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Eva Jane (Krick) Plumley was born in June 1868 on the family farm near Monroeville, Allen County, IN, the daughter of Emanuel and Sarah Elizabeth "Betsy" (Minerd) Krick. 

She was a twin with her brother James Alfred Krick, lived to be 99 years of age, and at the time of her death, the number of her living offspring numbered more than 190.

On June 18, 1890, in a double wedding ceremony, the 22-year-old Eva Jane married 23-year-old James Plumley (May 11, 1867-1947), a native of Muskingum County, while her twin married James' sister Nellie B. Plumley. The nuptials were celebrated at the residence of John W. Plumley, northwest of Convoy, OH along the Lincoln Highway. Rev. Lawrence H. Lindsay, of the Convoy Methodist Church, officiated. Both couples eventually reached their golden wedding anniversaries. 

James was the son of John W. and Elizabeth (West) Plumley, sometimes misspelled "Plumbly," and a native of Muskingum County, OH. He had migrated to the Monroeville/Dixon area at the tender age of nine months. For just about all of the rest of his years, he lived in Convoy and Tully Township.

Their children were Imogene Hertel, Rev. Owen W. Plumley, Orah Blanche Brown, George "Dewey" Plumley, James Ransom Plumley, Mary E. Leamon, Franklin H. "Frank" Plumley, Clarence "Dale" Plumley and one who died in infancy during the 1890s.

They resided in Convoy, Van Wert County, and were longtime farmers on a farm that they owned. When the federal census was taken in 1900, the Plumleys resided just a few houses away from Eva Jane's brother and sister in law, James "Alfred" and Nellie (Plumley) Krick. By May 1910, when the census again was taken, their brood had swelled to eight children ranging in age from 17 years to nine months. 

The 1920 census shows the family living on John Reed Road in Tully Township, Van Wert County. 

When the couple marked their golden wedding anniversary in June 1940, reported the Monroeville Breeze, a dinner was held in their honor in the home. 

Late in life, James suffered from anemia for two years, and died of its effects at the age of 75 on Feb. 4, 1947. 

Eva Jane survived her husband by two decades. On April 4, 1967, at the age of 99, she fell and fractured her hip. Her health declined rapidly, and she passed away on less than three weeks later, on April 23, 1967. Following her funeral led by Rev. Robert Barkley, she was laid to rest beside James in the Convoy IOOF Cemetery. The Van Wert Times published an obituary calling her "one of the area's oldest residents." Dewey Plumley, their son, was the informant on John's death certificate.

~ Daughter Imogene (Plumley) Hertel ~

Daughter Imogene Plumley (1892-1985) was born on June 5, 1892 in Convoy, Tully Township, Van Wert County. Her name also has been misspelled over the years as "Ima Jean" and "Imagene."

At the age of 19, on May 7, 1912, she was united in holy matrimony with 18-year-old farmer Clifford Alfred Hertel (1893-1982), son of William Nelson and Emma (Crabill) Hertel. Imogene's grandfather, justice of the peace John W. Plumley, officiated at the wedding ceremony. 

The farm of Clifford's parents was in Convoy, and to get to their farmhouse, one had to travel a gravel road from Convoy into the country, turning onto a lane and passing an apple orchard and a field of sheep.

Their children were Mildred E. Meyer, Rev. James William Hertel, Emanuel "Dale" Hertel, Alfred Hertel and Velma Manuel.

The Hertels made their residence in Monroeville. In late August 1915, they attended the 10th annual Chapman family reunion held at the home of John W. Chapman at Hoagland, IN. 

By 1940, they had moved off the farm into the city of Fort Wayne. Clifford obtained employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad, and Imogene was a baker and cook for Fort Wayne restaurants. She also kept a gardener's drive in stand. They were members of the Society of Friends Church. Imogene traveled to visit her son Rev. James Hertel at the various communities where he was assigned, and would arrive with an armful of books for their daughter Martha ("Marti").

In the late 1940s or early '50s, they relocated to Terre Haute, Vigo County, IN. Imogene volunteered her time there with a rescue mission, organizing after-school activities for children and preparing meals for adults who were homeless or destitute. She also accumulated a collection of 45 rpm records featuring gospel music. Her cooking feature recipes of duck, goose, fried potatoes, chicken and pies. 

Clifford died in Van Wert on Jan. 14, 1982, at the age of 89. 

Imogene passed into eternity in Convoy in May 1985, at the age of 92. She rests beside Clifford in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Convoy. [Find-a-Grave]

Daughter Mildred E. Hertel (1913-1999) was born in 1913. At the age of 16, on April 6, 1929, she married Harry Meyer (1897-1977). Mildred fibbed on her marriage license, stating that she was three years older. Five children born to the couple were Wyona Short, Dale Eugene Meyer, Dorothy Lee, Wanda Meyer and Maralyn Berger. Their address in Fort Wayne in 1932 was 136 East Leith Street, with Harry employed as a laborer by General Electric. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the family dwelled in Fort Wayne and Harry earned a living as a caretaker for a telephone company. Then in 1950, census records of Fort Wayne show him as a carpenter. Sadly, Harry died in 1977. Mildred survived him by 22 years. The angel of death cleaved her away in 1999. Their remains sleep for all time in Fort Wayne's Prairie Grove Cemetery. Inscribed on either side of their grave marker are the words "Tell the word Jesus saves" and "Faith is the victory."

• Granddaughter Wyona Meyer (1931- ? ) was born in about 1931. Unmarried in 1950, at the age of 19, she earned a living as a filing clerk in a life insurance firm. Wyona tied the knot with Laurel J. Short ( ? - ? ), son of Laurel A. and Marjorie (Beck) Short. They settled in Fort Wayne. The known offspring of this family were Kerrwin Jay Short, Denise Short, Doreen L. Estes and Sandra Glines. Laurel is believed to have been employed in the 1980s as an executive vice president with a local meat-packing business, likely Kingsford Packing Co., Inc. If so, he lobbied in the press for improved government treatment of small businesses. This included a quoted in a 1983 news story about what he and others believed were unfair policies of the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration and then in 1994 regarding the cost of healthcare benefits paid by business owners.

  Great-grandson Kerrwin Jay "K.J." Short (1958-2023) was born on March 28, 1958 in Fort Wayne. As a youth he gravitated to sports. Said a Fort Wayne newspaper, "he could often be found playing baseball with friends in the spring, and trying to convince his sisters to be hockey goalies for games in the winter. This love of sports continued throughout his life as he played travel hockey and college baseball at Indiana University on scholarship... He loved the Lord and those who had the privilege to know him knew you could never have a stronger supporter and friend [who] brought a kindness and humor to every interaction..." Kerrwin lived in Fort Wayne and was the father of Casey Krueger. He was employed for more than two decades by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and then American Graphic Systems and finally Federal Express. Sadly, when he was age 65, he died on Oct. 26, 2023. The family asked in an obituary that any memorial gifts be made to the Transformative Cancer Care Fund within Parkview Foundation. His daughter Casey is married to Cody Krueger and are the parents of Caleb Krueger.

  Great-granddaughter Denise Short ( ? - ? )

  Great-granddaughter Doreen L. Short ( ? - ? ) married Erick E. Eastes. They settled in Carmel, IN. Their three known daughters are Natalie Eastes, Samantha Eastes and Roma Adele Eastes (born 1999).

  Great-granddaughter Sandra Short tied the knot with Phillip Glines. They are the parents of Darren Glines. Evidence suggests that Phillip was a U.S. Air Force captain and died at the age of 35 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio on June 7, 1995. Burial was in Byron Cemetery in Fairborn, OH.  

• Grandson Dale Eugene Meyer (1932-2017) was born on April 15, 1932 in Fort Wayne. Dr. G.A. McDowell assisted in the birth. He is known to have served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, attaining the rank of staff sergeant. Dale was united in matrimony with Carole Elnora Harris (July 11, 1936-1991), a native of Mulkeytown, IL and the daughter of James and Elnora (Bowlin) Harris. The pair's two daughters were Marlene Gadson and Deborah Hardesty. Together, the Meyers owned and operated The Art Decorating Center, Creative Frame and Frame Art, with Carole overseeing framing. He belonged to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of Fort Wayne and she to the St. Peter Lutheran Church. Sadness gripped the family at Carole's death in Fort Wayne on March 9, 1991. Dale lived for another quarter of a century-plus and remained in Fort Wayne. At the age of 85, he surrendered to the angel of death on Aug. 24, 2017. The headcount of his survivors was seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral rites were conducted in the family church, and burial was in the city's Highland Park Cemetery. Inscribed on the face of their grave marker are the words "Together forever in peace."

  Great-granddaughter Marlene Meyer married (?) Gadson and migrated to Grant, MI.

  Great-granddaughter Deborah Meyer ( ? -? ) was born on (?). On June 19, 1982, she wed Gregory Hardesty. They planted themselves in Decatur, IN and are believed to be members of St. John (Bingen) Evangelical Lutheran Church in town.   

• Granddaughter Dorothy May Meyer (1933-2002) was born on Dec. 17, 1933 in Fort Wayne. She entered into marriage with Harry Lee ( ? - ? ). She earned a living as an administrative assistant in the insurance industry. Their address in the early 2000s was 7403 Capri Drive, Fort Wayne. Sadly, burdened with hardening of the heart arteries, Dorothy died on May 28, 2002. Burial was in Prairie Grove Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Wanda Meyer (1939- ? ) was born in about 1939. She was in Fort Wayne in 2017.

• Granddaughter Maralyn Meyer (1941- ? ) was born in about 1941. She was joined in wedlock with (?) Barger ( ? - ? ). Her dwelling-place in 2017 was in Fort Wayne.

Son Rev. James William Hertel (1915-2014) was born on Oct. 19, 1914 in Dixon, Van Wert County. He grew up on his parents' farm as a conservative fundamentalist and as a young man studied for Society of Friends ministry at the Westfield Union Bible Seminary in Westfield where he met his future wife. Following graduation at age 22, on June 5, 1937, in Lebanon, IN, he was united in marriage with Martha L. Hine (1917-2014), daughter of Olas and Eula Edna "Doll" (Henderson) Hine. They exchanged their vows in the Pilgrim Holiness Church, officiated by Rev. Joshua Stauffer. During the ceremony, James' sister Velma performed A Dawning as a solo. The happy news was announced on the pages of the Noblesville Ledger, which said that the bride "was beautifully attired in a gown of white satin and lace fashioned in princess style, wore a finger-tip veil and carried an arm bouquet of cala lilies." After the wedding, they hitched a trailer to their car and became traveling evangelists, with Martha playing accordion and James a guitar. They produced two children -- Martha Ruth "Marti" Strader Eicholz and Rev. James "Wesley" Hertel. James became ordained in the Pilgrim Holiness Church, and spent 62 years in Christian ministry. When the federal census was taken in 1940, the young family lived with Martha's parents on a farm in Center Township, Boone County, IN. James' first assignments were twin churches in Elnora and Epsom, IN. Then in about 1943, he was transferred to English, IN. In about 1947, he was voted out of the congregation so accepted a new position at a church in Columbus, Bartholomew County, about 40 miles south of Indianapolis. From there in 1951 they relocated to a church assignment in Evansville in southern Indiana. There, he attended Evansville College and took a six-week missionary trip to South America and the West Indies. Over the years, he made 30 trips to the Holy Land. He was named president of Frankfort Pilgrim College in 1959, where his daughter had been a student, and served there for seven years, until 1966. Martha obtained her nursing education later in life and went on to a career as a nurse, retiring in 1984. On June 5, 1987, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house at the Olde Mill Clubhouse in Indianapolis. Articles about the anniversary were published in the Indianapolis Star and the Columbus (IN) Republic. At the time, James was in the midst of a 12-year term on the staff of Salem United Methodist Church of Zionsville, IN. They spent their final years in Greenwood, Johnson County, IN, where they died three months apart, ending their marriage of 77 years. James went first, at age 99, on July 20, 2014. Martha joined him in death at the age of 98 on Oct. 29, 2014. They were survived by seven grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. James and Martha rest together in the Gardens at Olive Branch Cemetery in Greenwood. [Find-a-Grave] Their story is told in the book Martha Ruth, Preacher's Daughter: Her Journey Through Religion, Sex and Love, authored by their daughter Marti Eicholz (2015). 

• Marti Eicholz and her book

  Granddaughter Martha Ruth "Marti" Hertel (1939- ? ) was born on Dec. 10, 1939. She grew up in what she called a love-starved home and in a church community of drama and dogma "obsessed with behaviors that had nothing to do with living a Christ-filled life." In that environment, one was to be kept small and under control, and to wear hair a certain way and clothing of a conservative nature. At the age of 15, she began attending Frankfort Pilgrim College and then at 16 transferred to Indiana State Teachers College. She has been married twice. Her first husband was James Strader, a Purdue University graduate, Army veteran and salesman with Chicago Casket Company. They were wed in Frankfort on Dec. 19, 1959. Marti got a job teaching at East 10th Street School in Indianapolis and studied at Butler University, where she obtained a master's degree. She then accepted a position at Franke Park School in Fort Wayne. She spent time teaching at Indiana University's Fort Wayne campus, Purdue University and St. Francis College, and was appointed to the Indiana State Curriculum Development Program. After a decade of marriage, they divorced. She then married Robert "Bob" Eicholz and produced two sons, Robert Eicholz Jr. and Alan Eicholz. Over the years, she worked as an elementary school teacher, curriculum development supervisor, multi-ethnic middle school administrator and a university instructor. She and Robert reside in California, where she writes, listens to music, researches human behavior, travels and plays bridge. Marti also is the author of Knowing Yourself ... Or Not, which examines how specific traits shape and impact behavior, relationships, personal satisfaction and success.

• Grandson Rev. James "Wesley" Hertel (1945- ? ) was born on July 12, 1945. As a high school student, he lost a thumb in an industrial arts class accident. Circa 1967, he married Rebecca S. "Becky" (?). He became a Methodist clergyman. Later, in 1997, he was united in wedlock with Patricia (Liles) Rudicil (1947- ? ), daughter of Maurice W. and Katie (Bridges) Liles of Franklin, IN. In all, Wesley spent 48 years as a preacher, including a quarter century of service as senior pastor to Mt. Auburn United Methodist Church in Greenwood, IN. He retired on June 28, 2015.

Son Emanuel "Dale" Hertel (1916-1997) was born on June 11, 1916 in Convoy, Van Wert County. In his early 20s, Dale obtained employment with Ray Magnet Wire in Fort Wayne and lived with his parents at 1407 Green Street. On Aug. 24, 1940, when he was 24 years of age, Dale married 20-year-old co-worker Bernetta Lucinda Miller (1920- ? ), daughter of farmers Louie and Elizabeth (Skinner) Miller. Rev. H.E. Wiswell officiated. Born in Kalamazoo, MI, Bernetta worked with Dale at the time at Ray Magnet Wire and lived in Fort Wayne. The couple produced a son, Steven Michael Hertel. The family resided in Fort Wayne. When the marriage broke up, Dale relocated to San Francisco, and Bernetta moved to Portage (IN?) and married again to (?) Leach. His brother James and family paid a visit there in the 1940s or '50s, and found him making his home in a Victorian house. Dale and his girlfriend Doris then produced twin sons, Richard Hertel and Robert Hertel. The twins went on to jointly own a roofing business. Then in August 1968, when involved in a moving vehicle violation, he was living in LaPuente, CA. Dale died on July 13, 1997, with burial in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Covina, Los Angeles County, CA.

• Grandson Steven Michael Hertel (1945-2013) was born on Oct. 2, 1945 in Fort Wayne. He was young when his parents divorced. He attended school in Portage (IN?). On Oct. 30, 1963, when he was 18 years of age, he was united in matrimony with Antoinette "Toni" Anderson ( ? - ? ). Their wedding was held in Kalamazoo, MI, and the union held over the span of 49 years. Their only known son was Dale Hertel. Steven joined the workforce of Eaton Corporation in Marshall, IN and remained for four decades until retirement. Said a newspaper, "He also helped with carpenter work for many years in the area. Steven was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting and fishing especially for Salmon & Trout from his boat on Lake Michigan in South Haven." Steven maintained a connection with his first cousins Richard and Barry Hertel and they were named in his obituary. The Hertels' final home together was at Battle Creek, MI. There, without warning, he died at the age of 67 on June 16, 2013. Rev. James Codde led the funeral rites. The family requested that any memorial gifts be made to the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids, a biomedical research and science education non-profit.

• Grandson Richard Hertel ( ? -? ) was born in California, a twin with his brother Robert. He lived in California in 2013. 

• Grandson Robert Hertel ( ? -? ) was born in California, a twin with his brother Richard. He lived in California in 2013.

Daughter Rev. Velma Hertel (1918-2012) was born on July 6, 1918 in Dixon, Van Wert County. She graduated from Central High School in Fort Wayne and received her higher education at Union Bible Seminary in Westfield, IN. Velma became a traveling minister, otherwise known as an "apostle." At the age of 32, on Feb. 16, 1951, she was wedded to World War II naval flight veteran Roy H. Manuel (1913-2001). The ceremony took place in Terre Haute. "Roy was a jolly, fun-loving creature, and he made my aunt smile," wrote their niece Marti (Hertel) Eicholz in her book Martha Ruth, Preacher's Daughter. The couple never reproduced. They relocated to East Enterprise, IN, where Roy continued his career as a banker and Velma had charge of the East Enterprise Pilgrim Holiness Church. From 1951 to 1973, she also served as pastor of the East Enterprise Wesleyan Church and from 1973 to 1981 as pastor of the Versailles Wesleyan Church in Ripley County, of which she was a member for 39 years. Velma remained active in retirement as an evangelist and with help from Roy preached and sang at funerals in the Switzerland County region. "Roy & Velma will always be remembered for their love of serving the Lord & lending a helping hand when someone or a family was in need," said a newspaper. Sadly, Roy passed away after a half-century of marriage on March 16, 2001. Velma survived him by 11 years and died in Osgood, Ripley County on April 30, 2012. Her funeral service was conducted by her brother J. Wesley Hertel along with Rev. John Hundley at the Vevay Cemetery in Switzerland County. [Find-a-Grave] She is not to be confused with Apostle Velma Manuel, daughter of Smith and Hettie Manuel, who authored the 2014 book S-I-P God: Stand, Increase, and Pursue in God.

Son Alfred Lynn Hertel (1921-1992) was born on Aug. 12, 1921 in Dixon, Van Wert County, OH.  In young manhood he obtained a job at General Electric's plant at Fort Wayne. On July 13, 1942, at the age of 20, he tied the marital cord with Doris Juanita Hays (Sept. 24, 1920-1996), originally from West Virginia, and the daughter of Ronald "Edward" and Dessie (Shaw) Hays of Kokomo followed by Indianapolis. Their wedding was conducted in the Hays residence and announced in the Kokomo Tribune. The couple's two sons were Barry L. Hertel and Richard A. Hertel. Doris was a 1939 graduate of Kokomo High School and sang in the choir of the First Congregational-Christian Church of Kokomo. During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, Alfred is known to have served in the U.S. Army. They made a home in Fort Wayne in 1950, with Alfred working as a machine operator in an electrical motor parts company. In later years, they relocated to Roanoke, Huntington County, IN, with an address of 9542 North Highway 24 East. Sadly, burdened with congestive heart failure and coronary heart disease, Alfred died in Parkview Memorial Hospital on March 11, 1992. His demise brought to a close their marriage which had spanned 49 years together. Doris outlived him by four-and-a-half years and passed in Fort Wayne on Dec. 12, 1996. The pair sleep together for the ages in Glenwood Cemetery in Roanoke, IN. 

• Grandson Barry Lynn Hertel (1944-2016) was born on Aug. 16 1944 in Indianapolis' Coleman Hospital. Rev. John F. Kelly assisted in the birth. He grew to manhood in the Roanoke and Fort Wayne communities. Barry served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Munsee. He appears to have been twice-wed. The identity of his first spouse is not known. wo children in this family were Richard Hertel and Shane Hertel. The Hertels lived at 1901 South Goyer Road in Kokomo in the late 1960s. He was employed by Consolidated Freightways and held memberships in the Angola post of the American Legion and the Fremont Community Church. Said an obituary, "Barry enjoyed playing golf, fishing, feeding the deer at his home, tinkering in his garage, and doing landscaping, and in his younger years, playing baseball." On July 25, 1995, he married Fracine (Katsicly) Holman Hennessey ( ? - ? ). The wedding was held in Angola, IN. She brought three stepsons into the combined family -- Michael Holman, Steven Holman and John Holman. At the age of 71, Barry died in Fort Wayne on June 18, 2016.  His funeral rites jointly were presided by Pastor Darold Beck and Pastor Joshua Hawkins.

  Great-grandson Richard Hertel married Tammy and put down roots in Angola, IN.

  Great-grandson Shane Hertel made a home in Angola, IN in 2016.

• Grandson Richard A. Hertel (1947- ? ) was born in about 1947. He tied the marital cord with Kay ( ? - ? ). Their offspring are believed to be Richard Hertel, Travis Hertel and Adam Hertel. The pair lived in 2016 in Huntington, IN.

  Great-grandson Richard Hertel wed Stacia. 

  Great-grandson Travis Hertel was joined in wedlock with Robyn. 

  Great-grandson Adam Hertel entered into marriage with Jodie.

~ Son Rev. Owen West Plumley ~

Son Rev. Owen West Plumley (1893-1956) was born on Feb. 26, 1893 or 1894 in or near Convoy, Tully Township, Van Wert County, OH. 

He grew up on his parents' farm and worked in this occupation as a young man. He was an alumnus of Woodward High School in Cincinnati.

His first wife was Ada Blanche Brown (1892-1915), daughter of John F. and Clara Bell (Basore) Brown of Convoy and later of Fort Wayne. The couple was wed in Van Wert on Sept. 7, 1911, when both were 18 years of age. Owen's father, a justice of the peace, officiated at the ceremony.

They resided in Dixon, Tully Township, Van Wert County and bore one known son, Gerald Ray Plumley.

Tragedy broke apart this young family in the mid-summer of 1915. Ada contracted typhoid fever and also suffered some sort of perforation. The July 29, 1915 issue of the Fort Wayne Daily News said she was "improving slowly." She was treated for a month but could not rally, and succumbed at the age of 22 on Aug. 9, 1915. Her remains were lowered into repose in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Convoy, OH. The Daily News noted in an obituary that she was survived not only by Owen but by "two small children, her father and mother and two brothers."

In 1916, five-year-old son Gerald fell from a hay ladder in their barn and broke his right arm, with the news printed in the gossip columns of the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. Circa 1924, Owen served as secretary of the Church of the Nazarene mission in Monroeville, and advertised in the Breeze that an election of three trustees was to be held.

Owen married again to Bertha (1894- ? ), a native of North Carolina.

The pair are believed to have been the parents of two more sons, Gale Plumley and Allen Dewey Plumley. 

Owen and Bertha migrated to Cincinnati, where he earned a living as a night watcher in a hospital and pastor with the Church of the Nazarene. Bertha also generated income at the hospital as a cook. 

He is known to have attended the University of Cincinnati, Denison University and Ohio Wesleyan College, a Methodist institution. He worked planting new churches in and around the city. Their home circa 1931 was at 515 Ringgold Street in the Mount Auburn section.

Sadly, Bertha passed away on Aug. 25, 1931. Funeral services were held at God's Bible School at the corner of Young and Ringgold Streets. A death notice was printed in the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Now widowed for a second time, Owen pressed on and busied himself in work. He was ordained circa 1931.

Circa December 1933, he established a new Nazarene church in Cincinnati at the corner of State and Warsaw Streets in a building formerly used by the Congregational Church, and was named its first pastor. Reported the Enquirer, "Organization of another local Church of the Nazarene by the Ohio District Superintendent, Rev. Charles A. Gibson, Columbus, has been accomplished through efforts of Rev. Owen Plumley and a series of revival meetings being conducted by Rev. C.W. Perry.... This makes nine Churches of the Nazarene in Greater Cincinnati."

Owen married a third time, at the age of 36, to 30-year-old Martha "Gladys" Brownfield (1902-1991), a native of Uniontown, Fayette County, PA and the daughter of Thomas S. and Mary Alice (Benson) Brownfield. They exchanged their marital voews in Harrison County, WV.

The couple produced these known children -- Donald O. Plumley, Helen Ruth Green and Delmer Lee Plumley.

They initially made their home in Cincinnati and then, sometime between 1935-1937, moved to a new home in Gladys' home state of West Virginia. After a short time ithey relocated again, back to Ohio, making their residence along the National Road in Jacksontown, Licking County, OH. 

By 1938, Owen had changed his affiliation to the Methodist church, where he was accepted as "local deacon" and asked to serve as a supply pastor. His early Methodist congregations included Junction City (1937-1938), Jacksontown (1938-1943), New Straitsville and Athens (1943-1953) and Nashport-Toboso-Brushy Fork (1954-1956).   

In June 1939, he provided guest preaching at the Trinity Methodist Church in Zanesville. His name often was printed in Zanesville and Logan newspapers for weddings and funerals he officiated and baccalaureate services he led. In 1946, their home was in Athens, Athens County, OH, and at the last was in Nashport, OH. He held memberships in the Hebron lodge of the Masons, the Scottish Rite in Columbus and the Nashport Grange.

Gladys was a member of the Womens Society of Christian Service. Said the Newark (OH) Advocate, she "came from Cincinnati; was a nurses aide at Bethesda Home in Cincinnati for 13 years; and a member of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church in Columbus."

The family and community were shocked on the fateful Sunday afternoon, Jan. 29, 1956 when Owen died suddenly of a heart attack after preaching at two churches that morning. Said the Advocate, he 

...had been stationed at Nashport the past two years [and] was about to drive his daughter, Helen Ruth Plumley to Columbus, where she is a student at Ohio State University, when he complained of severe pains in his chest. He was taken immediately to Zanesville for a checkup, but died soon after reaching the hospital, before an examination could be made... He had held services in the Nashport church at 11 a.m. and at 9:30 a.m. conducted the service at the Toboso church. He became ill around 2 p.m. 

His remains were brought back to Convoy to rest beside his first wife Bertha, reunited in death after a separation of 41 years. [Find-a-Grave] In his obituary in the Advocate, in which he was pictured, his mother's maiden name was spelled as "Creek."

Martha Gladys spent her final years in Columbus. She endured the untimely death of her daughter Helen Ruth Green in 1984. Death swept her away on Nov. 6, 1991 in Wesley Glen Healthcare Centre. An obituary in the Newark (OH) Advocate said that Rev. Leonard Confar led the funeral rites with burial following in the Jacksontown Cemetery.

Son Gerald Ray Plumley (1912-2003) was born on New Year's Eve 1912 in Van Wert, OH. When he was age 18, in 1930, he lived with his parents and worked in a laundry. Then within a few years he was employed as a salesman in Steubenville, OH. His first wife was Eileen Schlechty ( ? - ? ), daughter of Rev. H.C. Walker. Their one known daughter was Marlene Nickoson. Their marriage came to a close with a divorce, and Eileen wed again, bearing four more offspring. Then at the age of 35, on Oct. 5, 1948, Gerald was married to his second wife, 25-year-old bookkeeper Loraine (McWilliams) Stamper (Jan. 12, 1923-2019), daughter of William and Provey (Clay) McWilliams of Empire, OH. Rev. J. Lloyd McIneen officiated. Their union survived the ebbs and flows of a remarkable 54 years together. At the time of their marriage, both resided in the community of Empire in the suburbs of Steubenville. She was divorced previously. Four children in this family were William Plumley, Philip Plumley, Jane Plumley and David Plumley. They made their home for 48 years in Wadsworth, Medina County, OH, where Gerald was employed as manager of the Watkins Products Inc. district office in Barberton for two decades, an orderly for 10 years at Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital and then a certified nurses aide for 17 years, only retiring at the age of 88 in 2001. Said the Akron Beacon Journal, "He was a member of Wadsworth United Methodist Church, and devoted to his family, neighbors and his 'Old Folks'." He died in Regency Hospital of Akron on Aug. 26, 2003. Funeral rites jointly were conducted by Rev. Kurt Landerholm and Rev. Carol A. Cutting in the Wadsworth United Methodist Church. Loraine endured for another 15-plus years and remained in Wadsworth. Said an obituary, "She enjoyed collecting cardinal mementos, writing letters, sending cards and visiting with friends." Death claimed her at the age of 98 on Jan. 21, 2019. Pastor Dale Turner led the funeral service, with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery. Her obituary also appeared in the Beacon Journal.

• Granddaughter Marlene Ann Plumley (1936-2021) was born on Nov. 5, 1936. She was was joined in wedlock with James E. Nickoson Sr. ( ? -2012). Three offspring they bore together were Deborah Ellen Drescher, James E. Nickoson Jr. and Sally Altenau. James was a longtime business entrepreneur in the field of automotive parts and service. He held a membership in the North Bend lodge of the Masons and the family belonged to the First Baptist Church of Dent. They relocated by 2003 to Miami Township near Cincinnati and stayed for good. At the age of 76, James passed away on Aug. 25, 2012 in Hospice of Cincinnati Western Hills. Funeral services were held in the family church. Marlene lived on for another nine years. Said an obituary, "She was very active in the community and had many friends. She was an active member of the Beacon of Christ Baptist Church & a member of the North Bend Women’s Club." Sadly, Marlene died at the age of 84 on Aug. 24, 2021. Her survivors included 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. In her obituary, her Plumley half-siblings were not mentioned. 

  Great-granddaughter Deborah Nickoson tied the knot with Steve Drescher.

  Great-grandson James E. Nickoson Jr. ( ? - ? ) 

  Great-granddaughter Sally Ann Nickoson wed Thomas Altenau. 

• Grandson William A. Plumley ( ? - ? ) was born on (?) and grew up in Wadsworth, OH. He married Elizabeth Ann "Liz" Branan ( ? -2012), daughter of John L. Branan. The pair settled in Akron. Their trio of children were Nigel Plumley, Valleri Plumley and Constance Plumley. Grief blanketed the family when Liz died suddenly at the age of 52 on Oct. 12, 2012. She was pictured in her obituary in the Akron Beacon Journal. Her funeral rites were conducted in Clinton, OH in the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.

  Great-grandson Nigel Plumley ( ? - ? ) is believed to be an alternative music performer in Akron.

  Great-granddaughter Valleri Plumley ( ? - ? ) 

  Great-granddaughter Constance Plumley ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Philip C. Plumley wed Pamela Roach ( ? - ? ), daughter of James W. and Jennie E. (Tucker) Roach. They put down roots in Canal Fulton, OH. 

• Granddaughter Jane E. Plumley dwelled in Barberton, OH in 2003. 

• Grandson David G. Plumley (1961-1981) was born on June 27, 1961 in Wadsworth, Medina County, OH. He was a 1980 graduate of Wadsworth High School. As a member of the Wadsworth Methodist Church, he played on the church softball team and was actiive with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. During his college summers, he worked for the City's Department of Parks. His address in 1981 was 317 West Street, Wadsworth, and he was a sophomore at Akron University. Tragically, he died from a swimming accident at the age of 20 on July 17, 1981. The incident took place in a private quarry south of Wadsworth along Wall Road. He "dived off a 30-foot cliff and apparently had the wind knocked out of him," said the Akron Beacon Journal. "His six companions got him out, but he died about an hour later in Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital. Funeral rites were conducted in the family church by the hand of Rev. Paul C. Bailey. Burial was in Wadsworth's Woodlawn Cemetery.

Son Allen Dewey Plumley (1918-1993) was born on Aug. 24, 1917 in Ohio or the extreme eastern border of Indiana. He took one year of high school study. Allen first tied the marital knot with Ella Henderson (1920- ? ). They resided in 1940 in Lockland, Hamilton County, OH, where he was a life insurance salesman. In March 1941, on the eve of America's involvement in World War II, he was drafted into the U.S. Army at Fort Thomas. Their marriage did not endure following the war's end, and she sued for divorce in October 1945 in Louisville, KY. As of 1946, he resided in New Straitsville, OH and made a living as a salesman. Circa 1946, he is believed to have again been joined in wedlock with 24-year-old Lorraine Baxter ( ? - ? ). News of their marriage license was printed in the Cincinnati Enquirer. One known son of the pair was Allen Dale Plumley. Then circa 1950, with Allen employed in a office clerical position with a soap factory, they bought a one-family brick residence at 5116 Carthage Avenue in Northwood, OH. Evidence suggests that he may have earned a degree in business administration in 1953 from the University of Cincinnati. Later, he married Lela Mae ( ? - ? ). As of 1984, the Plumleys dwelled at Fort Mitchell, KY and in 1991 in the Cincinnati suburb of Erlanger, KY. At the age of 75, Allen passed away on Oct. 15, 1993. 

• Grandson Allen Dale Plumley (1948- ? ) was born in about 1948 in Ohio. He is believed to have been a 1965 graduate of Madeira (OH) High School. 

Son Gale/Gail Plumley (1918?-1981) was born in about 1918 in Ohio. He succumbed to the spectre of death in 1981. Nothing more is known.

Son Donald O. Plumley (1934- ? ) was born in about 1934 in Cincinnati. He graduated from high school in New Straitsville and attended Ohio Northern University for two years and Ohio University for a semester. When the Korean War broke out, he joined the U.S. Armed Forces. In about 1954, he entered into marriage with Patricia Ann "Patt" Juniper ( ? - ? ) of Nelsonville, daughter of Robert L. Juniper. The Plumleys made a dwelling-place in 1956-2003 in Columbus, OH.

Daughter Helen Ruth Plumley (1935-1984) was born in about 1935 in Cincinnati. She was an alumna of New Straitsville High School. In 1956, when she would have been about 21 years of age, she was unmarried and lived with her parents in Nashport, OH. Then at the age of about 24, on June 21, 1959, she was united in matrimony with Richard Henry Green (July 18, 1932-2023), son of Herman Joel and Helen Janet (Markley) Green of Muncie, IN. The two children they bore together were Matthew L. Green and Melissa L. Green.  In 1959, Helen Ruth earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Ohio State University, where she met her future husband. She went on to attend graduate-level studies at Ohio State and the University of Texas. Richard was a 1950 graduate of Muncie Burris and from 1953 to 1955 served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He went on to obtain his bachelor's degree in history from Ohio State and spent his professional career in the field of aerospace in Ohio, Texas and Utah. Said the Muncie Evening Press, "She was a specialist in children's literature and the teaching of reading. She taught in Columbus and Middletown, Ohio and in Arlington, Texas, before moving to Salt Lake City... " They relocated in 1972 to Muncie, IN at the address of 2912 West North and stayed for good. They opened The Book Shop in Muncie's South Tillotson, one of the few independent bookstores in the area. In time it expanded to other stores at The Village and Everbrook Lane. Helen held memberships in the College Avenue United Methodist Church, American Book Sellers Association, Altrusa Club, American Pen Women and the Ohio and Texas Education Association. Richard enjoyed woodcarving and was a co-founder of the Muncie Woodcarvers Club. Said the Muncie Star Press, 

He was a quiet person who enjoyed a very ‘punny’ humor later generations now share. He authored many memoirs, poems, historical accounts, and stories, using dry humor to poke fun at the absurdities of life. He enjoyed jazz and visited many music clubs when stationed in San Francisco, continuing to frequent local performances throughout his life. As an avid reader, especially of history, Dick always had several books at hand.

Sadly, after an extended illness, she passed away in Ball Hospital at the age of 49 on Aug. 7, 1984. Her obituary was printed in the Muncie Evening Press, with the family asking that any memorial gifts be made to the Little Red Door or the American Cancer Society. In time the "Helen Green Scholarship" was established at Ball State University for elementary education majors intending to specialize as reading teachers. Richard survived his bride by nearly three decades and married a second time to Anna Smith ( ? - ? ). She brought four stepchildren into the second union -- James Smith, Joseph Smith, Teresa Smith and Michael Smith. Anna was a creative painter who liked to decorate her husband's wood-carvings. Richard continue to operate the bookstore until selling it and retiring in 1996. He was rendered a widower for a second time at Anna's passing on April 9, 2016. As a resident of Independence Village, Zionsville West, at age 90, he surrendered to the angel of death on March 1, 2023.

• Grandson Matthew L. Green graduated with a physics degree from Washington University in St. Louis and then received his doctorate in physics from the University of Michigan. He appears to have changed his surname to "Greenwolfe." He entered into marriage with Joy ( ? - ? ). One known daughter is Mirabelle Helen Greenwolfe. Early in his career, he taught at Sayre School in Kentucky and Union College in New York. Then in 2000, Matt joined the faculty at Cary Academy as its inaugural physics teacher. He has served as president of the American Modeling Teachers Association and in 2020 coached his student-team to the championship of the United States Association for Young Physicists Tournaments. Among his many presentations over the years has been "The Maiden Voyage of a Kinematic Robot" (2016).

• Granddaughter Melissa L. Green was enrolled at Illinois Wesleyan University in 1984. She wed (?) Babb ( ? - ? ). They bore three children together -- Sarah Helen Babb, Josh Thomas Babb and Zach Allen Babb. As of 2023, she dwelled in Indianapolis and was a companion of Kerry Beidelman.

Son Delmer Lee "Del" Plumley (1936-2008) -- also spelled "Delmar" -- was born on July 11, 1936 in West Virginia. In 1955, following the end of the Korean War, Dell served in the U.S. Army and was posted at Fort Dawes in Massachusetts. He exchanged marital vows with Constance Cromidas (Sept. 26, 1937-1986), daughter of John and Theodora L. (Gianopulo) Cromidas. She had grown to adulthood in Malden, MA. Together, they produced a trio of sons -- Theodore O. Plumley, Mark C. Plumley and Bruce W. Plumley. Their address was 818 Summer Street in Lynnfield, MA. Constance for more than two decades was assistant treasurer of the Lincoln Cooperative Bank. She served a term as president of the Winstituters of Massachusetts, was the first woman president of the Young Executive Club, was registrar of the Institute of Financial Education in Boston and a member of the Cooperative Bank Club. Sadly, after a long illness, she died at the age of 48 on Sept. 19, 1986 as a patient at AtlantiCare Medical Center. Her funeral was held in the Wakefield-Lynnfield United Methodist Church. The widowed Delmer outlived her by some 22 years. In March 1987, he made news when thieves broke into and entered his home in Lynnfield, ransacked the interior and bound him with a pair of nylons. The intruders made off with his Buick Regal vehicle along with two television sets, cash and jewelry but eventually were apprehended. An article in the Lynn (MA) Daily Item said Delmer thought it all a random act and "denied the robbery had anything to do with his wife Constance's job as an assistant to the treasurer of the Lincoln Co-Operative Bank." He sold his Lynnfield home in 1988 and made a move to Bristol, ME and was there as of 1991. Then in 2003 he was in New Hampshire. His final dwelling was in Winnisquam, Belknap County, NH. The spirit of death whisked him away into eternity on Sept. 19, 2008.

• Grandson Theodore O. Plumley resided in New Hampshire in 1986.

• Grandson Mark C. Plumley put down roots in New Hampshire.

• Grandson Bruce W. Plumley lived circa 1986 in Lynnfield, MA.

~ Daughter Orah Blanche (Plumley) Brown ~

Daughter Orah Blanche Plumley (1896-1998) was born on Jan. 28, 1896 in Convoy, Tully Township, Van Wert County, OH.

At the age of 18, on March 4, 1914, Orah married 39-year-old widower Joseph Newton "J.N." Brown (1874-1952). He was a farmer and the son of John H. and Sarah Jane (Heath) Brown. Rev. E.F. Gamble officiated. There was a 21-year gap in their ages. 

Joseph's first wife Lydia (Shaffer) Brown had died in 1911, and he brought three young children to the marriage -- Ivan Shaffer Brown, Ferol DeFrain and Guy Brown.

They went on to produce a large family of children -- John James Brown, Hazel E. Little, Joseph Malen Brown, Mary Jane Dautermann Miller Kendall, Mabel M. Seitz, Dorothy "Dotty" Brown, Roy D. Brown, Beaulah Farnsworth, Eileen D. Gerardot and Bonnie Dale Witmer. Sadly, son Joseph died in infancy in 1918.

They lived on a farm near Monroeville in 1930-1940. In 1940, the 66-year-old Joseph was employed as a laborer by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). 

Joseph passed away at the age of 78 on Sept. 5, 1952. His remains were interred in Monroeville Memorial Cemetery.

Orah survived in widowhood for 46 years. She moved from the farm to Fort Wayne by 1967. 

She died in Allen County on Aug. 8, 1998. Interment was in Monroeville Memorial Cemetery. [Find-a-Grave]

Stepson Ivan Shaffer Brown (1906-1968) was born on Aug. 13, 1906 in Monroeville. He was only five years old when his mother died. He married Helen Freewald ( ? - ? ). They lived in Lima, Allen County, OH, where Ivan was employed in the post office. The couple did not reproduce. Ivan was active as a member of the Fort Amanda Lodge of the Masons, Chapter 49 RAM, Lima Shrine, Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton, El Karan Grotto and Eastern Star. After suffering a lengthy illness, Ivan died at home on Sept. 11, 1968, at the age of 60. Burial was in Lima's Memorial Park Cemetery and Mausoleum, and an obituary was published in the Lima News. [Find-a-Grave]

Stepson Guy K. Brown (1908-2000) was born on March 31, 1908 in Monroeville. He was only age three when his mother died and would have had little memory of her. He married Fannie Winkler (1936-2008), a native of Bell County, KY and the daughter of Taft and Gertrude Winkler. They dwelled in Fort Wayne and had these children -- Bill R. Jones, Ricky A. Dye, Peggy Weber, Betty L. Oroway and Cathi L. Rybolt. They were members of the First Baptist Church of New Haven. In about 1965, Fannie obtained employment with General Electric Company as a forklift operator, and remained in this position for 26 years, retiring in 1991. She was a member of GE's Quarter Century Club. Guy passed into eternity in Fort Wayne on April 22, 2000. His remains rest in Covington Memorial Gardens in Fort Wayne. Fannie survived her husband by eight years. She died on Jan. 7, 2008, at the age of 72. At her death, she was survived by 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. 

• Step-grandson Bill R. Jones resided in Fort Wayne.

• Step-grandson Ricky A. Dye married Carolyn and lived in Auburn, IN.

• Step-granddaughter Peggy S. married Gary Weber and dwelled in Bluffton, IN.

• Step-granddaughter Betty L. was wedded to Roger Oroway and made their home in Angola, IN.

• Step-granddaughter Cathi L. Rybolt lived in Fort Wayne.

Stepdaughter Ferol "Susie" Brown (1910-1996) was born on April 7, 1910. She married Fort Wayne native Edward C. "Dhick" DeFrain (1903-1980). They did not reproduce. He served in the U.S. Navy at some point in his life. By 1968, the couple had relocated to St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, FL. He was the longtime owner of Chick DeFrain's Automotive Service. Then in about 1973, the pair relocated to Floral City, where they belonged to the Floral City Baptist Church.  Edward died in St. Pete at the age of 77 on Oct. 14, 1980. Burial was in Sunnyside Cemetery. An obituary in the Tampa Tribune said he was survived by three sisters. Ferol joined him in death in St. Pete on May 25, 1996, at the age of 86. Her obituary in the Tampa Bay Times named as her survivors her stepmother, brother Guy Brown and niece Helen Clark and nephew Sammie Ingram. Only a small metal plaque marks her final resting place.

Son John James "Johnny" Brown (1915-1932) was born on Oct. 10, 1915 near Monroeville. At the age of 16, tragedy struck when he became deathly ill after a burst appendix, causing a toxic infection of peritonitis. He died on Aug. 29, 1932. The remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Monroeville Memorial Cemetery.

Daughter Hazel Effie Brown (1916-2014) was born on Sept. 2, 1916 near Monroeville. Drawn to the call of Christian ministry, she attended God's Bible College in Cincinnati. There, she met her future husband Eugene M. Little (1914-1979), a native of New Straitsville, Perry County, OH. In 1936, when she was age 20, they married. The Littles produced six known children -- Roy Little, Roger Little, Ron Little, Rochelle Dana Shiffer, Roberta Cross and Richard Little. They made their home in Almont and Williamston, MI. Hazel served as a substitute pastor over the years at various churches as needs arose. Reported a newspaper, "She worked with Gene at the family-owned Almont Times Herald Newspaper, at the Champion Mobile Home, Inc., and was employed by the State of Michigan working for the [Department of Natural Resources] until she retired. They moved to the Barryton area and became members of the Weidman Baptist Church. Hazel was very involved in the church community, always helping the church and its members. She moved to Rodney with her son Ron and began attending the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids." The family enjoyed taking fishing trips to Canada. Sadly, Eugene died in Grand Rapids, Kent County, MI on April 12, 1979, at the age of 65. As a widow, Hazel made her home in Barryton, MI and crocheted afghans for every one of her 52 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She died in Okemos, Ingham County, MI on July 21, 2014. Burial was in Flake Cemetery in Flint, MI, following a funeral conducted by Pastor Rebecca Morrison at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, MI. [Find-a-Grave]

• Grandson Roy Little died in 2008. Details are being sought.

• Grandson Roger Little married Millie and lived in Calumet, MI.

• Grandson Ron Little wedded Pat and resided in Rodney, MI.

• Granddaughter Rochelle Marie Little (1943-2019) was born on July 1, 1943 in Highland Park near Detroit. She may have been twice-wed. Her first spouse, in 1963, was Richard A. Dana ( ? - ? ). Later, she was married to or a companion of Joe Shiffer and dwelled in Quincy, MI. At the age of 75, on Feb. 28, 2019, Rochelle died in Butler Township, Branch County, MI. Her remains were laid to rest in Flake Cemetery in Barryton, MI.

• Granddaughter Roberta Little married Donald Cross ( ? - ? ). Sadly, Donald died sometime before 2014. Roberta lived in Lansing, MI.

• Grandson Richard Little made his home in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Daughter Mary Jane Brown (1918-2016) was born on New Year's Eve 1918 near Monroeville. She was a 1936 graduate of Monroeville High School. She first entered into marriage with (?) Dautermann  ( ? - ? ). The offspring of this coupling is believed to be Patricia Bayley Mooney, Judy Varajon, Sam Dautermann, Steve Dautermann and Sally Lindgren. Then on May 2, 1971, in Lexington, MI, she wed again to Eugene C. Miller (July 24, 1922-1984), son of Goldie Miller and widower of Betty Jean (Donaldson) Miller. He brought stepchildren into the combined family -- Terry Miller, Sue Weller and Pamela Todd. Their union lasted for a dozen years until his death at age 62, in Sarasota, FL, on Dec. 18, 1984. Rev. George Ward, of the Croswell United Methodist Church, presided at the funeral, with burial in Croswell Cemetery. Eugene's obituary was printed in the Port Huron Times Herald. Mary Jane's third spouse was widower Richard N. Kendall (Feb 5, 1918-2002), son of Virgil R. and Esther M. (Roth) Kendall of Miami County. His first wife Palma June Hurley had died in 1988, and he brought two stepchildren into the mix, Lynel Lemon and Noel Kendall. He was retired after 30 years as owner of the Kendall and Son Service Station in Amboy, IN. He held memberships in the Amboy post of the American Legion and the Sarasota post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He also belonged to the Amateur Trapshooting Association. The Kendalls made a home at 20233 Pasada Drive in Monroeville. Richard died in Fort Wayne Lutheran Hospital at the age of 84 on July 27, 2002. His obituary appeared in the Swayzee (IN) Oak Hill Times. Mary Jane endured as a widow for her final 14 years on Earth. Said an obituary, "She has a true passion for reading and enjoyed crocheting and putting together jigsaw puzzles." In her later years she migrated to Georgia and lived in the town of Eatonton, GA, where her daughter Judith had a home. There, she joined the Lake Country Baptist Church. She died on Dec. 17, 2016, just two weeks before her 98th birthday. The headcount of her surviving offspring included a dozen grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held in the family church.

• Granddaughter Patricia Dautermann was born on (?). Her first husband was (?) Bayley. As of 1984, she lived in Milford, MI. By 2002, she married (?) Mooney and established a home in Venice, FL. 

• Granddaughter Judith Dautermann was united in matrimony with Milan Varajon. They dwelled in 1984 in Livonia, MI, in 2002 in West Palm Beach, FL and in 2016 in Eatonton, GA.

• Grandson Sam Dautermann tied the knot with Carolyn Bien ( ? - ? ), daughter of John and Agnes Bien. They planted themselves in St. Clair Shores, MI and eventually by 2002 in Alger, MI. 

• Grandson Steve Dautermann wed Elizabeth. They settled in Rochester Hills, MI over the 1984-2016 timeframe.

• Granddaughter Sally Dautrmann was joined in wedlock with Gene Lindgren. The pair has resided at Swartz Creek, MI (circa 1984), Linden, MI (2002) and Frankfort, MI (2016).

Daughter Mabel M. Brown (1921-1993) was born on Feb. 12, 1921 near Monroeville. In 1940, at the age of 19, she lived at home but attended college. She was married twice. Her first husband, in 1944, was Michael Kaufman (1897-1970). He was divorced from his first wife Grace Neota Richards (1902-1975) and brought at least three stepchildren to the second family -- Albert Louis Kaufman Sr., Virgil Joseph Wirick and Mary G. Stetzel. Sadness shrouded the family when Michael died in Fort Wayne on Jan. 19, 1970. Interment was under the sod of Covington Memorial Gardens. The following year, in 1971, Mabel tied the marital cord with Logansport native Milton Bert Seitz (Nov. 3, 1923-2000). He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Navy. The pair resided in Fort Wayne over their 22 years together. At the age of 72, she died on April 11, 1993. Her remains are asleep for the ages in Fort Wayne's Highland Park Cemetery. Milton outlived her by seven years and was swept away by the angel of death on Oct. 31, 2000.

• Step-grandson Albert Louis Kaufman Sr. (1917-2000) was born on June 6, 1917 in Hoagland, Allen County, IN. Three times he was married. His first bride, on March 19, 1938, when he was age 21 and she 18, was Irma Juanita Marks Kaufman (1920-1947). They do not appear to have reproduced. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army. Heartbreak rocked the family when Irma was diagnosed with myocardial insufficiency due to rheumatic heart disease and mitral stenosis. She died in Methodist Hospital at the age of 27 on Aug. 17, 1947. Interment was in the Catholic Cemetery in Fort Wayne. Then in 1948 he was joined in wedlock with Jacqueline B. (Overmyer) Simmons (1923-1981). She brought a stepson into the union, Byron Simmons Jr. Their marriage ended in divorce by 1959. Albert's third bride was Lois Naomi Decker (Feb. 1, 1925-2022). He was employed for 28 years by Tokheim, a producer of gasoline pumps, retiring in 1978. Lois was a 1942 graduate of Northside High School and then went on to generate income as a cookkeeper for Magnavox, Patterson Fletchers and Kunkle Valve in the Fort Wayne area. Albert's known children were Thomas Kaufman and Albert Kaufman Jr. Other offspring in the combined family were Sharon Wisner, Mike Reuille, Steve Reuille and Sandy Setty. Said an obituary, Lois "enjoyed crocheting, crafts, and also bowling. She was a loving mother to her children and grandchildren and taught life skills that prepared them to be independent members of the community." At the age of 83, Albert died in Fort Wayne's Englewood Health Care Center on Sept. 28, 2000. The family asked in an obituary that any memorial gifts be made to the Diabetes Association. Lois outlived Albert by 22 years. Death enveloped her at age 97, in Fort Wayne, on Aug. 20, 2022. Her remains were lowered into the sleep of the ages in Covington Memorial Gardens.

  Great-grandson Albert Kaufman Jr. settled in Fort Wayne.

  Great-grandson Thomas Kaufman lived in Fort Wayne in 2000.

  Step-great-grandson Michael Reuille was in Fort Wayne in 2000. He married Mary.

  Step-great-grandson Steven Eugene Reuille (1950-2022) was born on Aug. 22, 1950 in Fort Wayne and considered Albert Kaufman as his father. During the Vietnam War, he served in the U.S. Army. He earned a living over the years as a warehouse traffic manager with Lincoln Food Service and then at Dollar Tree in New Haven, IN. Steven entered into marriage with Connie ( ? - ? ). They resided for years in Fort Wayne and were the parents of Jason Reuille. The family is known to have attended The Point Church. Sadly, Steven passed into the arms of the heavenly host on Nov. 5, 2022, at the age of 72. His memorial seervice was held at the local post of the American Legion. Their son Jason married Kassy, and their family of sons include Wyatt Reuille, Maverick Reuille and Macklin Reuille.

  Step(?)-great-granddaughter Sharon wed Michael Wisner. They moved by 2000 to Apex, NC. Sadly, Michael was deceased by 2022. The widowed Sharon lives in Clayton, NC.

  Step(?)-great-granddaughter Sandra married Raj V. Setty (June 23, 1950-2020), an immigrant from India and the son of Varadaraj and Shashirekha Setty. They put down roots in Fort Wayne and remained together over the thick and thin of 44 years. Their brood of daughters were Meena Tackett and Leela Paris. Raj earned bachelor's degrees in chemical engineering and finance and a master's degree in business administration. Early in his career, he was employed in Fort Wayne by Tokheim, a maker of gasoline pumps, and Zollner, a manufacturer of pistons for military aircraft and heavy equipment. Then in about he 2000 transitioned into an entrepreneurial role. An obituary said that Raj "enjoyed walking at the YMCA where he was part of Live Strong. He loved playing cards, games, cooking, watching action and spy movies, but nothing was more important than spending time with his family. His outgoing personality allowed him to never meet a stranger. Raj was always striving to learn." Grief cascaded over the family at Raj's death on Feb. 23, 2020. The family directed that any memorial donations be made to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

• Step-grandson Virgil Joseph Wirick Sr. (1920-1995) was born on March 4, 1920 in Hoagland, IN. As was his brother, he was thrice-wed. His first wife, in 1942, was Catherine Pauline Smead (May 9, 1922-1977). To them were born five known children -- Anna Marie Richter Preston, Barbara Nelson, Cathy Wright, Dean Wirick and Virgil Joseph Wirick Jr. The family was plunged into grief at the death in infancy of son Virgil Jr. in 1953. For 33 years, until retirement in 1974, Virgil Sr. was employed in Indianapolis by Hillman Equipment. He also was a longtime member of Sheet Metal Local 20. Sadly, at the age of 54, Catherine passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital on Jan. 2, 1977. Then in 1978, he tied the knot with Gloria Ann Tepedino (1933-1981), a native of Scranton, PA. Their union lasted for about three years until the separation of death in Fort Wayne on June 20, 1981. Her remains were placed into repose in the mausoleum of Covington Memorial Gardens. His last bride, in 1984, was Mary Jekel (1921-2001). Virgil died in the Oaks in Indianapolis at the age of 75 on March 16, 1995. His remains were lowered under the grassy sod of Calvary Cemetery in the city, and an obituary appeared in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. The widowed Mary survived another six years and passed away in Indianapolis on Jan. 4, 2001.

  Step-great-granddaughter Anna Marie "Ann" Wirick (1942-2024) was born on July 1, 1942 in Fort Wayne. She was a 1942 graduate of Southside High School. She went on to earned an associate's degree in respiratory therapy from Ivy Tech Community College. Ann was married twice in her lifetime. On Jan. 17, 1959, she wed Terry Lee Richter Sr. ( ? -2000). Together, they produced two sons -- Terry Lee Richter Jr. and Ronald N. Richter Sr. She generated income as a respiratory therapist in the communities of Noble and LaGrange Counties. Said an obituary, she "previously worked as a 'Secret Shopper' or 'Store Detective' for K-Mart and was also a bartender...  She enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing card games with family and friends, and collecting crystals and music boxes. Ann lived life to the fullest..." Sadly, Terry died on June 13, 2000. Then in 2009, in a civil commitment ceremony in LaGrange, IN, she tied the marital cord with her second spouse, Herman Preston ( ? - ? ). He brought three stepsons into the second marriage -- Christopher Preston, Rodney Preston and Ty Preston. Their home together was in Kendallville, IN. Sadly, at the age of 81, she passed away on March 3, 2024. Interment was in Mongo Community Cemetery in LaGrange County, IN. Her son Terry Lee Richter Jr. has dwelled in Angola, IN and son Ronald N. Richter Sr. married Nancy and in 2024 lived in Rome City.

  Step-great-granddaughter Barbara Wirick married (?) Nelson. She dwelled in Kendallville, IN in 2024.

  Step-great-granddaughter Cathy Wirick first married (?) Wright. By 2024, she had tied the knot with Angel Avalos and relocated to Aurora, CO.

  Step-great-grandson Dean Wirick resided circa 2024 in Fort Wayne.

• Step-granddaughter Mary Gertrude Kaufman (1924-2000) was born on Nov. 18, 1924 in Hoagland, Allen County, IN. She dwelled at 1022 Monroe Street in Fort Wayne in the mid-1940s. On Nov. 27, 1946, she entered into marriage with World War II U.S. Navy veteran Willard Gaylord Stetzel (Aug. 10, 1920-1991), son of Harvey and Cora Stetzel and originally from Markle, IN. News of their marriage license was printed in the Rushville (IN) Republican. Earlier that year, he had been divorced from his first wife Elvira. The known children born into the union were LaVonne Campbell, Mabel Stetzel, Grace Belle Huttinger Ewalt, Mary Gayle Stetzel,  Marchia Germaine Giulio, Nancy Michaels, Harvey Stetzel and Cora Lee Rand Rosencrantz. The federal census enumeration of 1950 shows the family in Adams Township, Allen County, IN, with Willard earning a living as a service man for a retail coal storage business. Evidence suggests that by 1968, the pair had relocated to Boulder, MT. Then in 1988-1991, they lived in Boise, ID. Sadly, Willard died in Bakersfield, Kern County, CA on Aug. 6, 1991, just four days shy of his 71st birthday. His remains were laid to rest in Meridian (ID) Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Idaho Statesman. Mary lived for another nine years. The angel of death cleaved her away in Multnomah County, OR on Dec. 7, 2000. Her body was brought back to Idaho to rest eternally beside her husband's.

  Great-granddaughter LaVonne Stetzel ( ? - ? ) married Robert Campbell.

  Great-granddaughter Mabel Stetzel (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949. 

  Great-granddaughter Grace Belle Stetzel (1950- ? ) was born on Nov. 16, 1950 in Indiana.  She appears to have been twice-wed. Her first husband was Robert Huttinger ( ? -1973), originally from Great Falls, MT and the son of Lloyd and Audrey Huttinger. He attended school in Livingston and Boulder and, during the Vietnam War, served a term in the U.S. Marine Corps. Grace and Robert produced an only son, Brice Huttinger. They made their address in 1973 at 949 Prospect in the Butte, MT area, with him employed as a station tender for Anaconda Company. Tragically, at the age of only 20, Robert was killed on the West Side of Butte on Feb. 22, 1973 "when his motorcycle skidded on ice and went into the path of a pickup truck," reported the Great Falls (MT) Tribune. His obituary appeared in the Butte Montana Standard. Rev. Dr. Arthur E. Anderson presided over the funeral rites, followed by burial in Highland Cemetery in Great Falls. Then in 1974, the widowed Grace made a home in Boulder, Jefferson County, MT. On New Year's Eve 1974, in Boulder, she married a second time to Clarence Allen Ewalt (Oct. 30, 1950- ? ), son of Lewis Christen and Anna Beatrice (Hooker) Ewalt and a native of North Dakota. Rev. Robert Grilley, a local pastor, led the marriage rites. Son Brice tied the marital cord on Feb. 11, 1995 with Jennifer Rose Gorder ( ? - ? ) at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Great Falls. They bore a son but the marriage dissolved in divorce by August 1997.

  Great-granddaughter Mary Gayle Stetzel ( ? - ? ) was born in Montana. 

  Great-granddaughter Marchia Germaine Stetzel ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She attended Boulder (MT) High School. In late 1971 or Jan. 1972, she entered into marriage with Terry Allen Giulio ( ? -? ), son of Harold John and Helen Giulio and stepson of Dolly Sweet. Their wedding vows were exchanged at Faith Lutheran Church in Boulder, MT. News of the happy event was published in the Helena Independent-Record. The newlyweds' first home was at 1123 North Roberts. Terry was a 1970 graduate of Boulder High and at the time of marriage earned a living with Phillips Clover Leaf Dairy. Their home in 2014 was in Emmett, ID.

  Great-granddaughter Nancy Stetzel ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Michaels.

  Great-grandson Harvey Stetzel ( ? -? ) was married to or a companion of Risa Rolland ( ? - ? ), daughter of John W. and Carole Marie (Calhoun) Rolland.

  Great-granddaughter Cora Lee Stetzel (1958-2021) was born on Aug. 3, 1958 in Spokane, WA. She was the mother of Robert Lee Stetzel and stepmother of Cory Smith. Later she tied the knot with (?) Rand and produced two more sons, William Trevor Rand and Shane Edward Rand. In time, Cora was united in wedlock with (?) Rosencrantz. The family was plunged into mourning at her death at age 62, in Spokane, on May 24, 2021.

  Great-grandson Mike Stetzel (1956-2005) was born four days before Christmas 1956 in Decatur, IN. On Sept. 23, 1978, he was joined in matrimony with Tresa Conger ( ? - ? ), daughter of Floyd and Jolene Conger. The family of daughters they bore together included Jami Stetzel, Jessica Krebs, Anna Stetzel, Shannon Kennedy and Melissa White. Mike was employed in Boise by Franklin Building Supply. Said the Boise  Idaho Statesman, "Mike lived and played hard. Every moment was lived to its fullest. He loved the mountains, fishing, camping, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling... He looked forward to each and every day at work [and] greeted everyone with a good morning wish and his special smile and laugh." Tragically, while riding a four-wheeler on the North Fork of the Boise River on April 8, 2005, he was killed in an accident. His photograph accompanied his obituary in the Statesman. 

Daughter Dorothy Marie "Dotty" Brown (1922-1937) was born in about 1922 near Monroeville. Adding to her parents' heartbreak, she suffered a fractured skull and died as a result of a tragic accident at the age of 15 on Aug. 8, 1937 while in Decatur, Adams County, IN. Reported a newspaper, "The fatal buggy-auto accident occurred one-half mile south of Monroeville on state road 101 when a buggy driven by the victim's father, Joseph Brown, was struck by an automobile driven by Norbert Diver, 18, of near Monroeville. Both vehicles were headed south, according to authorities. Diver who failed to see the buggy until too late to avoid the accident. He suffered only slight injuries." Her remains were brought back to Monroeville and placed into eternal repose in Monroeville Memorial Cemetery, following a funeral service led by Rev. J.W. Dickison of the East Liberty United Brethren Church. [Find-a-Grave]

Son Roy D. Brown (1924- ? ) was born in about 1924 near Monroeville. He lived in Monroeville in 2009.

Daughter Beaulah Brown (1927-2009) was born on Jan. 6, 1927 near Monroeville. In Corpus Christi, TX, during the waning months of World War II, she was united in wedlock with William O. Farnsworth ( ? - ? ). Their children were Joy D. Klinker, Bradford D. Farnsworth, Douglas E. Farnsworth and Jeanne Ragland. The couple settled in Monroeville where Beaulah was a member of the East Liberty United Methodist Church and active in its Ladies Society. In about 1955, she went to work for International Harvester, retiring with 30 years of service in 1985. She then spent 10 years volunteering with the Village of Heritage Nursing Home in Monroeville. Sadly, Beaulah died at home at the age of 82 on Aug. 18, 2009. Rev. Barry McCune and Beaulah's son in law Rev. Harold Klinker officiated at her funeral service, followed by burial in Monroeville Memorial Cemetery. [Find-a-Grave] An obituary said she was survived by 17 grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

• Granddaughter Joy D. Klinker 

• Grandson Bradford D. Farnsworth 

• Grandson Douglas E. Farnsworth 

• Granddaughter Jeanne Ragland 

Statue in Fort Wayne of the young hoosier farmboy, Abraham Lincoln

Daughter Eileen D. Brown (1928-2020) was born on Nov. 21, 1928 near Monroeville. She was an alumna of Monroeville High School. Eileen married Wilmer Gerardot (1926-2014), son of Ralph and Nora (McCoy) Gerardot. They made their residence in Fort Wayne and produced four children -- David M. Gerardot, Brenda Arnett, Cynthia Ellenberger and Thomas Gerardot. During World War II, Wilmer served in the U.S. Navy aboard the U.S.S. Intrepid. Later, he was employed for 24 years by Phelps Dodge and then for a time in a maintenance job by Superior Powder Coaters. They were members of St. Therese Catholic Church, and Wilmer belonged to the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and U.S.S. Intrepid Association. At the age of 88, Wilmer died in Kingston Residence on April 9, 2014. He left behind 11 grandchildren and "many" great-grandchildren, reported the Fort Wayne newspapers. Following a mass of Christian burial at the family church, he was interred at Highland Park Cemetery. Eileen lived for another six years as a widow. Said an obituary, " She enjoyed crocheting Afghans of all sort, making peanut butter balls, and putting her competitive nature to the test with games." Death spirited her away at the age of 91 on June 10, 2020.

• Grandson David M. Gerardot entered into marriage with Jan.

• Granddaughter Brenda Gerardot ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She married James A. Arnett ( ? -2019), son of Royal and Geraldine Arnett of Fort Wayne. Their marriage held fast over a remarkable 51 years together. Two daughters of the couple were Kelly Greubel and Kristi VanWagner. James was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He spent his working career with GTE. They belonged to the Northside Missionary Church, and in his free time James liked to fish and hunt. Sadly, James surrendered to the angel of death on Oct. 8, 2019. Funeral services were conducted in the family church, and his obituary was printed in the Fort Wayne newspaper.

  Great-granddaughter Kelly Arnett was joined in wedlock with Kevin Greubel.

  Great-granddaughter Kristi Arnett was united in matrimony with (?) VanWagner. 

• Granddaughter Cynthia Gerardot tied the marital cord with H. Glenn Ellenberger ( ? - ? ), son of Howard A. and Phyllis Joan (Holloway) Ellenberger. They made their dwelling-place in 2011 in Fort Wayne.

• Grandson Thomas Gerardot wed Renee. Evidence suggests that they are active with Peace Lutheran Church.

Daughter Bonnie Dale Brown (1932-2022) was born on May 23, 1937 near Monroeville. She was a 1955 graduate of Monroeville High School and then earned a living as an executive secretary. On March 23, 1957, at the age of 19, she was united in matrimony with Grayston Witmer (April 26, 1933-2022), son of Joseph and Sylvia Witmer. He was a 1951 graduate of Leo High School and then served in the U.S. Army in Alaska during the Korean War. In younger years, Grayston was a baseball player and traveled to tournaments across the nation. During one tournament in 1953 in Altoona, PA, the Fort Wayne squad beat teams from Dayton and Youngstown, OH, and he was quoted in the Altoona Tribune saying "Altoona is not quite as large as I expected, since the national tournament was coming here." The couple planted themselves in Fort Wayne. Together they bore a family of offspring -- Julie Washington, Jenni Schrock, Jill Scherer, Kyle Witmer and Kory Witmer. He received a degree from Purdue University and became employed with International Harvester as a design engineer. Then in 1961, he accepted a position with Moore's Restaurant Equipment. Moore's combined in the late 1960s with Happy Humpty Restaurants into a new entity, Lucky Steer Restaurants, with him serving as vice president and equipment division manager. Lucky was sold in 1981 and he then bought Taylor Distributors of Indiana, a role he continued to hold until retirement in 2000. In her own right, Bonnie liked to bowl, crochet, garden, golf, knit, play cards and board games, read and travel. The family belonged to Aldersgate Methodist Church, where she was involved with the Rachel Circle. He held a membership in the local Elks lodge. In later years, they lived part-time in Siesta Key near Sarasota, FL. Sadly, they both died in the same year -- him first, on Jan. 21, 2022. The body was interred in Fort Wayne's Covington Memorial Gardens. Bonnie followed him into death at age 85 on July 9, 2022. Their survivors included 16 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. The family asked that any memorial gifts be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

• Granddaughter Julie Witmer married (?) Washington. She was in Newburgh, IN in 2022.

• Granddaughter Jenni Witmer wed Stan Schrock. The pair settled in Fort Wayne.

• Granddaughter Jill Witmer entered into marriage with John Scherer. They relocated to Sarasota, FL.

• Grandson Kyle Witmer tied the marital cord with DeeAnn. They put down roots in Bargersville, IN.

• Grandson Kory Witmer was joined in wedlock with Krista and has remained in Fort Wayne. 

~ Son George "Dewey" Plumley ~

Son George "Dewey" Plumley (1898-1969) was born on July 2, 1898 in or near Convoy, Tully Township, Van Wert County. 

In 1918, he made his home in Dixon, OH. 

On Dec. 18, 1918, when both were age 20, Dewey married Luella Dot Gilbert (1898- ? ), daughter of Martin J. and Rosa Ellen (Lehman) Gilbert of Dixon, Van Wert County. Justice of the peace C.F. Manship performed the nuptials.

The Plumleys were farmers. In March 1924, the Monroeville Breeze reported that both he and neighbor Elzey Sponseller had lost sheep to a roving pack of killer dogs. "They with a number of farmers have been devoting some time in gunning for the worthless canines the past week, but as yet have failed in correlling them."

Tragedy broke apart the young family when Luella died in 1925, at the age of 27.

He married his second wife, Michigan native Mary "Esther" Johnson (1906-1952) in July 1926, when he was age 27 and she 19.

In all, Dewey fathered 10 children -- Harold Plumley, Russell Johnson Plumley, Robert Plumley, Dean Plumley, Chalmer Plumley, Eva Mae Rambo, Richard Plumley, Loyd Plumley, Joyce Plumley and Mary Plumley. They also helped to raise a nephew, Gale Plumley. The Grim Reaper was not sparing with this family and over a nine-year span carried away four of the children -- Richard in 1934, Loyd (1937), Joyce (1938) and Mary (1943). The foursome of children rest under a single barré-granite stone in the IOOF Cemetery in Convoy.

The Plumleys resided on a farm for a period of years in Convoy and then in Decatur, IN. Said the Van Wert Times Bulletin in 1969, "He had been a resident of the Van Wert area for the past 10 years, and was engaged in farming prior to his retirement. He was a member of the Mt. Victory United Brethren Church and of its board of trustees. At one time, he served on the Decatur, Ind., school board." On weekends, they enjoyed returning to Monroeville for visits with family, including his sisters Eva Jane Plumley and Ora Brown.

Sadly, Esther passed away in 1952. 

He entered into marriage with his third wife, Ferne Iola (Conley) Adams Alexander ( ? - ? ) in November 1965. She had a son and foster son from her previous marriage to James Thurlow Adams (1891-1961) -- Tom Alexander and James Adams. 

The Plumleys lived on Route 3 near Van Wert in 1967. In 1967 and again in 1968, Ferne assisted in a local Red Cross fundraising effort to "purchase contents for Christmas bags to be sent to servicemen in Vietnam," said the Times Bulletin. She "expressed appreciation to Van Wert County residents for their spirit of cooperation in last year's drive and said it was hoped the same spirit would prevail this year (1968)." 

During the winter of 1968-1969, Dewey and Ferne vacationed in Tucson, AZ. 

Having been in ill health for two years, Dewey suffered a heart attack and died in Tucson on Feb. 16, 1969, at the age of 70. His remains were returned to Convoy for burial. At the time of his death, he was survived by 24 grandchildren. [Find-a-Grave]

Ferne survived by more than three decades. She died on April 6, 2000, and rests beside her first husband in Van Wert's Woodland Union Cemetery.

Son Harold Johnson Plumley (1927-2019) was born on Feb. 7, 1927 in Convoy, OH. He grew to manhood on a tenant farm during the Great Depression. Following graduation from high school, during World War II, he joined the U.S. Army Air Forces and served until discharge in 1947. He then studied for two years, under the funding of the GI Bill, at the International Business College in Fort Wayne.  He married Opal ( ? - ? ). Their union endured the ins and outs of an extraordinary 69 years together. The four sons produced in this family were Michael Plumley, Stephen Plumley, Richard Plumley and William Plumley. Harold's first professional position was as an accounting clerk with Freuhauf Trailer in Fort Wayne and then as chief financial officer for American Brattice Cloth, a mining supply firm in Warsaw, IN. He then earned a designation as a certified public accountant in 1962 and joined a public accounting firm in Muncie, advancing into the ranks of partnership. His motto on life was "Never be satisfied." Then in 1967, Harold "embarked upon his true calling as an entrepreneur -- acquiring a small manufacturing business in Paris, TN which employed 35 people with annual sales of $600,000," said a newspaper. "He renamed the business Plumley Companies [and] although the core of the business involved synthetic rubber polymers, about which he knew nothing, Harold studied polymer chemistry through correspondence courses and hired creative people to figure out new product applications for such materials. Among others, he attracted his four sons to the business, who helped build the company." They lived in Paris, TN in 1985 and later in Muncie. Harold changed his family-owned business with a pivot into the automotive industry, providing products to manufacturers of internal combustion engines. He sold the firm in 1995 to a publicly-traded company, and at the time it employed 1,200 people in four states and had sales of $100 million. By 2013 they had retired to Ocala, FL. There, he ran a cattle operation and then purchased an adjacent racing stable.  Under his leadership, the newly named Plumley farms undertook mare brooding, training and racing, selling more than 500 thoroughbreds over 15 years. Said an obituary, it "gained international recognition for the quality and racing performance of its thoroughbred horses. In 2010, one of the horses bred, raised and trained on Plumley Farms (Dubai Majesty) was recognized with the Eclipse Award -- essentially an 'Academy Award for Thoroughbred Horses' which is only granted to 12 thoroughbred horses out of over 35,000 born each year." He also co-founded the Community Bank of Florida to provide commercial financing into horse and agricultural businesses in the Ocala region. He was involved with the bank for a decade, including a seat on the board of directors. In serving the profession, he was elected chairman of the Tennessee Association of Business for the 1990-1991 term, president of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association covering the 2000-2004 timespan and the board of the National Association of Manufacturers in 1986-1990. In giving back to the community through philanthropy, he helped create a cultural legacy center in Paris, TN, upgraded the quality of patient health care at the Marion County Hospital in Ocala, and purchased a new organ carillon at the First Presbyterian Church (Legends) in Franklin, TN. Other memberships included the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Indiana Association of CPAs, the American Legion and local lodges of the Elks and Masons. Their final residence together was in Franklin at the Sommerfield Health Center. Sadly, Harold died there at the age of 92 on March 8, 2019.

• Grandson Michael Plumley lived in Franklin, TN in 2019.

• Grandson Stephen Plumley ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Richard Plumley ( ? - ? )

• Grandson William Plumley made his residence in Ocala, FL in 2019.

Son Robert Wayne Plumley (1928-1985) was born on June 15, 1928 in Van Wert County. On July 27, 1947, when he was 19 years of age, he wedded 24-year-old Lois Cress (July 31, 1923-1986), daughter of Fred and Farry Neoma (Thompson) Cress. They made their home near Monroeville in Adams County, IN and produced these children -- Larry Plumley, Jerry Plumley, Sharon Grace and Beverly Foster. The Plumleys were farmers, and, reported a newspaper, Robert "had driven truck for Adams County Co-op of which he was a member and had been a mail carrier. He was a member of Monroeville Nazarene Church and had served on the church board." Lois also was active with the Monroeville Church of the Nazarene, as a board member and Sunday School instructor. Heartache shook this family on the fateful day of May 22, 1985, when Robert was age 56. While grading farm fields with a tractor north of Decatur, he suffered a heart attack and died. Rev. James Wolford led the funeral service followed by burial in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Convoy. [Find-a-Grave] Further sadness visited this family the following year when Lois died at age 63. Among the pallbearers at her funeral was a cousin, John Minerd of the family of John Reuben Minerd of Monroeville. Lois only outlived her husband by about a year and passed away iin 1986.

• Grandson Larry W. Plumley (1948-1995) was born on Aug. 24, 1948. He was married to Madeleine Meyer ( ? - ? ), daughter of Arthur and Evelyn Meyer. The children they produced together were Angela Johnson, Christina Marie Plumley and Landon Plumley. Larry is known to have lived near Decatur, IN in 1985. The angel of death spirited him away at the age of 47 on Sept. 9, 1995. He sleeps for all time in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in Convoy. Madeleine outlived him by decades and in 2021 lived in Decatur.

  Great-granddaughter Angela Plumley tied the marital cord with Caleb Johnson. Their home in 2021 was in Fort Wayne.

  Great-granddaughter Christina Marie "Christie" Plumley (1978-2021) was born on Nov. 4, 1978 in Decatur, IN. She was the mother of three -- Kara Griffiths, Trace Griffiths and Livy Plumley. Christie lived in Decatur, IN and was employed as a bartender at the Moontower Tavern in Monroeville, IN. Said an obituary, "She loved horses, camping, spending time outdoors riding four wheelers and spending time with family and friends." Tragically, in an automobile accident, death claimed her at the age of 42 on June 29, 2021. Burial was in Convoy's Odd Fellows Cemetery. The family requested that any memorial contributions be made to her children's education fund.

  Great-grandson Landon Plumley relocated to Indianapolis.

• Grandson Jerry Plumley resided in Decatur.

• Granddaughter Sharon Plumley married Richard Grace on June 14, 1969. Their home in 1985 was in Monroeville.

• Granddaughter Beverly Plumley was wedded to John Foster and made their residence in Monroeville.

Son Russell Lavon Plumley (1935-2013) was born on June 17, 1935 in Van Wert, OH. At the age of 19, on Sept. 4, 1954, he was united in holy wedlock with Dorcas E. Sautbine ( ? -2006). Their children were Marilyn Cress, Judy Hook, Stuart Plumley and Thane Plumley. The Plumleys lived in Monroeville, where Russell owned R.L. Plumley Inc., a farm drainage contracting business. They were members of the East Liberty United Methodist Church in Monroeville, with Russell serving as an adult Sunday School teacher and youth group leader, and as president of the finance committee. He also was a member of the Monroeville Lions Club and liked to fish and hunt. Sadly, Dorcas died on Oct. 4, 2006. Russell survived her by six-and-a-half years. He joined her in eternity at the age of 77 on April 20, 2013. His cousin by marriage, Pastor Ralph Klinker and Pastor Bill Farmer officiated at his funeral, with burial in the Monroeville Memorial Cemetery. Survivors included eight grandchildren. Obituaries appeared in both Decatur and Fort Wayne newspapers.

• Granddaughter Marilyn Plumley married Stan Cress and dwelled in Convoy, OH. 

• Granddaughter Judy Plumley was wedded to Cecil Hook and made their home in Hicksville, OH.

• Grandson Stuart Plumley lived Ottawa, KS. 

• Grandson Thane Plumley married Kathy and resided in Van Wert, OH.

Son Dean Plumley ( ? - ? ) lived in Monroeville, where at one time he was a registered sales agent for Miami Brass Company Inc. Later, by 1985, he had relocated to East Chicago, IL, remaining as of 2013..

Son Chalmer Plumley ( ? - ? ) married Susan "Sue" Sowers ( ? - ? ), daughter of Lewis K. and Margaret Ethyl (Longanecker) Sowers of Convoy. They resided in Sherwood, IN and later in Fort Wayne. 

Daughter Eva Mae Plumley ( ? - ? ) married Phillip D. Rambo ( ? - ? ), son of Glenn and Ruby (Ladd) Rambo. The pair is believed to be the parents of three daughters. Their home was in Bloomington, IN and by 2013 in Ellettsville, IN. In retirement, for more than 16 years running, they gained fame when traveling around the nation in their recreational vehicle and competing in crappie fishing tournaments. A feature story in the Herald-Times said that "Together, the retired Bloomington High School South teacher and Edgewood Junior High School principal have caught the biggest fish at more than five tournaments. They were named the 2013 Male Female National Champions BassProShops Crappie Masters, in Grenada, Miss., where they placed 10th out of 193 boats."

~ Son James Ransom Plumley ~

Son James Ransom Plumley (1900-1999) was born on New Year's Eve 1900 near Convoy, Tully Township, Van Wert County, OH. He grew up learning the farming business.

When he was age 21, on Oct. 5, 1921, James married 20-year-old  Ilo Neadstine (1902-1981), daughter of Henry and Myrtle (Gilbert) Neadstine. Rev. C.D. Chiles of the Methodist Episcopal Church officiated.

Together, the couple produced at least three children, Byron L. Plumley, Norman Plumley and Helen M. Plumley. 

The family was plunged into mourning when death took their son Norman at the age of two in 1926.

The Plumleys made their home for decades in Fort Wayne. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1930, James worked as an insurance agent and provided a roof for his brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Ethel Plumley.

In December 1933, he and his brother Dewey and cousin Orlan Krick were elected officers of the Monroe Council of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, as reported in the Van Wert Daily Bulletin.

Sadly, Ilo died in Fort Wayne in April 1981, at the age of 79.

James lived for another 18 years. He may have married again, to Sara H. Maxheimer ( ? - ? ). 

He passed away on March 15, 1999. He rests with his first wife and young son in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery in Convoy.

Son Byron L. Plumley Sr. (1923-2019) was born on Oct. 16, 1923 in Ohio. He married Louise M. (1921- ? ). Together, they produced a family of sons -- Byron L. Plumley Jr., Billy B. Plumley, Robert Plumley and Barry Plumley. In 1951, Byron was hired by Sinclair Oil & Gas Company as an intermediate petroleum engineer and was first assigned to Delaware, OK. He was transferred to Ardmore, OK followed by a move to Bairoil, WY and then in February 1957 to Casper, WY, with an address of 307 Wyoming Boulevard in Mountain View. While in Casper, Louise was active with the Mothers Club of the Sisters of St. Anthony's School. Byron was transferred to Fort Morgan, CO in 1960 holding the position of senior petroleum engineer in Sinclair's Denver Division. Circa 1970, they dwelled in Lakewood near Denver. He died at the age of 95 on April 23, 2019. A memorial service was conducted at the Gardens of St. Elizabeth, with a brief obituary appearing in the Denver Post.

• Grandson Byron L. Plumley Jr. (1947- ? ) was born in about 1947. He was a graduate of Fort Morgan High School, playing quarterback for the school football team and guard in basketball. He went on to earn a degree at the University of Denver. In the fall of 1970, he enrolled in the St. Louis Graduate School of Theology. His first wife, whom he wed on Aug. 28, 1970, was Cheryl Loetscher ( ? - ? ), daughter of Gerold A. Loetscher. Their nuptials were held at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with Cheryl pictured in a related wedding announcement in the Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph. Cheryl was an alumna of St. Mary's High School and Loretto Heights College in Denver. Two daughters were born into the first union. In time, Byron married again to Shirley Whiteside ( ? - ? ), whom he had met at a resistance rally at a Denver nuclear weapons factory. Byron built his career on the faculty of Regis University, teaching religion and social values with an emphasis on peace and justice. Among his causes over the years were a Catholic worker soup kitchen, prison programs, anti-war, and disarmament. In 2002, he was quoted in a New York Times article about a surveillance database kept by the Denver Police Department to monitor the activities of local activists. He and Shirley again made news when they engaged in the issue of homelessness through a Regis-affiliated organization known as "SOS" -- Safe Outdoor Space -- which was managed by the local non-profit organizations the St. Francis Center and the Colorado Village Collaborative. They also joined other peace activists in 2005 in protesting the Iraq War "by refusing to pay the federal excise tax of about 50 cents" on their monthly telephone bill," reported the Casper Star Tribune. In 2021, he helped to organize a petition to Denver City Council to adopt a resolution in support of the Nuclear Ban Treaty. Upon retiring from Regis, a Byron Plumley Peace and Justice Award was established in his honor. In the early 2020s, they pulled up stakes in Denver and relocated to Iowa, joining the staff of Cedar Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Cedar Falls. In announcing the move, the Iowa UU Witness Advocacy Network said that Byron and Shirley "both been involved in activism for justice and peace issues over many years. They are passionate about care for our planetary home, diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as issues related to US militarism and war." Shirley once was quoted saying "I am a big fan of reduce-reuse-recycle, started a compost pile in about 1990 after hearing Thich Nhat Hahn remind us that 'the garbage is the flower.' Now I am taking guitar lessons and learning to maintain a bike at the Cedar Valley Bicycle Collective. I like to listen to a number of podcasts..."

• Grandson Billy B. Plumley (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949 in Oklahoma. He is wed to Marge.

• Grandson Robert Plumley ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Barry Plumley ( ? - ? )

Daughter Helen M. Plumley (1926-1988) was born on April 23, 1926. She may have been twice-wed. A Daughter born to the first marriage was Darlene Ricci. Later, Helen entered into marriage with Richard Luther Kerschner (April 19, 1930-1988), son of Richard Kerschner of Chili, IN. He appears to have been divorced from Margaret Elizabeth Sawyer (1932-2020) and was the father of David Kerschner and Terry Nagel. Richard owned Mark Fore Sales Inc. and held a membership in the local lodge of the Elks. He was an avid bowler and in 1983 was inducted into the Fort Wayne Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Death claimed Helen's soul at the age of 62 on May 4, 1988. Burial was in the soil of Fort Wayne's Lindenwood Cemetery. Richard made his final residence at 4125 Sheraton Drive in Fort Wayne. With his health in decline, he was admitted to St. Joseph Medical Center and died there at the age of 58 on May 18, 1988.

• Granddaughter Darlene Plumley tied the marital cord with (?) Ricci. As of 2011, she was in Fort Wayne. 

~ Daughter Mary Elizabeth (Plumley) Leamon ~

Daughter Mary Elizabeth Plumley (1904-1992) was born on Jan. 4, 1904 in Van Wert, OH. 

At the age of 19, on Aug. 4, 1923, she married Walter "Kenneth" Leamon (Jan. 9, 1902-1977), originally from Albion, IN. News of their marriage license was published in the Fort Wayne Sentinel.

They lived in Fort Wayne, where W.K. was employed by the Fort Wayne Transit Company. 

They together produced a baker's dozen children -- Pauline Wadene Leamon, Donald C. Leamon Sr., twins Gale Leroy Leamon and James Frank Leamon, Frieda Lacy, M. Joan Patton, Greta Stricker, Naomi Jewett, Martha Powers, Paul Leamon, Joseph Leamon, Joshua Leamon, and Rev. David Wellington Leamon.

Deep sadness shook the family when three of their babies died in infancy -- Pauline (in 1924) and twins Gale Leroy and James Frank (1926).

At their golden wedding anniversary in August 1973, their children hosted an open house at the People's Trust and Bank Company in Waynedale. The Van Wert Times Bulletin ran their photograph portrait and a short article. At the time, the Leamons had 31 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Kenneth died at the age of 75 on Oct. 16, 1977.

Mary Elizabeth outlived him by 15 years and passed away on Jan. 16, 1992. 

Son Donald C. Leamon Sr. (1925-1994) was born on June 15, 1925. He is known to have served in World War II. A year after the war's end, in 1946, he married Bonnie Mae Bryant (Jan. 23, 1927-2016), a native of Harrogate, TN. Their brood of offspring included Velma Leamon, Mary A. Gibson, Connie Kennell Robb, Donald C. Leamon Jr., Ronald L. Leamon and James Leamon. The family made their home for years in Fort Wayne. Donald was a longtime employee of Essex Wire Corporation and retired in 1984. He also held a membership in the local post of the American Legion. Donald died at the age of 68 on May 14, 1994. The remains were lowered under the sod of Fort Wayne's Greenlawn Memorial Park. In an obituary in the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, the family requested that any memorial donations be made to the Northeast Indiana Heart Association or National Kidney Foundation. The widowed Bonnie endured for another 21-plus years in Fort Wayne. Death swept her away at the age of 88 on Jan. 3, 2016. Her obituary gave the headcount of their survivors as 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Velma Leamon dwelled with her parents in 1994.

• Granddaughter Mary Ann Leamon (1949-2007) was born on May 29, 1949 in Fort Wayne. On June 10, 1967, at the age of 18, she wed Ronnie Ray Gibson Sr. (Dec. 13, 1946-2023), a native of Harlan County, KY and the son of Orville and Alice (Jones) Gibson. Ronnie was an alumnus of Evarts High School. The Gibson residence for decades was in Fort Wayne. Four offspring of this coupling were Ronnie R. Gibson Jr., Elizabeth A. Elliott, Rhonda Milner and Robert Gibson. They grieved at the death of infant son Ronnie Jr. on Feb. 1, 1970. Ronnie Sr. worked at the local plant of General Electric, a position from which he eventually retired. Mary was employed for 34 years at Lutheran Hospital in town. Said an obituary, "He was a faithful member of the Bluffton Church of God, where he was very active in the Food Pantry Ministry. He loved fishing and working outdoors in his yard and enjoyed football and baseball. Ronnie was a huge Cubs and Bears fan!" At the end, as a patient in Lutheran, she succumbed to the spectre of death at the age of 57 on April 30, 2007. Presiding at her funeral service was Rev. Donald R. Marlowe. Interment was in Greenlawn Memorial Park, and an obituary was printed in the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. Ronnie lived as a widower for another nearly 16 years and on March 3, 2012 married his second wife, Pamela Hughes ( ? -? ), with the nuptials held in the family church. Their final home together was in Huntington. Sadly, he passed into the arms of the heavenly host at the age of 76 on March 19, 2023.

  Great-granddaughter Elizabeth A. Gibson wed (?) Elliott and was in Fort Wayne in 2007. By 2023, she was joined in wedlock with (?) Cox and remained in Fort Wayne.

  Great-granddaughter Rhonda Gibson tied the knot with Gregg Milner. The pair established a home in Delaware, OH and were there in 2023.

  Great-grandson Robert Gibson married Lynn and settled in Fort Wayne. He moved to Bluffton by 2023.

• Granddaughter Connie Leamon first married Thomas Wayne Kennell Jr. (April 28, 1966-2011), son of Thomas "Wayne" and Ann Kennell Sr. of New Haven, IN. They lived in New Haven and became the parents of Jacob Daniel Kennell, Sam Kennell and Rachael Kennell. Thomas died at the age of 44 on March 14, 2011. His remains sleep for the ages in the Odd Fellows Cemetery in New Haven.  Connie's second spouse was John Robb Jr. ( ? - ? ). They endured the heartache of the loss of their 22-year-old son Jacob in 2014.

  Great-grandson Jacob Daniel Kennell (1991-2014) was born on Sept. 27, 1991 in Fort Wayne. He was a student at Turnstone Center for Children & Adult with Disabilities, where he liked to compete in power soccer. Said the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, he "loved BBQ and was an avid watcher of the Food Network. The movie buff and gamer could also be found trying his luck at the slot machines and loved scratch offs. A lover of music, he could test your knowledge with lyrics, especially in the genre of 80's hair bands like AC/DC and Alice Cooper." Sadly, when he was 22 years of age, he died at home in New Haven on June 8, 2014. Pastor John DiMarzio Sr. led the funeral rites, with burial taking place at the Odd Fellows Cemetery in New Haven. The grieving family asked that any memorial gifts be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or the Turnstone Center.

  Great-grandson Sam Kennell resided in Marion, OH in 2014.

  Great-granddaughter Rachael Kennell lived in Fort Wayne in 2014.

• Grandson Donald C. Leamon Jr. entered into marriage with Linda and moved to Elgin, SC.

• Grandson Ronald L. Leamon put down roots in New Haven, IN and later moved to North Manchester.

• Grandson James Melvin Leamon (1950-1969) was born on Aug. 25, 1950. The angel of death cut him away at the age of 19 on Nov. 18, 1969. His remains were interred in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Daughter Frieda Leamon (1928-1980) was born on Feb. 17, 1928. She married David W. Lacy ( ? - ? ). The known children of the pair were Kenneth David Lacy, Ann Hazelwood, Ivanelle Teter and Delbert Lacy. Circa the 1970s and 1980s, they resided in Tipton, IN. Death enveloped Frieda on Sept. 11, 1980. David married again on July 11, 1981 to Eleanor L. (Prout) Stilwell (May 1, 1926-1998), the daughter of Archie G. and Helen G. (Knapp) Prout. Eleanor was a native of White Plains, NY, had been married previously and brought four stepsons into the second union -- Neil Carleton Stilwell, Mark Alan Stilwell, Douglas Forrey Stilwell and Craig Goodwin Stilwell. She taught for 28 years for the Tipton Community School Corporation, retiring in 1990. She held memberships in the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Tipton County Retired Teachers Association, Sigma Delta Pi and Ball State Alumni Association. The couple lived at 437 Green Street in Tipton and attended Trinity Wesleyan Church. At the age of 72, Eleanor died in Autumnwood Extended Care at Tipton County Memorial Hospital on Nov. 24, 1998. David's third wife, whom he wed on Feb. 6, 2000, was Grace Joann (Womack) Harrison (Oct. 5, 1937-2020). She was the daughter of Glenn and Opal Edna (Weatherford) Womack Sr. and originally from Mount Vernon, IL. She also brought stepchildren into the marriage with David -- JoLynn Robinson, Curtis Harrison, Shari Boultbee, Ricky Harrison and James Kent Harrison. She devoted 31 years to her career as a cosmetologist and was the owner/operator of the Personal Touch Beauty Salon, retiring in 2000. Said an obituary, "She was also a singer and artist touring Central Indiana performing as Grace Joanna Ministries. She was a devoted fan of Norman Rockwell and wrote and published a book of songs and poems, 'Gifts from God.' After retiring, she and her husband David traveled the United States in their motor home, visiting many different areas." They remained together for 20 years until cleaved apart by death. Grace passed away in Tipton on Sept. 22, 2020. Rev. Dr. Harvey Herring officiated the funeral, with interment in Clinton County's Scotland Cemetery.

• Grandson Kenneth David Lacy (1967-2024) was born on Sept. 14, 1967 in Marion, IN. He was a 1986 graduate of Tipton High School and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. After completing his tour of duty, he returned to Tipton. He was the father of Tasha Brown and Jordan Lacy. Said an obituary, he was "an industrial equipment operator retiring from that work in 2021. Kenny was a follower of Jesus and attended Rock Prairie Church in Tipton. He was an avid [Indianapolis] Colts fan and supported his team through thick and thin." Kenneth lived in Elwood, IN in 1998, and his final place of residence was in Goldsmith, Tipton County. He died in Newark, OH at the age of 56 on Feb. 18, 2024. He was survived by seven grandchildren. Pastor Jerry Markins led the funeral, followed by burial in Fairview Cemetery.

  Great-granddaughter Tasha Brown was in Tennessee in 2024. 

  Great-grandson Jordan Lacy lived in Elwood in 2024. 

• Granddaughter Ann Lacy entered into marriage with Mike Hazelwood. Circa 1998-2024, their dwelling-place was in Cicero, IN, north of Indianapolis.

• Granddaughter Ivanelle Lacy wed Martin Teter. They first planted themselves in Tipton, IN and later moved to Goldsmith, IN. One known son is Jeffery Teter. Ivanelle has been employed over the years with Indiana University Health.

• Grandson Delbert W. Lacy was joined in wedlock with Denise. They made a home in Tipton in 1998-2024.

Daughter Mildred "Joan" Leamon (1929-2023) was born on March 24, 1929 in Fort Wayne. In 1952, she wed Fort Wayne native Theron Jay "T.J." Patton (Nov. 15, 1935-2015). Their home in 1973 was in St. Louis and in 1994 the pair were in Illinois. It's not thought that they reproduced. An obituary said that "Joan enjoyed taking walks, visiting with friends, playing card games, especially rook and the Chicago Cubs." The marriage appears to have dissolved in divorce, and he tied the marital cord again to Mary Lee ( ? - ? ). Joan relocated to Wisconsin and in 2017 lived in Brooklyn, WI. Death enveloped Joan at the age of 94 in Fort Wayne on March 24, 2023. Her remains sleep in eternal repose in Fort Wayne's Prairie Grove Cemetery. Theron died in Conway, SC on Oct. (?), 2015. His burial was in Eastlawn Memory Gardens in Brunswick, Medina County, OH.

Daughter Greta Mae Leamon (1932-2016) was born on June 26, 1932 in Fort Wayne. She tied the knot with Eugene Carl Stricker (May 12, 1935-2017), often misspelled as "Strickler" and "Strickner." A native of Emlenton, PA, and the son of Carl and Gladys (Klingler) Stricker, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, attaining the rank of sergeant. They settled in Fredericktown, Knox County, OH, where they remained for good. Four children they bore together were Debra Wells, Linda Thompson, Dawn Stricker and Carl Eugene Stricker. Said Eugene's obituary, he "was employed at Byler Sawmill for over 19 years and for the last two years, he worked as a loader operator at Hershberger Sawmill. He enjoyed where he worked and became very active and part of the Amish community. He provided them with transportation to just about anywhere." He held a membership in the National Rifle Association. Greta's obituary said that she "was employed at Berties Restaurant for numerous years. She was later employed at the Mount Vernon Developmental Center in Food Service and retired after 35 years of service. She was a member of the Fredericktown Church of the Nazarene [and] was a fan of hockey and also the Cincinnati Reds." Sadly, they endured the untimely death of their son Carl in April 2016. Less than a month later, at the age of 83, Greta died in Fredericktown on May 16, 2016. Presiding over her funeral rites was Rev. Russ Gumm. Burial was in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. Eugene outlived his bride by a year-and-a-half. With his health in decline, he was admitted to Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, OH. There, the angel of death spirited him away at the age of 82 two days before Christmas 2017.

• Granddaughter Debra Stricker married Butch Wells.

• Granddaughter Linda Stricker wed (?) Thompson.

• Granddaughter Dawn Stricker ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Carl Eugene Stricker (1961-2016) was born on Oct. 10, 1961 in Fort Wayne. He appears to have moved with his parents and family to Fredericktown, OH. Carl was the father of three -- Arron Stricker, Matthew Ingalsbe & Yvette Naud. In time he relocated to Illinois and settled in Machesney Park, Winnebago County, IL. An obituary said that he "enjoyed hunting and being outside around nature. Being a handyman, there wasn't much Carl couldn't fix. He was an avid Patriots fan and loved motorcycles and machining." At the age of 54, Carl died in Machesney Park on April 22, 2016. A memorial service was held in Rockford, IL. The remains were transported back to Ohio to sleep under the sod of Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. 

Daughter Naomi Leamon (1937-2017) was born on April 7, 1937 in Fort Wayne. She grew up with nine sisters and brothers and learned how to stick together, make do and work hard. She and an older brother together delivered newspapers and then her work progressed to waitressing at Murphy's and then working as a bookkeeper at a small business. She was an alumna of Central High School and then secured a position as a secretary at Indiana & Michigan Electric Company. On May 2, 1959, she entered into marriage with Harold Jewett ( ? - ? ), to whom she had been introduced by her brother at a family dinner. The pair spent their married lives together in Fort Wayne. A pair of children borne by their union were Dwight Jewett and Terese Norton. Harold owned and operated Auto Collision Service, and during the child-raising years Naomi was active with their activities at Harrison Hill School. Later she went to work alongside her husband in a finance capacity. They were members of the Brookside Mennonite Church, First Missionary Church and finally The Chapel. "Along with Harold she shepherded the junior high youth group at Brookside for almost 15 years," said the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel. "Working as a team, they planned monthly parties, Chicago baseball trips, and even a trip to the Billy Graham Crusade at McCormick Place. Naomi was a long-time member of the Fort Wayne Women's Business Association which honored her as their Woman of the Year. She also was a 30-year member of the Fort Wayne Christian Women's Association acting as its president. Those who knew her best would agree Naomi's gift was hospitality. She enjoyed hosting countless gatherings of friends in her lifetime. Everyone looked forward to the Jewett's summer parties at Lake Wawasee and the Christmas celebrations at their home in town." Grief blanketed the family when Naomi died at the age of 79 on March 31, 2017. Burial was in the sacred soil of Covington Memorial Gardens in Fort Wayne. Her obituary referenced the scripture verse Proverbs 31:10 -- "Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies."  

• Grandson Dwight Jewett was united in matrimony with Beth.

• Granddaughter Terese Jewett was joined in wedlock with Jerry Norton 

Daughter Martha Ann Leamon (1939-2017) was born on Christmas Day 1939. On Aug. 22, 1958, at the age of 18, she was united in matrimony with Loren M. Powers (1937- ? ). Their union stood the test of time over a remarkable 59 years. A trio of children born into this family were Douglas Powers, Denise Powers and Deanna Arnold. In 1973, the couple lived in Fort Wayne and in 1994-2017 in New Haven. They were longtime members of the Grace Point Church of the Nazarene in Fort Wayne. Said an obituary, "Loved by all, she was a fun and trusted friend, best school bus driver for 43 years with Fort Wayne Community Schools and an avid sports fan. Martha was a beloved sister and aunt, loving wife of 59 years, incredible mother, absolutely perfect Grandma, and most importantly, faithful follower of Jesus." Sadly, at the age of 77, she passed into the arms of the angelic host on May 27, 2017. The funeral was conducted in the family church by the hand of Pastor Rex Person. Burial was in New Haven's Odd Fellows Cemetery.

• Grandson Douglas Powers was deceased by 2017.

• Granddaughter Denise Powers (1962-living) was born in 1962. Her home in 2017 was in New Haven, IN.

• Granddaughter Deanna K. Powers (1967-living) was born in 1967. She tied the knot with Edward H. Arnold Jr. (1965-living). The couple has dwelled in New Haven, IN.

Son Paul A. Leamon ( ? -2014) was born in Fort Wayne. He was a 1949 graduate of Central High School and served in the U.S. Marine Corps, presumably during the Korean War era. Then in 1956 he obtained a degree from Fort Wayne's International College. Paul entered into marriage with Doris J. Williams (April 16, 1931-2018), daughter of Leonidas and Blanche (Plumley) Williams. The three children in their brood were Patricia Gloy, Kevin Leamon and Steven Michael Leamon. They resided in Fort Wayne for the balance of their lives and attended Grace Point Church of the Nazarene. He earned a living as an accountant with Miller Enterprises and retired in 1978. As well, he refereed high school basketball and served as president of the Northeastern Indiana Athletic Officials Association (1967-1968) and as treasurer (1968-1976). In her own right, Doris was employed as a secretary for several churches, including Peace Lutheran Church. She also was a parent-teacher association president at Abbott Elementary School and was a Sunday School teacher in the South Side Church of the Nazarene. Said an obituary, "Doris was a homemaker, acrobat artist, an amazing seamstress, and most of all a loving and supportive grandmother. In retirement, she loved Wii bowling and bingo."  Paul died at home at the age of 82 on Feb. 19, 2014. His remains were placed into eternal repose in Greenlawn Memorial Park. In an obituary in the Reno Gazette Journal, the family asked that any memorial donations be made to brain cancer research. Doris lived for another four years and passed away on May 19, 2018.

• Granddaughter Patricia Leamon married Dean Gloy. They moved to Arizona and in 2014 made their dwelling-place in Sahuarita, AZ. Two known children are Hogan Gloy and Henley Gloy.

• Grandson Kevin Allen Leamon (1960-2012) was born on Nov. 2, 1960. He was a 1979 graduate of South Side High School in Fort Wayne and in 1982 obtained a bachelor of arts degree in computer science, summa cum laude, from Olivet Nazarene College. He then accepted a position with North American Van Lines as a computer programmer. On June 18, 1983, he wed Karen Renae Watson ( ? - ? ), daughter of Rev. Wilmer R. Watson of Muncie, IN. They exchanged vows at the Fort Wayne South Side Church of the Nazarene. News of their engagement was published with their photograph in the Muncie Evening Press. Karen was a 1979 alumna of Wayne High School and in May 1983 received her bachelor of arts in music education from Olivet. Together, they produced a family of two -- Kristen Shultis and Kerry Leamon. Kevin's career with North American Van Lines spanned 22 years. They relocated to Georgia when he was offered a position with NCR (National Cash Register), putting down roots in Auburn, GA. His final work was as a systems engineer in technical support for LexisNexis, the  data and analytics firm. He received a special commendation from the City of Los Angeles for his expertise on its traffic systems software. Music also was a big part of his world. Said an obituary, "Kevin played the clarinet in high school, college and his church orchestra. Hebron Baptist Church Orchestra director, Charles Brown, considers Kevin a very valued, long-time member, whose chair will be difficult to fill. He enjoyed varieties of musical styles from Christian Choral to new age instrumental and The Carpenters." He also is said to have been "very organized and witty" with an "affection for Bichon Frise dogs." Grief cascaded over the family when Kevin was diagnosed with a type of brain tumor known as glioblastoma multiforme. He died at the age of 51 on Oct. 22, 2012. The widowed Karen married a second time to Lane Fosnaugh.

  Great-granddaughter Kristen Leamon was joined in marriage with Ron Shultis III. They settled in Chicago.

  Great-grandson Kerry Leamon made a home in Auburn, GA in 2012.

• Grandson Steven Michael Leamon was deceased by 2014.

Son Joseph Leamon tied the marital cord with Sandra. He made his home in Fort Wayne in 1973. By 1994, they were living in Hamilton and in 2017 in Angola, IN.

Son Joshua Leamon was a student at Arkansas State University in 1973. As of 1994 he had remained in Arkansas.

Son Rev. David Wellington Leamon (1934-2013) was born on April 5, 1934 in Fort Wayne. After high school graduation, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1954 to 1957, including a posting to Pearl Harbor. On Aug. 9, 1958, he was joined in wedlock with fellow college student Ferne Linda Schwab ( ? - ? ). The five children they bore together were Rev. Michael Leamon, Steven Leamon, Paul Leamon, Benjamin Leamon and Cindi Troyer. David became an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church and devoted 35 years of his career to congregations in Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania. They are known to have lived in Battle Creek, MI in the early 1970s and in Decatur, IN in 1994. Said the Lima News, "He was involved for a number of years in youth ministry and promoting Sunday schools in the districts he served." Their final home was in Lima, OH. At the age of 78, David died at home on Feb. 27, 2013. He was pictured in his obituary in the News. A celebration of life was held at the Cable Road Alliance Church, jointly led by Rev. Richard Jueckstock and Rev. Dr. Michael Boyes. The remains were lowered under the sod of Salem Mennonite Cemetery. 

• Grandson Rev. Michael Leamon wed Wendy. As of 2013, they lived in Silver Creek, NY.

• Grandson Steven Leamon married Lori. The pair settled in Whittier, NC.

• Grandson Paul Leamon entered into marriage with Cheryl. They resided in Chicago in 2013.

• Grandson Benjamin Leamon tied the marital cord with Beth. They made Fort Wayne their homeplace in 2013.

• Granddaughter Cindi Leamon was joined in wedlock with Craig Troyer. They put down roots in Elida, OH. 

~ Son Franklin H. "Frank" Plumley ~

Son Franklin H. "Frank" Plumley (1906-1973) was born on May 6, 1906 in Fort Wayne. 

As a young man, he lived and worked in Convoy as a salesman.

At the age of 23, on Feb. 4, 1930, Frank married 28-year-old Ethel F. Davis (1901-1991), daughter of Ira and Jessie (Young) Davis of Sugartree Ridge, OH. The ceremony was held in Hillsboro, OH, with Rev. J.A. Hoffman officiating.

Two children produced by the couple were Arnold Gene Plumley and Norma Arlene Geesaman.

They resided for many years in Fort Wayne, and lived in the household of his married brother James in 1930, working as an assembler in a motor truck factory. Frank also earned a living as a milk deliveryman. In 1950, he was employed as a truck driver by a delivery company. The pair is known to have traveled to Honolulu at Christmas 1961 to visit their married daughter.

Frank died in September 1973, at the age of 67. His remains were placed into repose in the IOOF Cemetery in Convoy, OH.

Ethel survived as a widow for 18 years. She spent her final years in Lincolnton, Lincoln County, NC. She succumbed on Oct. 27, 1991. An obituary in the Charlotte Observer said that no funeral was held. Her remains were brought back to Ohio to rest beside her husband.

Son Arnold Gene Plumley (1931-1999) was born on Aug. 25, 1931 in Fort Wayne. Dr. J.E. McArdle assisted in the birth. He was a 1954 graduate of Yale University and sang in the glee club. Arnold tied the marital cord with Jean M. ( ? - ? ), daughter of Irene Powers. Their pair of children were Ryan G. Plumley and Kent D. Heustess. The family lived in Charlotte, NC in 1982. Their final residence together was in Montgomery, OH. He died on May 28, 1999. A brief notice of his death was published in the Cincinnati Enquirer.

• Grandson Ryan G. Plumley ( ? - ? )

• Grandson Kent D. Heustess ( ? - ? )

Daughter Norma Arlene Plumley (1933-1982) was born on April 2, 1933 in Fort Wayne. Norma entered into marriage with Wilbur Leland Geesaman (1933-2011), son of James Lester and Adahbelle (Decamp) Geesaman of Jay, IN. Together, they produced a family of three -- Scott Leland Geesaman, Pamela Yaroborough and Julie Geesaman. They resided in Iroquois Point in Honolulu circa 1961-1962, with him holding the rank of lieutenant and assigned to Early Warning Squadron 12 at Barber's Point Naval Air Station. During that time, Norma and their two children at the time spent a month in Japan. They then made a move to Puerto Rico. In 1974, they relocated to Maitland, FL. Said the Orlando Sentinel, she "Was a demonstrator for Sears Roebuck and was a Protestant." As of 1982, she dwelled at 1917 Hibiscus Lane in Maidland and Wilbur in Winter Park. At the age of 49, she died on Dec. 2, 1982. Burial was in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Leesburg, FL. Wilbur survived for another nearly three decades. Death spirited him away into eternity at the age of 78 on Nov. 30, 2011. A brief notice of his passing was printed in the Sentinel.

• Grandson Scott Leland Geesaman (1961- ? ) may have been born in 1961 in Honolulu. He lived in Maitland, FL in 1982.

• Granddaughter Pamela Geesaman married (?) Yaroborough. In the early 1980s, her home was in Orlando, FL.

• Granddaughter Julie Geesaman dwelled in Maitland, FL in 1982. 

~ Son Clarence Dale Plumley ~

Son Clarence "Dale" Plumley (1908-1974) was born on Sept. 17, 1908 in Ohio. 

He married Helen B. Fortney (1915-1990), daughter of Earl and Mabel M. (Miller) Fortney. 

They produced two daughters -- Elaine Mumma and Vivian Thompson Eldridge. 

Dale and Helen made their home in Fort Wayne, where he "was a foreman at International Harvester in Fort Wayne before retiring after 41 years of service with the firm," said the Van Wert Times Bulletin. (Seen here is International Harvester's famed tower, a landmark in Fort Wayne.) 

He was a member of South Side Church of the Nazarene and Three Rivers Lodge of the Masons. 

Dale died at home at the age of 66 on Oct. 16, 1974. His funeral was held at Klaehn's South Anthony Chapel in Fort Wayne, followed by interment at the Convoy IOOF Cemetery. [Find-a-Grave]

As a widow, Helen lived for another 16 years. She passed into eternity on Feb. 24, 1990.

Daughter Elaine J. Plumley ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). On Aug. 30, 1958, in Fort Wayne, she married Russell T. Mumma ( ? -2018), son of Harry and Gertrude Mumma. Their union endured the highs and lows of a remarkable 59 years. Two children born into their union were Kerry Mumma and Sheri Pedersen. They spent their married lives in Fort Wayne. Russell served in the U.S. Army and later was a registered sanitarian with the Allen County Board of Health in the 1959 to 1995 timeframe. He then was employed by the Wells County Board of Health, retiring in 2001. Russell was affiliated with the Northeastern Indiana District of the Church of the Nazarene and held memberships in the South Side Nazarene Church and Liberty Mills Church of the Nazarene, Said an obituary, "He served as a church board member, treasurer, song leader, and head usher for both churches, along with teaching Sunday school. Russ served on the Northeast Indiana Board for his church for many years [and] organized most of the churched prime time events. He had a strong faith in the Lord and went on over 20 mission trips." He served on the executive boards of the Indiana Environmental Health Association, Northeast Indiana IEHA and Indiana Board of Registered Environmental Health Specialists. In his free time he liked to read and travel. Sadly, at the age of 83, he died on April 7, 2018. Interment was in Lindenwood Cemetery. The family requested that any memorial contributions be made to the Nazarene Missions International or American Cancer Society.

• Grandson Kerry Mumma was joined in wedlock with Susan. They put down roots in Fort Wayne.

• Granddaughter Sheri Mumma was united in matrimony with (?) Pedersen. Sheri relocated to Seattle, WA. 

Daughter Vivian Plumley (1940-2005) was born on April 22, 1940 in Fort Wayne. She first was wedded to (?) Thompson and made their residence in Indianapolis. They produced three daughters -- Michelle Jones, Christina Tarrant and Cheryl Moore. Later, Vivian married Charles Eldridge ( ? - ? ). She obtained master's degrees in education and social work from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). Reported the Indianapolis Star, Vivian "was a third grade teacher for John Strange Elementary School for 15 years. She then went into private practice as a psychotherapist, specializing in Play Therapy with children and became an advocate for children in the community and court system. Vivian was instrumental in starting 'Brooke's Place' and served as President of the Board. She supervised other play therapists and trained workers at Brooke's Place as a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor." Vivian died in Indianapolis on Jan. 10, 2005, with an obituary printed in the Star.

• Granddaughter Michelle Thompson married (?) Jones. 

• Granddaughter Christina Thompson wed (?) Tarrant. 

• Granddaughter Cheryl Thompson tied the knot with (?) Moore. 

Copyright © 2009, 2016, 2024 Mark A. Miner