August 2024

Carol E. Leathers, 88, of Van Wert, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024. She was born on February 21, 1936, in Van Wert, to the late Poe and Grace (Smith) Doner. On October 9, 1965, Carol married the love of her life, John Leathers, who passed away on May 31, 1989 A proud graduate of Van Wert High School, Carol was a dedicated bookkeeper for Thomas Edison Center. Prior to her time at Thomas Edison, she had worked in the payroll department at Borden Dairy. Carol was also a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Van Wert. Devoted to her family, Carol is survived by her loving children: Craig Leathers of Redlands CA; Marcy Leathers of Van Wert;, and Stacy Leathers of Memphis, TN. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate enough to have known her throughout her life. In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her sisters and their spouses, Betty (Richard) Learned and Marilyn (Omar) Steward. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to CHP Home Care & Hospice. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, August 19, 2024 at Woodland Cemetery with Pastor Christian Taylor presiding. Arrangements entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory. To share in Carol’s online memorial, please

Archie B. Shrum, 88, of Van Wert, passed away early Tuesday morning, August 13, 2024, at his residence, surrounded by his family. He was born March 30, 1936, in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, the son of Orville and Bessie (Beason) Shrum. On August 18, 1956, he married the former Jacquelyn S. Geisman. She preceded him in death on August 30, 2021. Archie retired from the Lima Tank Plant after many years of service. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, in Van Wert, and was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1320, in Van Wert. Archie is a veteran of the Army National Guard. Archie is survived by his children, David E. (Michelle) Shrum of Delaware, Ohio, Susan L. (Randy) Heppeard of Van Wert and Marilyn A. (James) Tomlinson of Van Wert; 10 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and 4 sisters, Mary Emma, Martha Bell, Anna and Georgia. In addition to his wife, Jacquelyn S. Shrum, Archie was preceded in death by his parents; 5 brothers, John, Chester, Orville, Harold and Floyd; and 4 sisters, Violet, Grace, Bertha and Wavie. Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Rev. Thomas Chamberlain, officiating. Burial will immediately follow in Woodland Cemetery, Van Wert. Visitation will be 9:00-11:00AM on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church or Community Health Professionals Home Care and Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed at www. alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.