October 2024

RYAN L. ADAM

Ryan L. Adam, a distinguished farmer and cherished member of the Convoy community, will be remembered fondly as a man of unwavering dedication and love. We invite you to join in reflecting on Ryan’s life at his future funeral service, scheduled for 10:30 AM on Monday, September 30, 2024, at Alspach- Gearhart Funeral Home, 722 S. Washington Street, Van Wert. The service will be presided over by Pastor Will Haggis, with a Committal Service to follow at Convoy I.O.O.F Cemetery. You are welcome to pay your respects to Ryan’s family between 1 PM and 5 PM on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the funeral home. The Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.

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LEAH ANN FULMER

Leah Ann Fulmer, 65, of Van Wert, died at 7:31 pm on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Vancrest of Van Wert. She was born on November 26, 1958, to James and Esther (Bair) Swably. Leah enjoyed woodworking, clock repair and working on cars. Until her health declined, Leah was restoring her 1967 Ford Galaxie. She is survived by her mother, Esther Swably of Grover Hill; children, Charles Fulmer of Van Wert, Chrissie Fulmer of Van Wert, and Carie Fulmer of Paris, Illinois; grandchildren, Bethie Ashby of Van Wert, Hayley Hoagland of Van Wert, Nicy Hyland of Paris, Illinois, and Riley Thatcher of Clinton, Tennessee; siblings, Tina Howell of Grover Hill, Jess Swably of Decatur, Indiana, Jerry Mann of New Haven, Indiana, and Lillian Williams of Corunna, Indiana, Hank Lewis of Metz, Indiana and Carolyn McGuirk of Angola, Indiana. Leah was preceded in death by her father, James Swably. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, with Pastor Sam Weicht, officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials may be directed to the West Ohio Food Bank. Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington

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STEPHEN P. GEHRES

Stephen P. Gehres passed away peacefully at home on the evening of Sunday, September 22, 2024. Lois, his wife of 53 years, was by his side with the assistance of Hospice. Steve was born on August 13, 1948, to the late Wayne A. and Phyllis J. (Manken) Gehres in Van Wert. Upon graduation from Van Wert High School in 1966, he immediately enlisted in the United States Navy despite being only 17 years of age. His overseas duty was at a Naval Base in Sicily, Italy, where he handled the disarming of World War II mines from the Mediterranean Sea. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he enrolled at The Ohio State University. On August 7, 1971, he married the love of his life, Lois Grabner. After graduating from Ohio State in 1973 with his Bachelor’s degree, Steve next entered Ohio Northern University Petit College of Law where he earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1976. Settling in Van Wert, Steve first served as an Assistant Van Wert County Prosecuting Attorney and opened his private practice office on Washington Street. He became a well-known criminal defense attorney and a successful plaintiffs’ attorney in civil cases. Later in his legal career, he served as an Acting Judge in Van Wert Municipal Court. Most important during those years for Lois and Steve was the raising of their two children, Daniel and Laura. Together they watched hundreds of baseball and basketball games. Steve especially enjoyed his fishing trips with his kids to numerous regional lakes and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Steve had a great love of the ocean and spent many family summer vacations camping up and down the East Coast. Daytime activities included visiting historical sites and museums, spending time on the beach and swimming in the ocean, and facing his inability to back the camper into its assigned space. Nights saw many epic battles of Euchre and Pinochle with Steve being the preferred partner due to his skill. Of course, he liked to keep the games moving as he encouraged his fa

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ROBERT L. WERTENBERGER

Robert L. Wertenberger, 94, of Convoy, Ohio, died at 3:55 am on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Van Wert Manor. He was b o r n on December 2, 1929, to Roy and Ruby (Whetstone) Wertenberger. On August 24, 1952, he married the former Louise V.

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FLOYD L. TYAS

Floyd L. Tyas, 77, of rural Van Wert, passed away on Sunday afternoon, September 29, 2024. He was born on November 23, 1946, to the late Roy S. and Arlene M. (Rhoad) Tyas. He was preceded in death by grandparents, George & Carrie Tyas, John and & Gertrude Rhoad, and brother Leroy Tyas. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Carolyn D. (Rogers) Tyas, sister Margaret (Richard) Miller of Van Wert, two children, Jennifer (David) Daugherty of Ft. Wayne, and Jason (Brooke) Tyas of rural Van Wert, grandchildren Noah (Nevada) Daugherty, William Tyas, Charissa Tyas, Rebecca Daugherty, Samuel Tyas, John Tyas, Xavier Tyas, Robert Tyas, Colby Tyas, and Phillip Tyas. Floyd was first and foremost a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was a lifelong farmer, a member, usher, and property chair of the former Trinity Lutheran Church in Convoy, a Union Township trustee, a member of the Scott Lions Club, and a volunteer firefighter for Scott. He enjoyed snowmobiling and was always willing to give children rides on his beloved tractors. A memorial service for Floyd will take place at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 160 W. Sycamore St. Van Wert on Sunday, October 6 at 4 pm, preceded by calling hours at the church from 2 pm-3:30 pm, Rev. William C. Haggis II presiding. Memorials can be given to St. Mark’s Lutheran or CHP Home Care and Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed at www. alspachgearhart.com Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert, Ohio.

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TRAVIS SAMUEL FOX

Travis Samuel Fox, age 49, of Mendon, passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from injuries he sustained in a traffic accident. Calling Hours are being held at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in CELINA on Sunday, September 29th, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., with Funeral Services to begin at 5:00. Following the Services, all are invited to join family and friends for a dinner at Mendon Community Church, 105 E Market St.,in Mendon.

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