Faculty and Staff
Elvin Combs, Hon ’81 of Berea, Kentucky, passed away February 23, 2016. He served as the equipment manager at Berea College for 41 years. Elvin was an avid squash and racquetball player, a Kentucky Colonel and member of the Mountaineer Hall of Fame. Elvin is survived by his wife of 70 years, Bette, four children, eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren and many loving family and friends.
Frances Jo Freeman Crawford of Savoy, Illinois, passed away February 19, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Kenneth H. Crawford ’58. Frances earned degrees in music education and vocal performance from the University of Montevallo and Florida State University, performing in opera, recital and oratorio extensively throughout her career. She taught at Berea College and was professor emerita at the University of Illinois School of Music. Frances is also listed in Who’s Who in American Women. She served on the board of the Provena Covenant Foundation for many years, and was active in church with her husband, Rev. Dr. J. Donald Graham. In addition to her husband, Frances is survived by her three children, James, Carolyn and Kenneth, five grandchildren, a sister and a host of loving family and friends.
William Maurice Coyle of Berea, Kentucky, passed away January 21, 2016. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II while on board the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise. Maurice worked at the Berea College Bakery, ran a gas station and farmed. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 1976. Maurice is survived by his loving wife Mable, children, Linda Reynolds ’93 and Mike Coyle, five grandchildren and a host of loving relatives.
Robert Lawrence “Bob” Johnstone, Hon ’96 of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away January 31, 2016. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky and a doctoral degree from the University of Illinois. Bob was an extension specialist at North Carolina State University until in 1964, he became chairman of the agriculture department and professor of economics and agriculture at Berea College until his retirement in 1996. He loved to travel around the world, especially to New Zealand with his wife, Mary Ann Johnstone ’68, who survives him. Bob is also survived by four children, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
J.C. Short of Berea, Kentucky, passed away January 8, 2016. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a former staff member at Berea College. J.C. is survived by seven children, Charles, Ray, James, Wayne, Della, Keith and Kenneth. He also leaves behind a host of grandchildren and his extended family.
1930s
Susan Christian Camp ’33 of Dothan, Alabama, passed away January 22, 2016. She enjoyed working for many years as an educator. During World War II, Susan had assignments in Palestine, Egypt, Germany and Italy where she was responsible for supplying food and welfare needs of refugees and displaced persons. She worked as a nutritionist with the Cooperative Extension Service through the College of Agriculture at Ohio State University and in the Institute of Food and Agricultural Science at the University of Florida. Susan is survived by her sister-in-law, Marilyn, and three nieces and nephews.
Alpha A. Hays ’33 of Lost Creek, Kentucky, passed away June 6, 2015. She was a homemaker and a member of Pilgrim Rest Old Regular Baptist Church. Alpha is survived by a daughter, Marcia, one sister, four brothers and a host of nieces and nephews.
Eunice Martin Jones ’35 of Salvisa, Kentucky, passed away December 27, 2015. She earned a teaching degree from the University of Kentucky (UK) and was an English teacher at Salvisa and Mercer high schools. In 1998, the UK College of Education honored her as “A Teacher Who Made a Difference.” Eunice is survived by her children, Mary, Esther, Betty and Tom, as well as a host of loving family and friends.
Dorothy Blackburn Allen Golden, Acad ’37 of Berea, Kentucky, passed away May 12, 2011. She went to Baltimore for training as a nurse, graduating from Lutheran Hospital of Maryland in 1945. Dorothy helped establish the Rape Crisis Center in Fort Lauderdale and worked with women and kids in distress. She is survived by a brother, Dwight, four children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Carl Edward Auvil ’38 of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, passed away August 19, 2015. He earned a master’s degree from George Washington University. Carl served in the U.S. Navy in World War II and worked for the federal government as a civilian for the U.S. Department of the Navy and later at the Job Corps. Carl is survived by his daughters, Beverly and Eleanor, and a host of loving relatives.
Hazel N. Hicks ’38 of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away December 16, 2011. She was a member of New Harvest Church of God and was a teacher for many years at Elk Valley Elementary School. Hazel is survived by her stepdaughters, Sharon, Sylvia and Diana, as well as a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary Ann Etherton ’39 of Greens Fork, Indiana, passed away February 14, 2016. She was a member of New Testament Church of Christ in Hagerstown. Mary Ann was also a member of Pendleton County Historical Society and was active in genealogy. She is survived by her sons, John, Joe and Jim, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of loving family members.
Jane R. Gibbs of Anchorage, Kentucky, passed away January 20, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband Neal M. Gibbs ’39. She was a member of the American Dietetic Association and retired from Baptist Hospital. Jane is survived by her son, Mark, and granddaughter, Beth.
1940s
Harry L. Butler, Jr. ’40 passed away February 19, 2016. After earning a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Berea, he worked as a health physicist and chemist for DuPont at its Savannah River plant. Harry was founder and president of Richmond Laboratories, Inc., and also was founder/member for 55 years of Richmond Associates Investment Club. He is survived by children, Anne, Harry and Elizabeth, one grandson, two great-grandsons as well as a host of family and friends.
Grayce Dick ’40 of Bradenton, Florida, passed away November 26, 2006. She was a nursing major at Berea College.
Ned Hammons, Acad ’40 of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away September 29, 2012. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and the recipient of a Purple Heart with oak leaf clusters. Ned was also a member of the First Baptist Church and Disabled American Veterans and was a Scottish Rite Mason. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly, granddaughter, Sydney, and loving family and friends.
Ruth R. Sue Heaton ’40 of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away February 15, 2012. She was a World War II veteran who served in the SPARs, the women’s branch of the U.S. Coast Guard. Ruth taught elementary school for years before retiring from Duval County Schools. She is survived by two daughters, Katherine and Sally, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a host of loving family and friends.
Bernice Bratcher Gregory, Acad ’41 of Shelbyville, Kentucky, passed away September 24, 2015. She was a Madison County native, a homemaker and lifelong member of Silver Creek Baptist Church. Bernice is survived by her son, Edward, and a host of loving family members.
Renda B. Ashley, Acad ’42 of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away May 4, 2015. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Joyce Willadean Collum, Acad ’42 of Florence, Alabama, passed away October 8, 2015. She was a longtime resident of Florence and very proud of it. Joyce is survived by her children Jay, T. Lance, Joyce and Deborah, as well as many loving extended family and friends.
Florence Kirstein Mercer ’43 of Los Alamos, New Mexico, passed away December 24, 2015. After graduating from Berea, Florence completed graduate-level courses at Texas Christian University in elementary education and social work and served as a Red Cross case worker and elementary school teacher. She was an active volunteer in her community. Florence is survived by her daughter, Janet, and a loving extended family.
William Richard Wilson ’43 of Centennial, Colorado, passed away May 9, 2015. After graduating from Berea College, he served in World War II and was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, for which he received the Purple Heart. After the war, Richard moved to New York City where he served as a traffic manager at Johns Manville. He was a kind and gentle man who asked for little and gave so much. Richard is survived by his two daughters, Deb and Jennifer.
Eugene L. Cady, Acad ’44 of Titusville, Florida, passed away August 24, 2015.
Mary Hazel Hatchette ’44 of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away November 23, 2015. After graduating from Berea College, Mary earned a master’s degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She taught English for over 40 years, most of which were spent at Myers Park High School until her retirement in 1988. She also served in many education associations. Mary is survived by nieces, Lynne and Amy, nephew Chuck, as well as great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Grace Free Parkhill ’44 of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away December 2, 2015. She received certification in both Christian education and evangelism, and was concentrated as a diaconal minister in the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. Grace was a lifelong volunteer for several organizations. She volunteered for more than 20 years in local theaters, including the Know Area Theater Coalition in Tennessee, which established the Grace Parkhill Volunteer Award in her honor. Grace is survived by her husband of 63 years, Thomas, a son and a loving extended family.
Dr. Harwood Northmore Sturtevant, Navy V-12 ’43-’44 of Springfield, Missouri passed away December 13, 2015. In addition to Berea, he attended Carleton College, Notre Dame and St. Louis universities, earning his doctoral degree in 1949. Dr. Sturtevant completed his post-doctoral training at Marquette University, University Hospital of Columbus and Brooke Army Hospital. He served in the U.S. Navy and Air Force, resigning as a lieutenant colonel to serve as chairman of the radiology department at Wilford Hall USAF Hospital. Dr. Sturtevant was a visiting professor of radiology, served on the Surgeon General’s committee and later was medical staff president at St. John’s Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Molly, and a host of loving family and friends.
Mary Wilma Pigman Elkins ’45 of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away February 25, 2016. After graduating from Berea, she taught in Perry County schools before moving to Indiana. Mary earned a master’s degree at Indiana University and taught at several places before her retirement in 1987. She is survived by her son, Keith, two grandsons and a host of loving family and friends.
Eleanor Louise Herrin ’45 of Avon, Indiana, passed away April 22, 2014. She was affectionately known as “Grammy” to all of her grandchildren, loved singing, playing the piano and painting. Eleanor is survived by her children, Greg and Debbie, nine grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and her loving friends and family.
Marie Charles Highfiel ’45 of Weber City, Virginia, passed away December 19, 2015. She earned a master’s degree in English from the University of Kentucky. Marie retired from Rye Cove High School in 1984 having taught school for 39 years. She was a member of the Scott County Teachers Association and the Holston View United Methodist Church.
Anna Lee Mullins ’45 of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away February 15, 2016. She taught school for several years in southwest Virginia, loved to work on her flowers, was an avid reader and especially loved to take care of her grandkids. Anna attended Sunnyside Baptist Church. She is survived by her sons, John and Paul, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, her sister and many loving family and friends.
Richard Monier Myers ’45 of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away November 16, 2015. After attending Berea, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as captain’s talker on the USS Biloxi, earning 11 battle stars during his two years in the Pacific. Richard attended Princeton and Penn State universities, where he earned a master’s degree in animal science. He was a North Carolina State University emeritus professor of animal science. Richard is survived by his daughters, Katherine, Margaret and Susan, and two brothers, as well as a loving extended family.
George Helmkamp of Diamond Springs, California, passed away March 28, 2015. He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Helmkamp ’46. George earned his bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College in Iowa, a master’s degree from the Claremont Graduate School and a doctoral degree from California Tech. He was one of the first professors involved in the organic chemistry department at the University of California, Riverside, where he also served as dean of the College of Letters and Science and chair of the Department of Chemistry. He is survived by his daughters, Amy and Ann, and many loving family members.
Norman R. Wissinger, Navy V-12 ’45-’46 of Centerville, Ohio, passed away September 3, 2015. After Berea, he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering and law from Purdue University in 1948 and in 1951, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from Indiana University. Norman was a defense attorney for environmental issues and was the corporate vice president for 10 years at Carpet Talk. He is survived by his children, Sherman and Julie, two grandsons and a host of loving family and friends.
Paul E. Elam, Navy V-12/V-5 ’43-’44, ’47 of San Diego, California, passed away October 1, 2012.
Jean Clark Engle, Fd ’43, ’47 of Berea, Kentucky, passed away March 4, 2016. She retired from the Richmond Register after 36 years of reporting Berea news. She also worked for WEKY, reporting Berea news from her home via telephone Monday through Friday until 1976. Jean enjoyed writing feature stories about interesting Bereans as well as famous people who were guests for Berea College convocations. She is survived by her children, Joan Keith ’73 (James Keith ’67), Judy and Jack, grandchildren, Krista Lewis ’02 (Michael Lewis ’03), Joseph, Christopher, Kelley, Megan, Jessica and Justin, two great-grandchildren and a host of loving family and friends.
Martha E. Ladwig ’47 of Mentor, Ohio, passed away November 16, 2015. She was a longtime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and she loved to travel, especially to the Oregon coast with her family. Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, and her son, Roy Ladwig ’73. She is survived by her children, Polly, Tom and Gretchen, eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many loving family and friends.
Elwanda Dalton Lockin ’47 of Benton, Illinois, passed away February 12, 2015. She was an operating room registered nurse at Miners Hospital in Christopher, then was the office nurse for Dr. J.P. Durham in Benton. Elwanda is survived by her husband, Bill, three children as well as a host of grandchildren and loving family members.
Sally Talbot Norris ’47 of Burkesville, Kentucky, passed away November 18, 2010.
John Zakian of Cromwell, Pennsylvania, passed away August 25, 2015. He was the husband of Margery Murphy Zakian ’47, who survives him. John served in the U.S. Army-Air Force at Pearl Harbor during World War II and was a B-17 pilot flying missions from England over Germany. He was a retired mechanical engineer for Jares, Baum and Bolles with over 20 years of service. In addition to his wife, John is survived by his sons, John and James, and a host of loving relatives.
Shelby Duff ’48 of Lake Worth, Florida passed away October 18, 2015.
Robert Allen Luftburrow, Acad ’40, ‘48 of Langley, Washington, passed away December 17, 2015. After earning a bachelor’s degree in math from Berea, he served in the U.S. Navy for four years as a photographer. He biked from Berea to Madison, Wisconsin where he earned a master’s degree. Robert joined the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and traveled across the Atlantic. He was an associate professor of physics at St. Lawrence University. Robert is survived by his three children, Elizabeth, Deborah and Robert, and a host of loving relatives.
Lois June Haverly, Acad ’49 of Fort Pierce, Florida, passed away November 8, 2013. She was of the Baptist faith and was a former member of the Eastern Star in Covington. Lois is survived by her daughter, Terry, a sister-in-law, Muriel, her beloved cat, Sugar, and her grand-dog, Shadow, and a host of loving friends and family.
Harold Eugene Wilson, Acad ’49 of New Albany, Indiana, passed away December 22, 2015. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and retired after 30 years as a draftsman from DuPont in Louisville. Harold also was a longtime member of Ducks Unlimited. He is survived by his children, Gary and Susan, and a host of loving family and friends.
1950s
Jeanette Huff Bottom Acad ’46, ’50 of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away December 3, 2015. After earning her teaching certificate from Berea College, she taught for many years in the Fayette County school system. While teaching, she earned her master’s degree in elementary education from the University of Kentucky. Jeanette is survived by her sons, Robert, Jerry and John, two brothers and her many loving relatives.
Rose Ann Johnson, Fd ’47, ’51 of Nashville, Tennessee, passed away December 16, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. Johnson ’48. Rose and Bob moved to Camden where they both worked at the Johnson Insurance and Real Estate Company until purchasing The Camden Chronicle. Rose was vice-publisher of the Chronicle and wrote for the women’s and society pages for more than 20 years. She was later editor of The Carroll County Democrat, which she and Bob bought as well. Rose is survived by her children, Bo and Pat, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a host of loving friends and family.
Betty Glynn Schiering ’51 of Middletown, Ohio, passed away January 1, 2016. She taught 7th grade at Madison Local Schools for 31 years. Betty is survived by four children, Viki, Susan, Stephanie and Bill, and a host of loving family and friends.
Duanne Davidson Carter ’51 of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed away November 23, 2015. Throughout her life, Duanne expressed a great love of nature and compassion toward others. She is survived by her children, Christopher, Leslie, Mayo and Taryn, as well as many other loving family members.
Sarah Bell Ashcraft, Fd ’52 of Union, Kentucky, passed away January 23, 2014. She was part of a unique group of women who met for “card club” at least once a month for more than 50 years. Sarah was a very caring woman who always put others before herself and was always there to give a helping hand. She is survived by brothers, Robert and Reginald, a daughter, two grandchildren and a host of loving family and friends.
Thomas “Tom” George Dickinson of Boulder, Colorado, passed away February 4, 2016. He graduated from the University of Denver in 1963 and worked for Channel 7 as a producer/director, retiring after 36 years. Tom adored children and often played Santa Claus. He also loved hunting and the outdoors, and was a supporter of the arts. Tom is survived by his wife, Ursula Dickinson, Fd ’48, ‘52, five stepchildren, six grandchildren, two great-granddaughters and a host of loving friends and family.
Dr. Jack Chrisley Morris, Fd ’52 of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away July 18, 2015. He was a professor at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry for 36 years. Jack is survived by his daughters, Ruth, Anne, Judy, Lynn, and a host of loving relatives.
Kathleen S. Banks, Fd ’46, ’53 of Milford, Ohio, passed away January 17, 2016. She is survived by two daughters, Marla and Shelia, two grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and loving extended family and friends.
Carol Farmer ’53 of Southgate, Kentucky, passed away February 10, 2016. After graduating from Berea with a nursing degree, she worked for nine years as a nurse throughout Kentucky, Virginia and Ohio. She then worked for 31 years as nurse at St. Luke Hospital in Fort Thomas, Kentucky until retirement in 1994. Carol is survived by three sons, Bob, Steve and Greg, a sister, Laura, and many loving relatives.
Gervas M. Hinn, Fd ’53 of Seattle, Washington, passed April 9, 2012.
Guy J. Angel ’54 of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away December 27, 2013. He taught agriculture for 39 years at Spring Creek, Crabtree and Waynesville junior high schools. Guy was past president of two educators associations and worked with the Haywood County Jail ministry for more than 17 years. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Anna, his son, David, siblings Fay Galloway ’59 and Gay Angel, two granddaughters and a host of loving friends and family.
R.C. Day Jr. ’54 of Whitesburg, Kentucky, passed away March 5, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Day ’53. After graduating from Berea with a degree in geology, R.C. served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He later taught biology and geography at Whitesburg High School until he became Whitesburg’s postmaster in 1960. R.C. became postmaster in Somerset, Kentucky in 1980 and served there until his retirement in 1990. He is survived by two sons, Scott and Stephen, one brother, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a host of loving friends and family.
Raymond R. Ashcraft, Sr. ’56 of Union, Kentucky, passed away December 26, 2015. After graduating from Berea with a geology degree, he attended Chase College of Law and was a member of the Ohio, Kentucky, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Bar Associations. Ray was a Kentucky Colonel and a U.S. Army veteran and was an attorney and senior counsel for Cincinnati Gas and Electric for 37 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Vista Casada Ashcraft ’55, a son, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a host of loving friends and family.
Jeanette Irene C. Baker ’56 of Austin, Texas, passed away December 24, 2015. She worked as the office manager for Barnett Investments for many years. Jeanette loved to garden and collect antiques, and specialized in antique clocks of German origin. She is survived by her son, Joe, and a host of loving relatives.
Luther Marvin Barton ’56 of Yorktown, Virginia, passed away November 26, 2015. He worked most of his life as an accountant for the federal government. Luther enjoyed playing guitar, singing, writing songs and keeping up with the news. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Alta Smart Barton, Fd ’52, ’56, three children, five brothers and sisters, and a loving extended family.
Jack Clotfelter of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away May 28, 2012. He was an award-winning architect and artist. Building a career spanning decades, Jack was responsible for more than 1,000 school projects throughout Kentucky and the surrounding area. He is survived by his wife, Patty Clotfelter ’56, and a loving extended family.
Lt. Col. Lionel E. “Gene” Harkleroad ’56 of Salado, Texas, passed away December 30, 2015. After Berea College, he earned a master’s degree in business from Webster College in St. Louis, Missouri. Gene served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 25 years at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas and was decorated with many commendations and medals before retiring in 1982. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Margaret Ann Bevins Harkleroad ’56, as well as his many loving relatives.
Helen Ruth Adkins ’57, of Salisbury, North Carolina, passed away December 30, 2015. She worked as a registered nurse for 40 years with the Appalachian Regional Hospital, Highlands Clinic in South Williamson and the Delbarton Clinic. Helen is survived by her children, Cary, Carolyn, Valerie and Michael, and a host of loving family and friends.
Dorothy A. “Pud” Vinton of Champaign, Illinois, passed away November 17, 2015. She was the wife of Allan Vinton ’57 who survives her. Dorothy earned a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and was employed by Mercy Hospital in Urbana as well as the Lincoln Trail Library and the University of Illinois Biology Library before retirement. She is also survived by three daughters, two sons and a loving extended family.
Wayland B. Williams ’57 of Farmersville, Ohio, passed away December 11, 2015. He served in the Army and was a civilian employee at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, retiring in 2000 after 29 years of service. Wayland is survived by his wife, Hazel Holt Williams ’56, three children, a brother, two grandchildren and a host of loving family and friends.
Frances Jo Freeman Crawford Graham of Savoy, Illinois, passed away February 19, 2016. She earned degrees in music education and vocal performance from the University of Montevallo and Florida State University, performing in opera, recital and oratorio extensively throughout her career. Frances taught at Berea College and was professor emerita at the University of Illinois School of Music. She is also listed in Who’s Who In American Women. She is survived by her husband, Donald Graham, three children, James, Carolyn and Kenneth, five grandchildren, a sister and a host of loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Kenneth H. Crawford ’58.
Charles “Jack” Francis Cummins ’58 of Logan, Ohio, passed away November 24, 2015. After graduating from Berea, he attended the University of Minnesota, Mayo College of Medicine School of Public Health, where he earned a master’s degree in public health. Charles was a public health sanitarian and administrator in Ohio and other states. He received many awards and recognition for his work and served on several health associations and committees. Charles is survived by his children, Jeanne and Charles, and many loving family and friends.
Fred Tate Finley, Jr., Fd ’54, ’58 of Erin, Tennessee, passed away November 11, 2015. He served his community for many years, including his life-long devotion to Erin United Methodist Church, two terms as mayor and 15 years on the County Court. Fred founded Shamrock Motors and was a successful soybean farmer. He is survived by his children, Gail and Fred, three sisters, four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Barbara A. Fruechtenicht ’58 of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away March 16, 2015. She is survived by her husband, Richard, son, Michael, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Jessie Franklin Hammond, Fd ’58 of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away January 17, 2016. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was a faithful member of the Monticello First Baptist Church. Jessie is survived by his wife of 56 years, Artie, three children, four grandchildren and a host of loved ones.
Douglas Powers Hanna ’58 of Lewisburg, West Virginia, passed away April 22, 2011. He was a lifelong resident of Greenbrier County, and a member of the Frankford Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder, and was a retired teacher with many years of service in the Greenbrier County School System. Douglas is survived by his wife, Marianna, two daughters, two sons, three sisters, one brother, eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Charles Lawton Blevins ’59 of Clearbrook, Virginia, passed away January 6, 2014. He taught math and physics at Thomas Edison High School in Fairfax County, Virginia for 30 years. Charles also served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of the United States Tennis Association and National Education Association. Charles is survived by his wife, Patricia, four children, four siblings and seven grandchildren.
Cloyd O. Bumgardner ’59 of Somerset, Kentucky, passed away April 30, 2012.
Nancy Lee Boley Goodwin ’59 of Wendell, North Carolina, passed away October 3, 2014. She was a professional educator who loved to read, travel and play piano. Nancy was also an avid Washington Redskins fan. She is survived by her children, Donna, Robert and Ruth, as well as many loving friends and family.
Owen Dale Williams ’59 of Waynesville, North Carolina, passed away January 21, 2016. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a master’s degree in American literature and culture. After many years of teaching, Dale retired and founded the Chess and Poetry Clubs of Haywood County. He is survived by his wife, Silvia, one brother and a sister.
1960s
Elmer D. Smith, Jr. ’60 of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, passed away September 8, 2014. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Welte Smith ’62. Elmer and Edna were married August 6, 1961 in Danforth Chapel. In 1963, Elmer earned a master’s degree in education from Eastern Kentucky State College. He was a sergeant in the U.S. Army for two years and then taught in the Oak Ridge school system for more than 30 years. Elmer is survived by his three sons, Phillip, Matthew and Andrew, five grandchildren, three siblings and a host of loving friends and family.
Dr. Keith H. Byrd ’61 of Kingsport, Tennessee, passed away January 26, 2016. He completed his medical degree at the University of Louisville and served two years as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. Dr. Byrd worked as a physician in the emergency department at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl, three children, two sisters and many nieces and nephews.
Michael Allen McClung ’63 of Summersville, West Virginia, passed away May 6, 2011.
James Michael Powell ’64 of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, passed away April 24, 2015. He was a Christian minister serving in churches throughout Kentucky and North Carolina. Jim also was a member of the American Family Therapy Academy, National Historical Society and Clergy and Laity Network. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Powell, Fd ’61, ’65, and many loving family and friends.
Frank W. Spencer ’66 of Sandusky, Ohio, passed away December 23, 2015. He worked and retired from Chrysler Plastics (Sandusky Athol International) as a chemist. Frank was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and a former member of the American Chemical Society. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy, two children, two grandchildren and many extended family members.
Lynn A. Rudy ’67 of Blue Springs, Missouri, passed away January 4, 2016. He worked as an operations manager for ADT Security before retiring in December 2013. Lynn enjoyed fishing, was an avid collector of various items including postage stamps, and enjoyed being the leader of his son’s Cub Scout Troop #271. He is survived by his son, Elliot, and a host of loving relatives.
Daniel Lee Ledford, Fd ’68 of Edmonton, Kentucky, passed away November 16, 2015. He was a writer and author, and had been a resident of Berea most of his life before moving to Edmonton.
1970s
Sammy Olan Roberts ’71 of Gastonia, North Carolina passed away October 23, 2013. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Mary, his mother, Gladys, five children, two grandchildren, a brother and many extended relatives.
Leona Carol Stewart ’72 of Berea, Kentucky, passed away December 28, 2014. She was retired from Peoples’ Bank in Berea, was a cat lover and enjoyed being outdoors. Leona was a member of the Berea Professional Women’s Club and Gloryland Baptist Church. She is survived by her very devoted husband, Jeb, as well as her loving family and friends.
Roy L. Ladwig ’73 of Madison, Ohio, passed away November 13, 2015. He enjoyed reading his Bible and reminiscing with family and friends. Roy was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Ladwig ’47, and is survived by three siblings, Polly, Tom and Gretchen, eight nieces and nephews, 12 great-nieces and -nephews and a host of loving family and friends.
Marlene Elizabeth Dingus Soard ’76 of Martin, Kentucky, passed away January 7, 2016. She was a faithful member of the Martin United Methodist Church and later Martensdale Church of Christ, Prole, Iowa. Marlene is survived by her loving husband, Jerry, a son, four brothers and a host of loving family members.
Kristine “Kris” Lea Norris ’79 of Hillsboro, Ohio, passed away February 26, 2016. She was the owner/operator of Norvan Enterprises, a title search firm in Hillsboro. Kris and her late husband, Edward, also managed the Pants Factory Antique Mall. She is survived by her sister, Kathy, two nephews, one great-nephew, and many extended family members and friends. She also leaves behind her beloved dogs, Buster and Sophie.
1980s
Erwin G. Allen ’80 of Holland, Ohio, passed away January 4, 2016. He worked for more than 32 years at Norfolk Southern Corp., where he eventually became division manager of mechanical operations of the Dearborn division. In 2007, Erwin was inducted into the Williamson High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda, as well as many loving family and friends.
Mary Catherine Hollyfield ’83 of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away October 12, 2015. After graduating from Berea College, she conducted post-graduate studies in early childhood development at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Tennessee. Mary was a lifelong educator, beginning her career at the Early Learning Center in Johnson City and retiring in 2014 after serving many years in Johnson City Schools as a librarian. She is survived by her husband, Jeff, her father, Wesley Wilson ’53, and siblings, Judge Wilson ’78, Melinda Wilson McDonald ’79, Nathan Wilson ’86 and Christopher Wilson.
John Darwin Clarke ’84 of Ashland, Kentucky, passed away January 28, 2016. He worked as an auditor and trust officer of several banks, and as an investment advisor and vice president of the local branch of Morgan Stanley. John contributed more than 200 columns to The Daily Independent over the years. He is survived by sons Jesse and Jacob, and five siblings, Kevin, Kathy, Rosemary, Terrie and Leif Clarke ’86, as well as a host of loving relatives.
Anita L. Worrell ’87 of Lima, Ohio, passed away September 24, 2015. She worked as a supervisor with Allen County Job and Family Services and attended Shawnee Alliance Church. Anita is survived by her husband, Jody, a daughter and a host of loving family and friends.
1990s
Diane Allene Hill ’92 of Harlan, Kentucky, passed away December 21, 2015. For more than 20 years, she was an employee of the law office of Johnnie L. Turner. She taught the Kentucky Concealed Deadly Weapons class for over 15 years. Diane is survived by her parents, David and Mary, two siblings and a host of loving family members.
2000s
Holly Jane Williams ’04 of Austell, Georgia, passed away July 11, 2015.
