When trying to figure out what to focus on for this week’s column, I almost immediately knew what it would be….very recent deaths. And, what a couple of sad weeks this has been.
Not only were there numerous vehicle accidents in the area, with maybe a fatality or two, but the deaths of Larry “Mr. Christmas” Amspaugh, Versailles Fire Chief Brian Pearson as well as former Greenville City Service Director Tom Whitton Jr. sure hit home.
I’ve written articles on each of them in years past.
Larry Amspaugh was from our hometown of Ansonia but after his marriage moved to Union City and fulfilled his dream of decorating Harter Park on the west side of Union City. at Christmastime, beginning in 2004. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people have visited the park during the yuletide season.
Larry inherited his father, Jack’s love for his community and was just as giving as his father was.
Versailles Fire Chief Brian Pearson, who was 47 at the time of his death on Aug. 31, has served on the fire department and EMS for 27 years. He was a 1995 Versailles High School graduate
I also interviewed him at least once at the fire department and he also supported the Rossburg Fire Ice Cream Social with his attendance. I saw him there at least once.
He was also active with his Heritage Park Board and served as the 2015 chairman of Versailles Poultry Days.
The Greenville VFW 7262 had plans to celebrate Tom’ Whitton’s 101st birthday on the morning he passed away on Sept. 1. His birthday was Sept. 10, 1923. Plans, of course, were changed and they celebrated in a different manner. I did attend and covered one of his birthday parties at the VFW, but not sure if it was his 100th or not.
All three of these fellows were great men, and I am so sure they will all be missed.
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In addition to Larry Amspaugh, Brian Pearson and Tom Whitton Jr., Jamie and I extend our condolences to the families and friends of: Corinna Chancy Alexander, Gary Eichler, Sala Wray and Jacob “Jake” Noble.
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Please pray for Jason Bowers, Dave Brewer, Clarence “Sam” Wilker, Chuck Cruze, Vicki Wilker Gibson, John Gibson, Roan Brubaker, Vic Bothast, Tom Brewer, Todd Anderson, Dawn Dilworth, Carol Schuh, Sunni Jones, Eddie Anjos, Gloria Hodge, Ralph Byrd, Jeff Brocious, Norma Kretschmar, Beth Davis, Terry Overbay, Michelle Young, Terry “T.A.” Anthony, Jason Kelch, Katie Cothran, Lynne Bruner Hinshaw, Tom Everhart, Donn Thornhill, Carissa Rodriguez, Kevin Christman, Ivan Christian, Roger Fleckenstein, Bob Jackson, Penny Hopkins, Sherry Lawrence, Jerry Gower, Barbara Alexander, Kierra Reichert, Evelyn Manning, Becky Shultz, Kevin Schlechty, Darla Printz Whittaker, Sandy Partin, Sandy Gunckle, Tonya Kelly, Robert Christman, Mike Hopkins, Bob Christian, Linda Johnston, Terri Hunt, Patricia Maier, Ken Wombold, Dan Lockhart, Delores Beisner, Jodi Gilpin Snyder, Charlie Bulcher, Charlyee Severance, Justin Fritz, DeWayne Yohey, Katrina Hoening, Kara Didier, Carl Francis, Craig “Cheese” Thompson, Bridget Brown, Don DeBord, Otis Stewart, Slug Midlam, Bob Peters, Judy Collins, Linda Gasper, Carol Hemmerich, Roberta Hall, Kelly Kelch, Mike Mayse, Nikole Baldridge, Mark Lovejoy, Judy York, Connie Stachler, Randy Heck, Ronnie Norton David Pretzman, Clinton Randall, Bruce Kaiser, Amanda Mote, Doug Whittington, Neal Gray, Randy Garrison, Kathy Gragorace, Donna Bixler, Cathy Melling and all others who are suffering from other life-altering illnesses.
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Happy birthday:
Sept. 9 to Scott Labig, Diane Dickey Young, Dave Staver, Bob Mayo, Cliff McCreary, Jess Garwood and John Middleton.
Sept. 10 to Gerald Rhoades, Diana Hall, Cory Meadows, Lesley Wentworth, Josh Hiestand, Teri Barga and Jennifer Lovejoy
Sept. 11 to Denea Butts, Carolyn Kruckeberg, Jeanie Appleman, Becky Shumaker and Angie Johnson.
Sept. 12 to Shaun Phillippi, Terry Benge, Anita Cunningham, Carla Surber, Pam Lyons and Noah Heck.
Sept. 13 to Gladys Neff, Dennis Dickey, Pam Brown, Cassie Brumbaugh, Sara Menzie, Toni Profitt and Brandy VanHoose.
Sept. 14 to Gladys Neff, Steve Birt, Twila Williams, Mary Riffle, Rick Rehmert, Becky Moore, Judy Logan, Brenda Wallace and Darla Cross.
Sept. 15 to Pam Norman Penticuff, Tiffany Gigandet, Judy Cox, Dave Compton, Amber Cox, Rheta Best, Madonna Partin, Jerry Brewer, and Linda Oler.
Happy anniversary to Dave and Patty Kanney on Sept. 15.
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Think about it: “A chip on the shoulder indicates there is good higher up.”–Author Unknown
