Zenobia Shrine of Toledo. He is also a charter member of the Bryan Kiwanis Club, and is a past president and lt. governor of the club, and a member of Bryan Moose Lodge.

In 1933, Henry began his insurance career by starting his own agency, which is now known as the Walters and Peck Agency of Bryan. In addition to managing the insurance agency for forty-five years, from which he retired in 1978, he was elected a Director of Grange Mutual Casualty Company in 1961, in which capacity he served until retiring in 1985.

Forest was one of the original founders of the Bryan Community Chest and later the United Fund. For 30 years through 1976 he served as treasurer. Previously, he had been active in the American Red Cross.

He was a founder and charter member of the Bryan Area Foundation. During the Foundation’s first four years he was its secretary-treasurer. For his contributions to the organization’s early progress, he was given the Bryan Area Foundation’s “Good Citizen Award” in 1981.

He appeared to place no limits on his dedication to public service. From 1946-53 he was a two-term member of the Board of Education. During his tenure, Lincoln Elementary School was renovated, the Washington school was built and plans for a new high school began.

Forest was, for a time, sales chairman for U.S. Saving Bonds. He was a member of the former Bryan Businessmen’s Association and later took an active role in the Chamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of the Bryan Rotary Club, president in 1960-61 and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. Other activities kept him busy in the Boy Scouts and Junior Achievement.

In private life he was a member of the First Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and was Sunday school superintendent for many years.

This fund is established to honor the memory of our fathers, Elvin M. Witzerman and Thomas W. Billheimer. 

When the Bryan Theater opened in 1940, he operated both houses. For a few years, he gave up theater management to work for Gorny-Winzeler of Bryan. In 1955 he returned to managing the local theater, and remained there until his retirement in 1980.

Al was best known to many in Bryan as “Mr. Chamber of Commerce.” He served the community as executive secretary of the Chamber and the Bryan Retail Merchants Association from 1954 to 1980. Each year he was in charge of Bryan’s Jubilee, and helped directly in setting up Bryan’s downtown Christmas display. During his tenure, membership in the Chamber of Commerce grew to 200.

Al was secretary of Orchard Hills Country Club from 1954 to 1957, secretary of the Bryan United Fund for 13 years, assistant secretary of Bryan Properties and was active in the industrial division of the Chamber of Commerce.

He was affiliated with the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio, an early member of the Bryan Area Foundation, charter member of the Bryan Lions Club, a 27-year member of the local Masonic Lodge and a member of the Moose. In 1960 he served as a deacon in the Presbyterian Church.

Shortly after Al’s retirement, friends honored him with a memorial fund in his name.

Dorothy never married and in the later years of her life, dedicated her time to taking care of her older sister, Otha Bard. Dorothy was a devoted and very active member of the First Presbyterian Church and had the honor of being the first woman Elder.

Ms. Young was very knowledgeable and a student of current events. She was a woman who had concerns and interest in the growth of the community. A memorial has been established in her honor.

Frank was a skilled craftsman. His shop in his garage was well equipped with well-kept tools. Many homes in the Bryan area are graced by a piece of furniture he made or rebuilt.

His home held many kinds of clocks, all of which required winding. He said it took one-half hour a day to wind them. Many of the clocks he had were restored to timekeeping by him in his shop. He was one of the men who helped organize Suburban Golf. Frank Youse passed on in 1998.

Jim was born in Bryan, Ohio to Randolph and Naomi (Moore) Bard. Joan was born in Tampa, Florida to Vincent and Eva Fette. They have two children: Michelle (Russell) Geary of Granite Bay, California and Pamela (William) Steel of Bryan, Ohio. They have five grandchildren. Jim and Joan are members of Wesley United Methodist Church.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Indiana Tech in 1960. Joan helped put him through college while working at the Magnavox Corporation. Upon graduation from Indiana Tech, Jim joined the family business, a third generation manufacturer of heating and air conditioning products. Bard Manufacturing Company has grown to be the largest U.S. manufacturer of wall-mounted HVAC products.

In 2001, Jim and his brother Richard were recognized for their company’s achievements and received the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Jim retired in 2003, but remains on the Board of Directors. The company is presently managed by the fourth generation of family members. In 2004, the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute presented Jim with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his career dedication to the industry, crediting him with strengthening the HVAC industry through his dedication of time and resources. Jim has been involved in many ARI leadership positions. He served as a director-at-large on ARI’s Board of Directors from 1977 to 2003. He was elected as a vice-president on ARI’s Board in 1987, chaired the Unitary Small Equipment Product Section in 1988 and chaired the Certification Programs and Policy Committee.

In 2006, Jim received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Indiana Tech and established the James R. Bard Scholarship to support Tech students with financial need.

In the community, Jim was involved as President of Rotary, a Paul Harris Fellow, a member of both the United Way and Junior Achievement Boards, and as trustee and President of the Bryan Area Foundation.

Before the grandchildren were born, 4 in one year, triplets plus 1, Joan was involved in the community as a leader in Brownies, Girl Scouts, President of Civic League, President of the Hospital Auxiliary and President of Newlyn Quest Federated Club.

Naomi (Moore) Bard was born in West Unity, Ohio, October 14, 1912 to Clarence and Myrtle (Gaskill) Moore. She graduated from Bryan High School in 1930 and attended Toledo Business School to practice as a court stenographer.

Randolph and Naomi were united in marriage in Bryan, Ohio on June 16, 1932. They raised three children, Richard, Jim, and Kathryn Martinez. Naomi was involved mostly with raising her family and seeing that the children received an advanced education.

One of Randolph’s main objectives was to see that the company his father founded successfully continued into the future for the next family generation. After 54 years, having held many positions within the company from Purchasing Agent and Sales Manager to President and finally Chairman of the Board, Randolph retired in 1981. In 2002, he was awarded the highest distinguished manufacturing award ever given by the Modular Building Institute, recognizing his leadership as a manufacturer of quality and innovative air conditioning and heating products to the modular building industry.

Randolph was a charter member of the Bryan Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow) and Bryan Area Foundation. He was also past president of the Bryan Board of Public Affairs (1942-43)

Randolph and Naomi both passed away in 2003.

The Bard family has established a fund in the Bryan Area Foundation in their honor to be used for the betterment and future of the Bryan community.

Throughout their college years at The Ohio State University, they lived next door to one another in the Delta Tau Delta and Kappa Kappa Gamma fraternity houses. Julie earned her B.A. degree in international studies in 1965 and worked for the Defense Department in Columbus while George earned his B.S. and D.D.S. degrees in 1967 and 1969. George Grant Brown II and Julie Ann Stockwell were married in Bryan, Ohio on June 19, 1966. They spent two years in the U.S. Army stationed at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina, in a clinic preparing soldiers for duty in Vietnam. Their first child Laurie was born there in 1970.

George and Julie always knew their hearts were in Bryan and returned in 1971. Their son Scott was born in 1972. George joined the Bryan Dental Group and quickly became involved in the community. He was a founding officer of Bryan Jaycees and served as president of Bryan Community Pre-School. As a Chamber of Commerce director, he helped establish Bryan Development Corporation, becoming its first chairman in 1976. In 1974 he began a weekly commute to OSU for a two-year orthodontia residency. During this time, he coordinated the drafting of a renovation plan for Bryan by the OSU School of Architecture. Bryan Development Corporation continues to implement those guidelines.

Dr. Brown joined the Defiance orthodontic practice of Dr. Jerold Behringer and built a second office in Bryan. George served on the school board for eight years while Julie helped lead Literary Forum, Williams County Panhellenic, and Bryan Civic League. Both Julie and George are members of Wesley United Methodist Church where they have taught Sunday school and serve on leadership boards. They especially enjoyed activities shared with their children including leadership in Bryan Baseball, Bryan Swim Team, Bryan Music Boosters, coaching Little League and basketball. Julie served on the first YWCA board beginning in 1984 and was president for two terms. She has chaired the Toledo Symphony performances in Bryan for many years.

When their children left for OSU, George returned to his interest in the Chamber of Commerce serving as Christmas decorating chairman and president. He remains an active member and past president of Bryan Rotary. Service to his national orthodontic associations has taken George and Julie too many parts of the U.S. and Canada. They both serve the OSU Alumni Association in Columbus and Bryan on various boards.

Dr. Brown’s practice, Behringer, Brown, Herman and Eckhardt, has offices in Bryan, Defiance and Wauseon. Julie serves the Bryan Area Foundation as chairman of the grant making committee, a position made more special because her late father-in-law, G. Grant, also held it. In their home in Norlick Place, they have hosted hospital and Republican fundraisers, school levy meetings, rotary exchange visitors, and a special Swedish student. Visits from Laurie, Scott, his wife Emily and their son Brandon are always a highlight. George and Julie were taught that to whom much is given, much is expected. They plan to continue living up to that family tradition knowing that their fund will enhance the quality of community life after they are gone.

The income from this Fund is used to support Bryan youth sports activities. It was anticipated that in the future years, the United Way of Williams County would significantly reduce its support for these sports programs and one of the purposes of this Fund is to make up some of the anticipated reduced support.

The Advisory Board meets at least annually for the purpose of providing the Trustees of the Bryan Area Foundation with a recommendation for disbursements from the Fund.

In 1918, Charles Clifford Gotshall was born in Bryan, Ohio, to Hazel (Garber) and William Gotshall. A 1937 Bryan High School graduate, Cliff served in the Army during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, Cliff returned to Bryan and was a co-owner of Calvin and Gotshall Plumbing and Heating. He was a 65-year member of the American Legion and a 52-year member of the Bryan Moose. In 1961, he was elected to Ward I of the Bryan City Council. An avid angler and gardener, Cliff generously shared his catches and crops with others. Cliff passed away in 2013.

Mary Yvette Calvin, the daughter of Marion Mae (Flightner) and Gayle Calvin, was born in Bryan in 1923 and graduated from Bryan High School in 1941. Yvette and Cliff married in 1943 and were the proud parents of one child, Chris, born in 1945. Outside the home, Yvette was a member of the Bryan Lioness Club, volunteer at the Church Women United Thrift Shop, and treasurer of the Church Women United from its founding in 1971 until 2009. Yvette died in 2009.

Chris was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was a competitive varsity football, basketball, and baseball athlete, before graduating from Bryan High School in 1963. He continued his education at Adrian College, where he was a pitcher on their baseball team while active in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1967, Chris attended Ohio State University Law School for a few semesters before accepting a job with the Edon Northwest School System. Chris taught middle school math and coached high school football and baseball before earning his Master of Education from The University of Toledo in 1973, allowing him to become the Edon Northwest High School principal and athletic director. He changed job responsibilities again in 1983 while earning certification to become the Edon Northwest High School counselor, from which position he retired in 1997. Chris enjoyed playing racquetball and golf, solving puzzles, and organizing poker games. Chris unexpectedly passed away in 2022.

JoNell Walker was born in 1945 in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to Mildred (Hinderliter) and Royal Walker. The family moved to Bryan, where JoNell graduated from Bryan High School in 1963. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Adrian College in 1967, she accepted a job as a high school English teacher with the Bryan City Schools. She and Chris married at the First Church of Christ, Bryan. Retiring in 1995, she stayed active by participating in local clubs, and church groups, as well as traveling with Chris.

Cliff, Yvette, Chris, and JoNell were all long-time First Church of Christ members. For many years, Cliff and Chris served as deacons, while Yvette and JoNell were deaconesses.  Yvette also served as the church financial secretary from 1973-2007.

For generations to come, the Gotshall Family Donor Advised Fund will benefit Bryan, Ohio, the family’s beloved hometown.

Charlie was very proud to be a member of the community and lived in Bryan his entire life time. He graduated from Bryan High School in 1933 where he participated in sports and excelled in football. He was married to the former Ruth Leona Hallberg in 1935 by her father, the late Rev. Carl Hallberg. Ruth and Charles raised four children, Charlene DeCamp, Charles A. Isaac, William M. Isaac and Mary Lee Snyder.

Charlie believed in strong family relationships and was associated with the family business approximately 55 years. He was one of the principal owners of The Isaac Corporation and affiliated companies, serving as vice president and member of the board of directors for 46 years.

Charlie also made a contribution to the community by being active in several organizations. He was a 50-year member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, a member of F. & A.M. #215; York Rite: 32nd Degree Mason Scottish Rite; Zenobia Shrine of Toledo; Northwest Ohio Shrine; High Twelve Club; and several service clubs.

Charlie was the Governor of the Bryan Moose Lodge #1064 for nine years and held all the degrees of the Moose Lodge. He was a member of the Maumee Valley Legion of the Moose, received the Fellowship Degree in 1961 and, the Pilgrim Degree in 1963. During his term as governor, the new Moose building was built.

He served his country by joining the Navy during World War II.

Marion Isaac was born August 10, 1919, the eighth child of George and Mary Isaac, immigrants from Bloudan, Syria. Marion was the youngest of six girls and the second youngest of the nine siblings. For most of her 103 years, Marion dedicated her life serving her family, the family business, and helping others. Marion graduated from Bryan High School in 1937 as president of her senior class. She was on the honor roll and participated in “Hi Life,” various girls’ clubs, and sports teams including golf. One week after high school graduation, Marion started working as a bookkeeper at Stine Lumber Company for Ross Stine. In 1946, Marion joined the Isaac family businesses working with her older sister Rosa and her three brothers Mose, Charles, and George Jr. She managed all accounting functions in the diverse family enterprises. For the next 76 years, you could find Marion at the company office, working in the accounting area. Marion’s business career lasted 85 years.

In addition to her business career, Marion’s personal life was dedicated as a caretaker to her five older sisters and her brothers as they aged. She was also a wonderful aunt to eight third-generation nieces and nephews. Marion participated in watching their various activities through the years, helping to organize the weekly Isaac family Sunday dinners, summer backyard BBQs for family and friends, and holiday gatherings over many decades. Marion was a lifelong member of The Wesley United Methodist Church for over 80 years where she served on various church committees. On her 102nd birthday, Marion renewed her Ohio driver’s license, passing the visual test with no glasses just in case “she needed to drive somewhere sometime”. Marion was quietly philanthropic over many years helping many people that did not know where the financial gifts came from. While unable to attend college, Marion valued education and funded scholarships at Northwest State Community College and Defiance College primarily for first-generation students. The only request is that they “pay it forward” when they were able to in the future to another in need of educational funding. In 2021, she made a contribution to the new Bryan Interactive Fountain in the Bryan Recreation Park that allowed it to be significantly expanded from the original plans.

Richard’s love of flying influenced every action of his life. He built his first airplane while still in school and, throughout his life, designed and built four power planes and 22 different sailplanes. He placed first in three U.S. National Soaring Contests and third in the International Soaring Competition in Argentina. He was the only serious competitor who designed, built, and flew his own ships. Richard was a life member of the Soaring Society of America and served for many years on its board of directors.

Richard Tabb and Douglas Lee were sons from his first marriage to Doris Clayton. In 1957, he married Angelike Pazos who was then office manager of the Airmate Company, a business that manufactured drafting instruments that he started after leaving the Navy. They had two daughters, Carol Ann and Karen Gail.

In 1966, the Schreders moved their home and business from Toledo to Bryan and were instrumental in establishing the Williams County Airport. Dick and Angie worked together in the Airmate Company, Bryan Air Service (a company which provided aircraft, instruction and flying services at the airport) and Schreder Enterprises (a company which housed the sailplane design and building.)

Angelike Schreder served for 12 years on the Bryan Board of Education. Her term included the period of time when the Bryan Middle School was built. She also served on the board which was responsible for the construction of the Williams County YWCA and subsequently served a term on the board of trustees. She was honored by being presented the Athena Award in 1998.

Angelike is an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir and serving on the Session. She is also on the steering committee for the Bryan Great Banquet and has served on several teams.

While in Arizona she met Mark Anderson. At the time, each was engaged to someone else. They were married in 1945.

Marquard J. Anderson was born April 15, 1920 the son of Anna (Carlson) and Carl John Anderson in Clariton, Pennsylvania. Mark was a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and served in Europe as a captain in the Army Air Corps during World War II.

Mark joined the Aro Equipment Corporation in 1945 as assistant sales manager and held various positions with the Company founded by his father-in-law, J.C. Markey. When Mr. Markey became chairman of the board in 1956, the board of directors elected Mark president of the corporation. He became chairman of the board in 1968 and retired in 1983. Noted for his knowledge in the industrial world, Mr. Anderson served as director of several corporations.

A believer in the free enterprise system, Mark was among those instrumental in bringing the first Junior Achievement program to Bryan High School in the early 1960’s. He was a member of the board of director of JA, served on the board of the Bryan Area United Way and was a member of the Bryan Area Foundation. Mark was a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary and a 32nd Degree Mason.

Following in the footsteps of her mother, Catherine was very active in the Bryan Public Library and served on the board of directors. She was a trustee of Defiance College. When her children were younger, Catherine was active in scouting.

Mark and Catherine were very supportive of education and lent their knowledge and concerns to several college boards. Mark served on the board of Northwest Technical College before it became a community college. Although private about their philanthropic deeds, the Anderson’s often helped students to further their careers through college.

“They insisted on excellence but were not flashy or dazzling.”

Mark and Catherine were honored by the Bryan Area Foundation as “Good Citizens of the Year” in 1997.

They had two sons, Carl and John and a daughter Ruth (Anderson) Johnson who passed away in 1995. Catherine died January 25, 1995 at the age of 74. Mark died October 18, 1996 at the age of 76.

Richard C. Anderson was a native of Toledo Ohio. Rick started his working career in the plumbing and heating industry, but found his real joy in finding a good deal. For years, Rick bought, sold, and traded a variety of things, including real estate, vehicles, and other interesting personal property. He became familiar with the Bryan area when he traveled here to buy vehicles and bid on real estate offered at public auction. Over the years, he bought and sold numerous properties in Williams County, including some of the most valuable residential real estate in the county. Rick purchased his first home in Williams County in 2000 and resided in the area for nearly two decades.

Underneath his rather tough exterior was a man of great generosity and compassion. Rick quietly supported numerous charitable causes. He bought a raffle ticket from nearly every charitable organization, and when he attended the events, he was an extremely unselfish bidder. Those close to Rick can recount numerous occasions when he helped an individual who was in need. He always insisted upon remaining anonymous. His generosity was on full display when he made one of the largest gifts of all time to the Bryan Area Foundation. His compassion was exemplified when he refused to go on the kidney transplant list late in life stating, “some other young mother or father is more deserving and needed than I am.” Rick will always be remembered for his willingness to take a risk when looking for a good deal. His legacy will be carried on through his gift to the Bryan Area Foundation.

Mr. Arnos was a contractor and built many homes in this area and Mrs. Arnos was a homemaker. Mr. and Mrs. Arnos were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan.

Mrs. Arnos wanted the funds to be used “for any needed community projects.”

Mr. Arnos was a contractor and built many homes in this area and Mrs. Arnos was a homemaker. Mr. and Mrs. Arnos were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan.

Mrs. Arnos wanted the funds to be used “for any needed community projects.”

Edward (born 1920) and Elma Breckenridge (born 1921) were natives of Kansas with roots going back to pre-Civil War “Bleeding Kansas.” They were each reared in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, which became EUB in 1946 and United Methodist in 1968. Both were grammar school students in one-room country schools in Kansas.

Elma Breckenridge attended Kansas State University in Pittsburg, Kansas and taught in one-room schools prior to her marriage to Edward D. Auchard, July 23, 1944.

Edward was educated in Kansas State University and York College in Nebraska where he graduated summa cum laude in 1941. He attended Eden Theological Seminary, (St. Louis), Bonebrake – now United Theological Seminary in Dayton (now Trotwood, Ohio) for the Bachelor of Theology degree in 1948 (now Master of Ministry). He received his Master of Theology degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1952. He served United Brethren Churches as a student pastor while in college and seminary and Riverdale United Brethren Church in California, 1941-1944.

In 1949 Edward and Elma transferred to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and he became pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, 1949-1953. He served as associate pastor of historic First Presbyterian Church in Pontiac, Michigan, 1953-1957. He was pastor of the Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian, in suburban Detroit, 1957-1975. Edward represented the Detroit Presbytery in General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1959 and 1967. He was moderator of the Detroit Presbytery in 1967, the year of the riots. He became pastor in Bryan in 1975.

The Auchards are the parents of one daughter, Wilma Joanne, now Mrs. William Mark Senefsky. Today (2007) they have three adult grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. They all reside in Southern California.

The Auchards have visited the Holy Land in 1962, 1979 and 1981. In 1962 they also visited Rome, Greece, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Israel. Edward had a pulpit exchange with Gwnfai Jones of St. Rollox Church of Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland in the summer of 1982. They have traveled in Europe, Mexico and Canada.

Since retirement the Auchards have visited Turkey, tracing the journeys of the Apostle Paul in Asia Minor. They have visited areas of Presbyterian missions in Thailand, Korea and Japan. They have visited the Church of Christ in China. They have served with Wycliffe Bible Translators’ Pastors Beyond program, ministering to missionaries in Kenya, Colombia, Brazil, Suriname and Mexico. He has preached in over 20 churches of eight denominations in northwest Ohio and southern Michigan.

Yasuko Yamamoto (now Mrs. Kenzo Kitajima) and her brother, Hisashi, were exchange students with the Auchards in 1961-1962 and 1967-1968. They have maintained lifelong relationships with the Yamamoto and Kitajima families.

Edward wrote a weekly column for The Bryan Times for many years.

Funds for the Edward and Elma Auchard Fund contribute to projects of the Bryan Area Foundation, to the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, to the Worldwide Ministry of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Audubon Society, both the National Audubon Society and the Black Swamp Chapter of the Audubon Society.

Greg graduated from Bryan High School in 1973. He then attended the University Of Colorado School Of Business. While there, he worked as a member of the Lake Eldora National Ski Patrol. Following his graduation in 1978, he went to work for John’s Automatic Vending in Adrian, Michigan.

On November 25, 1978, he married Rita Willefski at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Bryan. After leaving his position with John’s Vending, he attended the University of Toledo for one year followed by the University of New Mexico where he earned his juris doctorate. Greg went into private practice as an attorney in Raton, New Mexico. He and Rita returned to Bryan in 1988.

Upon his arrival in Bryan, Greg became an employee of Fisher Automatic Service, Inc. He was serving as president and chairman of the board at Fisher at the time of his death. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bryan where he served as a deacon, an elder, and treasurer of the church. He was the treasurer of the Bryan Rotary Club and chairman of the Bryan Area Foundation Scholarship Committee.

Greg served as a member of the board of the Black Swamp Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. He was active with the County Watershed Program and with the CATO Institute, located at Dartmouth University in Ithaca, New York.

Greg was an avid fisherman. If Greg wasn’t telling a story about a recent fishing trip, he was busy planning the next one. He finished fourth in the 2001 Professional Amateur Walleye Tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Greg will be remembered fondly by many friends for the fun adventures that were had while on fishing trips.

While Greg enjoyed a great fishing trip and freely gave service to his church and community, he was first and foremost a family man. Greg was a loving son, faithful husband and devoted father. He and Rita had three children, Elizabeth, Zoë and Erin. If asked, Greg would say that his family was the most important thing in his life, and he demonstrated it every day.

This fund was made possible by numerous friends and family members who wanted to see a lasting tribute to Greg’s life. Although his life was tragically cut short by an automobile accident on October 23, 2001, this fund in Greg’s honor will continue to enhance the quality of life for people in the Bryan area forever.

At the University of Toledo, she met Charles H. Booth, Jr., during a chance encounter in the school’s student union building in 1939. After three years of courtship, which involved her future husband commuting 256 miles between Toledo and Pittsburgh, the couple was married in 1942.

After moving several times during Mr. Booth’s tour of duty as a pilot with the Air Force, the couple returned to New Kensington, Pennsylvania, in 1945, where they established their home and raised seven children. Mrs. Booth was an active golfer for many years and belonged to Hill Crest Country Club of Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, and the PGA West of LaQuinta, California. She also belonged to the Pittsburgh Athletic Association and the Duquesne Club of Pittsburgh.

Mrs. Booth was survived by her husband Charles H. Booth, Jr., two sons, Charles H. Booth III, Harvey F. Booth, five daughters, Laura Lee Montevere, Susan Jennette Cochran, Mary Kathryn Friday, Elizabeth Ann Rotzler and Barbara Jean Weil, 20 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Lolly enjoyed her home, children and pets along with world traveling. She enjoyed flying, not only with her husband in his plane, but also on the Concorde.

Brown Cemetery, located in Center Township, depends on the Center Township budget allocation for general maintenance. That arrangement will not be changed. To make it possible to provide additional maintenance, which otherwise could not be provided, the Center Township trustees will receive a check each year from the Bryan Area Foundation to provide additional maintenance, thus enhancing the beauty of the cemetery. The degree of additional maintenance which can be accomplished each year will depend on the amount in the special fund. Only income from the fund will be used. The fund itself will be permanent.

The initial amount of $25,000 has been provided by Victor and Helen Harman Schieber. It is anticipated that others who are interested in Brown Cemetery will add to the initial amount through memorials, bequests, or any method chosen by the donor.

Roger married Patricia Barnes in 1967 and moved to Bryan in 1973. Roger was the Director of the Bryan Orchestra Music program from 1973-1998. He also coached the boy’s tennis team. Roger was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, the Bryan Lions Club and was Music Educator of the Year.

Roger’s passion was string music. He felt private lessons were the means to a stronger string program so this fund was established to benefit the Bryan Music Boosters and is designated for string music lessons for students.

Chris Gotshall, the only child of Bryan, Ohio, residents Cliff and Yvette Gotshall, was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1945 but lived his whole life in Bryan. A competitive varsity football, basketball, and baseball athlete, Chris graduated from Bryan High School in 1963. He continued his education at Adrian College, where he was a pitcher on their baseball team while active in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1967, he married fellow Bryan High School and Adrian College graduate JoNell Walker in 1968 at the First Church of Christ, Bryan. Chris attended Ohio State University Law School for a few semesters before accepting a job at the Edon Northwest School System teaching middle school math and coaching high school football and baseball. In 1973, while serving as the Edon Northwest High School principal and athletic director, Chris earned his Master of Education from The University of Toledo. Chris changed job responsibilities in 1983 while earning certification to become the Edon Northwest High School counselor, from which position he retired in 1997.

A lifelong member of the First Church of Christ, where he was baptized in 1957, Chris served on the church board as a deacon for many years. Chris also enjoyed playing racquetball, solving puzzles, and organizing poker games. Upon his retirement from teaching, Chris took up the game of golf and achieved every golfer’s dream of scoring a hole-in-one, not once, but five times!

Chris unexpectedly passed away in 2022, and this fund was established to honor him and help Edon Northwest Local Schools and students.

In 1918, Charles Clifford Gotshall was born in Bryan, Ohio, to Hazel (Garber) and William Gotshall. A 1937 Bryan High School graduate, Cliff served in the Army during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, Cliff returned to Bryan and was a co-owner of Calvin and Gotshall Plumbing and Heating. He was a 65-year member of the American Legion and a 52-year member of the Bryan Moose. In 1961, he was elected to Ward I of the Bryan City Council. An avid angler and gardener, Cliff generously shared his catches and crops with others. Cliff passed away in 2013.

Mary Yvette Calvin, the daughter of Marion Mae (Flightner) and Gayle Calvin, was born in Bryan in 1923 and graduated from Bryan High School in 1941. Yvette and Cliff married in 1943 and were the proud parents of one child, Chris, born in 1945. Outside the home, Yvette was a member of the Bryan Lioness Club, volunteer at the Church Women United Thrift Shop, and treasurer of the Church Women United from its founding in 1971 until 2009. Yvette died in 2009.

Chris was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was a competitive varsity football, basketball, and baseball athlete, before graduating from Bryan High School in 1963. He continued his education at Adrian College, where he was a pitcher on their baseball team while active in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1967, Chris attended Ohio State University Law School for a few semesters before accepting a job with the Edon Northwest School System. Chris taught middle school math and coached high school football and baseball before earning his Master of Education from The University of Toledo in 1973, allowing him to become the Edon Northwest High School principal and athletic director. He changed job responsibilities again in 1983 while earning certification to become the Edon Northwest High School counselor, from which position he retired in 1997. Chris enjoyed playing racquetball and golf, solving puzzles, and organizing poker games. Chris unexpectedly passed away in 2022.

JoNell Walker was born in 1945 in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to Mildred (Hinderliter) and Royal Walker. The family moved to Bryan, where JoNell graduated from Bryan High School in 1963. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Adrian College in 1967, she accepted a job as a high school English teacher with the Bryan City Schools. She and Chris married at the First Church of Christ, Bryan. Retiring in 1995, she stayed active by participating in local clubs, and church groups, as well as traveling with Chris.

Cliff, Yvette, Chris, and JoNell were all long-time First Church of Christ members. For many years, Cliff and Chris served as deacons, while Yvette and JoNell were deaconesses.  Yvette also served as the church financial secretary from 1973-2007.

This fund will be used for the First Church of Christ’s projects, facilities, members, and community.

The Hawks had four sons. Between them they set up a fund within the Foundation to recognize outstanding citizens, those who had become distinguished over a long time span for betterment of the Bryan area.

“Jack” C. A. Hawk was active in the original partnership of H.C. Hawk & Son. Howard E. Hawk was a Columbus jeweler for 50 years. Julian Hawk, also retired, was a former managing partner in the accounting firm of Haskins & Sells, Dayton.

Lemuel L. Hawk, retired as senior vice president of The Aro Corporation, was one of the founders of the Bryan Area Foundation. Those who know him well credit him with a major share of the influence in turning the Foundation from a dream into a working reality.

Tom is originally from Edgerton, Ohio. Following his graduation from Miami University, he became an agent with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. In 1961, he joined the Andres-O’Neil Agency, which is now Andres O’Neil & Lowe Agency and he presently serves as president.

Tom’s memberships are in the First Presbyterian Church (where he is an elder); Bryan Rotary Club (a past president and Paul Harris Fellow); and Orchard Hills Country Club. He serves his community in many ways: a former Little League coach; a past president of the Williams County Unit American Cancer Society; past chairman of the Bryan United Fund; a past president of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Williams County Economic Development Corporation; past president of the Bryan Area Foundation and also on the board of trustees; member of the Bryan Industrial Park Committee; chairman of the very successful YWCA Capital funds Campaign to construct the facility – his most gratifying service to his community; and chairman of the Williams County YWCA Board of Trustees.

Susan’s home town is Oxford, Ohio; and she is also a graduate of Miami University. She is a former member of Claire Newcomer Club, Williams County Panhellenic Association and Bryan Civic League – having served as president in each group. Susan devotes many hours to The Compassionate Friends support group. She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Her greatest priority in life is in being a supportive wife and mother to her family.

The Thomas M. and Susan Y. Herman Fund in the Bryan Area Foundation is designated for the Williams County YMCA.

She was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in Bryan and had served in numerous capacities within the church. She was also a member of various clubs including the Bryan Art Klan.

Cora died June 2, 1994.

Fortunately, Nemer Etoll wrote an article in 1936 pertaining to the Etoll family and provided some information on the Essi family. Mrs. Essi was a sister to Mr. Etoll. Nemer and Ymne Etoll operated a small grocery store which was adjacent to their home. The store was located at the northeast corner of East Bryan Street and Enterprise Street.

The Assad and Minnie Essi family home was at the northwest corner of East Mulberry and Portland Streets. They operated an ice cream parlor on the north side of the square on west High Street. It operated first under the name of Essi, and then Essi and Huenfeld at one time, and also as Essi and Miller. Leroy Huenefeld operated a furniture store on the east side of South Main Street and just off the square. He was married to Phoebe Essi.

The Etoll and Essi families were Catholic and the Isaac family was Syrian (Eastern) Orthodox, but since there was no Orthodox Church in Bryan, they were associated with the Methodist Church, (formerly Methodist Episcopal). The town of Zahle in Syria, which was the hometown of the Etoll’s and Essi’s, was basically Catholic in religion, and Bloudan, which was the hometown of the Isaac family, was primarily Orthodox. There was no conflict between these two religions as both were Christian. The religious conflicts occurred between the non-Christians and Christians. The Mohre family and other Syrian families in the Blakeslee-Edon area were also related.

George Azar Isaac came to this country in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Mary Ade came from Syria a year or two later. They were married in the Etoll home in Bryan. Mrs. Essi was Godmother to all nine Isaac children.

The relationship of the three families was extremely close for many, many years, and the families are hopeful the Etoll-Essi-Isaac Fund reflects this relationship.

George Isaac came from Bloudan, Syria to this country during the Spanish-American War in 1898. He had to actually escape from Syria as the country was under the jurisdiction of the Ottoman Empire of Turkey which was a non-Christian country. The Christian boys, such as Mr. Isaac and other young men, were persecuted and drafted for the Turkish Army. A Presbyterian missionary was extremely nice to George and Mary Isaac and did help them and others to escape.

Mary Isaac came to this country from Bloudan a few years after her husband-to-be did, probably to Fort Wayne where her brother lived. When she was a young child, her mother passed away, and she lived with other relatives. Later, while still in Bloudan, she worked for a Presbyterian missionary (performing household duties), and he helped her to come to America.

There were other friends from Bloudan who lived in Blakeslee, Fort Wayne, and Toledo. There is uncertainty as to how or why they settled in Bryan, but probably it was because of friends/relatives in this area. As to how or why they received the name of Isaac, rather than Azar, which was the true family name, is uncertain. Since his first name was Aziz, perhaps this was changed to Isaac. The Azars in Fort Wayne and formerly in Blakeslee are relatives.

About 1935 a letter was received from Syria stating that Mr. Isaac’s mother had passed away. There was not known much about his father. Mr. Isaac’s brother Charlie Isaac is buried in the Fountain Grove Cemetery in Bryan, and the tombstone has the dates of (1868-1912) .

George and Mary Isaac were married in the Etoll home here in Bryan probably around 1901.

It appears as though his first venture in business was a fruit-candy-nut store on the north side of the square in the early 1900’s. Shortly thereafter, he sold linens and soft goods from a horse and buggy in the immediate tri-state area. It is not certain how he became involved in the scrap business, but he probably accepted junk farm machinery and other types of scrap in lieu of cash. The first scrap yard was in downtown Bryan near the southeast corner of West High and Beech Streets. This later was the site of the Elder garage and is presently the paved parking lot west of the present Gorny Winzeler store. The yard was later moved out of downtown to the 200 block of South Portland Street across from the old Bryan High School.

Around 1915, he opened a yard in the 400 block of North Lynn Street at the corner of Lynn and Edgerton Streets and close to the New York Central railroad tracks. The family home was adjacent to the yard. In 1926, he constructed a 60’ x 120’ concrete block building for the sale of new and used tires as well as used auto parts. Arthur Spletzer, Sr. was the contractor for this project. This building as well as other buildings that were added are presently the site of Isaac Tire, Inc. This property is still owned by the family, but the ownership of the business operation is by outside unrelated third parties.

During the 1930’s and prior to his death in January 1941, and with the help of his oldest daughter, Rosa, he purchased a few residential properties for rental purposes. A vacant parcel of land on East Wilson and Union (still presently owned by the company), and parcels of land on the abandoned Evansport Road and East Perry Street, which served for the site of the Bryan scrap operation until recently, were also purchased. He started the businesses which resulted in The Isaac Corporation (scrap iron and metals) and Isaac Property Company (shopping center and commercial real estate development) .

The nine children in order of age were Rosa, Sadie, Mose, Adelle, Cora, Charles, Gladys, Marion, and George Jr. Mr. George Isaac passed away in 1941 and Mary Isaac in 1947, both at the age of 65.

Gladys was an active member of the local Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. She served as a deaconess in far flung congregations: Hartford and New Haven, Connecticut; Cleveland, Ohio; Newcastle and Muncie, Indiana; and Louisville, Kentucky. She also carried out duties and responsibilities with the family corporation in Bryan.

After a long illness, Gladys died September 7, 1980 in the Cleveland Clinic.

In Bryan, she became involved in many community charities. Prior to the birth of her two sons, she was involved in the local Girl Scouts. Thereafter she served as a Den Mother and Pack Secretary for the local Cub Scout Pack for many years and was active in numerous activities in the local schools in many capacities. Lill was active for many years in the Bryan Civic League and served as President in 1963. She was also active in the Wesley United Methodist Church for over 50 years, but maintained her membership in St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a 55 year member of the Eastern Star and held other memberships including the YWCA/YMCA where she swam daily for many years.

Lill valued her church and education and so chose to establish a fund to support the Wesley United Methodist Church and a scholarship fund for children attending St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church.

She was born to George and Mary Isaac, in Bryan. After finishing her schooling she entered the family real estate and industrial scrap business. Until 1972 she was president of various Isaac Corporations in Bryan, Toledo, Findlay and Bowling Green. She died June 3, 1992 in Bryan.

Rosa was active on the Women’s Federation board for 35 years, and served as president and civic chairman. Her work with this group was instrumental in bringing a full-time probation officer to Bryan in 1961, establishing an adult education program, arranging for a Bowling Green State University extension in the community, and promoting support for parks and recreation. She served on the former Bryan Recreation Council, helping promote the North Side Playground which was dedicated in 1956. She was also influential in having the city purchase land for an East side Playground. When it opened in 1970, it was named Roseland Park in her honor. She served on the Bryan Parks and Recreation Board from 1953 to 1989.

Rosa’s other board memberships have been with the American Field Service and Junior Achievement. She has been an influential board member of Junior Achievement since its founding in 1961. In 1957 she helped lead a drive to provide special housing and life-sustaining equipment for a Bryanite who had become afflicted with polio. She was an active member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, since its dedication in 1934, and served as treasurer for nearly 50 years.

Rosa died on June 3 1992 at the age of 88.

She was born to George and Mary Isaac, in Bryan. After finishing her schooling she entered the family real estate and industrial scrap business. Until 1972 she was president of various Isaac Corporations in Bryan, Toledo, Findlay and Bowling Green. She died June 3, 1992 in Bryan.

Rosa was active on the Women’s Federation board for 35 years, and served as president and civic chairman. Her work with this group was instrumental in bringing a full-time probation officer to Bryan in 1961, establishing an adult education program, arranging for a Bowling Green State University extension in the community, and promoting support for parks and recreation. She served on the former Bryan Recreation Council, helping promote the North Side Playground which was dedicated in 1956. She was also influential in having the city purchase land for an East side Playground. When it opened in 1970, it was named Roseland Park in her honor. She served on the Bryan Parks and Recreation Board from 1953 to 1989.

Rosa’s other board memberships have been with the American Field Service and Junior Achievement. She has been an influential board member of Junior Achievement since its founding in 1961. In 1957 she helped lead a drive to provide special housing and life-sustaining equipment for a Bryanite who had become afflicted with polio. She was an active member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, since its dedication in 1934, and served as treasurer for nearly 50 years.

Rosa died on June 3 1992 at the age of 88.

She was born to George and Mary Isaac, in Bryan. After finishing her schooling she entered the family real estate and industrial scrap business. Until 1972 she was president of various Isaac Corporations in Bryan, Toledo, Findlay and Bowling Green. She died June 3, 1992 in Bryan.

Rosa was active on the Women’s Federation board for 35 years, and served as president and civic chairman. Her work with this group was instrumental in bringing a full-time probation officer to Bryan in 1961, establishing an adult education program, arranging for a Bowling Green State University extension in the community, and promoting support for parks and recreation. She served on the former Bryan Recreation Council, helping promote the North Side Playground which was dedicated in 1956. She was also influential in having the city purchase land for an East side Playground. When it opened in 1970, it was named Roseland Park in her honor. She served on the Bryan Parks and Recreation Board from 1953 to 1989.

Rosa’s other board memberships have been with the American Field Service and Junior Achievement. She has been an influential board member of Junior Achievement since its founding in 1961. In 1957 she helped lead a drive to provide special housing and life-sustaining equipment for a Bryanite who had become afflicted with polio. She was an active member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, since its dedication in 1934, and served as treasurer for nearly 50 years.

Rosa died on June 3 1992 at the age of 88.

Drafted into the United States Army in October 1965, Ed served in the Military Police at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland until October 1967. After his service in the Army, Ed attended International Junior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, graduating in December 1969 with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration.

On September 26, 1970, Ed married Barbara Bastien, and they have lived in Bryan, Ohio for the past 37 years. They have one daughter, Dee Anna (Brightbill).

Ed has been employed at Sauder Woodworking for the past 15 years. His hobbies include Muscle Cars and World War II Warbirds. Ed was instrumental in scheduling Warbirds to participate in the July 4th Kiwanis Fly-In-Breakfast.

By setting up the Ed Likes Designated Fund, Mr. Likes wishes to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Bob received his secondary education at the Thacher School, Ojai, California and Hill School, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts. In 1978, he was presented with an honorary degree of doctor of laws from Tri-State University, Angola, Indiana.

In 1942, Bob entered the Army Air Corps and served as a captain. His specialty was aerial photography.

After the war, Bob joined his father John Clifton Markey at The Aro Corporation. He became vice president and secretary of the company. In addition, Bob served as a board director of numerous businesses and colleges.

Bob is a past president of the Bryan Rotary Club (1965-66) and a Paul Harris Fellow.

In 1957, he married Joyce Husselman Markey. Joyce was born January 28, 1931 the daughter of Ernest and Grace Husselman in Auburn, Indiana. Joyce graduated from Auburn High School, Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri and Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.

Joyce began her teaching career in Monroe, Michigan, teaching music. A year later, she came to Bryan where she taught music in the elementary school. She also worked with the mentally and physically disabled children at the former Sunnyside School.

Joyce was active in Claire Newcomer Club and Civic League.

Joyce and Bob were honored as Bryan Area Foundation “Good Citizen of the Year.”

They shared a love of travel and visited many countries throughout the world, their favorites being Switzerland and Australia.

Their children are Sybil Markey, Ruth Edwards Argenio and John Clifton Markey. Mr. Markey had three daughters from a previous marriage, Carolyn Lapin, Mary Jo Vande Walle, and Jennifer Markey.

Bob was described as “a caring and giving person who led a very private life but was a most generous man.”

Bob received his secondary education at the Thacher School, Ojai, California and Hill School, Pottstown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts. In 1978, he was presented with an honorary degree of doctor of laws from Tri-State University, Angola, Indiana.

In 1942, Bob entered the Army Air Corps and served as a captain. His specialty was aerial photography.

After the war, Bob joined his father John Clifton Markey at The Aro Corporation. He became vice president and secretary of the company. In addition, Bob served as a board director of numerous businesses and colleges.

Bob is a past president of the Bryan Rotary Club (1965-66) and a Paul Harris Fellow.

In 1957, he married Joyce Husselman Markey. Joyce was born January 28, 1931 the daughter of Ernest and Grace Husselman in Auburn, Indiana. Joyce graduated from Auburn High School, Stephens College, Columbia, Missouri and Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.

Joyce began her teaching career in Monroe, Michigan, teaching music. A year later, she came to Bryan where she taught music in the elementary school. She also worked with the mentally and physically disabled children at the former Sunnyside School.

Joyce was active in Claire Newcomer Club and Civic League.

Joyce and Bob were honored as Bryan Area Foundation “Good Citizen of the Year.”

They shared a love of travel and visited many countries throughout the world, their favorites being Switzerland and Australia.

Their children are Sybil Markey, Ruth Edwards Argenio and John Clifton Markey. Mr. Markey had three daughters from a previous marriage, Carolyn Lapin, Mary Jo Vande Walle, and Jennifer Markey.

Bob was described as “a caring and giving person who led a very private life but was a most generous man.”

Bill was raised in Dearborn, Michigan, and Nancy in Akron, Ohio. They moved to Bryan in 1963 where Bill was employed at the Ohio Art Company for 29 years, retiring in 1992 as vice-president of finance and administration.

Although Nancy was diagnosed with MS at age 29, she was able to take an active part in raising two sons, David and Bill, and to contribute to the community through participation in Youth power, Bryan Civic League, and Williams County Panhellenic Association. The family now includes two daughter-in-law’s and two grandchildren.

Bill’s community service included various leadership positions with the Boy Scouts (during which time both sons earned Eagle Scout rank), United Fund director, Junior Achievement president and director, Bryan Community Hospital director, First Presbyterian Church elder and treasurer, National Multiple Sclerosis Society NW Ohio trustee, William County YWCA chairman during the organization and building of the facility, Bryan Area Foundation member and trustee, and director of several professional organizations and Bryan area businesses.

Bill, an avid flyer, was a early member of the Bryan Soaring Club which sponsored the National Soaring Championships in Bryan in 1971 and 1976.

She was married to Harry McCord in 1933. To this happy union were born three children, Robert, Susan, and Bruce.

Mrs. McCord was Past Matron and secretary of Order of the Eastern Star #394, treasurer of the Stryker Chamber of commerce for a long term, manager of the Stryker Drug Store for many years, and was secretary-treasurer of the Stryker Local Board for 10 years before her retirement in 1980.

She was a sincere and faithful member of the First Baptist Church for more than 40 years. Her family remembers her as a blue-ribbon wife, beloved mother, family anchor and a persistent homemaker. Kathryn McCord was a pillar of strength during her last, extended illness. Her death came on June 26, 1985.

He was an original incorporator of North Western Electric Cooperative for Rural Electrification in 1936. After he and Florence sold their farm, he was employed as Vocational Agriculture teacher at Edgerton for a short time. He was then employed by North Western Electric Cooperative for 10 years as Electrification Advisor. After retirement in 1974 the McCoy’s moved to Florida. Mr. McCoy died in 1983 and Mrs. McCoy in 1991.

George Mellott was born to Elias and Mary (Bare) Mellott in the Bryan area in 1902. As a young man, he became interested in the buying and selling of livestock and in the insurance-real estate business. He combined several small farms into Bona Vesta Farms. It was here that he set up a dairy auction building.

He began importing cattle from Canada in 1936. In his best year he brought in 3,653 animals. His auctions were widely known as a source of good dairy cattle, and he regularly shipped livestock to dairymen in more than a dozen states.

George was the first president of the Williams County Horse Breeders’ Association, the forerunner of the annual Bryan Jubilee. He founded Mellott’s Insurance and Real Estate. One of his early projects was the purchase of land to be incorporated into Mellott’s Addition, between Center and Oakwood Street.

In 1947 he married Dolores McCarty who was then the Williams County home demonstration agent. Dolores McCarty Mellott was born to Benjamin and Eddeth (Wehner) McCarty on a farm near Waynesfield Ohio in 1912.

Prior to her marriage, Dolores taught home economics and other subjects at the York Township, Van Wert County and Junction City Ohio high schools. In 1938 she moved to Bryan as the Williams County home demonstration agent. In 1944 she joined the staff of the University of Hawaii as a home demonstration agent on the islands of Kauai and Molokai for two years. After her marriage, Dolores became involved in all of the activities of Bona Vesta Farms. She was the first woman director of the Williams County Fair Board, served as treasurer of the Williams County Tuberculosis Association, and was active in the Bryan Girl Scouts and Bryan Hospital Auxiliary.

As the diary picture changed, George started a housing development on Bona Vesta Farms. This included apartments, a small trailer park, five additions to Bona Vesta and two to the Bonneville area. He followed this with Mellott’s Addition in Montpelier, west of the municipal swimming pool.

George’s dream of expanding Bona Vesta was cut short in 1971 by a paralyzing stroke, and finally a second stroke took his life in 1976. After the death of her husband, Dolores continued to manage the Bona Vesta apartments, traveled extensively, and was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the First Families of Ohio as well as many local Bryan organizations. She passed away in 2006, one of the first residents in the Fountain Park assisted living facility in Bryan.

Bill’s grandfather, Henry O. Stine, came to Bryan in 1901, starting Stine Lumber Company; Ross O. Stine joined the firm, and expanded it until his untimely death in 1945. In 1937 Bill joined his father, Ross, as the third generation manager of the lumber yard and worked there until his retirement in 1982. Serving the lumber industry at state and national levels, Bill was President of the Ohio Lumbermen’s Association and for 20 years was active in the National Retail Lumber & Building Materials Dealers’ Association, serving as Director and as an Executive Committee member.

Bill’s civic involvement included president of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce and secretary of the board of trustees as well as session member of First Presbyterian Church. As a member of the Rotary Club he had 25 years of perfect attendance and served as Rotary president. His Masonic affiliations are Blue Lodge (Past Master), Chapter Council, Commander, and Consistory 32 (Life Member). Other memberships included the Loyal Order of Moose and the American Legion.

Helen E. (Snyder) Stine was born on May 27, 1916 in Dormont, PA; the daughter of Lillian (Bassett) and John H. Snyder. She graduated from Dormont High School and attended Oberlin College from 1934 through 1936, where she met Bill. She also attended the University of Pittsburgh from 1936 to 1938.

Upon her marriage to Bill, Helen moved to Bryan where three children were born; Bill II (1940), John (1943) and David (1948). She became very active in the First Presbyterian Church including years as a Sunday school teacher, a bible study coordinator and a church Deacon and Elder. Additionally Helen was a Red Cross volunteer and served as a blood drive coordinator. She was also a hospital volunteer and active in the Bryan Civic League.

Both Helen and Bill enjoyed golf and skiing with family and friends throughout the years. They were active members in Orchard Hills Country Club where Bill was also the Club Champion in 1953. Music was a primary interest in Helen’s life and her piano was often the center of many sing-a-longs over the years. Their love of the Bryan community played a central role in their lives.

John and Marilyn Toner have supported the Edon community and students of the Edon Northwest School District through a variety of ways over the years. From the numerous scholarships and the media center donation, John and Marilyn Toner have greatly impacted the students of Edon Northwest. The Toners have spent their entire lives in Edon. Both were born in Edon in 1930 and will be laid to rest in Edon Union Cemetery.

John was Valedictorian and Class President of the Class of 1949 at Florence-Edon High School. He continued his education by attending the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan 1949-1955, before receiving an appointment as midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy. Graduating on June 3, 1955, John was, by choice, commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant Captain in 1959. He then attended the University of Michigan Law School, receiving a Juris Doctor Degree in Law in 1962, and maintained his attorney license for 50 years. In 1995, John retired from his role as CEO of The Edon State Bank Company.

Marilyn Allomong (Toner) graduated with the class of 1948 from Edon-Northwest (then Florence-Edon) High School. After attending Ohio Wesleyan University from 1948-1950, and majoring in Elementary Education, Marilyn taught first grade in the Pike-Delta-York School District in Fulton County for three years. John and Marilyn were married on June 12, 1955, in the Edon United Methodist Church (Episcopal Church), with Reverend/Lieutenant Colonel, Army Chaplain Corps Howard Tomlinson, officiating. She then joined her husband with his Marine Corps assignments, and she taught in the Ann Arbor City School System teaching first graders from 1959-1962.

John and Marilyn Toner have supported the Edon community and students of the Edon Northwest School District through a variety of ways over the years. From the numerous scholarships and the media center donation, John and Marilyn Toner have greatly impacted the students of Edon Northwest. The Toners have spent their entire lives in Edon. Both were born in Edon in 1930 and will be laid to rest in Edon Union Cemetery.

John was Valedictorian and Class President of the Class of 1949 at Florence-Edon High School. He continued his education by attending the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan 1949-1955, before receiving an appointment as midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy. Graduating on June 3, 1955, John was, by choice, commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant Captain in 1959. He then attended the University of Michigan Law School, receiving a Juris Doctor Degree in Law in 1962, and maintained his attorney license for 50 years. In 1995, John retired from his role as CEO of The Edon State Bank Company.

Marilyn Allomong (Toner) graduated with the class of 1948 from Edon-Northwest (then Florence-Edon) High School. After attending Ohio Wesleyan University from 1948-1950, and majoring in Elementary Education, Marilyn taught first grade in the Pike-Delta-York School District in Fulton County for three years. John and Marilyn were married on June 12, 1955, in the Edon United Methodist Church (Episcopal Church), with Reverend/Lieutenant Colonel, Army Chaplain Corps Howard Tomlinson, officiating. She then joined her husband with his Marine Corps assignments, and she taught in the Ann Arbor City School System teaching first graders from 1959-1962.

Wanda E. Patten was born near Bryan, Ohio in 1913. She graduated from Bryan High School in 1931. Wanda and Henry were united in marriage in 1938 in Bryan, and to this marriage was born one son, Ronald H. Walters. They enjoyed traveling and spending time at their summer cottage at Clear Lake, Indiana.

They were members and past officers of Pulaski Grange and Williams County Pomona Grange. They were members of Wesley United Methodist Church of Bryan. Henry served several terms as a trustee of the church, and Wanda sang in the Church Choir for 15 years. Henry belongs to several Bryan Masonic Bodies, is a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Zenobia Shrine of Toledo. He is also a charter member of the Bryan Kiwanis Club, and is a past president and lt. governor of the club, and a member of Bryan Moose Lodge.

In 1933, Henry began his insurance career by starting his own agency, which is now known as the Walters and Peck Agency of Bryan. In addition to managing the insurance agency for forty-five years, from which he retired in 1978, he was elected a Director of Grange Mutual Casualty Company in 1961, in which capacity he served until retiring in 1985.

Wanda E. Patten was born near Bryan, Ohio in 1913. She graduated from Bryan High School in 1931. Wanda and Henry were united in marriage in 1938 in Bryan, and to this marriage was born one son, Ronald H. Walters. They enjoyed traveling and spending time at their summer cottage at Clear Lake, Indiana.

They were members and past officers of Pulaski Grange and Williams County Pomona Grange. They were members of Wesley United Methodist Church of Bryan. Henry served several terms as a trustee of the church, and Wanda sang in the Church Choir for 15 years. Henry belongs to several Bryan Masonic Bodies, is a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Zenobia Shrine of Toledo. He is also a charter member of the Bryan Kiwanis Club, and is a past president and lt. governor of the club, and a member of Bryan Moose Lodge.

In 1933, Henry began his insurance career by starting his own agency, which is now known as the Walters and Peck Agency of Bryan. In addition to managing the insurance agency for forty-five years, from which he retired in 1978, he was elected a Director of Grange Mutual Casualty Company in 1961, in which capacity he served until retiring in 1985.

This fund is named in honor of David Joseph Betts who was raised in Bryan, Ohio. He was a National Honor Society member, scholar athlete, 4 year symphonic band, orchestra and jazz band member. He also participated in cross-country, basketball and baseball. David played baseball for Bluffton University. He lost his life in Atlanta on the way to a Bluffton University’s spring baseball game in a motor coach crash along with six others.

David loved baseball, people and music. The Betts family has lived in Bryan for over three generations.

The strength of our club is a direct result of a committed membership who strive to daily place “Service Above Self”. This guiding principle inspires our members to apply the “Four Way Test” in all that we say, think or do.

The Bryan Rotary Foundation, Inc. Endowment Fund was created to fund the annual Rotary High School Scholarship program.

His vision was realized in 2002. The Bryan Senior Center serves as the focal point for providing social interaction between seniors, nutritious meals, transportation to medical appointments, health programs, information about services, referrals to other agencies for senior citizens, and special planned activities.

People may wish to give an outright gift to this fund while others may wish to give in memory or honor of someone. Still others may choose to name this fund as a recipient of a bequest in their wills. Gifts to this fund are not expended and remain a permanent part of the fund. The annual interest generated from this fund is used by the church to further its mission and ministry.

Creating this fund within the Bryan Area Foundation provides a vehicle for potential contributors, and also benefits from the Foundation’s record of solid management. St. Patrick’s is happy to be part of the ongoing contribution which the Foundation makes to the quality of life in our community.

The Foundation was established to be involved in mission projects in our community and the world and also to be a source of funding for congregation projects that would meet certain criteria.

Grants are made by the Committee based upon application from members or organizations of the congregation. In 2005 the Foundation funds were entrusted to the care of the Bryan Area Foundation.

This fund was established in 2005 by the Williams County Veteran’s Memorial Building Committee during its capital fund-raising campaign. This was a county wide project built entirely from donations to honor our Veterans.

Bequests, memorials and designated gifts to the Williams County YMCA go into this fund. The yearly interest income earned from the Endowment fund is managed by the YMCA Board of Directors for operations, capital expenses and financial assistance for memberships and programming.

The YMCA provides reduced or free memberships and programs to anyone in Williams County who cannot afford to pay for them. No one is turned away due to low income or unfortunate circumstances.

The Williams County YMCA is a nonprofit service-oriented membership organization in a beautiful health facility on the western edge of Bryan. It serves people in Williams and surrounding counties.

The YMCA provides a child care center, leadership opportunities for women, exercise and educational programs, as well as a swimming pool, whirlpool, double gymnasium, indoor track, racquetball courts, exercise equipment room, kitchen and meeting rooms.

The Williams County Historical Society’s Mission Statement is to promote historical studies of Williams County and Ohio through discovery, organization, publication and the collection and preservation of artifacts.

By creating an Old Fashioned School Day at Hay Jay School, you can step back into the year 1901 and attend a one-room school house for a day. At the Quaker Meeting House you can experience the history of the Quakers in Williams County and tour the only known meeting house in Northwest Ohio. The Children’s Museum with interactive displays and hands-on exhibits entertains children of all ages. It also includes a dress up room, miniature office, a mini archeology dig and a high wheel bicycle.

At the Junior Historian Summer Learning Program, children ages 7-14 experience hands-on activities. In the past they have put on play productions, created an “eye spy” tour for the museum, and helped create the children’s area.

Our Gallery talks include scholars, collectors and advanced students of history regularly presenting talks that focus on specific aspects of the museum’s collection as well as special exhibitions. In the past Heath Patten, a native of Bryan and doctoral candidate at Ohio State University shared his discoveries and conclusions of the Henry Newman Cabin site, a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Other programs of interest are the Centennial Farm program. If a farm has descended through inheritances or purchases without interruption through successive generations of one family for 100 years or more, it is considered a Centennial Farm and recognized at the Annual Banquet in November.

The Hall of Recognition recognizes an individual for an outstanding accomplishment. Induction will be held on announced Sundays through the media. Our in-school program “WCHS Goes to School” is a school-based program that brings the museum’s collection into area classrooms. Our Volunteer Program gives people the chance to give time and talents in a friendly environment. The Williams County Historical Society has something for everyone.

The WCHS offers Monthly Society Meetings that are held at the museum. The public is always welcome.

WCSEA was created to fill a need in the county and is backed by two large conservation groups in the area, the Williams County Conservation League and the Williams County Chapter of Pheasants Forever.

She married Walter Faben in Glendale (near Cincinnati) in 1932 and came to Montpelier that same year. Mr. Faben died in 1977.

Mr. and Mrs. Faben both were teachers in the Montpelier School system. Mr. Faben taught for 30 years and Mrs. Faben for 24 years at Montpelier High School. The Fabens led active and interesting lives.

Both were active in the Williams County Historical Society and served as trustees. When the Williams County Museum opened in 1967, Mrs. Faben became the curator. With the help of the Historical Society members, more than 1,000 artifacts were catalogued, exhibited or filed in the museum, Lett Log House, caboose and farm museum.

The Fabens had an avid interest in the historical and ethnological lines in Indian tribes. Mr. Faben studied the Potawatomi language and became an honorary blood brother of the Chippewa tribe of Walpole Island, Canada. He became Red Cloud because a man in his profession is supposed to shed light or knowledge. Mrs. Faben became Princess North Wind. She collected Indian dolls for more than 50 years.

Mrs. Faben, who loved flowers and was the daughter of a professional florist, joined the Montpelier Community Garden Club and worked on its many projects. She authored a garden column titled “Through the Garden Gate” that appeared for many years in the Leader Enterprise.

She served the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs as regional director, vice-president, president and director of nature school camps. She was an OAGC accredited flower show judge and was awarded outstanding gardener of Region One and given the distinguished service award.

Mrs. Faben was named woman-of-the-year in 1968 by the Montpelier Business and Professional Women’s Club and her name and history appeared in Who’s Who of American Women in 1975. The Fabens served as worthy matron and worthy patron for the golden anniversary of Lillian Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.

In 1918, Charles Clifford Gotshall was born in Bryan, Ohio, to Hazel (Garber) and William Gotshall. A 1937 Bryan High School graduate, Cliff served in the Army during World War II. Upon his honorable discharge, Cliff returned to Bryan and was a co-owner of Calvin and Gotshall Plumbing and Heating. He was a 65-year member of the American Legion and a 52-year member of the Bryan Moose. In 1961, he was elected to Ward I of the Bryan City Council. An avid angler and gardener, Cliff generously shared his catches and crops with others. Cliff passed away in 2013.

Mary Yvette Calvin, the daughter of Marion Mae (Flightner) and Gayle Calvin, was born in Bryan in 1923 and graduated from Bryan High School in 1941. Yvette and Cliff married in 1943 and were the proud parents of one child, Chris, born in 1945. Outside the home, Yvette was a member of the Bryan Lioness Club, volunteer at the Church Women United Thrift Shop, and treasurer of the Church Women United from its founding in 1971 until 2009. Yvette died in 2009.

Chris was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was a competitive varsity football, basketball, and baseball athlete, before graduating from Bryan High School in 1963. He continued his education at Adrian College, where he was a pitcher on their baseball team while active in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1967, Chris attended Ohio State University Law School for a few semesters before accepting a job with the Edon Northwest School System. Chris taught middle school math and coached high school football and baseball before earning his Master of Education from The University of Toledo in 1973, allowing him to become the Edon Northwest High School principal and athletic director. He changed job responsibilities again in 1983 while earning certification to become the Edon Northwest High School counselor, from which position he retired in 1997. Chris enjoyed playing racquetball and golf, solving puzzles, and organizing poker games. Chris unexpectedly passed away in 2022.

JoNell Walker was born in 1945 in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to Mildred (Hinderliter) and Royal Walker. The family moved to Bryan, where JoNell graduated from Bryan High School in 1963. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Education from Adrian College in 1967, she accepted a job as a high school English teacher with the Bryan City Schools. She and Chris married at the First Church of Christ, Bryan. Retiring in 1995, she stayed active by participating in local clubs, and church groups, as well as traveling with Chris.

Cliff, Yvette, Chris, and JoNell were all long-tme First Church of Christ members. For many years, Cliff and Chris served as deacons, while Yvette and JoNell were deaconesses.  Yvette also served as the church financial secretary from 1973-2007.

This fund will be used to assist Christian service projects that benefit others in our community and throughout the world.

Donald L. and Martha M. Juillard were lifelong residents of northwest Ohio with Donald being born in Stryker and Martha on the Goll Homestead in German Township, Fulton County. Married in 1954, the couple lived in Stryker where Donald farmed when he was not working at ARO Corporation. Martha was employed for ten years as a bank teller at Farmers State Bank in Stryker and then 31 years at the National City Bank in Bryan. Both were members of the First Lutheran Church in Stryker and Friends of Goll Homestead. Donald, having served in the Army during World War II, belonged to the Stryker American Legion Post #60, and was a former board member of the Stryker Farmers Exchange and Defiance Barbershoppers (SPEBSQSA). Martha was active in W.E.L.C.A. and the Altar Guild at First Lutheran Church.

Through their estate they established the Donald L. and Martha M. Juillard Scholarship Fund for Stryker students and the Donald L. and Martha M. Juillard Field of Interest Fund for preservation of natural areas and parks or recreational areas within Williams County.   

Wilna (Babe) Krisher, the youngest of five children was born in 1914 to William and Lulu Krisher on a farm northwest of Kunkle, Ohio. The home was surrounded by woods where the domestic and wild animals became her friends. The arrival of spring was most welcome as she delighted in gardening and the beauty of flowers.

She graduated from Kunkle High School, Class of 1932 in the depth of the great depression. She remained on the farm and assisted in caring for two nephews until 1947 when the farm was sold. Moving to Pioneer she accepted a position with Mike’s Lumber Company and the pure aroma from the bins of lumber helped replace her loss of the woods. In 1952 she accepted a position with the Ewing Lumber Company of Van Wert and resided in the YWCA for twenty-four years.

Paul Ewing was a native of Pioneer and his father established the first lumber yard there. Wilna’s duties were many from office janitor, sales clerk, bookkeeper, reading blueprints, compiling material lists and estimating their cost. Among the lumber salesmen who called there she gained the reputation as “Lumber Woman of Northwest Ohio.”

In 1976 Paul Ewing retired, closing the business. Wilna had purchased her cousin’s home in West Unity in 1967 and she retired there and continued improving the home. She demonstrated chair caining at the Sauder Museum.

Wilna’s hobby was photography, recording the beauty of nature. She made four trips to Yellowstone National Park after learning P.W. Norris founder of Pioneer was also second superintendent of the park for five years. She began researching his life and exchanged information with A.L. Haines the park’s historian. In 1989 she made a historical video tape tracing the life of Norris and it has had wide circulation.

Paul Ewing died in January 1993 and in his will he named Wilna as beneficiary in the amount of $10,000. Wilna added $5,000 and this total was given to the Bryan Area Foundation. The interest is to be used to benefit forestry or some environmental work in conservation of our natural resources.

He was the son of Forrest L. and Mabel (Gunn) Moore, area farmer. As a 1939 graduate of West Unity High School he then proceeded to Ohio State University and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Vocational Agriculture. He worked for Charlie Heaton before going to college and after graduation he was assigned to a high school teaching job in Vocational Agriculture in Waynesfield, Ohio.

On June 10, 1944, he was united in marriage with Waunetta Merrilot and they were blessed with two girls, Connie Lyn and Deborah Kay. In 1951 they moved to Bryan and he was hired at Aro Equipment Corporation. During his early years there, he worked on his own invention of a metal storage crate which is still being used today. They later moved to the Pulaski, Ohio, area where their third daughter, Betty Jean, was born. His wife was deceased on August 8, 1957.

In 1958 after being Assistant Manager for the Service Department, he was promoted to Manager and continued in this position until his early retirement in November, 1983.

On January 24, 1959, he was united in marriage to Ina Knapp, of Montpelier, Ohio, who was also an employee of Aro Equipment Corporation. However, she resigned her position and became the mother of his children and a housewife.

The girls’ married names are: Mrs. Larry Simmons, Mrs. James Luterek, and Mrs. Greg Gallagher. He had four grandchildren, Mark Simmons, Doug Simmons, Jane Luterek and Jeff Luterek. He also had six brothers and one sister, namely Raymond, John, Robert, Clayton, William, Alan and Kate Haines.

Boyd Moore was loved by everyone who knew him. He was a member of the Pulaski United Methodist Church and the Methodist Men, he served in all areas of the church, was a Clerk of the Pulaski School Board and a 25 year member of the Masonic Blue Lodge #569, at Waynesfield, Ohio, of which he was raised into, on July 11, 1957, and continued on to receive the sublime degree of a Master Mason. He loved sports and was an avid golfer.

Presented by Ina Moore, in loving memory of Boyd.

When her will was probated, it was discovered that she was the first person to leave a bequest to the Bryan Area Foundation from an estate. She stipulated that her legacy be held in trust and used for the prevention of cruelty to animals and for their care. The action reflected her life-long love of animals, whom she regarded as her closest friends.

Goldie’s other bequests showed a devotion to her community. She deeded the 50 acre Davis Woods Farm, about 2.5 miles north of Bryan, to the county commissioners. It is to be maintained as a wildlife sanctuary with no hunting permitted. Part of the farm may eventually be given to the Williams County Humane Society to be used as a facility for the care of dogs and cats.

Goldie also set up a perpetual endowment for the Jefferson Township trustees. They will use the proceeds for the care of Shiffler Cemetery northeast of Pulaski, with special attention to the Davis burial plots.

Almost immediately after graduation there, she joined The Aro Equipment Corporation in 1949. Her position was in the personnel department. Later she became secretary to the manager of the advertising department. When the Williams County Panhellenic Association was founded, she became its first president.

She was the last of her family to live in Bryan. Her roots were deep within the community and the nation. Ancestor Thomas Patterson was one of General George Washington’s Life Guards, and was wounded at Brandywine. Thomas’ father had gone from Scotland to Ireland with the Clan Campbell in the Irish Revolution of 1798. He was captured by the British and beheaded.

Robert Patterson founded the weekly Bryan Democrat in 1863, and edited it until 1900. Bryan historians are indebted to him for his many articles on local history. He died in 1903. His home, near the northeast corner of Lynn and Maple streets, was destroyed by fire in 1948.

Marilyn died January 9, 1981. Her will made a most generous provision for the Bryan Area Foundation, and her bequest was the largest ever received to date. She also remembered the Bryan Community Hospital, and left bequests to other causes. Her constant interest was in the beautification of her community.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Samuel enlisted in the 100th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and was involved in several battles in addition to being taken prisoner for six months. After the Civil War he engaged in farming and carpentry. He married Sarah Jane Oberlin on September 17, 1868. At one time he served as Williams County Sheriff and was superintendent of the Bunker Hill Reformed Church. Their first son, Forest, was born January 2, 1881, and they also had a second son, Ray.

In 1915 Forest married Belle Swaney and they lived on the homestead while Forest’s parents moved to West Unity and became members of the Presbyterian Church. Although Forest was a progressive farmer he preferred to describe himself as a pitchfork-shovel and hoe farmer. Spring work began on the Wineland farm when the sugarbush was opened and the gallons of golden maple syrup were processed and sold. During the summer months he raised corn, wheat, soybeans, and tomatoes. Forest was a sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing and he and his wife made many trips to Indiana and northern Michigan. After 26 years of marriage, his wife died in 1941.

On February 6, 1943, Forest married Isabelle Croninger, the eldest daughter of David and Clara (Burkholder) Croninger, who was born on December 20, 1898. When two years old, Isabelle contracted polio leaving her crippled in one foot. Unable to compete at play with her classmates, she excelled as a student. After graduation from high school she enrolled at Tri-State University at Angola, Indiana, and graduated from their department of Business Education in 1920. She accepted a position in Fort Wayne but due to illness was forced to return to her parents’ home. When able to resume work, she was employed at the West Unity Post Office until resigning to accept a position with the West Unity Banking Company. Isabelle was active in the West Unity Presbyterian Church and Brady Grange.

Forest and Isabelle lived on the Wineland homestead until Forest retired from farming and they moved to her home in West unity. They continued to manage the farm and in 1965 the Williams County Historical Society presented them with a Centennial Certificate award recognizing the fact that the farm had been in the Wineland family since 1854.

For the last 24 years the Wineland’s spent the winter months in Port Richey, Florida, where Forest enjoyed fishing, shuffleboard and playing euchre with his friends. Forest died at the age of 95 on December 9, 1976, and Isabelle died August 8, 1987.

The Winelands left no descendants and it was because of their belief in the future of farming and education that they have generously contributed a part of their estate to be administered through the Bryan Area Foundation to not only perpetuate their memory but at the same time benefit deserving students and worthy projects in the community of West Unity and Williams County.

Tara Arnold, was the daughter of Matthew Arnold, and step-daughter of Linda Arnold.  Tara attended Ball State University and later transferred to Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne, where she was pursuing a degree in women’s studies.  Tragically, Tara was killed in an automobile accident on October 29, 2006 at the age of twenty.  After her death, family and friends established a scholarship fund as an ongoing living memorial. 

Tara loved swimming, playing badminton, board games, cards, movies and spending time with her family.  She was a huge Indianapolis Colts football fan.  In addition to attending Colt games every birthday, Christmas always included Colts items as presents.  In Tara’s honor, a brick was purchased in her name for the new Colts stadium.

Tara believed in helping others.  Tara would help her father on community safety programs.  While attending college, Tara would donate blood and plasma.  If she had any money left in her food plan she would purchase food at the campus store and donate it to those in need.

This scholarship was established to provide support to traditional and non-traditional Williams County students entering a college or university with the intent of pursuing a degree in a law enforcement related field.

Dana J. Bennett was born in Bryan, Ohio, August 26, 1951 to Carolyn (Leinard) and Dallas Jacques. A 1969 Bryan High School graduate, she participated in band, A Capella, Senior Girls’ Ensemble, GAA and Y-Teens. She attended Tennessee Temple University, Northwest State Community College and Defiance College. On June 12, 1971, she married Curt Bennett of Bryan, and they had one daughter, Lynsey, born in 1983. From 1971 to 1999, she was employed at Citizens National Bank/Ohio Citizens/National City Bank in a variety of banking positions from teller, new accounts, loan secretary, manager of the Pioneer branch office, and manager of the Bryan office/assistant vice-president. Mrs. Bennett was an active participant in numerous community organizations. She had been a member of the YWCA finance committee, member and president of the Business Professional Women’s Club and the first woman in Williams County to hold membership in the Lions Club. Interested in the advancement, leadership and development of young people, Dana served as president, vice-president, treasurer, and fund drive chairman of the local Junior Achievement. She served as trustee and treasurer of the United Way of Williams County and as a member of Business Networking International. At the January 1999 Bryan Chamber of Commerce Banquet, she received the Athena Award for advancing the role of women in the business world as well as the community. Mrs. Bennett had been an active member of the chamber board and the first woman to hold the office of president of the Bryan Chamber of Commerce (1994) . Dana died November 7, 1999, after a two-year battle with cancer. Mrs. Bennett gave much time as an adult to the Bryan community and felt that memorials to the foundation would be a means for her to continue to give to her community after she was gone.

Ryan was born in Bryan, Ohio on February 11, 1979 to Dr. John and Joan (Krutch) Bommer. He was the younger brother of Amy and Brandon. Ryan graduated from Bryan High School in 1997 with numerous academic and athletic honors, including the Jack Greene Memorial Golf Award. While attending Ohio University’s School of Business in the fall of 1997, Ryan died suddenly on November 19, 1997 of a rare heart condition. Ryan enjoyed all sports, but he had a special interest in golf. He was a member of the 1995 and 1996 B.H.S. golf team, which finished second both years in the State Golf Tournament. We will remember Ryan’s desire and drive, always trying his best each day to excel in whatever he was doing. His contagious smile, kind eyes, and magnetic personality enabled him to touch so many lives in his short time here with us. He showed us the importance of living life to the fullest and to make each day count. His compassion and ever present concern for others, especially young children and older adults, will be thought of often. But mostly, Ryan will be remembered as an extraordinary young man, an example of a good, honest and moral person, who we strive to emulate. Ryan’s memorial scholarship through the Bryan Area Foundation was established in 1998 with generous contributions of friends and his family. The joy and laughter Ryan shared with us will be in our hearts forever. The life of the one we love is never lost. Its influence goes on through all the lives it ever touched. 

1. To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.
2. To promote the principles of good government and good citizenship.
3. To take an active interest in civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community.
4. To unite the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship, and mutual understanding.
5. To provide a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest, provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members.
6. To encourage service-minded members to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.

Lucille B. Carlin and Wayne E. Carlin were lifetime farmers based in Williams County, Ohio. The “Home Place” is located on C.R. F in Pulaski Township.  Wayne and Lucille married in 1951 and acquired their first farm in the early 50’s. In the early years, the couple used their 28½ horse Cockshutt tractor to do their farming. Through hard work and careful stewardship, the farming operation has grown to one of the largest and most successful in Northwest Ohio.  Over the years, the family delved into a variety of farm related operations including livestock and grain farming. Wayne and Lucille enjoyed hunting in their spare time. The couple hunted big and small game all over North America. 

The couple established this scholarship to promote a continued appreciation of the value of agriculture as their work has been a labor of love for many, many years.   

Residents and medical professionals in Bryan, Ohio, for the majority of their lives, The Chaney family established this healthcare scholarship fund in 2023. Carl, a dentist with the Bryan Dental Group, and Kim, a registered dental hygienist, felt the Bryan community and schools were responsible for supporting their careers and helping educate and guide their children to become healthcare professionals themselves.

Their son, Matthew, a 2012 Bryan High School graduate, is a dentist. Their daughter, Lauren, who graduated in 2015 from Bryan High School, is a pharmacist. Both received Bryan Area Foundation scholarships that enabled them to achieve their career goals.

With the creation of this scholarship, the Chaney Family hopes to encourage and assist another high school student pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Mae Bell Wright, the daughter of William Martin Wright and Amanda (Sheridan) Wright, was born on February 7, 1882, on her father’s farm in St. Josephs Township, north of Edgerton, Ohio. On July 15, 1903, she married Fred W. Dimler of Bryan. Mae Dimler began a teaching career in 1899 at the age of 17 in Edgerton. The following year she taught at Blakeslee and then was in the Edgerton school system from 1901 to 1904. In 1918, she began a 38 year career as a teacher in the Bryan Elementary Schools. Even though Bryan had a 70 year-old provision, the community would not allow her to quit as long as she was able. She retired in 1957 at the age of 75. Mae Dimler died in Bryan at the Clay Rest Home on February 3, 1960. Mae and Fred Dimler had two sons, both of whom were born in Bryan: Earl William Dimler, born in 1905, and Clark Lee Dimler, born on November 4, 1907. Clark attended Bryan Schools and like his Mother, he became an educator. Clark graduated from Bryan High School in 1925 and from Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio, in 1929. In 1939, he obtained a Master’s Degree from Toledo University. Clark’s first teaching job was at Walbridge in 1934 at $1,750 per year. In 1939, Clark went to Waite High School in Toledo where he taught commercial studies. Clark retired from Waite in 1974 following a 44 year career in education. Clark Dimler was quite a tennis player in his younger days. He was Bryan’s singles champion several times in the early 1930’s and he was the Toledo public courts singles champion three times. On June 30, 1934, Clark Dimler married Dema Leone Flightner at the Methodist/Episcopal Parsonage in Bryan. Dema Flightner was born on June 18, 1911, in Farmer Township, Defiance County, to Herbert Lane Flightner and Elma E. (Sewall) Flightner. Dema graduated from Farmer High School in 1929 and then attended Bowling Green State University. In 1931, she began a four your career as a kindergarten teacher in the Farmer school. After marrying Clark Dimler in 1934, the two of them relocated to the Toledo area. In 1952, Dema returned to teaching; this time as a kindergarten teacher in the Maumee, Ohio, city school system. Dema Dimler died at St. Luke’s Hospital in Maumee on November 22, 1992. Among the Mother (Mae), the son (Clark) and the son’s wife (Dema), there were 99 years of teaching in the classroom. The Dimlers practiced Clark Dimler’s basic philosophy of education, “that the most important thing for students to learn is to get along with other people.”

Mary Jestine “Johnnie” Flightner was born February 6, 1923 in Ohio City, Ohio and was a 1941 graduate of Ohio City Liberty High School. She then graduated in 1944 from Fort Wayne Methodist School of Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse from 1946-1950 at the former Cameron Hospital in Bryan, Ohio. In 1950, she accepted a position as an Industrial Nurse for the ARO Corporation and worked there until her retirement in 1983.

Johnnie married Robert F. Flightner on May 21, 1950. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, where she also served as a Deacon and Elder. Johnnie was a life member of the Bryan Area Businesswomen, Progressive Study Club, Order of the Eastern Star Van Wert Chapter 48, and the Bryan American Legion Post 284. She also volunteered for the American Red Cross Nursing Service and taught home nursing classes for them as well as for the Williams County Board of Health. In her spare time she enjoyed needlework, reading, cooking, music, and keeping a nice, neat home.

Marilyn worked for the Bryan City Schools for 30 years and was known as the “spaghetti lady” cooking her secret sauce recipe for many community spaghetti dinners. She was actively involved with the Lions Club, Bridge Clubs, golf and loved “coffee with the girls.” Vern and Marilyn were also active in their Sunday School class at New Hope Community Church in Bryan. In the early 2000’s they moved to Chandler Arizona.

Marilyn died on April 11, 2020 at her home in Arizona and will be remembered as being such a great lady, a real spitfire, a gardener, a sharp card player and the best cook! This family established this scholarship fund in Marilyn’s honor for a student majoring in Food Science, Dietetics, and the Nutrition field.

Vernon was born and raised in Bonilla, South Dakota, in Beadle County. After graduating from high school, Vernon entered the US Navy during WW2 and served in the Pacific theater based in Subic Bay of the Philippines. After an honorable discharge from the US Navy, Vernon married Marilyn Palmer in 1948 living in Renville County of Minnesota where he farmed. Vernon utilized the GI Bill and graduated in transportation from Humboldt Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1959.

In the summer of 1959 Vernon moved his family to Bryan, Ohio, after accepting a position in the transportation department with the Ohio Art Company.  Vernon retired from the Ohio Art Company in 1991 where he served as the Director of Transportation and Warehousing. Marilyn was employed by the Bryan City Schools from 1970 to 2001. The children of Vernon and Marilyn French were Curtis, Craig, and Cherri and they graduated from Bryan High School.

Vernon was active in the Masonic Lodge serving in many leadership roles over 50 plus years. Vernon served on the Bryan City Council for roughly 25 years.  Vernon and Marilyn were members of Faith United Methodist Church for over 35 years and New Hope Community Church the last 25 years. Vernon was active in Lion’s International serving in various functions over 30+ years.

Gertrude (Brown) Geesey was born in Pioneer, Ohio, on November 30, 1905, to Lottie A. (Slough) Brown and George A. Brown. Attending school in Pioneer until her junior year in high school, she then moved with her family to Bryan where she graduated from Bryan High School. A recipient of a degree in education from Bowling Green State University, Gertrude was an elementary teacher in the Bryan City Schools for four years prior to her marriage to Don D. Geesey in 1926. An active member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan, Gertrude served as a Sunday school teacher and as a member and officer of the United Methodist Women. Involved with many civic projects, Gertrude was also a member of the Bryan chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Women’s Federated Study Clubs. In addition, Gertrude was a life member of the Bryan Community Hospital Auxiliary and the Williams County Historical Society. Don D. Geesey, the son of Mary (Misel) Geesey and John Clarence Geesey, was born near West Unity, Ohio. Growing up in the West Unity school system, Don was always an enthusiastic participant in sports, particularly basketball and football. He was a member of the “Speed Demons” city basketball team following his graduation from West Unity High School. He attended a business college in Fort Wayne, Indiana and worked at the General Electric Company for four years before becoming a district superintendent for the Toledo Branch of Kroger Grocery and Bakery Company, where he was employed for fourteen years. In 1961, he was elected to the office of Williams County Recorder; a position he held for sixteen years. Don was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan, the Methodist Men’s Club, the Bryan Lions Club, Bryan Moose, Orchard Hills Country Club, and a former member of both the Williams County Cancer Society and the Williams County Fair Board. Gertrude and Don were the parents of a daughter Constance (Geesey) Hensal. Feeling it was a great injustice for a young person with intellectual ability to be denied a higher educational experience due to his or her financial limitations, Gertrude and Don requested the establishment of an academic scholarship.

Jo Ann (Sholl) Harman was born in Hicksville, Ohio, on May 4, 1942, to Earl and Margaret Sholl and graduated from Edgerton High School in 1960. She was employed with the Ohio Art Company for over thirty years and was an active member of the Bryan Moose and Power in the Purse (PIP) organizations. She married Dick on November 17, 1962, in Bryan, Ohio, and they became the proud parents of three children, Shelley, Lesley, and Micheal.

Dick and Jo were avid golfers and enjoyed dancing, gardening, and spending time with their family and friends. On many occasions, the couple would assist anyone who needed help building or remodeling their home and creating personal handmade keepsakes. Dick and Jo valued, above all else, family, friends, and community.

On Friday, Dec 20,1985, Loren and Cyndi Held were blessed with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Allisyn (Ali) Leigh Held, in Bryan, Ohio. She was welcomed home by her two brothers, Jason Hoch and Tyson Hoch. On Friday, March 26, 2021, Ali passed away due to a brain aneurysm. Ali was 35 years old.

Ali was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and attended St. Patrick School for grades 1-8. She was involved in the Bryan Summer Recreation Girls’ Softball League as well as participating in 4-H. She attended Bryan High School, graduating in 2004. In high school she continued her love of sports participating in volleyball, softball, basketball, and cross country for the Bryan Golden Bears. She enjoyed her high school life attending sporting events and participating in school dances and other extracurricular activities. After high school, Ali attended Owens Community College in Perrysburg, Ohio.

On September 22, 2007, Ali and Jeremy Herman were united in marriage at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Ali and Jeremy have three children: Casen, Amelia, and Cole. Ali adored being a stay-at-home mom and daycare provider. She had aspirations of being a teacher’s aide once Cole became a full-time student.

Ali loved her summers and anything outdoors! She enjoyed going to Stoney Ridge Winery, country concerts, and sporting events with Jeremy and their friends. She captured these moments in her many selfies and family photos. Every Christmas Ali looked forward to the family Christmas card photo and mailing them to family and friends.

The George Lawrence Hineman, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was started by Peter M. Hineman and Sally Hineman to honor Peter’s father, George Lawrence Hineman, Sr. (1901-1970), who was a graduate of Bryan High School and the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). George’s family arrived in the Bryan area in 1860. His father and grandfather were farmers. The family farm was held from 1860 until 1968. In the early 1900’s, schooling was a rich man’s pursuit, and the children of most small farmers only attended through the 8th grade. George graduated from Bryan High School in 1921 with average grades. He served in the Army Air Corp, and was the first in his family to attend college. He arrived at UM Ann Arbor with his steamer trunk and $5 in his pocket. He used the money to have a good dinner and find lodging, and then he found a job to work his way through school. After a few years at Ann Arbor, the head of the engineering department took George aside and said that farming was a respectable profession and that George should return to it. George looked him straight in the eyes and said, “Damn it, if it takes the rest of my life, I’m not leaving until I have a degree.” After that, his advisor and professor guided and supported him. For example, he was offered a course in public speaking because he couldn’t manage Spanish; this helped him overcome stuttering. George got involved in the Ann Arbor Ballooning Club and later gained stature as an international balloonist. He placed in races in the United States and Europe, and in 1934, his balloon was blown off course from Poland and went down in Russia where locals took him in. George finished his degree in aeronautical engineering and designed hydraulic systems for WWII bomber landing gear. He participated in top-secret consultation at Cape Canaveral regarding the design of hydraulics for a canopy system that held rockets in position and delivered them to the launch area (this was in 1956 before the general public had any awareness of plans for Cape Canaveral). George married Dorothy Fencl and had five children, George Jr., Eleanor, Phillip, Peter, and Paul. George valued education above almost everything, and he worked hard to put all of his children through college (all obtained degrees). He lived his later years in Arizona. Notes about George’s football playing days which are found in Bryan H.S. yearbooks reveal a lot about his personality: “The harder he’s hit, the harder he plays,” and “He had too much grit to quit.”

This scholarship is named after Sheri Lynn Huffman and Steven R. Huffman, the children of Michael and Susan (Sanford) Huffman.

Sheri, born on October 17, 1969, became ill in January 1984, but it was not until her sophomore year in high school that she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. At the age of 16, Sheri lost her eyesight, but this difficulty did not discourage this spunky and determined young lady from graduating from Bryan High School in 1988. She then pursued her college degree at The Ohio State University and graduated in 1993 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a certification in learning disabilities. In 1995, Sheri earned her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling also from The Ohio State University and started her career in Columbus working for The Ohio State University Office of Disabilities. Unfortunately, on March 2, 2007, at the age of 37, Sheri lost her battle with the disease.

Steven was born on July 7, 1979, and was active in the Boy Scouts of America and a member of the Order of the Arrow. After graduating from Bryan High School, he was a truck driver for several different carriers and most recently John Deere. An avid hunter, fisher, and Ohio State Buckeye fan, Steven passed away after an extended illness in July 2024.  

This scholarship is to be awarded to a student showing financial need who would like to pursue a career helping special needs children or adults or attending a trade or technical school.

Donald L. and Martha M. Juillard were lifelong residents of northwest Ohio with Donald being born in Stryker and Martha on the Goll Homestead in German Township, Fulton County. Married in 1954, the couple lived in Stryker where Donald farmed when he was not working at ARO Corporation. Martha was employed for ten years as a bank teller at Farmers State Bank in Stryker and then 31 years at the National City Bank in Bryan. Both were members of the First Lutheran Church in Stryker and Friends of Goll Homestead. Donald, having served in the Army during World War II, belonged to the Stryker American Legion Post #60, and was a former board member of the Stryker Farmers Exchange and Defiance Barbershoppers (SPEBSQSA). Martha was active in W.E.L.C.A. and the Altar Guild at First Lutheran Church.

Through their estate they established the Donald L. and Martha M. Juillard Scholarship Fund for Stryker students and the Donald L. and Martha M. Juillard Field of Interest Fund for preservation of natural areas and parks or recreational areas within Williams County.

Ed Likes was born in Hicksville, Ohio, and lived in Sherwood, Ohio for the first 18 years of his life. He attended Fairview High School when it was located in Farmer, Ohio and graduated in 1964. Drafted into the United States Army in October 1965, Ed served in the Military Police at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland until October 1967. After his service in the Army, Ed attended International Junior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, graduating in December 1969 with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. On September 26, 1970, Ed married Barbara Bastien, and they have lived in Bryan, Ohio for the past 37 years. They have one daughter, Dee Anna (Brightbill). Ed has been employed at Sauder Woodworking for the past 15 years. His hobbies include Muscle Cars and World War II Warbirds. Ed was instrumental in scheduling Warbirds to participate in the July 4th Kiwanis Fly-In-Breakfast. By setting up the Ed Likes Scholarship Fund, Mr. Likes wishes to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Clarice was born on June 2, 1933 in Milford Twp., Defiance County, Ohio to Beulah Alice McCullough and Wayne Martin Hulbert. She was married to John E. Moats, M.D. on June 20, 1959 and they are the parents of 3 children, Timothy E. Moats, DDS of Columbus, Steven Martin Moats of Denver, Colorado, and Julia Ann Baran of Houston, Texas. Her early years were spent on a farm in Milford Twp., Defiance County. She graduated from Farmer High School, Farmer, Ohio and Defiance College, Defiance, Ohio. During the summers of her college years, she was a staff counselor at Camp Palmer 4-H Camp. Her teaching jobs in elementary education were in Sylvania, Tiffin Twp., Defiance, Cincinnati, and Whiteriver Indian Reservation, Arizona. She moved to Bryan in July, 1964. Mrs. Moats was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church where she was active in the music department, singing in Wesley Singers, Chancel Choir and serving as chairman of the music committee for many years. She also taught Sunday school and served in various offices of the United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Defiance College Choir that sang for the inauguration of President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. She was also a member of the Fortnightly Study Club, Friends of the Library and the Historical Society. In community affairs, she served on the Community Concert Board, Music Boosters and Bryan Swim Team Boards, the United Way Board, Church Women United, YWCA Board and the Toledo Symphony Committee of the YWCA for many years. She was very interested in the conservation of the earth and the protection of wildlife. She supported organizations related to this, including the National Audubon Society, the National Wildlife Association, and the Nature Conservancy. She died in November 1997 after a 10 month battle with leukemia. Education played an important role in her life as she felt in raising her children that she was teaching even though she was not in the classroom. For this reason, the emphasis of her memorial fund will be in elementary education and particularly to her beloved Defiance College where she spent many hours on the alumni board promoting Defiance College.

Joyce Holbrook Reader was a long-time resident of Bryan, Ohio, and an alumni of the Bryan High School (BHS) class of 1972.  During her freshman year, Joyce relocated to Bryan, Ohio, when her father, Rev. W. J. Holbrook, accepted a pastoral position. Prior to that, Joyce lived in Lima and Zanesville with her parents and five siblings.

Joyce loved music and began singing and playing the piano when she was 13. She was a natural fit at BHS which had a strong music, vocal, and theater program. Mrs. June Daly Webster was Joyce’s mentor. She was active in A Capella, Girls Ensemble, and musical theater. Later Joyce performed with the Bryan Madrigal Chorale. 

Joyce taught at the Fountain City Christian School for 7 years. She was a member of the Bryan Area Ministerial Association and active with the Church Women United and the National Day of Prayer committee. In 2007, Joyce and her husband, Steve, relocated to St. Paris, Ohio, where they lived until she passed away May 7, 2015. 

Joyce was a two-time kidney transplant recipient and fought a courageous 30-year battle with a degenerative kidney disease.

In 2017, the Holbrook and Reader families established the Joyce Reader Memorial Foundation (JRMF), a 501c3. In addition to establishing the scholarship fund through the Bryan Area Foundation, The JRMF has raised funds for the Bryan City Schools music department. They have purchased a piano and contributed toward new choir robes and jackets for the band.

Maurice C. Shankster was born in Williams County on April 3, 1917, to Clyde and Margaret (Brannan) Shankster. He was a lifelong resident of rural Bryan, Ohio. He graduated from Bryan High School in 1936, where he had been involved in Future Farmers of America and served as its treasurer his junior year. He was known for being “liked by all the boys and girls because of his clever ways and habits. He was a humorous and cheerful person.”

After high school, Maurice spent his entire life farming. He was also a very devoted Transportation Supervisor and full-time bus driver for the Bryan City Schools for more than thirty years. In addition, he served as a school board member and clerk for the Pulaski-Jefferson School District.

Maurice married June Page on September 9, 1939, at the Pulaski United Methodist Church, where they were members. They became the proud parents of two daughters and one son: Vondaile (Shankster) Fenicle, Carolyn (Shankster) Carey, and Garvin Shankster. Maurice enjoyed his family, work, and life very much. He will be remembered by those he associated with, particularly for giving hayrides and hosting hotdog roasts for school and church groups. Maurice passed away on September 13, 1981.

The Maurice C. Shankster Memorial Scholarship was established in 1981 by family, friends, and neighbors and is awarded to a Bryan High School graduating senior pursuing an education in a technical school, college, or university. The recipient must show an economic need, willingness to work hard, commitment to obtaining goals, and previous accomplishments.

• Helen Spangler Hurley and Lowell Hurley
• Charles Boyer Spangler and Martha Gregory Spangler
• Harlan Gillis Spangler and Ernestine Brocklebank Spangler
• Norman Ernest Spangler, Dorothy Burnett Spangler, Margaret Swartzbaugh Spangler
• Albert Talbot Spangler and Mary Overholt Spangler
• Betty Spangler Levenson and Neil T. Levenson
• Theodore Rogers Spangler and Doris Nixon Spangler
• Frank Talbot Spangler and Jeanne Stechshulte Spangler

Chris Thaman, son of Luke and Mary Thaman, was born in Decatur, Indiana, on August 9, 1959, but grew up in Bryan, graduating from Bryan High School in 1978. Chris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Purdue University in 1982. As an undergraduate student, he was president of the Student Union Board, member of Reamer Spirit and Service Club and Iron Key. He was employed by NCR before returning to Purdue where he was awarded a master’s degree in exercise physiology. In 1991, he completed the United States Air Force Physician Assistance Program. During this training, he was presented with the Alonzo A. Towner Award as the outstanding physician assistant student. In 1995, he was recognized as the U.S. Air Force Space Command Physician Assistant of the Year. When he left the Air Force in 1995, he was employed as a physician assistant in the dermatology department at Christie Clinic in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Chris was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease in February, 1999. He died in February 22, 2001, at the age of 41. He was married to Jill and they had three children, Gabriel, Noah, and Hannah Thaman. In appreciation for all of the support their son and his family received during his illness from Bryan and Williams County residents, Mary Thaman established the Chris and Mary Thaman Scholarship Fund in the Bryan Area Foundation.

Mary Thaman was born in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Thomas and Mildred (Gerding) Smith but grew up in Decatur, Indiana, graduating from Decatur High school in 1945. Following graduation, she attended Purdue University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Foods in Business in 1949. Following graduation, she accepted a job with the Indiana Home Economics Extension Service as a home demonstration agent in Jasper County, Indiana, until December 31, 1951. Mary was married to Luke Thaman in Decatur, Indiana, November 3, 1951, and they moved to Paulding, Ohio, living there for the next two years, where Luke managed the Farm Bureau elevators in Paulding County. In 1953 they moved to Bryan, Ohio, where Luke bought an elevator business. It was here that they raised their four children, Mary Ann, Thomas, Mary Beth and Chris. When her children were in school, Mary worked for the local radio station doing a morning talk show, writing commercials, covering meetings and broadcasting local news. In addition, she did a food program, Chiefly Foods, for Chief Supermarkets on Thursday and Friday. It was during this time that she began writing a weekly food shopping sheet with recipes and food information, Mary’s Memo, that she continues to write and is available at all Chief-owned stores. In 2004, it led to publication of her cookbook, Thank You, I’m Glad You Liked It A member of St. Patrick’s Church in Bryan, she was a charter member and officer of several Bryan and Williams County organizations.

No Biography Available

Howard B. and Alice T. Vreeland, through this memorial fund, continue to promote their values and beliefs in the importance of higher education for graduating high school students. An emphasis on learning has been a lifelong pursuit for them and this scholarship was established to continue and honor their legacy and lives of hard work and dedication to excellence. Howard was born on October 4, 1920 in Caldwell, New Jersey to John and Lulu Belle Vreeland. He was an accomplished athlete at Grover Cleveland High School and lettered in track, baseball, football and basketball; he was voted the best high school athlete in New Jersey. Howard was a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kingspoint, New York and was a Navy Veteran of World War II. With a degree in hydraulic engineering, he eventually moved his family to Ohio where in 1961 he and his partner Wesley Anderson, founded Anderson & Vreeland. A & V is a distributor and manufacturer to the graphic arts industry worldwide. Alice T. was born in New York City to Alice I. (Hahn) and John T. Kennedy on August 12, 1927. She met Howard while he was attending Kingspoint on leave in the city. They were married December 14, 1945. Alice worked for the New York Stock Exchange before her marriage and was passionate about providing opportunities for young people to pursue training and education. She encouraged the value of education in and of itself and as an avid reader would say, “Your education will always be with you.” Both Alice and Howard were involved in the community activities of Bryan in various capacities. They were active members of Wesley United Methodist Church and Orchard Hills Country Club. Alice was a member of Fortnightly Club, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and served as a Boy Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout and Brownie leader. Alice was always available to listen and encourage, and many a friend came to have a talk with “Mrs. V.” Howard was a former member of Bryan Rotary Club, served on the Bryan Board of Public Affairs and was actively involved as an umpire for the Bryan Baseball Association. He also loved the outdoors and could be found on many weekends working on his pond, mowing, planting trees and planning trails in “Pa’s woods.” Many have enjoyed the pond and each year the BHS girls’ soccer team has a retreat there. Howard was instrumental as a pioneer in the development of the flexographic industry and considered one of the “founding fathers” and as such was awarded the President’s Award from the Flexographic Technical Association, the Presidential Award from the Marketing Device Association and the President’s Award of the Graphic Preparatory Association. His lifelong achievement in the graphic arts industry continues at Western Michigan University and the Phoenix Challenge Foundation that supports about twenty high school printing programs. Family was the most important focus for both Alice and Howard and the example they set is cherished. Alice died in 2002 at the age of 74 and Howard died in June 2008 at the age of 87. When remembering Alice and Howard, many remark that they were; “gracious, genuine and loving.” It is with love and respect that their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren honor them in the establishment of this scholarship. As one colleague remarks, “If the measure of a man is how good a name he leaves behind to be remembered by, then I guess Howard and Alice are sitting on top of the world.”

Henry L. Walters was born near Montpelier, Ohio in 1913. He graduated from Montpelier High School in 1931, and then continued his education at Bowling Green State University. He taught school for eight years in a one room country school in Williams County. Wanda E. Patten was born near Bryan, Ohio in 1913. She graduated from Bryan High School in 1931. Wanda and Henry were united in marriage in 1938 in Bryan, and to this marriage was born one son, Ronald H. Walters. They enjoyed traveling and spending time at their summer cottage at Clear Lake, Indiana. They were members and past officers of Pulaski Grange and Williams County Pomona Grange. They were members of Wesley United Methodist Church of Bryan. Henry served several terms as a trustee of the church, and Wanda sang in the Church Choir for 15 years. Henry belongs to several Bryan Masonic Bodies, is a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Zenobia Shrine of Toledo. He is also a charter member of the Bryan Kiwanis Club, and is a past president and lt. governor of the club, and a member of Bryan Moose Lodge. In 1933, Henry began his insurance career by starting his own agency, which is now known as the Walters and Peck Agency of Bryan. In addition to managing the insurance agency for forty-five years, from which he retired in 1978, he was elected a Director of Grange Mutual Casualty Company in 1961, in which capacity he served until retiring in 1985.