Joan Abbott
UTICA — Joan Abbott, 88, of Utica passed away June 5, 2007.

Joan was born July 26, 1918, in Nebraska to Amanda Grace McCalla and Clifford William Hancock. Joan was an auxiliary member of the American Legion, Post 92, Utica; the Heath Eagles in Newark; and Fraternal Order of Eagles in Nokomis, Fla. She loved walking on the beach, dancing, crocheting and playing cards.

She is survived by daughters, Denny Pendarvis of Lehigh Acres, Fla., and Vicki Lambert of Mount Vernon; a son, Ted Kolter of Mount Vernon; nine grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A memorial get-together will be held Monday, June 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Legion Hall at the American Legion Post 92, 10 S. Washington St., Utica.

In lieu of flowers or contributions, the family asks that you help a person in need, go out of your way to smile or say a kind word to someone, to show love to all.

James A. Butler
SPARTA — James A. Butler, 83, of Sparta died unexpectedly Sunday evening, June 3, 2007, at The Ohio State University Medical Center.

He was born in Sparta on April 23, 1924, the son of John and Imogene “Gene” (Roach) Butler. James graduated from Sparta High School in the class of 1942. On Jan. 25, 1943, James was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in the 10th Mountain Division, stationed in Italy, and fought in the Battles of the Northern Appennines and Po Valley during World War II. He earned the rank of sergeant, two Bronze Stars and numerous other ribbons, though he never wanted to speak of his accomplishments or experiences.

On a short leave from the service, James married his loving wife of 63 years, Ruth Evelyn (Duston) Butler, on March 16, 1944. Together they built the residence they still live in over 60 years ago in Sparta, where James had been a lifelong resident. They shared a love of dancing, camping and traveling. James worked as an electronic technician at the Cooper Energy Service Group in Mount Vernon for 12 years, until he retired in 1988. Before his time at Cooper, James owned and operated Jim’s TV, where he sold anything from televisions and appliances to CB radios, and repaired anything out of commission.

James was a member of the Sparta Advent Christian Church and taught Sunday School at the Sparta United Methodist Church. He was a life member of the VFW Post 4027 in Mount Vernon, the American Legion Post 710, and was an AMVETS member at large. He was a 32nd Degree member of both the F&AM Chester Lodge 238 and the Scottish Rite Valley of Columbus Evelyn Chapter 146. He also was a charter member of the Highland Lions Club. Fixing cars was his favorite pastime, working on many Ford Mustangs, and always wanting to fix his 1930 Chevrolet Coupe.

A quiet and endearing man, James will be remembered as “a very loving husband and father.”

Including his wife, James will be missed by his daughter, Peggy (Gary) Jennings of Mount Gilead; two grandchildren, Stacey (Chuck) Treisch and Leaha Nichols; three great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Bryce Treisch, and Zoey Nichols; and one sister, June Bender of Marion.

Graveside inurnment services, with military honors provided by the VFW Post 8054 and AMVETS Post 87, will be Friday, June 8, at 11 a.m. in Bloomfield Cemetery in Sparta, with Pastor Larry Carnes and Carl Hankins officiating.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 163549, Columbus, OH 43216; or to the Alzheimer’s Association of Central Ohio, 3380 Tremont Road, Columbus, OH 43221. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

John D. Frantz
MOUNT VERNON — John David Frantz, 50, of Mount Vernon died Monday, June 4, 2007, suddenly in Rough River, Ky., in a household accident.

He was predeceased by parents, Evelyn and Dave Frantz.

John is survived by sister, Lori, and best friend, Mike Schrock of Columbus; sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Jerry Higgins of Louisville, Ky.; and brother, Jeff Frantz of Westerville. He leaves behind longtime roommates, Jay, Kenny, Mike and Waco.

He worked for over 25 years at Knox County New Hope Industries. John performed as a “sad” clown in many parades and at parties. He delighted in all kinds of music and going to dances. John loved animals and birds, had a large collection of birdhouses and fed the backyard critters. He was able to travel across the country with his sister and always won the most money at the dog races. John has an extended family in addition to his roommates at the Knox County MRDD including Marge Gantt, Deb Young, Julie Horn, Ken Alexander and Bob Ready. John was an incredibly sweet and giving person.

As his last act of charity, he became an organ and tissue donor. Funeral service will be Thursday, June 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Schoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, where family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until time of service. Interment will be in Grandview Cemetery, Salem, at a later date.

Brian R. Gaddis
NEWARK — Brian R. Gaddis, 54, formerly of Mount Vernon, died Tuesday evening, June 5, 2007, at the Newark Healthcare Centre in Newark.

Arrangements are pending with Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Vernon.

Paul E. Jordan
SUNBURY — Paul Ernest Jordan, 81, of Sunbury died early Tuesday, June 5, 2007, at his home following a one-month illness.

He was born on Jan. 8, 1926, in Columbus to Saint Clair and Alice Margaret (Virtel) Jordan. A proud U.S. Army veteran and POW of World War II, he retired in 1979 after 31 years with the Columbus Police Department.

He is survived by daughters, Sandy (Lewis) Antol, Vickie Colburn and Deborah (Robert) McBride; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; fiancée, Margaret A. Horn; brother, Robert (Rosemary) Jordan; sister-in-law, Kathy Jordan; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by daughter, Carol Hammons; brother, William Jordan; and sister, Clarabell Wiggington.

Friends may call Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at DeVore-Snyder Funeral Home, Ohio 3 at Ohio 61, Sunbury, where services will be held Friday at 2 p.m., with Pastor Gale Flowers officiating. Interment with military and police honors will follow in East Liberty Cemetery, near Sunbury.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Children’s Hospital Foundation for Abused Children, P.O. Box 16810, Columbus, OH 43272. Condolences at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.