Faculty and Staff
Orville F. Boes, Hon ’93, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away December 6, 2014. He taught at Berea College for nearly 40 years, first teaching at the Foundation School before joining the college faculty in 1959. A native of Louisville, Orville was a graduate of Georgetown College and the University of Kentucky. In 1971, he was one of 35 college professors selected by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education to help the Job Corps improve its teaching methods. Orville received the Outstanding Business Teacher Award from the Kentucky Business Education Association in 1982. He is survived by his wife, Anne Boes, Hon ’93, three children, a special daughter, three grandchildren, and a great-grandson.
Ozella Hurst Gilbert, ’46, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away July 23, 2014. She earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Berea and served as a librarian at the Berea College Hutchins Library for 26 years. Ozella was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Edgar Armstrong “Ned” Gilbert, ’45, whom she met at Berea College and married after he returned from service in WWII. They lived much of their lives on Ned’s family farm on the outskirts of Berea. She was a renowned quilter and belonged to the L&N Quilters Guild. Ozella is survived by her four children and their spouses: James T. Gilbert, Fd ’65, and wife Judy Gilbert, ’81, John E. Gilbert, Barbara Gilbert James and her husband Robert James, and Jerry W. Gilbert, ’78, and his wife Tammye Gilbert. She also is survived by 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Dr. James P. Orwig, Hon ’94, of Hagerstown, Maryland, passed away January 9, 2015. In 1955, he was hired as Dean of Men at Berea College where he also taught philosophy. James attended Lawrence College in Appleton, Wisconsin where he graduated in 1941 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. Later that year, he joined the U.S. Army and his service earned him a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Ribbon, Bronze Star Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with two bronze service battle stars and Combat Infantry Badge. After returning from the service, James completed his master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Wisconsin and then a doctorate in education from Michigan State University. He enjoyed designing handmade block print Christmas cards, decorating Union Church for Christmas, participating in faculty sports, hiking in the nearby college forests, and continuing to ski until after his 75th year. James was preceded in death by his wife Katherine, and his daughter, Elizabeth Forbes Orwig, ’70. He is survived by two daughters, Peg Craig, Fd ’63, and Rev. Anne O. Weatherholt, ’73, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
1930s
Charles Luther Reifsnyder, of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away February 18, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Irene Reifsnyder, ’35. Charles had a 30-year career as a music educator in New Jersey. He served as the president of the New Jersey Music Educators Association and was conductor of the New Jersey All-State Band. James is survived by a son, daughter-in-law, a granddaughter, and two grandsons.
Frances McCall Hudson, ’37, of Sevierville, Tennessee, passed away July 23, 2014. She raised and showed milk goats, was a judge in goat shows, founded the East Tennessee Goat Club, and was lovingly called “Ms. Goat.” Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, a son, and a great-grandson. She is survived by three children, seven grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.
Jess D. Wilson, Fd ’37, of Manchester, Kentucky, passed away November 1, 2014. After attending Foundation school and graduating from Tyner High School in 1938, he continued his education at Eastern State Teachers’ College. For 32 years, Jess was author of “It Happened Here,” a column that appeared in The Rural Kentuckian, published by the Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation. The columns featured historical stories about the people living in Estill, Lee, Owsley, Laurel, Rockcastle, Jackson, and Clay counties. Books based on these columns received nationwide distribution and two are still in print. As a spokesman for the Appalachian area, Jess also testified before the U.S. Senate during creation of the 1964 “War on Poverty” legislation. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Ruth Hygema Wilson, ’63, three daughters, two son-in-laws, three granddaughters, two great-grandsons, and a brother.
Melba Eurydice Wash, ’39, of Martin, Tennessee, passed away January 14, 2015. After earning a library degree from Peabody College, she began a lifelong career as a librarian, something she considered a calling, not just a job. Melba spent two years in Germany as a special services librarian with the Army. She eventually retired as director of the Reelfoot Regional Library and later won the Tennessee Library Association Honor Award. Melba was preceded in death by her husband, George, and is survived by her brother, several cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Marion “Sam” White, Acad ’39, of New Iberia, Louisiana, passed away September 24, 2014. After Berea, he attended the University of Louisville. During World War II, Marion was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. On February 20, 1943, he married his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Hurt, who preceded him in death. Marion is survived by his two nieces, one nephew, a great-nephew, a great-niece, and a sister-in-law.
1940s
Eva Vines Eutsler, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, passed away May 25, 2014. She was the wife of Bishop R. Kern Eutsler, ’40, and a graduate of Mary Baldwin College. In addition to her husband, Eva is survived by two daughters, four grandchildren, several nieces, a nephew, and a number of great-nieces and nephews.
Esther Lee Adams, Acad ’41, of Clinton Township, Michigan, passed away May 23, 2014. She met her husband, the late Willie Adams, Acad ’43, while a student at Berea. After earning her diploma, Esther urged Willie to stay and finish school while she moved to Michigan with her sister. They kept in touch through countless love letters, married, and spent the next 60 years together. She is survived by four children, Ronald, Kenneth, Janet, and Doreen, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Nell Jones Click Marshall, ’41, of Maysville, Kentucky, passed away December 6, 2014. After graduating in 1937 from Huntington High School, she attended Marshall University, and then earned a degree from Berea. Nell was a home extension agent in Greenup and Mason counties. She also taught home economics at several high schools and helped manage her husband’s family farm. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles, and survived by a son, two grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, and a special friend.
Margaret Katharine Moore, ’41, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away June 12, 2014. She was the first in her family to attend college. Upon graduation, Katie was a teacher for two years and then met her husband of 58 years, George, who preceded her in death. She lived in Berea for 60 years and played the organ at First Christian Church. Katie is survived by two children, George and Jim, and two grandchildren.
Laura Eakin Copes, ’42, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away July 28, 2014. Her husband, V. Earle Copes, preceded her in death by eight days. The daughter of missionaries, Laura earned her Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, where she met her husband. The couple celebrated their 70th anniversary in May. She is survived by two sons, Larry and Ron, and two granddaughters.
Miriam Louise Evans Davis, ’42, of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away October 8, 2014. She attended Hiram College in Ohio and graduated from Berea where she earned degrees in fine arts and biology. Miriam was a pioneer in the field of teaching natural history to children in the late 1940s, and was hired by the William T. Hornaday Foundation for the development of children’s nature museums in the south. Before retiring, she served for 10 years as curator of natural history at the Columbia Science Museum where she was a weekly guest on the “Mr. Knozit” television show and was affectionately known as the “Science Lady.” Miriam was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Johnie Davis. She is survived by four children, six grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two sisters.
George Wesley McKinney, ’42, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, passed away January 13, 2015. He married his wife of 72 years, Lucille Christian McKinney, ’43, in Danforth Chapel. After graduating from Berea College, he served with the U.S. Army during World War II, leaving service as a captain after helping in the rebuilding of Berlin. George received his doctorate from the University of Virginia and then worked for the Federal Reserve Bank where he headed up the Research department. He then went on to become senior vice president and chief economist at Irving Trust Company. George retired as professor emeritus of bank management at the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia. He was a well-known economist and was often quoted in the business press. George was the president of the National Association of Business Economists, served on the faculty of the Stonier School of Banking, and spoke at numerous meetings on the state of the economy. He often wrote on the subject of banking, and his publication, The Federal Reserve Discount Window, remains the active reference in the field. In retirement, George enjoyed family, golf, travel, and bridge. He is survived by his wife, one son, George Wesley McKinney III, two daughters, Mary Christine McKinney Schweitzer and Ruth Ann McKinney, and eight grandchildren.
Margaret Steinorth Reuter, ’42, of Lake Bluff, Illinois, passed away August 16, 2014. While at Berea, she spent a summer visiting rural communities to promote resistance to universal conscription. Following graduation, Margaret worked as a secretary to Paul French, the director of the National Service Board for Religious Objectors. There she met her husband, Richard Reuter, and they married in 1944. Margaret worked with French as he and others created CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere) to provide humanitarian relief to Europe following WWII. Richard would follow French as director of CARE and was later tapped by President Kennedy to lead the Food For Peace program as a special assistant to the president. Following Kennedy’s assassination, Margaret was asked to help read and respond to the thousands of letters received by first lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Richard passed away in 2005. Margaret is survived by her four children and five grandchildren.
William Lee “Bill” Roberts, ’42, of Hambleton, West Virginia, passed away July 9, 2014. After earning his degree at Berea, he started graduate school at Vanderbilt University, but was called to active duty in the Navy. Bill retired in 1953 as a lieutenant commander in the Navy Reserve. He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita, and is survived by five children, one brother, 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.
Jayne C. Walker, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away October 25, 2014. She is the wife of the late Jack G. Walker, ’43. Jayne is survived by five children, 13 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Olga B. Bracht, Acad ’40, ’44, of Centerville, Ohio, passed away November 13, 2014. She earned a degree in biology from Berea College and was a 65-year active member of Christ Lutheran Church. Olga is survived by her husband of 68 years, Milton, one son, two grandchildren, and two sisters.
Darrol Stallard Nickels, Acad ’44, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away May 30, 2014. After Berea, he attended East Tennessee State University. Darrol was a founding member of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservatory. As a member of the Tennessee Eastman Hiking Club, he served for 38 years as a volunteer maintainer on the Appalachian Trail (AT). Darrol also coordinated the design, procurement, and construction of bridges along the AT. In 2004, he earned the President’s Call to Service award for his more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service. Darrol was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Georgia, and is survived by three children, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several nephews, nieces and cousins.
Ruth I. Peaslee, ’44, of Lombard, Illinois, passed away September 9, 2014. After Berea, she earned a master’s degree in library science from Carnegie-Mellon University. Ruth was a children’s librarian at the Seattle King County Library, Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, and Oak Park Library. She retired from her position as head librarian in 1987. Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Don, and is survived by five nieces and nephews and 10 great nieces and nephews.
James F. Pennington Jr., of Winchester, Kentucky, passed away February 1, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Ruth Henderson Pennington, ’44. James served in WWII and was a career dental Navy officer for 30 years, eventually earning the rank of captain. He is survived by five children, Bruce, Robert, Ruth, Elizabeth, and Paul, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Dr. McCoy B. Pitt, ’44, of Decatur, Alabama, passed away June 22, 2014. After leaving Berea, he graduated from medical school at the University of Alabama in 1944, and Columbia Medical School in 1946. McCoy interned at Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, and served the Army Medical Corps from 1947 to 1949. He left the family practice to accept a residency at Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, Louisiana to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology. McCoy also completed a fellowship at Ochsner Clinic in 1951. He was the first certified obstetrician in Morgan County, Alabama and practiced for 38 years. McCoy is survived by his wife, Ann, two children, six grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.
Ben David Prather, of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away April 19, 2014. He was the husband of Delia Abney Prather, Acad ’44. Ben was a retired salesman for the Kerns Bakery Company, a bus driver with Madison County Schools, a past master and member of Richmond Lodge No. 25 F&AM, and a WWII U.S. Navy veteran. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, one son, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one niece, and five step-grandchildren.
Henry Clay Russell, ’44, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away August 30, 2014. After leaving Berea, he served in WWII aboard USS Hancock and retired in 1981 as a commander in the Naval Reserve Mobile Construction Battalion 24. Henry earned an electrical engineering degree from the University of Tennessee and worked many years for the Knoxville Utility Board and Tennessee Valley Authority. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Aileen, two daughters, four grandchildren, three nieces, and three cousins.
S. Paul Washburn, ’44, of Livermore Falls, Maine, passed away November 21, 2013. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and worked many years for the International Paper Company in Jay, Maine. Paul was a member of several fraternal organizations and served on the Franklin Memorial Hospital Board of Directors for many years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, and is survived by his brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a cousin.
Dr. Otis V. “O.V.” Wheeler Jr., Navy V-12, ’43-’44, of Columbia, Missouri, passed away May 1, 2014. He served as a naval aviator from 1943-52 before beginning his career in teaching. An educator for 30 years, O.V. was recognized as a National Distinguished Principal in 1985. He was later inducted in the Columbia Public Schools Foundation of Leaders in 2000. O.V. is survived by his wife, Ginger, a daughter, a grandson, a granddaughter, and three great-grandchildren.
Dr. Robert E. Whitsitt, Navy V-12, ’43-’44, of Rockford, Illinois, passed away October 15, 2014. He attended Carlton College, the University of South Dakota, and the University of Illinois, College of Medicine. During his medical career, Bob delivered more than 1,500 babies, which was his favorite part of practicing medicine. He also was a veteran of both WWII and the Korean War, having served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-54. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, and is survived by four children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Gladys Chadwell Brown, ’45, of Clyde, North Carolina, passed away September 13, 2014. Upon graduation, she began her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse in Owsley County, Kentucky. Gladys answered an advertisement for an elementary teacher position at Clyde Elementary School and taught there for many years. She was a devoted member of Clyde First Baptist Church, Clyde Women’s Club, and Clyde Red Hat Society. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Milton, and is survived by three children and four grandchildren.
Eloise Sparks Howard, ’45, of Garden City, South Carolina, died November 9, 2014. She was a member of Belin Memorial United Methodist Church. Eloise was preceded in death by her husband, George, and is survived by her son, George, her daughter, Libby, three grandchildren, a brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, caregivers, and close friends.
Helen M. Luce, ’45, of Johns Creek, Georgia, passed away November 6, 2014. She was a homemaker who spent much of her life volunteering for various charitable organizations and participating in church activities. Helen also was employed by a medical publication and served a term as president of the Faculty Women’s Club at Florida Southern College (FSC). Her husband of 59 years, the late Rev. Francis L. Luce, served as chaplain and then in the Office of Academic Affairs at FSC. Helen is survived by three children, Nancy, John, and Martha, two granddaughters, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Eulene Sherman Lyttle, ’45, of Jamesville, New York, passed away December 12, 2014. She grew up in eastern Kentucky and was the first member of her family to attend college. Eulene taught pre-kindergarten classes at several Syracuse City schools. Following her retirement, she and her husband, David, who survives her, traveled throughout North America in their RV. Eulene is also survived by two children, four grandchildren, and two sisters.
Poagie E. Murray, ’45, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away February 11, 2013.
Ozella Hurst Gilbert, ’46, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away July 23, 2014. She earned a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Berea and served as a librarian at the Berea College Hutchins Library for 26 years. Ozella was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Edgar Armstrong “Ned” Gilbert, ’45, whom she met at Berea College and married after he returned from service in WWII. They lived much of their lives on Ned’s family farm on the outskirts of Berea. She was a renowned quilter and belonged to the L&N Quilters Guild. Ozella is survived by her four children and their spouses: James T. Gilbert, Fd ’65, and wife Judy Gilbert, ’81, John E. Gilbert, Barbara Gilbert James and her husband Robert James, and Jerry W. Gilbert, ’78, and his wife Tammye Gilbert. She also is survived by 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
William Bartram Sturgill, ’46, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away July 19, 2014. After attending Berea, he went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in political science from the University of Kentucky, and was a well-known business leader. William was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise, and is survived by his daughter, Mary, his son, Richard, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, a brother, and a sister.
Dr. Forrest Vaughan Williams, ’46, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away June 26, 2014. After graduating from Berea, he earned a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky and a doctorate degree from Northwestern University. Forrest was a chemist who spent much of his career working for Monsanto, an agriculture company, and developed several scientific patents. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, four children, a brother, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Henry Clay “Jack” Coldiron, ’47, of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away July 18, 2014. After earning a bachelor’s degree at Berea, he then graduated from the University of Kentucky College of Law. Jack served as a staff sergeant with the 379th Infantry Division and was wounded in battle. He returned to duty a month later and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Jack later worked for NASA at the Marshall Space Flight Center where he was head of the department responsible for acquiring space shuttle equipment. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Juanita Noland Coldiron, ’47, a daughter, a son, three grandchildren, and two step-daughters.
Dr. Samuel Woodford Lykins, ’47, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away November 27, 2014. He attended Berea College until he was called to duty in WWII. Samuel served 36 months in the Army Air Corps and returned to Berea College after the war. He went on to graduate from the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completed his surgical residency at the Cleveland Clinic. Samuel was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and practiced general surgery for 34 years. He is survived by his wife, Saundra, a brother, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Emil Fay Penley, ’47, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away July 19, 2014. After graduating from Berea, she earned a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Emil retired as supervisor of the Tennessee Department of Human Services in Nashville. She is preceded in death by her husband, Gifford, and is survived by one niece, two nephews, and five great nieces and nephews.
Edwin Paul “Ed” Stewart, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away August 28, 2013. He was married for 61 years to the late Lucile Crumpler Stewart, ’47. Ed was a retired administrator with Florida’s Division of Workers’ Compensation and a Florida National Guard Colonel. He is survived by four children, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and six siblings.
Jeanne Elizabeth Hardy Griffin, Fd ’44, ’48, of Utica, Missouri, passed away June 26, 2014. She earned a business degree from Berea, and returned to her hometown of Birmingham, Alabama to work for the Internal Revenue Service. Believing that she was never too old to learn, Jeanne enrolled in a basic computer course at Hinds Community College at the age of 72 to learn “how to work a computer.” She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Murray, a son, a daughter, two grandsons, and three great-grandsons.
Berta Holt Miracle Kelly, ’48, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away August 3, 2014. She was owner and operator of Nu Way Cleaners in Berea. When she retired, Berta and her husband, Jack, enjoyed many years of traveling the country in their motor home. She is survived by her daughter, two sons, a sister, a brother, five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Rev. Kenneth Edward Bibbee, ’49, of Sebring, Ohio, passed away July 11, 2014. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion from Berea College, and then went on to earn a master’s degree from Boston University in 1952. After Kenneth was ordained in the ministry of the United Methodist Church, he served at several churches until his retirement in 1989. He is survived by his wife, Marie Rose, two daughters, and three grandchildren.
James Riley Combs, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away March 5, 2014. He is the husband of the late Oma Theresa Burns Combs, ’49. James earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Kentucky and a master’s degree in trust administration from Northwestern University. He is survived by his son and grandson.
Lois Kyer Lively, ’49, of Houston, Texas, passed away April 19, 2014. She is preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Lively, ’48, whom she met at Berea College.
Rev. Dr. Patrick Edward Napier, ’49, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, passed away September 6, 2014. During college, he was a member of the Berea College Country Dancers and later taught Appalachian square dancing at the Berea Christmas Dance School for more than 50 years. In 2007, the Country Dance and Song Society of America presented Pat with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions as “a teller of tales, an inspirational teacher of Eastern Kentucky history, traditions, music, and dance, a generous mentor and living legend.” After graduating from Berea with a degree in agriculture, he earned a master’s, specialist, and doctorate’s degrees in education from the University of Kentucky. Pat was an educator in Kentucky schools for 32 years and was named a Berea College Distinguished Alumnus in 2011. He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene, and his grandson, Michael. Pat is survived by his three children, seven grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Marjorie Nelson, ’49, of Des Moines, Washington, passed away June 15, 2014. She is survived by her sisters Mary Lou Keener Finlayson, ’47, and Carolyn Keener Howard, ’45.
Capt. William J. Perry, ’49, of Easley, South Carolina, passed away August 11, 2014. After leaving Berea, he graduated from the Emory University School of Law. William retired as a captain from the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Bette Hiott Perry, ’47, five daughters, eleven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Dennis Hyde Tipton, ’49, of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away December 20, 2014. He studied geography while a student at Berea and was a schoolteacher until he joined the military. Dennis enlisted in the Navy in 1950, attended Officer Candidate School. and earned his commission in 1953. He served on active duty until 1954, then became a special agent with the Office of Naval Intelligence, and retired as a commander in the Naval Reserves at age 65. Dennis is survived by his wife of 59 years, Beverley, a son, Donald, and a nephew, Kenneth.
1950s
Arlin John Barton, Fd ’46, ’50, of Russellville, Kentucky, passed away June 13, 2014. As a soil scientist for 37 years at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, he walked many miles of Kentucky farm land analyzing soils and helping create soil maps of several Kentucky counties. After retirement, Arlin was a USDA volunteer for 20 years and donated more than 11,000 hours as an Earth Team volunteer. He is survived by three children, Jane, Michael, and Susan, eight grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Wanda Glass Campbell, of Athens, Georgia, passed away July 14, 2014. She was the wife of Dr. Logan Ray Campbell, ’50. Wanda was a graduate of Los Angeles City College, and then attended the University of Louisville School of Medicine, where she met her husband. Dr. Campbell is the former director of mental health for the University of Georgia. In addition to her husband, Wanda is survived by her children, Timothy and Charles, and a sister.
Anna Clyde McMillan Wesley, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away July 29, 2014. She was the widow of John L. Wesley Jr., ’50. Anna earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Georgia State College for Women and a master’s degree in piano performance from Eastman School of Music. She is survived by three children and six grandchildren.
Edith Lottie Morelock Derting, ’51, of Sykesville, Maryland, passed away August 8, 2014. She married her husband, John Franklin Derting, ’51, at her piano teacher’s home in Big Hill, Kentucky. Edith was a music teacher until she moved overseas in 1962. She became a homemaker while her husband worked for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Edith enjoyed traveling and lived in seven countries with her family. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three daughters and 11 grandchildren.
Margaret Peak Gayheart, ’51, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away August 29, 2014. She had a special place in her heart for her children and grandchildren as well as a love of music. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ed, three children, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a brother.
Margie Jean Nielsen, ’51, of Austin, Texas, passed away August 20, 2014. After graduating from Berea, she worked as a home demonstration agent in Colorado, where she met and married newspaper reporter Nathan Nielsen. Later, they moved to Virginia, where they both worked for the CIA. Margie is survived by two daughters, Belinda and Sharon, two grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.
Olin H. Howard, ’51, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away July 2, 2014. After graduating from high school, he served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a corporal during WWII. After his tour of duty, Olin earned a degree in chemistry at Berea College where he graduated with honors and was awarded the Clark Prize for Physics. After graduation, he worked as an analytical chemist for 33 years at the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant. During his career, Olin had eight articles published in scientific and medical journals. He is survived by his wife, Eva Howard, Knapp ’47, one daughter, six grandchildren, a sister, and many nieces and nephews.
Lois Jean Buckner Carden, ’52, of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away June 8, 2014. She retired from Haywood County Schools as a teacher and librarian. Lois was a lifelong learner and educator who enjoyed reading and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce, and is survived by two children, two granddaughters, and two great-granddaughters.
Watson Garret Craft, ’52, of Walton, Kentucky, passed away July 5, 2014. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he left high school and enlisted in the Navy, where he was selected for training as a submariner. While on leave in 1945, he married Minerva Back Craft, ’52, who preceded him in death after 68 years of marriage. The couple enrolled in Berea College and both became lifelong educators and administrators in Boone County. Watson went on to earn his master’s degree at the University of Kentucky, teach vocational agriculture for many years, and then retire as a principal. He is survived by two daughters, Linda and Nancy, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
William Allan Wilson, ’54, of Carlisle, Kentucky, passed away February 13, 2014. He earned a degree in agriculture from Berea and went on to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Bill began his career with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension service and then managed the 276-acre Ohio State Agriculture Experimental Station. He was later recruited to become production manager of Clay’s Seed, Inc., of which he eventually became owner. Bill was a Kentucky Colonel and an Ohio Tobacco Museum Hall of Fame inductee. He is preceded in death by his first wife of 46 years, Shirley Katherine Tudor Wilson, ’53, and is survived by his wife, Kay, two children, two stepchildren, six grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, three step-great-grandchildren, a sister, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Glenn Merritt Cottongim, ’54, of Greenville, Kentucky, passed away September 16, 2014. After graduating from Berea, he entered Navy flight training and served for five years. Following his military service, Glenn started a career in the apparel industry and worked in 17 different countries. He is survived by his wife, Glodean, four children, four grandchildren, a brother, and a sister.
Thor Franklin Caudill, ’54, of New Richmond, Ohio, passed away May 7, 2014. He was president and owner of Morheat Corp. for 25 years in Milford, Ohio. Thor is survived by his wife of 59 years, Georgia Mitchell Caudill, ’57, four children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
Dr. Joe Lee Morgan, ’54, of Black Mountain, North Carolina, passed away July 11, 2014. After graduating from Berea, he earned his master’s degree in history and in library science from East Tennessee State University. Joe went on to earn a juris doctor degree from Woodrow Wilson College of Law and a doctorate degree from the University of Minnesota. His political career spanned many years, during which he served on many committees at the local, regional, state, and national level. In 2007, Joe was inducted into the North Carolina GOP Hall of Fame. He also served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1992 and 2008, and was the 11th congressional district presidential elector in 2000 and 2004. He is survived by five siblings, and 12 nieces and nephews.
Paul W. Chambers, of Mason, Ohio, passed away September 24, 2013. He was the husband of Marilyn Patton Chambers, ’55. Paul worked for General Electric for 16 years and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, a sister-in-law, a grandson, several nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.
Maxine Randolph Earley, ’55, of Murphy, North Carolina, passed away January 30, 2014. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Jack Earley, ’54, a daughter, two sons, two grandchildren, a great-grandson, and several cousins.
Bonnie Auxier Hager, ’55, of Hurricane, West Virginia, passed away October 3, 2014. She was a retired teacher from Paintsville Elementary School. Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and is survived by two daughters, Sharon Kay Hager and Karen Renee Hager Daniel, two brothers, John Alden Auxier, ’51, and David Auxier, and one granddaughter, Victoria Daniel.
Mary Rachel Inman, ’55, of South Paris, Maine, passed away September 8, 2014. She was valedictorian of the South Paris High School class of 1950 and went on to earn a degree in geology at Berea. Mary and her late husband, Byron, enjoyed touring the eastern states in their camper. She is survived by her brother, a niece, a brother-in-law, three stepchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Thomas R. Snively , of Noblesville, Indiana, passed away December 8, 2013. He is the husband of Nancy J. Snively, ’55. Thomas served in the U.S. Army and worked as a salesman in the automotive parts industry. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, a sister, and a grandson.
William L. Carter, ’56, of Sullivan, Ohio, passed away September 1, 2014. He earned a political science degree from Berea and then went on to become a chemist. William served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret, and is survived by seven children and six grandchildren.
Sylvia Elizabeth (Betty) Sutherland Allen, ’56, of Yorktown, Virginia, passed away July 26, 2014. She retired in 1990 after 30 years as an elementary school physical education teacher with Hampton Public Schools. Betty is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bill, two children, four siblings, and three grandchildren.
Braxton Buchanan, ’56, of Huntersville, North Carolina, passed away July 21, 2014. She was a retired sixth-grade teacher from Huntersville Elementary School in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School system. Braxton is survived by her husband of 56 years, Curtis, a daughter, two grandchildren, two sisters, a sister-in-law, a nephew, and two great-nieces.
Gary Glassmann, husband of Viola Glassmann, ’56, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away August 23, 2014.
Anna Cooke Dillon, ’57, of Palmyra, Virginia, passed away August 23, 2014. She was a retired registered nurse and was the valedictorian of her nursing class at Berea College. Anna is survived by her husband of 58 years, Woody, her stepmother, two sons, one brother, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Carolyn Wooten Guthrie, of West LaFayette, Indiana, passed away August 21, 2014. She was the widow of the late Robert G. Guthrie, ’57. Carolyn and Bob married in 1960 at Berea College. She is survived by three children, four grandchildren, a half-sister, and several nieces and nephews.
Travis O’Neil Barton, ’57, of Green Cove Springs, Florida, passed away June 17, 2013. He served his country during the Korean War, after which he returned, married, and graduated from Berea College. Travis went on to teach in four different schools in Green Cove Springs and retired after 36 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dean, and is survived by one son, Dudley, a brother, two grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Kitty Carole Kimble Swanda, ’57, of Franklin, West Virginia, passed away April 17, 2012. Over the years, she worked as a secretary for Monongahela Power Company, the West Virginia Department of Highways, and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Kitty was preceded in death by her husband, David, and is survived by two sisters, two brothers, three nephews, and three nieces.
Dr. Mark Andrew Judge, Sr., ’58, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away October 28, 2014. He was a retired general physician and ophthalmologist. After Berea, Mark graduated from Vanderbilt University Medical School in 1962, completed his general practice internship in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and then his ophthalmology residency at the University of Louisville. He is survived by four children, Marcia, Mark, David, and Daniel, five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and the mother of his children, Joyce.
Dr. Dudley F. Peeler, Jr., of Asheville, North Carolina, passed away May 18, 2009. He was the husband of Elizabeth Nelson Peeler, ’58. Dudley was executive director of the Mississippi Academy of Sciences, where an award is now presented each year in his honor. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, four grandchildren, and two siblings.
William Ronald Ballew, ’59, of Garden Grove, California, passed away September 22, 2014. He was proud of being one of the two black students to first enter Berea College after the amendment of the Day Law. William was valedictorian of his high school class and was a track and field athlete while a student at Berea. He left Berea College in 1952 to serve four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, after which he returned to Berea to finish his degree in psychology. William continued in that field at Kentucky State University and later retired after working 41 years as a human resource specialist with McDonnell Douglas (later merged with Boeing) aerospace manufacturing company. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Norma, his three children, two grandchildren, one brother, three sisters, and numerous other relatives and friends.
Conley Braxton Galloway, of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away September 15, 2014. He was husband of almost 50 years to Fay Angel Galloway, ’59. Conley enjoyed restoring antique vehicles and working in his flower garden. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, three grandchildren, a brother, and a sister-in-law.
1960s
Rev. Mark Duane Hail, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed away June 29, 2010. He was the husband of Doris Burton Hail, ’61. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was an alumnus of Lindsey Wilson College, the University of Kentucky, and Campbellsville University. Mark was a lifelong politician, educator, and minister. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, two grandchildren, and several siblings.
Anna Mae Shoup Shull, of Wernersville, Pennsylvania, passed away June 29, 2013. She was the wife of Edd L. Shull, ’61. Anna attended Carlisle General Hospital Nursing School and worked as an LPN at several hospitals. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, a sister, and nine grandchildren.
Stephen Eugene Brown, ’62, of Linville Falls, North Carolina, passed away October 13, 2013. He was a member of the Linville Falls Community Church where he taught Sunday school. Stephen enjoyed carpentry, working with wood, stone masonry, collecting coins, and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Miriam, two daughters, a brother, five grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.
John Howard Payne, of Mars Hill, North Carolina, passed away April 15, 2014. He was the husband of Cora Lee Boone Payne, ’62. John was a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Vietnam three times. He also was a deputy, a volunteer firefighter, locksmith, carpenter, and maintenance man. In addition to his wife, John is survived by three siblings, three children, seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Dr. Wendell Campbell Trent, ’63, of Jefferson City, Tennessee, passed away May 24, 2014. He served 10 years in the U.S. Air Force ranked as a major, was a retired hospital administrator, and a member of Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Wendell is survived by his wife, Donna Trent, ’64, three sisters, and several nieces and nephews.
David Winston Harris, ’64, of Jonesville, Virginia, passed away October 22, 2014. Upon graduating from Berea, he earned his master’s degree in business administration and economics from Appalachian State University. David also earned a certificate of pastoral studies in Cape Town, Africa. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves and was a real estate appraiser for more than 45 years in the Tri-Cities region. Davis is survived by his wife of 29 years, Carmen, eight children, five siblings, ten grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Rev. Charles Everett Mull, Jr., of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away December 24, 2014. He was husband of the late Terry Mull, ’68. Charles was a graduate of Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School as well as an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He is survived by four daughters, Jennette, Lori, Julian, and Farrah, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Dannie Hay Shout, Fd ’68, of Durham, North Carolina, passed away October 27, 2014. She was a teaching assistant at Holt and Easley Elementary schools, attended Ridgecrest Baptist Church, and was a founding member of the Potato Club. Dannie is survived by her husband, Jack, two children, and seven grandsons.
Robert “Bob” Earle Barnett, ’69, of Greenville, South Carolina, passed away August 28, 2014. He was the widower of Linda Faye Barnett, ’69, who passed away June 22, 2014. After earning a degree from Berea, Bob became a computer network engineer. He was a theater-goer, a supporter of the arts, and a master craftsman who loved the outdoors and his dog, Buddy. Linda earned her master’s degree from Furman University and retired after 19 years as education director of the Generations Group Home. They are survived by a daughter, Miranda, and he is survived by two brothers, five sisters, a half-brother, a stepbrother, and a stepmother.
Dorothy Russell Minucci, ’69, of Staten Island, New York, passed away August 9, 2014. She earned a nursing degree at Berea and put her nursing skills to use in Appalachia. After graduation, Dorothy worked as a registered nurse then became assistant director of the epidemiology department at Staten Island University, Ocean Breeze. She retired in 2012 as administrative director of the department at both Ocean Breeze and Prince’s Bay locations. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 43 years, Salvatore, three sons, two grandchildren, and three sisters.
Gary Lowell Stallard, ’69, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away February 15, 2013. He was the owner of the Gary Stallard CPA office, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and a member of the West View Missionary Baptist Church. Gary is survived by his wife, Marietta, two children, three grandchildren, one uncle, and several nieces and nephews.
Leon B. Wolford, ’69, of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away June 9, 2013. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, children, Jacklyn and Michael, a brother, and two half-brothers.
1970s
Elizabeth Orwig, ’70, of Buffalo, Minnesota, passed away June 27, 2014. She grew up in Berea and attended Berea College before transferring to Texas Christian University where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in ballet theater. Elizabeth was a professional dancer for several years, taught dance therapy in New York City, and became a professional counselor. She is survived by one daughter, Laurel, and two sisters, Peg Craig, Fd ’63, and Rev. Anne O. Weatherholt, ’73.
Patrick F. Patterson, ’71, of Bremen, Ohio, passed away June 20, 2014. He loved sailing, motorcycles, and music. Patrick is survived by his wife, Karen, and sons, Michael and Tristan.
Dr. Blanche Louise Landis, ’72, of San Diego, California, passed away May 24, 2014. She was the first in her family to attend college and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Berea College. Blanche went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Washington Adventist University, a master’s degree in public health from San Diego State University, and a doctorate degree from the University of San Diego. She was a nurse educator at Veteran’s Administration Nursing Academy and a professor of nursing at San Diego State University. Blanche is survived by her daughter, Meghan, two sisters, and several nieces and nephews.
Danny R. Orton, ’72, of Douglasville, Georgia, passed away July 11, 2008. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, worked 25 years for North American Van Lines, and was later manager of the Great American Cookie store. Dan is survived by his wife, Vickie Orton, ’72, a son, and eight siblings.
Gary R. Cole, ’74, of Lancaster, Kentucky, passed away July 20, 2014. After graduating from Berea, he earned graduate degrees from Eastern Kentucky University and then taught social studies 29 years at Berea Community Elementary. Gary is survived by his mother, Waunola, his wife, Rachel, a daughter, his father-in-law, an uncle, a brother-in-law, nieces and nephews, and grandnieces.
Marsha Lynn Hogan, ’75, of Albany, Kentucky, passed away July 31, 2014. She is survived by her mother, Nellie Hogan, her sister Barbara Silcox, and her nephew, Andrew Silcox.
Barbara J. Steele, ’75, of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away October 7, 2014. She was a registered nurse and was affectionately called “P-Barb” by family and friends and “Me-Me” by her grandchildren. Barbara is survived by her husband, William, one daughter, two step-daughters, three grandchildren, four sisters, and numerous family and friends.
Benjamin David Campbell, ’79, of Robbinsville, North Carolina, passed away November 13, 2005. He was a lifelong native of Graham County. Benjamin was employed by a general contractor and served as project manager for the rebuilding of two apartment complexes that were destroyed by Hurricane Floyd. He is survived by his brother, Ernest, sister, Evelyn, two nephews, and a niece.
Daniel Reed Carlton, ’79, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away August 14, 2014. After earning a Bachelor of Science in industrial arts at Berea College, he completed a certification in computer programming at North Carolina State University. Daniel worked for 33 years as a computer programmer for the Department of Transportation. For recognition of his service to the state of North Carolina, he was inducted into the Order of the Longleaf Pine. Daniel is survived by his wife, Jody, one son, three sisters, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
1980s
Bobby Dee McClure, ’82, of Berea, Kentucky, passed away August 29, 2014. He was a supervisor for Hitachi and a member of the Berea United Methodist Church. Bobby is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gentry McClure, ’82, two daughters, 11 siblings, his father- and mother-in-law, and two brother-in-laws.
Matthew David Nelson, ’88, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away October 11, 2014. He graduated from Berea College with honors and a degree in philosophy. At the University of Kentucky College of Law, Matthew served as an editor for the Kentucky Law Review. Upon graduation, he was inducted into the Order of the Coif, an honor society for United States law school graduates. Matthew is survived by his parents, Paul David, ’65 and Rebecca Plaster, ’65, Nelson.
1990s
Donna McCaskey, ’92, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away September 11, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Winston, her son, her mother, and four brothers.
Marcella Elaine Weade, ’92, of Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away November 21, 2004. She served eight years in the U.S. Army and graduated from Army Intelligence School in Fort Devens, Massachusetts. Following her Army career, Marcella graduated from Berea College, and then the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in library science. She is survived by her parents, Bill and Mary, three children, eight grandchildren, three sisters, four brothers, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Robert Leeman Waddles, ’92, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away December 5, 2014. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Berea College, and a Master of Arts at Eastern Kentucky University. Robert attended Westminster Choir College where he had the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Jennifer, his father, his sister, several nieces and nephews, and a great niece.
Terry Lee Pope, ’93, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away August 11, 2014. He attended Summit Heights United Methodist Church and was a 1978 graduate of Southern High School. Terry is survived by his mother, Edith, four siblings, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
2000s
Mason Wright Holmes, ’04, of Beverly, West Virginia, passed away September 13, 2014. He loved cars, enjoyed traveling, and working on computers. He is survived by his fiancé, Julia, his parents, Donald and Babs, his brothers, Chris and David, his sister, Jenna Zimmerman, ’01, his grandfather, grandmother, two uncles, one aunt, and three cousins.
