Academic Booster Club of Bryan City Schools FundF

The Academic Booster Club of the Bryan City Schools began as a result of a conversation between former school board member Orville Boucher and the Superintendent Richard Ross.  Mr. Boucher felt that the school system was lacking, in that it had organizations supporting and boosting athletics, music and other areas, but nothing specifically designed to support academic areas.

From this conversation a steering committee was formed including people from the school system and the public.  As a result of their input the first slate of officers was elected in January 1992 and the organization known as Academic Booster Club of the Bryan City Schools (know as ABC) was born.

The founding principal of the organization is to encourage and support, both functionally and financially, academic projects and activities within normal school programs as well as the annual Young Authors Conference.  This is a day when students can actively participate in listening to and interacting with an established notable author.  During this day students have an opportunity to learn about the life of an author, stretch their own creative skills and experience the fun in reading and creating.

Other projects of ABC are financially supporting students as they pursue summer academic programs at universities, art schools, writing schools, theater programs and any other academic program in which they may wish to participate.  With an annual budget of nearly $20,000, ABC is attempting to impact the largest possible number of student academic programs.

ABC also contributes annually to a graduating senior’s first year at college.  Through participation in the Bryan Area Foundation, ABC is building a fund that will allow an annual continuing grant toward a student’s further education.

Catherine Markey Anderson Library Fund

Marquard J. Anderson Memorial Community Fund 

Catherine (Markey) Anderson was born March 10, 1921 in Bryan, the daughter of Ruth (Edwards) and John Clifton Markey.  She attended Pine Manor College, Boston, Massachusetts and graduated from the University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

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 Pittsburg 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 32^nd 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.”

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.

Helen Spangler Anderson Memorial Community Fund

Helen Spangler Anderson, the daughter of Susanna (Hall) and Harvey Fernando Rodgers, was born in Evansport on January 6, 1895.  She died March 4, 1989, at her residence, 520 Oakwood Avenue, Bryan, at the age of 94

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 75^th 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.

George M. and Maxine Armbruster Memorial Community Fund

George Armbruster was born in Williams County on August 18, 1906.  He was the son of Dora (Maneval) and Martin John Armbruster.  Mr. Armbruster was a farmer and a long time member of the Wesley United Methodist church and Bryan Moose Lodge.  Mr. Armbruster died June 27, 1994.

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.

Howard L. and Laurena L. Arnos Memorial Community Fund

Howard L. and Laurena L. Arnos Memorial American Heart Fund

Howard L. and Laurena L. Arnos Memorial  American Cancer Fund

The Howard L. and Laurena L. Arnos Fund was established by Laurena L. Arnos (Dehnke).   Howard L. Arnos died February 17, 1989 and Laurena L. Arnos died November 6, 2006.  They had been residents of Williams County for their entire lifetimes and had lived in Bryan since 1937.

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.”

ARO Employees Foundation Donor Advised Fund - No biography available

ARO Employees Foundation Scholarship Fund - No biography available

Mark V. Attenweiler Memorial Community Fund

Mark V. Attenweiler was born December 13, 1954 in Piqua, Ohio to John and Margaret Attenweiler.  He started working for Uhlmans Department Store in Piqua as a stock boy while still in high school.  After graduating from Lehman High School in 1973, he was offered the position of assistant manager at Uhlmans.  For the next several years he worked in Piqua.

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 know 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.

 Edward and Elma Auchard Fund

 Edward and Elma Auchard came to Bryan in 1975.  He was pastor of First Presbyterian Church 1975-1988.  They continued to live in Bryan and established the Edward and Elma Auchard Fund with the Bryan Area Foundation in 2005.

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 grand children 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.

Since 1991 Edward has written a weekly column for The Bryan Times.

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.

Dale R. Bard Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Dale Randolph Bard was born near Bryan in 1885.  He began his working career at the Bryan Hardware Sheet Metal Shop.  In 1906, he moved to Sacramento, California to operate a large metalworking shop, turning out a variety of components for oceangoing vessels.

He returned to Bryan in 1908 and was united in marriage to Otha Young.  In 1914 he founded the corporation which would soon become known as Bard Manufacturing Company.

Dale Bard’s inventiveness stood him well, and he came up with many patentable furnace components.  One of these, and oil-fired package unit, became a vital part of the company’s product mix, and brought about marked increase in sales.

The growing company was passed into the hand of Dale’s two sons, Randolph and Lawrence, and his two grandsons, Richard and James.

Recognizing that good engineering talent is essential to the growth of any company, the Bard family set up a scholarship to aid students who major in this field.

James and Joan Bard Donor Advised Fund

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.

The James and Joan Bard Fund has been established in the Bryan Area Foundation to aid children with disabilities.

Randolph O. Bard Scholarship Fund 

Bard Manufacturing Company was incorporated in 1914 under the name of Bryan Plumbing and Heating Company, originally a residential-commercial plumbing and heating contractor.

Randolph O. Bard, born in 1910, is the son of the Founder, Dale R. Bard (1885-194

In 1926, the company began to manufacture wheelbarrows, and in 1931 the first oil furnace was patented.  In 1935, the company was relocated from uptown Bryan to its present location on Evansport Road.  1n 1943, the company’s name was changed to the present name of Bard Manufacturing company.

While in high school, Randolph Bard worked during summers in the company, learning the business.  Upon graduation from Bryan High School he immediately went to work for his father, helping him to manage the business.  Not having any further education than High school, his business experience was self-taught while on the job. 

Randolph Bard wore many hats throughout his career…Purchasing Agent, Advertising Manager, Sales Manager, Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, President, and Chairman of the Board, retiring in 1981 after 54 years.

He is a charter member of the Bryan Rotary which was organized April 17, 1941.  He has held offices in the community including past president of the Board of Public Affairs (1942-43)Bard Manufacturing Company has steadily grown, and is now one of the foremost leaders in the heating and air conditioning industry.  It is because Randolph O. Bard’s creativeness and business sense, that a scholarship has been named in his honor.

Randolph and Naomi Bard Fund

Randolph O. Bard was born in Bryan, Ohio March 2, 1910 to Dale Randolph Bard and Otha (Young) Bard.  Randolph graduated from Bryan High School in 1927.  Due to his father’s failing health, he immediately went to work for his father in the Bryan Plumbing and Heating Company, later known as Bard Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of heating and air conditioning products.  Not having any further education, his business experience was self-taught while on the job.

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.

Beattie – Cooper Memorial Community Fund 

Mr. and Mrs. John L. Beattie, Jr. have established the Beattie – Cooper Memorial Fund in the Bryan Area Foundation.  This fund is in the memory of Rev. and Mrs. John L. Beattie, Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Orion E. Cooper along with other members of the Beattie – Cooper families.

Freeman L.  and Ora I. Bechtol Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Freeman L. Bechtol was born on October 7, 1878 and Ora I. (Fried) Bechtol was born on February 5, 1878, both in Williams County, Ohio.  Freeman and Ora were united in marriage on August 12, 1899.  Following their marriage, the Bechtol’s spent their lives in or near Montpelier, Ohio.

In his early years, Mr. Bechtol was a farmer.  He later became an automobile salesman and then ran the general store at Ainger, Ohio for many years.  He later owned and operated a gasoline service station in Montpelier.  Mrs. Bechtol was a homemaker.  The memorial gift was made in their memory by their daughter, Dorothy B. Ness, a resident of the Bryan area.

F.I. and Mary Bell Community Memorial Fund  

Mary C. Bell was born in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, on December 17, 1902.  She died in Bryan at the age of 97 on September 25, 2000.

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.

 The Benedict Family Community Fund

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 include 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.

Greg Benedict Memorial Education Fund  

Gregory B. Benedict was born in San Antonio, Texas, on June 16, 1955.  He moved to Bryan with his mother, Joan (Baker), and father, Bruce Benedict, in January of 1957. 

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.

Dana J. Bennett Memorial Scholarship Fund  

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, a member of Business Networking International and a member of New Hope Community Church

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.

Dorothy Bentley Memorial Community Fund

Dorothy Bentley was born in Bryan on February 13, 1898 and died at age 94 on February 1, 1993.  She resided at 420 West Bryan Street in Bryan nearly all her life.  She lived with her parents for many years and never married.

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.

Dr. Jeffrey Berus Memorial Scholarship Fund  

Dr. Jeffrey Joseph Berus was born in Whittier, California, on August 2, 1958.  He grew up in Akron, Ohio, where he was an Eagle Scout.  Jeff graduated in 1976 from Green High School and received his B.S. in food science and nutrition from Ohio State University in 1981.  In 1982, he married Barbara J. Brown in Botkins, Ohio.

Dr. Berus received his medical doctorate in 1985 from the Medical College of Ohio and served his residency until 1991.  He was an orthopedic surgeon, replacing knees and joints and repairing fractures.  His favorite work was surgery on hands.

While at MCO, the chief resident asked him to consider working in Bryan, and he drove out for a look “just to be nice” his wife said.  She was teaching home economics at Springfield Middle School, and he was the team doctor for the high school football players.  They planned to stay close to Toledo, but on that visit to Bryan, Dr. Berus fell in love with the Williams County area.

 At the age of 40, Dr. Berus died on September 16, 1998, from complications from a brain tumor.  Dr. Berus and his wife were half finished building their dream home in a wooded area northwest of Bryan. 

The Berus family donated the funding for a pergola in Garver Park next to the hospital in Bryan.  Their sons Ryan, Matthew, and Nicholas would often play in Garver Park while Dr. Berus was in surgery.

Dr. Berus was president of the William County Medical Society for five years, president of the Bryan Swim Team, chairman of the United Way professional division and co-chairman of the Partners in Progress of the YWCA professional division.  He was a member of the Bryan Rotary Club and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

 With his wife and sons, he water skied near their cabin in Michigan, snow skied in Boyne, Michigan, and in the west, and he rode a bicycle-built-for-four around Bryan.  He coached one of his son’s baseball teams, and he loved racquetball.  He and his wife along with several friends once sailed around the West Indies for 10 days.

 In a letter on his home computer that he had asked his best friend to show his family when he died, he told his sons they should never be content with average.

“That’s too easy.  Make yourself special in some way.”

David Joseph Betts Memorial Scholarship Fund

David Joseph Betts was born December 10, 1986 at Toledo Hospital but spent 19 of his 20 years growing up in Bryan, Ohio.  David loved God, his family, his friends and life.  He always had lots of energy and loved to play and compete.

David was both an outstanding student and an outstanding athlete at Bryan High School; he was active in National Honor Society and lettered in cross country, basketball and baseball.  He received all-league honors, district honors and numerous Coaches’ Awards.  He was also a great musician and was first chair trombone all four years at BHS in the Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra and he also participated in Jazz Band.  He taught himself to play the guitar and enjoyed playing during any down time.  He continued with this love of music at the university level, playing in the Jazz Band at Bluffton University.

However, David’s greatest attribute was being a great person.  He had a personality that touched the hearts and minds of everyone he met, and he had a truly engaging smile.  He had tremendous empathy skills and always seemed to know how others were feeling and what they needed to feel better.  David was a happy person who wanted to share that happiness with others.

His family is proud to have known and loved him for 20 years, 2 months and 22 days.  He left this world on March 2, 2007 traveling with the Bluffton University Baseball Team on their annual spring trip to Florida.  Though he lost his life in Atlanta when the bus crashed, he died doing what he loved best: playing baseball, surrounded by his teammates who were also his friends; it was one of the happiest times of his life.  The year before he had not qualified for the trip, but this year he had worked his way up to being the second baseman.

David loved anything connected to baseball and was training to become a certified umpire prior to the accident.  He was still unsure of his ultimate career goals but was thinking of teaching, athletic training, a medical profession, or possibly umpiring.  He enjoyed being around people and helping others.

Dr. Glen and Ivah Biddle Memorial Community Fund

Dr. Glen W. Biddle was born in Wauseon, Ohio on August 19, 1889, to Sam and Ella (Kessler) Biddle.  On October 7, 1915 he was married to Ivah Bard.

 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.

Black Swamp Audobon Sanctuary Fund

 The Black Swamp Audobon Society, a chapter of the National Audobon Society, consists of members of five counties of northwest Ohio (Williams, Defiance, Henry, Paulding and Putnam).

The chapter has developed its own wildlife sanctuary bordering the Maumee River near Antwerp.  It consists of over 70 acres including a floodplain woodlot, a grassland prairie, a butterfly garden and a wetland habitat.  Future projects include constructing a large pond, a shelter house and parking area.

Chapter meetings are held monthly during nine months of the year.  Numerous field trips are scheduled throughout the year.  The chapter is also involved in two Christmas Bird Counts, a nationwide National Audobon Society activity, which is the primary source of determining national bird populations.

Dean B. and Carol A.  Blaser Community Fund

Dean and Carol Blaser were both born and raised in Akron, Ohio.  They have three grown daughters and six grandchildren.  Dean attended Akron University and taught school in the Akron system for a number of years before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio and working in the toy business for Kenner Products.  They moved to Bryan in 1972 and bought a small business in 1974 that grew and developed into Potter Inc.  Both Carol and Dean have been active in various civic organizations and Wesley United Methodist Church.  They were involved in many youth activities while raising their children.  Dean and Carol feel they have been richly blessed in many ways from living and working in Bryan.  They have chosen to use an unrestricted fund for their gifts, which allows the Foundation to address a wide variety of needs in the Bryan area.

Ryan John Bommer Memorial Scholarship Fund

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.

Laura Lee “Lolly” Benner Booth Memorial Fund

Laura Lee Benner Booth, known as “Lolly,” was born to Harvey Franklin and Bertha Winegardner Benner on May 2, 1921, in Toledo, Ohio.  Her parents moved to Bryan, Ohio, where she spent most of her early years.  She graduated from Bryan High School and later attended the University of Toledo.  While in high school, she acted in many of the high school plays.

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-granchildren.

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.

Vincent Bordner Memorial Community Fund

Vincent Bordner was a prudent grain farmer.  He carefully took care of his land only as one would who intended to leave it in as good a condition as it was when he started.

Vincent and his wife never had any children which left a gap I 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.

Robert A. Boucher Memorial Community Fund

Bob Boucher was born in Toledo, Ohio on May 26, 1923.  He was the son of Charles and Alta Boucher.  He attended Bryan High School and was a veteran of the United States Army having been honorably discharged on December 26, 1945.

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 and Jeanne E. Meyer Memorial Community Fund

 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.

Boy Scouts Endowment Fund

The Black Swamp Area Council Boy Scouts of America serves 13 counties in Northwest Ohio.  The council serves over 9000 youth every year and maintains two camp properties:  Camp Lakota in Defiance, Ohio and Camp Berry in Findlay, Ohio.  It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the scout oath and law.

Brown Cemetery Memorial Fund

A special fund has been established for the benefit of Brown Cemetery, located at Ohio 34 and County Road 12.  The purpose of the fund is to maintain Brown Cemetery at its highest possible level to honor and respect the lives of those who have completed their lives among us.

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.

Dr. George G. and Julie A. Brown Community Fund  

Julie came to live in Bryan as a nine-year old when her parents, F.A. and Kathleen Stockwell, and family relocated in 1952 to work for Aro Corporation.  Her first memory was  dinner at Brownies Drive-in with “frosties” served in cups with brownies on them.  George was the son of its owners, G. Grant and Kathryn Brown, and helped at the restaurant from the time he was twelve.  George and Julie were 1960 and 1961 graduates of Bryan High School and began dating during George’s senior year.  Both served their school as president of Student council.

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 G. Grant and Kathryn Brown Memorial Community Fund 

G. Grant Brown was born October 11, 1910 to George A. Brown and Lottie (Stough) Brown.  His birthplace was a farm one and one-half miles south of Pioneer.  In June, 1919 the family moved to Bryan.  Grant graduated from high school there in 1929.

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 that 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.  Of their four children, George and David live in Bryan.  Beth Roberts lives in Alexandria, Virginia and Bettina Grandey lives in Denver, Colorado.

Bryan Area Foundation Community Fund

Gifts to the unrestricted endowment fund provide the most broad-based support to our community.  Unrestricted Funds also provide the most flexibility in grant making.  Tomorrow will present our community with new opportunities and challenges.  Unrestricted funds position the advisory committee to meet those new challenges and capitalize on those new opportunities.  Gifts to the unrestricted endowment fund may be made by anyone in any amount.  Donors may establish an unrestricted named fund with a gift of $5,000.  Named funds may be built over time.

City of Bryan Senior Center Building Endowment Fund  

One man issued a challenge and the community responded.  Charles Mallory established this fund in 1999 by making a challenge gift to the senior 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.  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.

Bryan Area Business Women Scholarship Fund  

The Bryan Area Business Women’s Club is open to all employed women interested in business and community affairs.  This fund exists to support the club’s many charitable activities in and around Bryan and for scholarship support to area students.  The Bryan Business Women’s Club invites anyone interested in supporting the activities of area business women to contribute to this fund.

Bryan Lions Club Allied Health Services Scholarship Fund

The Bryan Lions Club is one of 38,000 clubs that make up the International Association of Lions Clubs.  The local club was chartered in February 1949, and now has about 85 members of which Russell Cayton, Theodore Ihrig, Thomas Johnston, Robert Kerr, George Kuehne and Donald Reineke are the last of our active Charter Members.

 Today there are 1,350,000 members in more that 150 countries serving in Lions clubs.  They engage in a wide variety of humanitarian activities, including several major emphasis programs such as drug awareness, diabetes education, sight conservation, working with the blind and deaf, citizenship services ( scouting, boys state), educational services (scholarships), social services (food collection via “Porchlight”) and more.      The Lions motto is simply, “We Serve”.   The Bryan Club serves with involvement in many community activities, such as United Fund Drives, American Field Service Suppers, Music Boosters, and Al Can and Glass Collections. Several fund raising events are held such as Broom and Light Bulb Sales, Birthday Calendar Sales, Food Stand at Day in the Park, Pepsi at the Parade, Be Thankful You Can See Seals, and more.  The money collected from the public are deposited in a fund and returned in numerous ways through purchases of eyeglasses, grants for eye research, college scholarships, Bryan Chemical Drug Abuse Program, to help purchase a Fitness II Vision Tester to use with school children in Williams County, support Junior Achievement, the YMCA building fund, and more.

The Lions Constitution mandates that all clubs diligently purse each of the following six objects.

            -To create and foster a spirit of understanding among the peoples of the world.

            -To promote the principles of good government and good citizenship,

            -To take an active interest in civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the   

             community.

            -To unite the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship, and mutual

              understanding.

     -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.

 -  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.

Bryan Youth Activities Fund

 The Bryan Youth Activities Fund was established in 1994 with funds remaining from the old Bryan United Way.  A new United Way of Williams County replaced all the United Way Funds of the county.

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 fund has also been a yearly supporter of the Bryan City School’s Safety program.

 The Youth Activities Advisory Board includes two members of the Bryan Area Foundation, one officer of the Bryan Baseball Association, one officer of the Bryan Soccer Association and one officer of the Bryan Girls Softball Association.

 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.

John W. Burchfield Memorial Scholarship Fund

John W. Burchfield had been a resident of Bryan since 1974.  He died in an automobile accident on December 23, 1985 in Coatstown, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Burchfield served as principal at the Bryan Junior High School from 1974-80.  He was principal at Lincoln Elementary School from 1980-84.

Born in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania on February 10, 1934, he was a 1951 graduate of Juniata High School, a 1961 graduate of Shippensburg State, a 1966 graduate of the University of Delaware and attended Penn State from 1968-70.  He was the recipient of a FF Fellowship grant to implement innovative teaching in a pilot school project at Mt. Pleasant Junior High School in Wilmington, Delaware.

Before moving to Bryan, Mr. Burchfield taught at Union Park Elementary School in Orlando, Florida, Marshalltown Elementary in Wilmington, Delaware, Mt. Pleasant Junior High in Wilmington, Delaware, Brandywine-Wallace Elementary in Downington, Pennsylvania, and Bluffton Elementary in Bluffton, Ohio.

Mr. Burchfield was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, Bryan Kiwanis Club and the Buckeye Association of School Administrators.  He also served in the U.S. Navy for four years.

He is survived by his wife Katie; two stepchildren Todd Augsburger and Starr Augsburger; two daughters, Mrs. Dawn Hamman and Mrs. Wendy Doherty; his parents; Mrs. Cleo Hendrickson and Mr. William Burchfield; a brother Larry Burchfield and a stepsister Mrs. Doll Ann Bowersox; and four grandchildren.

Roger O. Burkholder Memorial Fund -No Biography Listed

Gayle R. and Myona Gwendola Calvin Memorial Community Fund 

Gwendola Calvin was born in Waldron, Michigan, on September 16, 1916 to Estelle Woodward and Bert Wheeler.  She married Gayle R. Calvin on October 30, 1937.

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 in his home at 234 N. Cherry St., Bryan at age 90.

Lawrence E. and Alice Canter Memorial Community Fund

Lawrence E. Canter (Larry) was born to Orlando and Gail Canter in Bethel, Ohio.  Raised in Milford, Ohio, he was an outstanding athlete in basketball and baseball at Withrow High School in Cincinnati.

 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 and served on the Scholarship Committee of the Bryan Panhellenic Group.

Both Alice and Larry have commented often that they appreciate the richness of life to be found in Bryan.  They admire 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. and Helen Carlin Memorial Community Fund

Helen (Gates) Carlin was born in Williams County on a farm near Stryker, Ohio on December 12, 1900, to Arthur P. and Lydia Peugeot Gates.  Her first eight years of schooling were in a one room school near her home.  She graduated in 1919 from Stryker High School and attended Bowling Green Normal College.  She taught 2^nd grade in the Stryker Public School for 5 years.

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 and Lucille Carlin Community Fund

Wayne Carlin was born on May 30, 1931 near Bryan, Ohio where he lived and farmed all his life. On September 10, 1951, he married Lucille Clark of West Unity.  They have three children: Douglas, Ronald and Barbara Carlin Saul.  They also have several grandchildren.

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.

Grace B. Carr Scholarship Fund

Grace Burnetta Carr was born December 12, 1908 to Moses and Minnie (Goying) Luce.  She was raised in Paulding County, graduated form Antwerp High School and attended Michigan State University, majoring in the field of Home Economics.  She married Leonard Carr of Antwerp in 1932, and made her home in Antwerp before moving to Bryan in 1940.

While raising her family (William now living in Edwardsville, Illinois, and Carol, in Kalamazoo, Michigan) she created many a gala function for Bryanites, gaining her reputation as gourmet extraordinaire!  Sweet rolls, desserts, pies, spaghetti sauce and casseroles were some of her memorable trademarks.

As the first director of the Bryan City Schools cafeteria, from 1952 to 1975, she formulated the total operation and was the hardest worker and staunchest promoter of the program.  She loved her job and especially enjoyed the contact and opportunity to work with students which lead to the origination of the Youth Power Club of which she provided leadership.  During her time as director, the Bryan City Schools lunch program gained State recognition and was an integral part of the Bryan community.

She was a faithful, active, and fifty- year member of the Wesley United Methodist Church.  She taught Sunday school and served as a member of the United Methodist Women, holding offices including the State Office of Christian Personhood.  She was also a lay delegate to annual conference.

In the community, she was a long time member of Taine Club and Bay View Study Club becoming an honorary member of each.  She was instrumental in helping to form the Area Art Club of which she was a member, and, belonged to the hospital auxiliary!

She worked diligently to promote school lunch through the American School Food Service Association (ASFSA).  She was a former President of the Cardinal Chapter of the Ohio School Food Service Association and received national recognition.  Her interest in reading and good books lead to many community groups requesting her as a program source. Gracie was a dynamic lady that loved life in the Bryan Community.

Sandy Carrico Scholarship Fund 

Sandra (Sandy) Kelly Carrico was born in Indianapolis, Indiana October 3, 1966 to Dr. Norman and Lois (Lemper) Carrico.  Her birth was also welcomed by a sister Pamela.

Sandy enjoyed a variety of activities at Bryan High School.  She became vice-president of the senior class, a varsity letter winner on the tennis team, a member of the volleyball team, the Rowdies softball team, Mask and Sandal, the Thespian Society and worked on the staff of Hi-Life, the high school newspaper.  She served as a cheerleader and was graduated from Toledo’s Barbizon School of Modeling.

Her involvement and enthusiasm gave her a marked degree of self-confidence and gave shape to her dreams for the future.  But her hopes came to an end in a tragic car accident which took her life in September, 1984.

Her family wanted to give the kind of memorial which would both reflect a fulfillment of her ambition and benefit other students.  It therefore seemed logical to the family to look at Sandy’s love of Mask and Sandal, and her affection for all those who had given their time and love to help make her dreams come true.

Thus, the Sandy Carrico Memorial Scholarship Fund came into being as part of the Bryan Area Foundation.  It has received gifts from friends, relatives and other area groups and organizations.  These persons and groups, by their generosity have helped make Sandy’s goals come true in a way she might not have imagined.

Each year a scholarship is awarded to a deserving graduate of Bryan High School who enters college intending to major in communications.

Sandy had a special poem clipped on her bulletin board and always alive in her heart.  The poem moved her family to create the kind of memorial scholarship that would help others fulfill their own dreams in their own lives in a way that Sandy would have hoped for.

     “Don’t ever give up your dreams,

     And never leave them behind,

     Find them, make them yours,

     And all through your life,

     Cherish them, and never let them go!”

Carl C. Caulkins Memorial Community Fund

Carl Caulkins was born on September 25, 1889, in Evansport, Ohio, the son of Frank E. and Jennie Caulkins. He was married to Bessie Shoemaker of Hicksville, Ohio who passed away in 1955.

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.

Hilda K. Chadbourne Community Fund 

Hilda K. Chadbourne was born September 13, 1919, in Williams County.  Following graduation from Edon High School in 1936, Hilda chose the career of nursing.  But, when Hilda graduated from high school, she was only 16, well below the normal age necessary to be accepted as a nursing candidate.  However, she fought for and won acceptance into nursing school.  Upon her graduation she became a U.S. Army nurse.  As her tenure was set to expire, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor and everyone serving in the nursing corps had their terms extended.  Hilda went on to serve in the European Theatre of Operations in North Africa and Italy.

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.

William S. Clark Family Foundation Fund

Valant Clark established the William S. Clark Family Foundation in 1998.  The Clark Foundation is primarily interested in programs that effectively improve the lives of senior citizens, the Williams County Historical Society, the Williams County Fair, and civic improvements in Montpelier and Jefferson and Superior Townships.

John and Gwyn Cotterman Family Community Fund

A lifelong resident of Bryan, John William Cotterman was born to Carrie (Reagle) and William Cotterman on May 13, 1922.  A graduate of Bryan, John was engaged in farming on the Cotterman Family Farm for many years before the business of car sales at John Melton Motors and Sheridan Ford.  The family farm later became the site of the current Bryan Middle School.  Prior to his death on June 17, 2003, John was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church for over fifty years.

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 of Kendallville, Indiana; Cathy (Ben) Peirce of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Nancy Cotterman of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and David (Nancy) Cotterman of Columbus, Ohio.  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.

Donald D. Crepps Memorial Community Fund

Donald D. Crepps was born July 20, 1931 in Bryan.  Don was the son of Mary (Kauffman) and Harry Crepps.  He graduated from Bryan High School in 1949. Don worked as a lab technician and chemist for the Pet Milk Company in Bryan.  He was a member of the First Church of Christ in Bryan, Bryan Masonic Lodge, Bryan Commandery No. 74KT, the Sons of the American Revolution, Williams County Genealogical Society and the Williams County Centennial Family.  Don died September 23, 2003.

Carrie Critchfield Memorial Community Fund 

Carrie Critchfield was born February 21, 1891, in Center Township.  Her parents were James R. and Ida May (Ramsey) Oxenrider.  She was married to Earl Critchfield, and survived him.            Carrie was active as a saleslady in the Davy Lee Dress Shop until her retirement.  She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.   Carrie died November 6, 1982.

Cass and Demah Cullis Memorial Community Fund 

ass and Demah Cullis came to Bryan in 1923 to buy the Bryan Democrat, a twice weekly newspaper.  Cass Cullis had owned newspapers in Swanton and in Buchanan, Michigan.

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, Melborne, Fla. and Ford Cullis of Bryan.  Ford Cullis with his son Christopher are publishers of The Bryan Times, making the third generation of the family with the newspaper.

Ford and Hannah Cullis Scholarship Fund

Ford Cullis was born in Swanton in 1919 and came to Bryan in 1923 when his father bought the Bryan Democrat.  He graduated from Bryan High School and then DePauw University in Indiana.  He went directly from college into the military where he served in both theaters of World War II.  When he returned from the service he joined his father in the newspaper business, and in 1949 the Bryan Democrat purchased the Bryan Press and the Bryan Times, Bryan’s daily newspaper, was formed.

Hannah Roller was born in 1921 in Virginia and was raised in Scotch Ridge, Ohio.  She graduated from Webster Township High School and Bowling Green State University.  She came to Bryan in 1943 to teach fourth grade in Bryan’s Park School.  She later taught seventh grade in Bryan and fifth and sixth grades at North Central Schools in Pioneer.

The two were married in 1949 and have three sons, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.  In addition to operating the newspaper and teaching, Ford and Hannah enjoyed traveling and have visited most of the United States and many countries throughout the world.  They also enjoyed spending time at their cottage at Clear Lake, Indiana.

Ford was active in and a past president of the Bryan Rotary Club.  He helped organize the Community Concerts in Bryan, was the chairman of the March of Dimes, was active in the Bryan Chamber of Commerce, the American Field Service and was a charter member of the Bryan Area Foundation.

Hannah is a member of the Taine Club, Literary Forum, a charter member of Claire Newcomer Club, the SHARE Foundation board, a volunteer with the Women’s Auxiliary of CHWC and the Retired Teachers Association.  Both Hannah and Ford were members of the International Friendship Club.

Hannah is a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan.

Ford died August 14, 2008 at the age of 89.

Orville Dally Memorial Community Fund

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.” 

His memorial within the Foundation has been established by friends who want to make his dream of a fine city auditorium come true.

In 1990, Bryan’s Sesquicentennial Committee donated $5,000 to the Orville Dally Memorial Fund.  It is the hope of the committee that funds generated be used to promote cultural and entertainment events in the city of Bryan.

Richard J. Daneke Business Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Richard Joseph Daneke was born on February 5, 1926 to John F. and Imelda B. Daneke.  He was the eldest of four children.  Dick graduated form Charleston Catholic High School (Virginia).  He attended Seton Hall University, the University of Detroit and General Motors Institute.  His education was interrupted by World War II at which time he joined the U.S. Naval Air Force in 1944.  Upon returning from the war he returned to college to complete his education.

In 1948 Dick joined Chevrolet Motor a division of General Motors Corporation.  His first transfer was in 1953 as a District Manager.  It was during this time Dick first resided in Bryan.  From 1955 to 1964 Dick was transferred again and held various management positions in Detroit, Des Moines, Iowa, Kansas City, Missouri and Denver, Colorado.  Returning to Central Office in Detroit in 1964 Dick was promoted to Assistant National Manager of Truck Merchandising and held this position until his retirement on December 31, 1985.  Dick became known as “Mr. Show Biz” to the Merchandising Department and employees.  Dick earned his nickname from the many national RV Shows, Trade Shows and New Car Auto Shows that he coordinated.

Surviving are Dick’s second wife Joyce and his children, one son, three daughters and two step daughters.  Upon his retirement in 1986 Dick and Joyce returned to Bryan spending six months of the year in Bryan and six months of the year at their winter home in Fort Myers, Florida.  Dick was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Orchard Hills Country Club, and Del Tura Country Club located in Fort Myers.  An avid sports fan Dick enjoyed golf, baseball and football.

It was because of Dick’s commitment to General Motors Corporation and athletics that the Richard Daneke Memorial was established by his family, friends and Chevrolet Motor Division.  The Richard Daneke Scholarship will be awarded to a Bryan Senior who is an athlete and who has plans of a career in the automotive industry.

Max E. Day Memorial Community Fund

Max Day was born May 31, 1926 to Ivan E. and Cora Oberlin Day in Edgerton, Ohio.  Max was a 1944 graduate of Edgerton High School where he was a member of the basketball team.  Following graduation he served with the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific.  After his discharge from the Navy, Max returned to Edgerton, Ohio and joined Day’s Oil Company.  He and his brother LaVon later formed Day and Day, distributors of oil products.

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, 32^nd 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.

Richard DeGroff Community Fund 

Richard Laser DeGroff was born in Williams County, Ohio, on November 11, 1921, to Clarence E. and Florence (Laser) DeGroff.  Dick was the fifth in a family of eleven, which consisted of ten boys and one girl.  He died on August 22, 1997, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

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 13^th 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.

Kayta Mansfield Dierks Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Kayta (Mansfield) Dierks was born on September 17, 1948 in Bryan, Ohio, daughter of Marlin and Lenore (Robinett) Mansfield.  She was a 1966 graduate of Bryan High School.  She earned her Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1970, and a Master of Arts Degree from St. Francis College, Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1974.

She married Todd Dierks on June 3, 1972.  Their son Christopher was born on December 10, 1984.

Kayta was an avid gardener with a special interest in herbal gardens and gardening.  Her other interests included Early American antiques, travel, children’s literature, and reading.

Her memberships included The First Brethren Church of Bryan, O.E.A., N.E.A., Daughters of the American Revolution, and The American Association of University Women.

Mrs. Dierks’ teaching career began at the Prairie Heights Elementary School at Pretty Lake, Indiana from 1970 to 1972.  After her marriage in 1972 she returned to Bryan and taught 1^st grade at the Washington Elementary School from 1972 until her untimely death in 1993.

It was because of Kayta’s intense interest, commitment, and dedication to her students that the Kayta Mansfield Dierks Memorial Scholarship was established by her family upon her death on 1993.

Mae, Dema and Clark Dimler Memorial Fund

May 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.  May Dimler began a teaching career in 1899 at the age of 17 at 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.  May Dimler died in Bryan at the Clay Rest Home on February 3, 1960.

May 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, 1994, 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 (May), 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.” 

Kenneth and Kay Donaldson Family Scholarship Fund 

Kenneth and Kay Donaldson were both born in Montpelier, Ohio.  Kenneth attended Edon Northwest School, graduating in 1957.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1961-1963.  He had a construction business for 30 years and farmed 120 acres.  Kay graduated from North Central School in 1958.  She attended Kent State University for two years. 

Kenneth and Kay were married August 27, 1969. They have 3 children, Brenda Clifford of Bryan who attended International Business College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Owens Community College in Perrysburg, Ohio.  She is Director of Health Information Management at Paulding County Hospital.  Steven Donaldson resides in Bryan and manages Donaldson Ace Hardware.  Scott Donaldson resides in Arlington, Virginia.  He is a graduate of University of Michigan and has his MBA from the University of Maryland.  He is employed by FINRA in Rockville, Maryland.  Kenneth and Kay have three grandsons, one granddaughter and one great grandson.  We truly enjoy the time we can spend with our grandchildren.

Kenneth is a member of the Masonic Lodge and Zenobia Shrine.  Kay is a member of Eastern Star, DAR and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.  They both volunteer at the Mountain Valley Hospice in Mount Airy, North Carolina. 

The Donaldson family has lived in Williams County since 1937 on County Road M-50.  The memories of being raised in small rural communities helps us to know the value of supporting our youth to better their education. We hope to provide some help to future students in business and small communities through this scholarship fund. 

Dreher Track Scholarship Fund 

This scholarship is to be given to a Montpelier High School senior who has received a varsity track award.  Selection is based on a point system established by the Dreher family and selection is made by an advisory committee consisting of a member of the Bryan Area Foundation, the Montpelier varsity boys and girls track coaches, the Montpelier junior high boys and girls track coaches and the Montpelier High School athletic director.

Pete Dreher served as varsity track coach and athletic director at Montpelier High School for 28 years. He was honored by being inducted into the Ohio High School Track Coaches Hall of Fame and also the Ohio High School Athletic Directors Hall of Fame.

 Pete married the former Marian Rosenberry, and they have two sons, Todd and Dean.

Marian taught in the Montpelier Primary School for twenty years.

John B. Dwyer Memorial Community Fund 

John B. Dwyer III is remembered by close associates as the man who gave form and substance to the Bryan Area Foundation.  He spent uncounted time researching other successful U.S. charitable foundations in order to provide the fledgling organization with a flexible, effective constitution and a set of by-laws.  Through his efforts, the Foundation avoided some of the pitfalls which have beset other similar groups. 

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 was graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity.  In 1952 he was 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 1^st 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.

The Dwyer Family Memorial Community Fund

John B. and Sally E. Dwyer established a fund in the Bryan Area Foundation to honor their four sons.

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 works 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.

Edgerton High School Scholarship Fund

An anonymous donor established this fund in 1983.  Since that time, many others have added to it.  The Edgerton High School Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to selected graduating seniors with special consideration given to those pursuing careers in teaching, automotive engineering, and automotive mechanics.

Application for this award are made through the Edgerton High School Guidance Department.  Anyone wishing to add to this scholarship fund is encouraged to do so.  Scholarships are restricted to Edgerton High School graduates only.     

Virginia Ellis Memorial Community Fund

Virginia Ellis, the daughter of Alice Kintigh and Henry W. Ellis, was born in Bryan on June 22, 1908.  She graduated from Bryan High School in 1926, received a bachelor degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1930, and received a degree in journalism from Columbia University, New York City, in 1932.

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 84^th 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.

Sarah Faye English Memorial Community Fund 

Faye English was born on February 6, 1917 in Defiance County.  She was the daughter of  Katie (Rupp) and Daniel English.  Her family included four brothers and a sister.  She died July 30, 1992 at age 75 in 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, positive attitude to friends, family and students.

Orvell and Edna Essman Memorial Community Fund 

Orvell W. Essman was born on March 5, 1915, in Steelville, Missouri.  He married F. Edna Thornhill on May 29, 1937 and they had four children, Sonja, John, Don and Bill.

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 33^rd 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.

Etoll-Essi-Isaac Fund 

Since the establishment of the Etoll-Essi-Isaac Fund of the Bryan Area Foundation is a bit unusual with three names, it is appropriate that additional information of this special relationship between and among the three families would be known.

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 at 128 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.

Walter and Esther Faben Memorial Fund 

Esther J. Faben was born in Glendale, Illinois on July 17, 1901 the daughter of Louisa (Hartman) and William Jackson.  She died September 27, 1989 at age 88.

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 that 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 that 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.

Mrs. Faben was a graduate of Miami University.

Gib and Betty Fenton Memorial Community Fund 

Elizabeth Newcomer Fenton was born June 27, 1911, in Bryan, Ohio, the daughter of Chauncey H. Newcomer and Claire Sands Newcomer.

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 Bank Community Fund 

First Federal Savings and Loan has established a fund to show support of the Bryan Area Foundation.

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 three office managers:  Gus Fipps (1953-1955). Tom Johnston (1955-1980) and Jack Brace (1980-present). 

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

First Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund

The First Presbyterian Church established a fund in the Bryan Area Foundation in 2003.  The mission of the church states, “We are a community of faith, who exist to glorify God,  Father, Son and Holy Spirit—under the authority of the Holy Scripture.  We encourage all people to embrace the faith and challenge them to grow in faith reaching out in love, through ministry to each other, the community and the world.”

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.

Clarence and Ann Fitzenrider Memorial Community Fund 

Clarence and Ann Fitzenrider were both raised in and near Bryan.  Clarence was born December 15, 1913 and Ann July 20, 1918.  Clarence had one brother, Glen, and Ann was an only child.  They both had farm backgrounds and continued this interest.  They graduated from Bryan High School and Ann graduated from International Business College in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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.

Four County Career Center Endowment Fund  (biography unavailable)

 4-H Activities Fund  

Glen and Irma Fitzenrider established three funds in the Bryan Area Foundation.  One is the Williams County 4-H Fund in 1977, the Williams County Sportsman’s Educational Association and the Black Swamp Audobon Sanctuary located along the river north east of Antwerp.  (Details listed under Audobon Society)

These gifts have been given during the lifetime of the donors and will support their special interest.

Glen was self-employed in the construction business and Irma has worked for the Cooperative Extension Service.

Thelma Oberlin Ford Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Thelma Oberlin Ford was born in Williams County on December 28, 1895 to Frank Oren and Cora (Reagle) Smith.  For the 60 years preceding her death in 1982 she was an active businesswoman in Bryan.

After graduating from the Columbus College of Embalming in 1925, she received her Ohio Embalmer’s and Funeral Director’s Licenses.  She had the distinction of being the area’s only licensed lady mortician.  The Oberlin & Ford Memorial Funeral Home, which she headed, continues under the ownership of her son and daughter-in-law, Earl C. and Polly Oberlin.

Thelma was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, The Presbyterian Women’s Society, a life member of the Bryan Community Hospital Auxiliary, a charter member of the Bryan Business and Professional Women.

Also the Order of the Eastern Star, the V.F.W. Auxiliary, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Loyal Order of the Moose Auxiliary, the Pulaski Grange, Mothers of World War II, the William County Historical Society and the Bryan Senior Citizens Club.

Her first husband, Earl C. Oberlin, died in 1927.  Her second husband, B. Burr Ford, died in 1952.

She created the Thelma Oberlin Ford Memorial Scholarship Fund in the Bryan Area Foundation, under the terms of her will.

 Ford Family Scholarship Fund 

Two brothers, William H. and Henry E. Ford were born in Defiance County, near Farmer, where they attended school.  In the 1950’s, both men became realtors in Williams County.  Eventually they organized Ford Real Estate and Auction Service, with main offices in Bryan.       William married Maxine E. Day of Edgerton.  Their three children are Judy, James and Kayln.  William died April 16, 1983.  Henry married Irene E. Gentry of Edgerton, whose children are Teresa and Henry Everett.

Throughout their lifetime, both men were active in community activities in Bryan and Williams County.

Four County Career Center Endowment Fund

The Four County Career Center Endowment Fund was created in the fall of 2009.  The mission of the endowment fund is to provide financial support to Four County Career Center students for scholarships, program needs, senior projects and other educational purposes.

Linda Wiley Fox Memorial Scholarship Fund

Linda Fox was born in Bryan on November 25, 1940 to Chester D. and Helen M. (Hall) Wiley.

She had a great interest and desire in baton twirling and received many awards.  At the age of three she was marching with the Napoleon High School Band at performances throughout Northwest Ohio.  During her junior and senior years at Bryan High School she led the high school marching band as drum major.

After high school, she attended and graduated from International Business College.  Most of her working career was in the insurance field having been associated with the Lowe Bros. Agency in Bryan and with the Michigan Mutual Insurance Branch offices in Jackson and Birmingham, Michigan.

She was proud of her two sons Richard and Douglas and was active in Cub Scouts and the Parent Teachers while residing in Jackson.  She was a past secretary for the Orchard Hills County Club Ladies Association.

Linda had always hoped for a scholarship fund that provided for students desiring to further their education in a two-year college or technical school program.  Her family and friends made this dream possible in her honor.

Ralph W. and Karen K. Gallagher Community Fund

Ralph W. and Karen K. Gallagher Scholarship Fund

Ralph W. Gallagher was born and raised in northeast Ohio.  After serving four years in the United States Air Force, he completed his bachelor’s degree at the Ohio State University and his doctor of jurisprudence degree at the University of Toledo College of Law.  Ralph has been a resident of Bryan, Ohio, since 1972, and during that time, he has been an attorney with the firm of Gallagher & Stelzer, Ltd.         

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 & Stelzer, 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 and past trustee of the Bryan Area Foundation. Ralph is 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 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.

Herbert W. Gambler Community Fund 

Herbert W. Gambler was born June 8, 1924 at Worth, Illinois to Maude (Canel) and Jess Gambler.  He married Phyllis M. Shaw in 1956.  They had four children: Stan, Rita, Ina Kay, and Patty.  Herbert was a self-employed electrician.  He died October 2, 2005.

Dr. Mark Alan Gearhart Memorial Scholarship Fund

Mark Alan Gearhart was born to Louise (Wehrle) and Larry Gearhart on September 14, 1956 in Montpelier.  He had three young brothers, Ronald, Gary and James.

Dr. Gearhart was on his was to his 15^th class reunion of Edon High School when he died in a tragic plane crash in Sioux City, Iowa.  He was 32 years old.

Mark A. Gearhart graduated valedictorian of the Edon Northwest High School Class of 1974.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Ohio University in Athens where he graduated summa cum laude.  He played in marching bands at both Edon High School and Ohio University.  He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa at Ohio University.  He then entered Ohio State University where he received his doctorate in Veterinary medicine in 1982, graduating summa cum laude.

After a year at Ontario Veterinary College, earning a diploma in large animal surgery, he went to Colorado State and received a master’s degree in clinical sciences and agricultural economics and was studying towards a Ph.D. in analytic epidemiology dairy production medicine.

When he died, Dr. Gearhart was completing work on his doctorate in the epidemiology and economics of dairy cattle production, making him one of few experts in this field.

Jack Lebel, a professor of radiology and radiation biology said at the memorial service, “Mark had a zest for life and was a brilliant, brilliant young man.”

In spite of all of his achievements, Dr. Gearhart’s co-workers and friends both in Colorado and in Edon remember him for his spirit and personality.A fellow veterinarian said, “He majored in being a good guy.  He

 was welcome in the kitchen of every dairy farmer in this community.  He was as comfortable on the farm as well as behind the computer.”

The Dr. Mark Alan Gearhart Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships for students at Edon High School entering the field of science.

Gertrude and Don Geesey Memorial Scholarship Fund 

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, who resides in Archbold, Ohio.

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.

Grace E. Geesey Community Fund (biography unavailable) 

Raymond Gibson Memorial Community Fund

Edith M. Gibson, daughter of Mary Ann (Hoblet) and Lewis Wesley Tague, was born October 9, 1906 in Mercer County, Ohio, and passed away in Bryan on November 28, 1987.

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 32^nd 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.

Wendell P. and Clara B. Goebel Memorial Community Fund

Clara B. Goebel (1922-1996) was born in Edon the daughter of Verl and Elfie Brannan.  In 1947, she married Wendell Goebel, who died in 1993.Mrs. Goebel and her husband both served their country in the Armed Forces during World War II.  Mrs. Goebel was a member of the Women’s Air Corps and was attached to the Far Eastern Air Service commission in Hollandia, New Guinea.  Mr. Goebel served in the United States Army in the European Theater.

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’s 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’s 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.

Jack Greene Memorial Scholarship Fund

“A little child shall lead them, a big boy can give you spirit."

These words sum up the last fourteen months of Jack Greene’s life.  In March, 1969, at the age of sixteen he was found to have leukemia.  He died in May, 1970, just prior to graduation.

 He was the son of Bob and Ann Greene.

Jack gave spirit to all his activities, and he enjoyed many of them.  In Bryan High School he was active in choral music and sports, and in summer he took part in the swimming program.

His physical problem put an end to his high school basketball career at the end of his junior year.  But then he found a way to channel his enthusiasm into a different path.  He assisted radio station WBNO in the broadcasting of local and area basketball contests, and helped cover tournaments in St. John’s Arena, Columbus.  He was an active member of the varsity golf team in his senior year.

Memorial gifts from friends, relatives and area high school athletic departments formed the nucleus around which the Jack Greene Memorial Scholarship Fund was created.

Jack’s father, Robert L. Greene, was born April 5, 1921 in Williams County, Ohio.  He died May 12, 1992 in Tampa, Fla.

Bob was interested in continuing education.  By augmenting his son’s scholarship fund, a larger award could be presented each year to a Bryan High School senior who would be attending college.

Memorial donations from friends and family were given to Jack’s fund as a tribute to Bob.

Leland S. Grim and Wilma E. Grim Memorial Community Fund 

Wilma Grim was born on February 2, 1903 in Bryan to Henry and Zella (Keiser) Elsasser.

She married Leland “Pete” Grim, a petroleum distributor, who died in 1972.  The Grims had no children.

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 and Wavel  Hallock Memorial Community Fund

Dale W. Hallock was born March 22, 1917 in Bryan, to Elwood Hallock and Grace (Grim) Hallock.  He lived his entire life in and around Bryan, Ohio.

In 1935, Dale was married to Wavel E. Fulmer of Bryan, Ohio.  To this marriage of sixty two years three children, Patricia, Jack and Dorothy were born.

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.

WW and MG Hardy Community Fund  

Wilson and Marjorie were both Bryan natives and high school sweethearts.  They were married in June, 1934.

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.

Michael Sandles Harman Memorial Scholarship Fund  

“A precious charge, so meek and mild, is Heaven’s Very Special Child”

Michael Harman was born in 1948 a victim of Down ’s syndrome.  He was the son of Eleanor and Dennis Harman of Bryan.

As a result of Michael’s handicap, Eleanor along with other area parents of mentally handicapped children, joined together with the intend purpose of organizing a school to meet the needs of such “Special Children”.  This school was first originated in Pulaski, Ohio in the basement of the Methodist Church.  Today, it is the very successful Sunnyside School.  Michael’s mother continued her involvement in special education by serving on the early board of Quadco.

Upon the death of Michael in 1983, his parents with the aid of Sunnyside School developed a scholarship fund in his name.  The express purpose of the scholarship is to offer money for compassionate high school students who want to further their education in teaching mentally handicapped children.

Jerome J. Hartman Fund (no biography available)

Howard C. and Mary Allene Hawk Memorial Community Fund 

Howard C. and Mary Allene Hawk moved to Bryan from Medina County, Ohio in 1916.  The family founded H.C. Hawk and Son clothing store in that same year.  The store is still active, and is known more conveniently as Hawks.

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.

Lemuel and Marjorie Hawk Memorial Community Fund

Lemuel L. Hawk, co-founder of the Bryan Area Foundation with his friend, the late John Dwyer, died on May 6, 1993 at age 90.

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.  Their daughter, Barbara Hampton, lives in Washington, D.C.

Andrew M. Herman Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Andrew Milton Herman was the youngest son of Tom and Susan.  He had four older brothers, four sisters-in-law and was an uncle:  Craig and Bernadette – Melissa, Matthew and Douglas; Bruce and Maribeth; Steven and Kathy – Haley, Connor, Gabrielle and Ariana; and Timothy and Meg – Kathryn.  Andy was born December 17, 1969 in Bryan, Ohio.  He lost his life at the age of 20 ½ in an automobile accident on June 22, 1990.

At Bryan High School, Andy was on the varsity golf team and was its Most Valuable Player for four years.  In 1987, the BHS team placed third in Class AA at State, and Andy was named Northwest District Class AA player of the year.  Also in 1987, Andy was the club champion at Orchard Hills Country Club.  He competed in Toledo Junior Golf Association tournaments during the summers.  Andy also lettered in tennis and was a most enthusiastic fan of all sports at BHS.  At the time of his accident, he had completed his sophomore year at Miami University.

Being the youngest of five sons was not always the easiest – he was always “someone’s” brother.  He will forever be affectionately remembered by his family and friends as “The Gerb”.  Of course Andy went to all the activities of “the brothers” and he was a little brother to all of their friends, too.  The Gerb knew everyone and everyone knew him.  As he was growing up, he had an uncanny rapport with people of all ages and all walks of life.  He was a ray of sunshine in many lives.  Andy’s love, caring and compassion for his family and friends was exemplified by over forty Miami University Sigma Nu fraternity brothers form all over the United States, and literally hundred of friends from Bryan and Toledo who attended his memorial service.  A few excerpts from notes written by his friends will tell you more about him:

            “He passed on a lot of his ‘gentlemaness’ to me and I’m glad I listened to him”.

            “I knew he must have gotten tired of this little kid always tagging along behind him, but he never said a word.  He always had time to help me”.

            “Andy was a close friend of mine at Miami.  I feel quite honored to have had the chance to meet and know such a caring, wonderful person”.

            “Andy’s was one of my SPECIAL kids – one who I truly enjoyed hearing from and working with.  He was a very thoughtful, sensitive young man who never failed to give me a hug before leaving my office – knowing that I needed one”. (from his Miami University academic advisor – a “thirtyish” young woman).

            “Andy’s sparkling eyes and that ready and engaging smile will always be with everyone who knew him.  He enjoyed life and he seemed to be able to make others feel good just by being around him”.

Gifts from hundreds of his loving friends and family have created the Andrew M. Herman Memorial Scholarship through the Bryan Area Foundation.  In life, Andy did indeed touch so many lives – more than anyone will ever know.  Through his scholarship, he will continue to touch many more lives in the future.  Fond memories of Andy – The Gerb- will live forever in many hearts.

Thomas M. and Susan Y. Herman Fund 

Thomas M. Herman and Susan Young were married in 1955 and moved to Bryan in 1958.  They have five sons:  Dr. Craig, Dr. Bruce, Steven, Timothy, and Andrew (who lost his life in an automobile accident in 1990 at the age of 20 ½); four daughters-in-law and eight grandchildren.

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; 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.

George Lawrence Hineman, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund

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 8^th 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.”

Sheri Huffman Scholarship Fund  (biography unavailable)

Brenda M. Hugg Memorial Scholarship Fund

Brenda Hugg was born in Pinehurst, N.C. on June 8, 1981, to Diane Marie and Ned Devon Hugg.

A 2000 graduate of Bryan High School, she was a member of the school orchestra, the National Honor Society and VFW High-Steppers.  She had volunteered with TRUST and was a mat maid with the Bryan wrestling team.  Brenda also volunteered with EMS and was a member of the First Brethren Church.  She had spent three years working at Dairy Queen.

Brenda was a freshman at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti where she was a member of the Alpha Xi Delta Sorority.

Brenda died on October 29, 2000, in Ypsilanti, the victim of a hit-and-run driver.  Approximately 500 students, faculty and administrators joined together to pay their respects at a candlelight vigil on campus.

Wayne and Beulah Hulbert Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Wayne Martin Hulbert was born on a farm in Defiance County in 1895, and lived there until his death in 1970.  When he was graduated from Hicksville High School as valedictorian, his classmate and future wife Beulah was salutatorian.

His college years were spent at Defiance College and Ohio Northern University.  His education was interrupted by World War I, when he served with the Medical Corps in France.

In 1920, Wayne was married to Beulah Alice McCollough, who had been born at Six Corners in Defiance County.  She attended Defiance and Bluffton Colleges.  She and husband Wayne taught in one-room schools.

The Hulbert’s were members of the Logan United Methodist Church, where Wayne served as trustee.  Beulah taught Sunday school there and helped with music and youth programs.

Wayne was a charter member of the Farmer American Legion Post, and its service officer for 24 years.  He was well known in the area for his work among the veterans.  Beulah served as the Auxiliary’s historian, and received many honors for her work.

Three daughters were born to the Hulbert’s:  Eloise May (d. age 3), Elinor L. (Hulbert) Bauer, a teacher in the Bryan school system, and Clarice E. (Hulbert) Moats, a former teacher and later a Bryan resident.

Education was always important to the Hulbert’s.  Wayne served on the Farmer school Board, and Beulah was a 4-H club leader for many years.  They spent long hours tutoring students to help them secure scholarships and financial aid for education.

Wayne and Beulah shared a love of God, country, people and nature.  After her husband’s death, Beulah continued to be active in church and community work until her death in 1982.

Jerry Humphrey Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Jerry Humphrey was born on a farm west of Cooney, Ohio on August 2, 1940.  He lived there during his school years.

On July 31, 1995 he died of an apparent heart attack while attending the Oshkosh EAA Fly-In convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Mr. Humphrey graduated from Edon High School in 1958, and he attended Northwest Technical College.  He started his career at Tomco Plastic as a third shift molding supervisor in 1971.  He worked his way up to general foreman, production manager, general manager and in 1980 Mr. Humphrey was promoted to vice-president of manufacturing and engineering of Tomco Plastic Inc.  In 1983 he became a member of the board of directors and a shareholder in the company.  And he was a member of the Society of Plastic Engineers.

Jerry was an avid pilot involved with the National Chapter of The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter #816 and Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.  He was a board member of Williams County Airport Commission, member of the Two-Cylinder Club, the Rockwell Springs Trout Club, and Bryan Moose Lodge #1064.

He also owned two airplanes, a Cessna 150, and a Rockwell Commander 114.  He loved to take people up and show them our great town of Bryan.  Jerry was loved by everyone.  He was the greatest man you could ever meet!  He also got a kick out of helping young people with their needs in life.

He was the son of Luella (McCrea) and Dale Humphrey.  He was united in marriage to Gloria J. (Riter) Wood on June 5, 1970.  Surviving in addition to his wife is his beautiful daughter Rebecca Lou Humphrey and his two handsome stepsons Jeffrey L. and Barry L. Woods and five very proud grandchildren.

In 1992 he brought home his 1960 John Deere diesel tractor that he used to farm with, and completely restored his green and yellow machine to mint condition.  He has won several plaques with that beautiful tractor.  It is one of a kind!  This past year (1998) I put his tractor in the Edon Days Parade and won first in restoration.  Jerry would be PROUD.

Huntington Bank Community Fund 

The roots of Huntington Bank in Bryan go deep into the past of Northwest Ohio.  The community of Bryan was incorporated as a village in 1849, the same year the Fountain City Bank in Bryan was established.  In 1863 the name was changed and The First National Bank of Bryan became one of the original national banks organized in the U.S.  Through the years the bank grew in Williams County and eventually changed its name to First National Bank Northwest Ohio.  The result of several acquisitions, mergers with equal partners, and name changes, Huntington Bank is now part of a diversified financial services holding company that operates financial centers and ATMs in Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky and West Virginia.  Huntington employees participate in many non-profit and community-based programs and organizations and the banks foundation contributes to human services programs in all markets.  Acting as a true community partner, Huntington shares the benefits of success with those who need it and those who helped the bank become what it is today.  Huntington Bank is proud of its ties to the Williams County area and wants this endowment fund to further the works of charitable organizations for many generations to come. 

Adelle Isaac Memorial Community Fund 

Adelle Isaac was born in Bryan on January 1, 1912 to May (Ade) and George Isaac.  She died on March 29, 1992 at age 80.  A 1929 Bryan High School graduate, she attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and was a 1939 graduate of Fort Wayne Bible College.

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.

Charles and Ruth Isaac Memorial Fund 

Charles R. Isaac was born September 4, 1914 and was the son of Mary (Ade) and George Azar Isaac.  His parents moved from Bloudan near Damascus, Syria, in 1896 to the United States.

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:  32^nd 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.

Cora Isaac Memorial Fund 

Cora Isaac, the daughter of Mary (Ade) and George Azar Isaac was born April 9, 1913 in Bryan.  She was a life long Bryan resident.  She was in sales at the Uhlmans Department Store in Bryan for most of her working career, prior to retirement.           

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.

George Isaac Community Fund 

George Isaac of Bryan is a senior member of the Isaac families who has been active in business and civic activities in Toledo and Northwestern Ohio for many years. 

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 18^th 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.

Gladys E. Isaac Memorial Fund 

Gladys Isaac was born June 3, 1916 to George Azar and Mary (Ade) Isaac, in Bryan, Ohio.

She attended Bryan Public Schools, and was graduated from Nyack Bible College in Nyack, New York.

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.

Lilly George Isaac Community Fund

Lilly George Isaac St. George AOC Scholarship Fund

Lilly George Isaac Wesley UMC Fund 

Lilly George Isaac, 80, passed away May 16, 2005 in Toledo, Ohio.  She was born November 22, 1924 in Parma, Ohio, the daughter of Habeeb and Frieda George who emigrated from Lebanon as young adults.  She graduated from Parma High School in 1942.  Following graduation from IBM Computer School, she worked at Warner and Swasey in Cleveland, Ohio in the new computer department as an IBM key punch operator and private secretary in the executive office.  Lill moved to Bryan, Ohio in the fall of 1949 after marrying George Isaac, Jr

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.

Marion Isaac Fund 

Marion Isaac was born August 10, 1919 to George Azar Isaac and Mary (Ade) Isaac, in Bryan, Ohio.

She attending Bryan Public Schools and graduated in 1937 from Bryan High School.

Upon graduation she was employed as an accountant for the Stine Lubber Company.  In 1946 she joined the family businesses and served as an officer in the various corporations.

She is a member of various civic groups and a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church.

George Azar and Mary Ade Isaac Memorial Fund 

This is a brief history of the George Isaac (Aziz Azar) and Mary Isaac (Sitikul Ade) family.

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.

Mose and Yvonne Isaac Scholarship Fund 

Mose Isaac was born in Bryan on July 11, 1909, to George and Mary Isaac.  In the Isaac family were 6 girls and 3 boys all living in Bryan.

He married Yvonne Makool on June 30, 1946.  They had 2 children, Renee who is a school teacher in Bryan and Richard who works in the branch office of The Isaac Corporation in Toledo.

He spent most of his entire life in the scrap business known as The Isaac Corporation.  This also includes the real estate business.

He graduated from Bryan High School in 1928 from a class of 75 students.

Mose was president of the Bryan Rotary Club in 1964-65.  He was awarded a 45 year perfect attendance pin in April 1992.  During his term of office he was interested in the America Field Service, a student exchange program, of which he was president.  He was also chairman of the United Fund drive.  Mose was active in the Masonic Lodge in Bryan and received a 50 year membership pin.  He is also a member of the Moose Lodge #1064.  In Toledo he is a member of the Shrine and also the Consistory.  Mose is active in the Methodist church and has been a member for 50 years.

Mose has been active in the Williams County Economic Development Corporation for many years.  He helped Williams County to expand our industries and increase jobs.  In May 1990, he raised funds for our member of the Ohio Trade Mission to visit Russia, Poland, and Yugoslavia to expand our foreign trade.

Rosa Isaac Alliance Church Fund

Rosa Isaac Bryan City Park Fund

Rosa Isaac Memorial Community Fund

Rosa Isaac Memorial Scholarship Fund

Rosa Isaac Roseland Park Fund 

Rosa Isaac achieved a long an enviable record in the area of community betterment.  Recognition came to her in 1973 on a national basis, when she was selected for listing in the 1974-75 Marquis’ Who’s Who of America Women.

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.

Sadie Isaac Memorial Community Fund 

Sadie Margaret Isaac was born in Bryan on July 6, 1907 to Mary (Ade) and George Isaac.  She was a life-long resident of Bryan and died September 9 at age 83.

Miss Isaac lived and worked in Fort Wayne for a few years.  She operated and owned an exercise center in Bryan until retirement.

Dr. Allen and Kay Jackson Community Fund  

Allen Jackson, born to Elvin and Mabel Rinkel Jackson on a farm two miles southwest of Bryan, and Kay Glass met at the county fair in Wapakoneta.  He was the State Fair Inspector and she was helping in her parents’ SnoKone concession.  The daughter of a coach and a music teacher, Kay had graduated from Columbus West High School and was a senior at Miami University.  A year later they were married, and Kay taught in Upper Arlington while Allen earned his medical degree.

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.  That and the Bryan Area Foundation are now the focuses of her volunteer work.

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.

Louys and Ida Juillard Memorial Community Fund 

 Louys Juillard was born June 12, 1899 to Julian and Lucy (Louys) Juillard.  Two brothers and six sisters were born to the same parents.  He was united in marriage to Ida Jones on April 15, 1947.

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 latter 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.

The Krisher and Ewing Forestry Fund 

“In my imagination I like to think of this as the Paul Bunyan Fund.

The mythical Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe was a legend of the north woods.

As a parody, I think of Paul Ewing as Paul Bunyan and myself as Babe his faithful employee”.

Wilna Krisher 

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.

Flora Dale Krouse Memorial Community Fund 

Flora Dale Krouse was born June 28, 1891 to Mr. and Mrs. Wallick.  She grew up on a farm near Blakeslee.  She was united in marriage to D.O. Horton, a Bryan real estate developer, who died in 1940.  Later, she married Robert Donley and Charles Krouse, both of whom predeceased her.  While living in Bryan she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.  In the last few years of her life she made her home in Fort Wayne.

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

Hal and Dene Lewis Scholarship Fund 

Dene and Hal Lewis are grateful for their years teaching students and look forward to having Bryan High School graduates who are interested in becoming educators benefit from their scholarship fund.

Prior to entering Defiance College, Hal served in the U.S. Air Force.  Graduates of Defiance College and with master’s degrees from Bowling Green State University, Hal and Dene moved to Bryan in 1960.

Hal taught English at the Bryan Junior High where he also coached tennis, cross country, developmental basketball, organized a Bibliophile Group for students, and in 1972 started a community glass recycling project with his students.  He taught in Bryan from 1959 until he retired in 1985 with the exception of one year when he was high school principal at West Unity.

An enthusiastic runner Hal has run numerous 5K, 10K, and marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 1987.  He is the author of a book, From the Middle of the Pack, about running and has had articles appear in magazines for runners.

Dene has taught elementary classes in Hicksville, Montpelier and Bryan where she initiated and taught the Transition class.  She was selected as Bryan’s first Teacher of the Year in 1987.  She taught methods’ courses at Defiance College and supervised student teachers.  She has been published and writes for young readers.

Their son, Jonathon, is an investment analyst at Miami University.  He and his wife Kathy live in Oxford, Ohio.

Ed Likes Designated Fund

Ed Likes Scholarship Fund

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 Associates 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.  

Hugh A. and Audrey E. Lindsey Memorial Fund 

Hugh A. Lindsey was born in Bryan on October 30, 1900.  For over 40 years, until his death January 2, 1970, he was one of General Motors’ outstanding car dealers.

He was a member of the school board for 15 years, and the present high school was constructed during his tenure.  Hugh showed a deep concern for the well-being of others, and helped several young people secure a college education.  He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church.

A scholarship fund honoring his memory was set up by the foundation board of directors.

Robert D. and Mary Lowe Memorial Fund 

Robert D. Lowe was born to Charles R. and Myrta M. (Daso) Lowe on October 24, 1907 in Montpelier, Ohio.

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.

Robert T. Lowe Memorial Community Fund 

Robert T. Lowe was born in Bryan in 1942 to Mary Watkins and Robert Daso Lowe.  He was a 1960 BHS graduate and attended the University of Michigan where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1964 and became a member of Delta Tau Delta social fraternity.  Bob then attended the Ohio State University College of Law where he received his doctor of jurisprudence degree, cum laude, in 1967 and was a member of the Board of Editors of the Ohio State Law Journal.

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 moneys contributed to the Bryan Area Foundation in his memory will continue his legacy of service.

Jerry Luce Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Gerald E. (Jerry) Luce was born on April 7, 1950 to Edward and Ramona (Joice) Luce.  His brother, Michael Allyn, is two years younger.

Jerry graduated from Edon High School in 1968 where he was vice-president of his senior class.  After attending Fort Wayne Indiana-Purdue University for one year, he became a charter member of Four County Technical Institute (now Northwest State Community College) where he received his Associate Degree in Applied Business in 1971.

On June 26, 1971 he married Jo Ann Thiel.  Their daughter, Jennifer Ann, was born on January 30, 1975 and their son Allyn John, was born on October 8, 1977.

Jerry joined the Edon Volunteer Fire Department in 1969 and became chief of the department in 1981.

In 1979 he joined the New York Life Insurance Company as a field underwriter.  He attained many sales goals and assisted clients in northwest Ohio as well as the tri-state area.

Jerry was extremely dedicated to the fire department, to his insurance clients, and above all to his wife and children.  He always endeavored to schedule his meetings and appointments around his family and their activities.

On a foggy, January 21, 1993, while he and his wife were enroute to their son’s freshman basketball game. Jerry lost his life in a tragic automobile accident.

Since children and education were so important to him, his family chose to establish a scholarship so his memory could live on.  An Edon High School student that demonstrates scholastic achievement and the spirit of hard work with personal goals is selected each year to receive the Jerry Luce Memorial Scholarship.  Preference is given to a child of a firefighter or a student interested in the field of business.

 “His work is not measured in the years he lived, but in the love he left behind”.

Charles P. Mallory Memorial Community Fund

Charles Paul Mallory was the son of Lenora (Young) and C. Frank Mallory, born in Bryan on July 8, 1905

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.

MacDonald-Connin-Ruff Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Besse Connin-Ruff-MacDonald provided for the creation of the MacDonald-Connin-Ruff Memorial Scholarship Fund through her will.  The fund was established in memory of her family;  parents, brother and sister, husbands and nephew.  This scholarship fund through the Bryan Area Foundation is for area students seeking higher education.

Besse Connin-Ruff -MacDonald (d. 1975) was born in Bryan to Lyman and Nellie Connin.  Lyman owned and operated a coal distribution business. Lyman was the son of John Connin and Rebecca (McFadden) Connin.  Besse's grandfather, John Connin, was the noted founder of the Bryan City Band.  Nellie was the daughter of Charles and Sarah Hopf.

Besse's sister Corda Connin worked for many years as a sheriff office clerk at the Williams County Courthouse.  She was an excellent artist and loved doing charcoal sketches of horses and farm scenes.  Besse's brother Ray Connin was the owner of a moving business in the 1920's.  After selling the moving business he opened a furniture business on the square in Bryan and in Defiance.  Ray and his wife Tillie (Oxenrider) had a son, Carson H. Connin who worked in the furniture business with his father.  They built, opened and operated their final store on West High Street in Bryan from 1948-1958.  Carson also manufactured upholstered rocking chairs which he sold throughout the Midwest.  Together they initiated the development of the Connin Home Acres subdivision located at the west edge of Bryan.

Besse married George S. Ruff.  George was born in 1881, the son of George P. Ruff and Mary Jane Elsea.  He was reared on a farm at the southwest edge of Bryan, worked as a livestock dealer, and owned several farms.  He died in 1916.

Lachlan MacDonald, Besse's second husband,  was born in 1886 at Lake Linden, Michigan in the Upper Peninsula.  His parents were Scottish immigrants, and his father worked in the Keewenaw copper mines.  In his early life, MacDonald worked on Great Lakes ore boats.  He next became a partner in a malleable iron works in Wauseon. He moved to Bryan, where he began making Ford Automobile timers in a factory on North Portland Street.  Eventually he joined the Ohio Art Company and remained there until his retirement.  He ultimately attained the presidency, and remained in that office for 23 years.

MacDonald’s stature was widely recognized.  He was a director of the Citizens National Bank, and during 1946-47 he was president of the Toy Manufacturers Association of the U. S.  His counsel was sought by the government when he was asked to tour post-war Europe and assess the potential for reconstruction of war damaged industries.  He was active in Masonry, and rose to the 33^rd Degree.  His generous will made provision for bequests to the Bryan Public Library and many charitable organizations.  Perhaps in memory of his boyhood fondness for winter sports, he left a special fund to the Bryan City Schools for the construction of a covered ice skating rink.  In doing so, he may also have been thinking of a boyhood friend who fell through ice and drowned while skating.

Bob and Joyce Markey Fund

Robert Markey Memorial Fund

John Robert Markey was born the son of Ruth (Edwards) and John Clifton Markey in Defiance, Ohio on July 8, 1918.  He moved to Bryan when he was two years old.  He died January 7, 1998 at age 79.

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.”

William and Nancy Martens Fund 

Bill Martens and Nancy Jenkins were married shortly after they graduated from Miami University in 1952.  Bill, a scholarship NROTC student, was stationed as a line officer aboard a destroyer and spent the better part of three years in the Mediterranean with the Sixth Fleet.  Bill and Nancy returned to the University of Michigan where Bill earned his M.B.A., and Nancy helped coach youth ice skaters for the Ann Arbor Skating Club.  Nancy had given up competitive skating to go to college after earning her American Gold Medal and skating with her brother Hayes in the 1948 National Championship in Los Angeles.  Her brothers went on to win gold medals in the 1956 and 1960 Olympics.

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.

Although Bill and Nancy, in retirement, spend the winter in Arizona, they continue to return to Bryan for the balance of the year.      

Kathryn C. McCord Memorial Community Fund 

Kathryn C. McCord was born in Toledo to Walter and Leanna Gunn.  She was graduated from Bryan High School in 1931.

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.

Paul and Florence McCoy Memorial Community Fund 

Paul and Florence I. McCoy resided in the Bryan Area for many years.  They left an unrestricted gift of $108,140 to the Bryan Area Foundation.  Mr. McCoy graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Agriculture.  He then returned to his home dairy farm for many years and eventually sold his farm north of Bryan on County Road 13 to Ralph Rigg.

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 and Delores Mellott Memorial Fund 

The memorial Fund established in the name of George and Dolores Mellott has been designated for aid to young people who wish to further their talents and ambitions through participation in 4-H.

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, with offices at 203 West High Street.  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.

Anne Belle and C.B. Melton Memorial Scholarship Fund 

The heirs of long-time Bryan residents Anna Belle and C.B. Melton have established a Bryan Area Foundation permanent memorial in their name.

The Foundation will establish the Anna Belle and C.B. Melton Memorial Scholarship.  This scholarship will be given to a graduate of Bryan High School who is pursuing undergraduate or graduate college coursework in Special Education or a related area.

The Melton’s both had a long-time interest in the welfare of the mentally retarded and developmentally disabled.  By this gesture, the family wishes to memorialize their commitment to that need and to the Bryan community.  C.B. Melton served on the first Williams County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities upon the establishment of such Boards by the Ohio Legislature in 1967.

Anthony and Phyllis Mignery Music Scholarship Fund 

Anthony (Tony) was born in West Unity, Ohio on May 2, 1920 to Anthony S. Mignery and Clela Arnold Mignery.  He graduated from Bryan High School in 1938 and the University of Michigan in January 1943 with a BS degree in geology.  While in high school he was active in track, basketball and all types of music including band, dance orchestra, acapella choir, chorus, and First Presbyterian choir.  While in college he continued his interest in music.

He was married to Florence M. Perkins on July 5, 1943 in Waterville, Maine. Their children are Marjorie Ann, Edward Arnold, Sarah Elizabeth, and Ruth Ellen.

He served in the Navy during World War II on the U.S.S. Charger in the Atlantic and the U.S.S. Blackford in the Pacific.

In January 1946 he joined his father in the A.S. Mignery Company, a wholesale candy, tobacco and paper products distributing firm which he managed as a partner and later owned.  He continued in this business until February 1985.  He was active in state and national trade associations.

Tony had been active in civic and church affairs.  He has served the Community Concert Association, Junior Achievement, Bryan Area Foundation, Bryan United Fund, Bryan Chapter Review Commission, director Citizens National Bank and an elder in the First Presbyterian Church.  He was a Paul Harris Fellow Rotarian and past president of the Bryan club.

His wife Florence died in December 1967.  In 1971 he married Phyllis M. Mahuren in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Phyllis graduated from North Side High School, Fort Wayne, Indiana where she was active in music and drama; acapella choir, various musicals and plays.  She also sang in the Trinity English Lutheran Church choir for 35 years before moving to Bryan.  She was a member of Women’s Committee of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and Psi Iota Xi Sorority.  She has two children, James Dennis and Nancy Lynn.  She  continued her interest in music in Bryan, singing in the First Presbyterian Church Choir and serving on the board of the Community Concert Association.  The Mignery’s were members of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Association and enjoyed attending concerts wherever they may be.

Phyllis died on February 5, 2009 at age 87 and Tony died 18 days later on February 23, 2009 at the age  of 88.

Russell K. Mignery Memorial Scholarship Fund 

Russell Kenneth Mignery was born December  8, 1906 in Stryker, to Louis and Mary (Seignour) Mignery.  He was the youngest of a family of five boys and one girl.  He graduated from Stryker High School in 1924, and moved to Bryan two years later.

After a period of years with Stroeh’s Meat Market, he began working for the First National Bank in 1929.  In that same year, he was united in marriage to Leora Stauffer.  Two children, Joan Leora and John Russell were born to their marriage.

In 1943 Russell left the bank to go with the Aro Equipment Corporation, where he became assistant secretary and cost accounting manager.  He held these positions for 26 years, until his retirement in 1969.  Following his retirement, he and wife Leora wintered in Florida.

His community interests were many.  He was clerk of the Bryan Board of Education for 32 years.  He played basketball in high school and went with his team to state tournaments.  During high school he played the violin, and played the baritone horn in the Bryan City Band.

In the First Presbyterian Church he was an elder and deacon, and served as treasurer for the building fund drive which eventually led to the construction of a new church building in 1960.

He and Leora enjoyed fishing, card playing, spending summers at their cottage and traveling.  Russell also served as president of the Bryan Service Club and was a member of the Moose.

A gift of $5,000 was given by Leora Mignery to the Bryan Area Foundation as a memorial to Russell.  Proceeds from the fund will be used for the benefit of area students, and for other community causes.  Leora Mignery has said, “I feel the Area Foundation is very special, a fitting place for Russell’s memorial.  It will be a living memorial, and it will help others”.

E.G. Mitchell Memorial Community Fund 

E.G. (Ned) Mitchell was born March 25, 1909.  After graduation from the University of Illinois and graduate work at Stanford University, he began a long career in the metalworking industry.  He was associated with Chase Brass & Copper Company and Western Brass, which later became Olin Industries.  His reputation as an expert in non-ferrous metals was worldwide.

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.

Robert A. and Mildred Oberlin Mitchell Memorial Community Fund 

Mildred ‘Mid’ Oberlin was born in Bryan on February 3, 1915 to Earl C. Sr. and Thelma (Smith) Oberlin.

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.

Clarice Moats Memorial Scholarship Fund

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 2, 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 Cleveland, Ohio.  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., 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 Audobon 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.

Boyd Moore Memorial Fund 

Boyd Moore was born in Kunkle, Ohio, on April 28, 1921, and died August 8, 1984.

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.

Juanita Myers Memorial Community Fund 

Juanita Rae Myers was born November 11, 1912 in Platt County, Illinois.  She was the daughter of Ada (Goble) and Roy Smallwood.  She moved to Pioneer in 1919 and to Bryan in 1927.  She was a 1930 graduate of Bryan High School.  On January 21, 1933 she married Claude Myers

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.

Elwin Newcomer Memorial Community Fund 

Elwin Newcomer was born on a farm west of Bryan on March 27, 1904.  He lived there nearly all of his life.  His education at Bryan High School, Defiance College and Ohio State University led him to a curiosity in many fields.

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.

Valerie Newcomer Memorial Community Fund 

Valerie Newcomer was born July 15, 1947 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, daughter of Mary and Theodore James D’Amato.  She was a graduate of Clifford J. Scott High School, East Orange, New Jersey.  She earned a bachelor degree from Kalamazoo College, a master’s degree in San Francisco, California, and a doctorate in counseling from the University of Toledo.

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.

Goldie Newman Animal Fund 

Goldie Newman was born in the late 1890’s to James and Minnie (Davis) Newman.  She lived her entire life in Bryan, where she owned and operated a general store on Main Street, north of the railroad tracks.  She died June 18, 1973 in a local nursing home.

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.

Philip M. and Mildred Pennell Niederaur Community Fund 

Philip Mitchell Niederaur was born in Bryan, October 2, 1893 and graduated from Bryan High School in 1912.  He spent the summers of 1911 and 1912 at Culver Naval Academy.  He entered Oberlin College and then transferred to the University of Wisconsin.  He graduated from there in 1916 with an A.B. degree in economics, money and banking.

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, 32^nd 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 Nofziger Memorial Community Fund 

Doris Nofziger was born July 24, 1894, in Bryan, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde E. McGlenen.  Wife of Henry Nofziger, the couple lived at 723 West High Street.  The Nofziger’s never had any children.

For many years she was the bookkeeper at Uhlman’s in Bryan.  She was also an accomplished pianist and organ player, having graduated from a couple music schools.  She was an organist at Faith United Methodist Church.  Her membership included the Progress Club.

Mr. Nofziger was employed by Hawk’s for many years and preceded his wife in death.

Terry Nolin Memorial Community Fund 

Norman Terry Nolin was born in Bryan on April 14, 1943 the son of Ruby M. (Cox) and William Lester Nolin.  He was the father of two children, a daughter Brenda and a son Bodie.

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.

Earl C. and Polly Oberlin Community Fund 

Joined in marriage on June 20, 1943, Earl C. and Pauline (Polly) Weber Oberlin began their life together.  Among their accomplishments as a couple, they are most proud of their children, Sue (Stephen) Conway of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sally Oberlin of Seattle, Washington; Cynthia Reindl of Bryan; and Cliff Oberlin of Bryan.

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.  Polly currently holds the position of Chairman of the Board of Oberlin Financial Corporation.

James M. and Charline L. O’Neil Memorial Community Fund 

James M. O’Neil, the son of Olive (Dillery) and James Claude O’Neil, was born June 12, 1912 in Arcadia, Ohio and died May 18, 1984 at the Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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.

The Patterson Family Memorial Fund

Marilyn Patterson was born in Bryan on April 4, 1927 to Edward and Isabel (Ingram) Patterson.  After graduation from Bryan High School, she enrolled at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

 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 and 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.

Pepple Family Community Fund (biography unavailable)

Stan and Loella Pepple Scholarship Fund

Stan and Loella (Grawcock) Pepple were born and raised in Noble County, Indiana.  They attended and graduated from Avilla High School at Avilla, Indiana.  In 1941 Stan attended Manchester College.  In 1942 he enlisted in the Navy V-12 Officer Candidate School.  He was sent to Ohio Wesleyan University and Columbia University for additional training.  In 1943 he was graduated from Columbia University Midshipman School and commissioned a U.S. Navy Ensign.

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 at 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 gold, bridge, reading, sewing and traveling.  Stan was interested in golf, fishing, hunting, bridge and traveling.

The Stan and Loella Pepple Scholarship Fund was established to recognize the outstanding student-athlete so he or she might continue their education.

Russell E. and Matilda M. Pettit Community Fund

Russell E. and Matilda M. (Smith) Pettit were born in Wabash County, Indiana and united in marriage January 20, 1935.  Both were from farm backgrounds, an interest that remained a guiding factor throughout their lives.  They have one daughter, Mrs. Clark J. Collins of Sylvania, Ohio, and five grandchildren.

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 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.

The Pettit’s have spent their winters in Florida since retiring and became Florida residents in 1980.  They return to Bryan each summer.

Thomas E. Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund

Thomas E. Phillips was born March 12, 1952 to Robert and Louise Mohre Phillips.  He was also the grandson of the late Sam and Anna Mohre of Blakeslee.  Tom was the second of eight children.  He attended the St. Joseph School in Blakeslee, Ohio, and was a member of the St. Joseph’s Church.

 As a young man, Tom attended Edon High School, graduating with the class of 1970.  Tom was very creative young man and always had a natural talent in art.  He had hoped to go to college to pursue a career in art.  During his senior year, Tom was honored by receiving the Outstanding Art Student Award.

Unfortunately, Tom died accidentally on June 30, 1971 at nineteen years of age.  His family has established this scholarship in his memory, and the scholarship will be presented yearly to a worthy Edon High School graduate.

Robert D. and Eugenia M. Poynter Memorial Community Fund

Robert (Bob) Poynter was born near Hillsdale, Michigan on January  4, 1920, to Max and Vera Poynter.  Three years later the family moved to Bryan, as Max had purchased a plumbing business there.

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.

Dr. John and Irene Riesen Memorial Community Fund

 A physician in Bryan for 35 years, Dr. John Riesen was one of the founders of the Bryan Medical Group established in 1965.  He began practicing medicine in Bryan in 1947 following his service in the Marine Corps in World War II, and later he served on the board of directors of the hospital for six years.

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.

Dr. Frederick W. and Susan F. Richardson Memorial Community Fund

Dr. Frederick W. Richardson (1915-1996) was born in Dover, Ohio and graduated from the Ohio State University College of Optometry in 1939.  That same year he and Susan F. Swisher from Bryan, Ohio were married.

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 America, the State and 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 year of the Bryan Area Foundation’s inception), 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 are with the Literary Forum and Taine Clubs, ARTS Club (charter member, 1977) and the Williams County Historical Society.

Judge Harry J. Rigdon Memorial Scholarship

Harry J. Rigdon was born June 3, 1931 in Des Moines, Iowa, but while still an infant the family moved to Middletown, Ohio upon the loss of his father.  He grew up during the Great Depression working various jobs before and after school and in summers.  He graduated from Middletown High School with the class of 1949 and worked with a heating and cooling company until enlisting in the U.S. Air Force.  After serving four years he was discharged, then enrolled at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.  There he met Bonnie and they married while both were still students.  He completed his B.S. in Business degree in three years, then attended the University of Cincinnati College of Law for one year until his G.I. Bill ran out.  He then was employed by General Telephone Company and was assigned to Bryan, Ohio as a communications consultant.  After three years he returned to the study of law at (then) Toledo University's night law school while being employed full-time as a real estate appraiser.  He earned his Juris Doctorate degree in 1966 and in 1967 returned to Bryan as a partner in the law firm of Weaver, Weaver & Rigdon.  He served as City Attorney and later as Assistant Prosecuting Attorney until being elected in 1979 as Judge in the Court of Common Pleas, Probate and Juvenile Divisions until retirement in 1997.  He earned many awards and recognition for outstanding judicial service and dedication.  He was a member of the Williams County Bar Association and several other professional, veterans and service organizations and was very active in his church.  After retirement he enjoyed pursuing his hobbies of woodworking, fishing, working out at the Y, worldwide traveling with his wife and spending time with his many friends.  He died November 24, 2008.

Rigg Family Scholarship, Honoring Richard Alan Rigg

Ralph and Eloise Rigg have established the Rigg Family Scholarship in honor of their son Richard Alan Rigg.  Richard graduated form Bryan High School in 1971 and received an Associate Degree from The Ohio State University in 1974.

As a student at BHS, Richard was President of the Student Council, a member of National Honor Society, lettered in Varsity basketball and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.  An outstanding student, Richard graduated in the top 10% of his class.  He continues to be a member of the Pulaski United Methodist Church. 

When Richard was a senior at BHS, he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and underwent surgery and radiation treatment.  Having received an academic scholarship, Richard attended Ohio State main campus residing in the stadium scholarship dorm his freshman year.  He then transferred to OSU Agriculture Technical Institute (ATI) in Wooster, Ohio to complete his education receiving an Associate Degree in Agriculture.

Upon graduation, Richard returned to the family business.  Richard along with his father Ralph, owned and operated Leatherbrook Holsteins, a successful registered dairy cattle operation, until the cattle disbursement in 1985.

Richard lived with his parents for many years.  Due to declining health, he currently resides at Hillside Country Living in Bryan, Ohio.

Ralph and Eloise also have two daughters.  Barbara (BHS 1967) graduated from Ohio State with a BS in 1971 and Betty (BHS 1974) received her BS from Ohio State in 1978.

Because of strong ties to the community and to The Ohio State University, the Rigg family awards an annual scholarship to a Bryan High School graduate who is pursuing their college education at The Ohio State University.

Craig and Pam Roth Community Fund  (Biography unavailable)

Thomas D. Sauppe Art Scholarship Fund

Thomas D. Sauppe is a retired art teacher and a life-long Ohioan.

He was born in Toledo on March 9, 1929.  His early education was acquired in the Cleveland suburb of Rocky River.  From there he went on to Bowling Green State University, where he earned a degree in art education.

Sauppe served as an Army Lieutenant from 1954 to 1956, and was primarily stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

As of 1987 he had spent 33 years in the teaching profession.  He was originally employed as art supervisor for the Bryan City Schools.  For six years he was a part-time arts and crafts instructor for the BGSU extension program in Bryan.  He was also a lecturer at Defiance College for 16 years, where he taught art methods to future teachers.

One of Mr. Sauppe’s specialties is painting with an air brush.  His former memberships include professional and education groups, including the Northwest Ohio Art Association.

He and Grace Carr, retired supervisor of Bryan City School cafeterias, collaborated in setting up the original Association for Recognizing Talented Student (ARTS).  A senior high school arts scholarship was established by ARTS.  The dual purposes of the group are to foster each member’s knowledge and appreciation of art, and to grant annual recognition to a senior who plans to follow an arts related career after graduation.

Richard and Angelike Schreder Fund

Richard Schreder was born in Tecumseh, Michigan, on September 25, 1915, and died on August 3, 2002.  He graduated from the University of Toledo with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1938 and was accepted into the Naval Aviation Cadet program.  He served in the Navy for eight years.  Richard flew anti-submarine patrols in PBM flying boats.  He and his crew sank the first German submarine from the air, and for this he received the Distinguished Flying Cross.  He attained the rank of Lieutenant commander.

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 William 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 (the 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.

 Marilyn J. Scott Community Fund

Marilyn Joyce Scott was born in Williams County to Laurena (Dehnke) and Howard Arnos.  They moved to Bryan in 1937.  She married Carleton (Bill) Scott who owned Scott Bookkeeping and Tax Service.  He passed away in November 1997.  She has one daughter, Barbara and husband Daniel Kosic in Fremont, California and grandson Curtis.

Her business career started at The Aro Corporation in 1952 while she was still at 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.

Ralph and Mable L. Scott Memorial Fund

Ralph and Mable Scott died in 1992 making the Bryan Area Foundation the benefactor of their estates.

Ralph W. Scott was born near Bryan on August 1, 1914, to Wesley and Nina (Impton) Scott.  He attended school in Bryan.  Ralph retired from the Aro Corporation in 1979 where he had worked his entire lifetime.  He was a faithful and loyal employee working as an inspector in the machine shop.  His career at Aro was interrupted by World War II when he was called to serve with the U.S. Army in the Pacific Theater from 1943 to 1946.

Mable L. Scott was born in Hillsdale County, Michigan, on June 17, 1915.  The daughter of William and Ruth Lister she graduated from Montpelier High School.  Her father will be remembered as a former minister of the Memorial United Brethren Church located at the present site of the Clark Oil Company in Bryan.  Mable was employed for a time as a waitress at the former Ruth Restaurant but spent the greater part of her working years at Paul B. Elder Pharmaceuticals, retiring in 1980.  Mable enjoyed her work and liked to spend her leisure time playing with her card club.

The Scotts were united in marriage on August 3, 1940, by Rev. N.J. Clay in Montpelier and spent over fifty years devoted to each other.

After Ralph’s return from the Army they lived in an apartment on N. Enterprise Street and soon thereafter built their new home at 620 South Lynn Street, across the street from Ralph’s parents.  Ralph’s interest in woodworking at that time is evidenced by the wood Scottie dogs he designed for the shutters of their home.

Ralph’s greatest love was music.  Although he never had any formal music instruction and could not read music, he spent many fulfilling years playing the saxophone in a local dance band.  The band played extensively throughout this area. His talent brought offers to join big-name bands, but loving his home he preferred to remain here.

Ralph and Mable did not have children.  Their survivors include Ralph’s sister, Viola Beerbower, Montpelier; a step-niece; an aunt; and several cousins.  The income from this bequest will be awarded in scholarships for high school graduates.

Wayne Daniel Shaffer Memorial Community Fund

W. Daniel Shaffer was born in 1954 to Wayne E. and Georgia Shaffer.  After graduation from high school in 1972 he attended Miami University and Ohio Northern University.

He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.  He was employed as a legal assistant in his father’s law office.  After working hours, he was an avid fisherman and hunter.

Dan died in 1977, at age 22.  A memorial in his memory was given by his parents.

Maurice C. Shankster Memorial Scholarship Fund

Maurice C. Shankster was born April 3, 1917 to Clyde and Margaret (Brannan) Shankster in Williams County.  He was a life long resident of rural route, Bryan, Ohio.

Maurice graduated from Bryan High School after which he spent his entire life to farming.  He also was Transportation Supervisor and full time bus driver for the Bryan City Schools.  For a period he was school board member and clerk for the Pulaski-Jefferson School District.  Maurice served in the school system for over 30 years.  He was very devoted in the positions he filled.

Maurice was a member of the Pulaski United Methodist Church.  He was united in marriage to June Page, September 9, 1939.  They had two daughters and one son:  Vondaile (Shankster) Fenicle, Carolyn (Shankster) Carey, and Garvin Shankster.  Maurice enjoyed his family and work very much.  Life was very meaningful to him.  He will be remembered by those he associated with.

Maurice passed away September 13, 1981.

The Shankster Memorial was established by family, friends, and neighbors.  The Scholarship is awarded to a Bryan High School graduating senior who will be pursuing further education in a technical school, college, or university.  He or she must have proven to be committed to attain stated goals.  Their economic need and a willingness to engage in hard work is a potential that has been proven by their accomplishments.

Maynard P. Short Community Fund

Maynard P. Short was born November 24, 1905 to Mary (Klopfenstein) and Samuel B. Short in rural West Unity and he resided in West Unity ninety-nine years before moving to Bryan.

He graduated from West Unity High School in 1923, and was a member of the 1923 basketball team that participated at the state tournament.

Maynard attended Defiance College for two years and participated in basketball and tennis.

He withdrew from Defiance College in 1925 to join a partnership with his father and brother, Harold, to found the West Unity Woolen Mills.  The Woolen Mills operated from 1926 until 1942 when World War II caused it to be closed.

While in operation, the Woolen Mills had customers nationwide.  In 1940 one blanket was recognized by “Consumers Review” as a best buy.  Products and memorabilia of the Woolen Mills are displayed at the Williams County Historical Society Museum.

Maynard was an exceptional athlete.  He was a member of the semi-pro West Unity Speed Demons basketball team.  He also participated in numerous tennis tournaments in Northwest Ohio.  He loved all sports and was an avid supporter of West Unity and Hilltop High School athletics. Maynard is included in the Williams County Sports Hall of Fame at the Williams County Historical Society Museum.

He was in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945, and served in the European Theater.

After the war, Maynard partnered with his brother in the West Unity Ayrshire Farm (Shirecrest Farm) and bred registered Ayrshire cattle.  They participated at state, national and international cattle shows and won national and international recognition.

Maynard always supported the West Unity community.  He served on the village council in the 1930’s.  For the West Unity Community Centennial Homecoming in 1934, he was the chairman of the tennis tournament committee.  In his later years, he was a willing mentor for the neighborhood youngsters in both academic and athletic activities.

Maynard died on January 3, 2007 at the age of 101 years.

Robert S. Simmons Memorial Community Fund

Robert Simmons was born in Bryan in 1915.  He was the son of Walter and Alice Simmons.  He was married to Ruth Simmons who preceded him in death in 1988.

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.

Gail Smith Memorial Community Fund

Gail P. R. Smith died January 15, 1999, at the age of 89.  He had graduated form Bryan High School in the class of 1927.  He attended Miami University and had served as a purchasing agent for the Aro Corporation for a period of 34 years.  Gail was a member of Faith United Methodist Church and left his entire estate to charities.  The gift to the Bryan Area Foundation was in memory of Mr. Smith and his deceased wife, Marjorie Smith, who was a retired school teacher.  She died July 29, 1995, at the age of 85.

L.E. Smith Company Scholarship Fund

L.E. Smith Company was founded in Bryan by Lawrence Smith in 1950 and continues to be a family-owned and run company.  The third generation is now active in the business operations.  This fund was established to provide financial assistance to a Bryan High School student who plans to continue his education in a four-year program.

Lawrence E. and C. June Smith Community Fund

Lawrence and June Smith have lived in Bryan virtually their entire lives.  Upon graduating from Bryan High School, Lawrence entered Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.  After two years, this was interrupted by WW II.  He served in the U.S. Air Force and was discharged in 1945.

Lawrence then re-entered Miami University and graduated in 1947.  June and Lawrence returned to Bryan and he became employed by the Ohio Gas Company in sales.

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 purchas