Minerd.com Biography of Charles Jasper and Andora (Minard) Hickcox of Greenville, OH

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Andora (Minard) Hickcox
(1859-1915)

Andora (Minard) Hickcox was born on May 22, 1859 in Scio, Harrison County, OH, the daughter of Daniel and Rebecca (Knouff) Minard.

She also went by "Anne Dora" or "Dora" and was said to have been "a loving mother and a friend to every one."

At age 14, Andora became a member of the local Presbyterian church. "After they moved to Greenville," the Cadiz Republican said, "she transferred her membership to the First Christian Church and remained a faithful and devoted member...."

On Sept. 14, 1887, at the age of 28, Andora married 34-year-old Charles Jasper Hickcox (1853-1926), the only child of Larimore and Mary J. (Martin) Hickcox. Park W. Taylor performed the nuptials. On her marriage license, Dora's maiden name was spelled "Minerd."

They together produced four children -- Edith Elizabeth Coombs, Nora M. Turner and Eunice V. McKee, and one who died young in the late 1880s or early '90s.

The family resided for many years at Greenville, Darke County, OH. At one point, in the early 1890s, Andora's sister and brother in law, Eunice and Winfield Wright Morgan, migrated to Darke County as well.

Greenville's main thoroughfare, Broadway, circa 1906.

When the federal census was enumerated in 1900, Dora and Charles and their three daughters lived under one roof along with Charles' widowed mother Mary. He made a living that year and for a long time after as a house painter. Their home was on West Fourth Street.

In the late summer of 1915, Andora learned that her brother Amos Bartholomew Minard had contracted a serious case of pneumonia on the old homestead near Scio. She traveled there to provide him with nursing care. Sadly, he could not recover, and died on Aug. 9, 1915. But the tragedy compounded when Andora herself caught the deadly illness, and died just a week later. She was laid to rest in Greenville Cemetery.

Cadiz Republican, 1915

In recounting the story, The Cadiz Republican reported that she was:

…taken sick the next day and was not able to be up at the time of the funeral. All that could be done by her friends to alleviate her suffering was done, but to no avail. She gradually went down and passed away peacefully…. When told by the nurse that she could not get well she said that all was well, that she was ready and willing to go, and, calling the family about her bed, bade them a final farewell, and fell asleep to wake no more.

Charles continued to reside in Greenville after his wife's death. In 1920, the census shows the 64-year-old widower lived as a boarder in the household of Robert W. and Rosalie Sackett, but had no occupation.

By the mid-1920s, Charles could no longer care for himself, and was admitted to the Darke County Home in Greenville. He died in the home on June 17, 1926, of "general paresis," a type of dementia, reported a physician. He joined his wife in eternal repose in Greenville Cemetery.

~ Daughter Edith Elizabeth (Hickcox) Coombs ~

Obituary, 1934

Daughter Edith Elizabeth Hickcox (1892-1934) was born on May 14, 1892.

At the age of 18, in 1910, she was employed in a millinery shop in Greenville.

At the age of 18, on July 20, 1910, she married 21-year-old machinist George Franklin "Frank" Coombs (1889-1941). The ceremony took place in Greenville, led by Rev. John Smith. George was the son of William and Alice J. (Bishop) Coombs.

They together bore four children -- Beatrice "Jean" Amspaugh Cole, Robert W. Coombs, Thomas "Richard" Coombs and Helen Lucille Lybarger Zurwell.

The federal census of 1920 shows this family making its home on Riffle Avenue in Greenville, and that Frank was unemployed at the time.

By 1930, when the census again was taken, the Coombses had moved to a new residence at 206 Warren Street. Frank worked as a laborer at "odd jobs." They remained at that address for the balance of their years together.

Their marriage was troubled. Frank was arrested in June 1930 on a charge of beating his wife. Edith in October 1930 filed for divorce in Darke County Court. In her complaint, she cited "gross neglect and cruelty." Frank then responded and counter-sued, said the Greenville Daily Advocate, and "charged his wife with gross neglect, cruelty and infidelity, alleging that she has associated with other men." Despite the legal battle, they appear to have remained in a state of marriage for good.

Edith developed a bowel obstruction in early December 1934. She was admitted to a local hospital in Greenville and suffered for three days. Death came on Dec. 9, 1934, at the age of 42. She was laid to rest in Greenville, with Rev. Frank Thomas officiating the funeral rites, and an obituary appearing in the Daily Advocate.

Frank outlived his wife by seven years. At the age of 52, in the fall of 1941, he had open sores on his hands while dressing rabbits. The hands became infected with "tularemia," known locally as having "rabbit fever." He died shortly thereafter in Wayne Hospital on Nov. 26, 1941. His death occurred just 12 days before the nation was plunged into World War II. He is buried at Greenville Cemetery. His daughter Jean Cole of Detroit traveled to Greenville to attend the ceremonies.

Daughter Beatrice "Jean" Coombs (1912- ? ) was born in 1912. On Oct. 7, 1933, she married Gene Allen Amspaugh ( ? - ? ), a resident of Union City, IN. Their wedding was held in Winchester, IN and announced in the Greenville Daily Advocate. The Amspaughs relocated to Detroit and were there in 1934. By 1938, their marriage had ended. On Nov. 25, 1938, she wed again to Max Cole (1908- ? ) of Detroit. They exchanged vows before Rev. Frank Thomas in the parsonage of the Christian Church, and made public in the Daily Advocate as announced by her grandparents, William and Alice Coombs. The Coles made a home in Detroit and often visited in Greenville with her Coombs grandparents. When Jean's sister-in-law Marie Coombs was killed in an automobile accident in 1947, the Coles took in two of their motherless nephews, Larry Gene Coombs and Thomas "Richard" Coombs. The federal census enumeration of 1950 shows the Coles and the Coombs boys in St. Clair Shores, Macomb County, MI, with Max employed as a foreman in an automobile factory. She was deceased by 1985.

Son Robert William Coombs (1913-1985) was born on March 21, 1913 in Darke County. As a 17-year-old, he and friend Harry Clark were arrested for trying to break in to the factory of Grubbs Tile and Brick in Minatown, OH. On Oct. 5, 1950, he tied the marital cord with 19-year-old Dolores "Jean" Ray (Aug. 21, 1931-2013), daughter of Ora and Beulah (Hecker) Ray. Their one son was Allen Coombs. In 1950, the newlyweds boarded in Greenville with Lillie Locke. Robert earned a living with Treaty Company and then for 15 years for Greenville City Park, making his retirement in 1978. Their final address was 25 Union Court, Greenville. With his health in decline, he was admitted to Rest Haven Nursing Home in Greenville. After a stay of three months, he died at the age of 72 on May 15, 1985. An obituary appeared in the Greenville Daily Advocate. Presiding at the Sunset Memory Gardens graveside services was Rev. Don Avore. Dolores lived for another 28 years as a widow and remained in Greenville. She held memberships in the Women of the Moose and the CB Club Fellowship. The angel of death spirited her away at the age of 81, at Heartland of Greenville, on Feb. 22, 2013. Her remains were lowered into repose in Greenville Township Memorial Gardens.

Grandson Allen Coombs ( ? - ? ) was joined in wedlock with Tess Monnin ( ? - ? ), daughter of John and Ruth (Francis) Monnin. They are believed to be the parents of Amy Laughman. The Coombses are known to have dwelled in Greenville in 1985-2013.

Son Thomas "Richard" Coombs (1917-2002) was born on Feb. 8, 1917 in Greenville, Darke County. He stood 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighed 121 lbs. as a young man. Richard was thrice-wed. His first spouse was Marie Katherine Curtner (June 20, 1918-1947), daughter of John and Nellie (O'Dell) Curtner. The pair bore two known sons, Larry Gene Coombs and Thomas Richard Coombs Jr. Prior to marriage, Marie attended the Evangelical United Brethren Church Sunday School in Arcanum. In 1940, when he was required to register for the military draft on the eve of World War II, Richard disclosed that they lived in Arcanum, Darke County and was employed by the Works Progress Administration at Greenville Park. The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment during the Great Depression. It is widely considered one of the Roosevelt's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings. On the tragic day of June 25, 1947, Marie at age 29 was killed in a head-on automobile collision on Route 49 south of Arcanum, OH. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Clyde Jones with burial following in Abbottsville Cemetery. His second bride is believed to have been Anne ( ? -? ). They dwelled in Greenville, with him employed as a repairman in the Frigidaire Division of General Motors Corporation. She filed for divorce in August 1951. Evidence suggests that he filed for bankruptcy in 1951 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

On Sept. 19, 1952, in Darke County, the 35-year-old was united in matrimony with his third wife, 22-year-old Anita Mae Kessler (Feb. 16, 1930-1992), a native of Peoria, IL who was living in Greenville. She was the daughter of Elija and Gladys (Baird) Kessler/Keesler and employed as a press operator at the time of marriage. On their marriage license, he spelled his mother's maiden name as "Hecox." The pair remained together for four decades until the separation of death. They became the parents of Raymond J. Coombs, Anita Coombs and Jacqueline M. "Jackie" Israel. She also was the mother and stepmother of Shirley A. Brown and Brenda S. DeCerbo. Anita was an alumna of Fort Recovery High School. Early in the marriage they moved to California. Upon a return to Ohio, they put down roots in Fort Recovery, OH and joined the Grace Missionary Church. Richard was employed for many years with Pax Steel Products in Coldwater. With her health in decline, Anita was admitted to reside in the Celina Manor Nursing Home. Sadly, she passed away there on Oct. 4, 1992. Her remains were lowered into rest in Abbottsville Cemetery, with Rev. Ronald Koopman presiding over the rites. An obituary was published in the Lima (OH) News, which noted that she was survived by 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The following year, on Oct. 18, 1993, Richard tied the knot with his fourth wife, Betty Louise (Coats) Joseph (1930-2015), daughter of Howard Franklin and Mildred Leona (Roberts) Coats. She was divorced from her first husband Ronald James Joseph (1933-2004) and brought three stepchildren into the marriage with Richard -- Terry Lee Joseph, Gloria Joseph and Gary Eugene Joseph. They made their residence in 2002 at 1100 Myers Road, Celina, Mercer County, OH. Said an obituary, Betty Louise was employed "at Tuway Products, Rockford, Huffy's Bicycle Manufacturing, Celina, and later at the Mercer County Home, where she retired. She lived all her life in Mercer County. She was a life member of the Celina VFW Auxiliary, Post #5713; Celina American Legion Auxiliary Post #210; Women's Auxiliary to the Military Order of the Cooties Post #0006; and the Fraternal Order of Eagles--Grand Lake Post #1291." As a patient in Joint Township District Memorial Hospital, he died at the age of 85 on March 1, 2002. Leading the funeral service was Rev. Steve Howell. The remains were lowered under the sod of Abbottsville Cemetery in Arcanum, OH. An obituary appeared in the Spencerville (OH) Journal-News. Betty Louise outlived him by a baker's dozen years, and lived in Rockford, Mercer County. The angel of death cleaved her away on Dec. 5, 2015.

Grandson Larry Gene Coombs (1939-2020) was born in 1939. He was eight years old at his mother's tragic death. He then went to live with his aunt and uncle, Jean and Max Cole in Michigan. The federal census enumeration of 1950 shows him in the Cole household at the age of 11. On Nov. 18, 1972, in Michigan, he was united in matrimony with Mary Novak ( ? - ? ). Their four daughters were Theresa Coombs, Bertha McAnulty, Laura Nitchie and Jean Leishman. Larry earned a living as a baker and cook with Car Ferry's and then Crystal Mountain. He liked to camp, farm, tend his garden and raise animals. Said an obituary, "Larry was a hard worker and a passionate man, who always made time for his family. He adored spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He had a contagious laugh that could put a smile on anyone's face." Their last home together was in Frankfort, MI. Larry died at the Maples at the age of 82 on Nov. 12, 2020. Interment was in Pilgrim Home Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Benzie County Record Patriot.

Great-granddaughter Theresa Coombs ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2020.

Great-granddaughter Bertha Coombs ( ? - ? ) wed (?) McAnulty.

Great-granddaughter Laura Coombs ( ? - ? ) married (?) Nitchie.

Great-granddaughter Jean Combs tied the knot with (?) Leishman.
Grandson Thomas Richard Coombs Jr. (1943-1977) was born in about 1943. At his mother's senseless death in 1947, he was only four years of age. He and his brother Larry were taken into the home of their aunt and uncle, Jean and Max Cole, in Michigan. He joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 18 in 1961 and was assigned to a submarine base in New London, CT before a transfer to Newport, RI. While at home on leave in November 1961, he was arrested after stealing an automobile which then crashed while he was under the influence of alcohol. His home in the mid-1970s was Hazel Park, MI. As of 1977, he was imprisoned at Fort Leavenworth, KS for bank robbery. He and several other men escaped in a truck on July 19 and, reported the Newport News (VA) Daily Press, they "overpowered and tied up a guard and a trustee and took the truck to the Kansas City International Airport, where they were last seen on foot the same day." Thomas made his way back to Ohio, and on July 25, 1977, helped rob the Sherwood branch of the Miami (OH) Citizens Bank. Then a week after that, at the age of 34, he was killed in an Aug. 1 police shootout outside the Zodiac Club bar in Hampton, VA. Police found $4,000 in cash in his Hampton apartment and traced a newly purchased luxury automobile to his identity.

Granddaughter Anita Coombs ( ? - ? ) resided in Celina in 1992-2021.

Grandson Raymond J. Coombs (1958-2021) was born on Nov. 2, 1958 in California. His adult years were spent in Coldwater, OH. He was the father of Sean Coombs, Jon Coombs, Garrett Devall, Misty George and Janelle Waymire. He was a longtime companion of Carol Wollet and dwelled in Coldwater. Said an obituary, Raymond "was a collector of Harley Davidson memorabilia, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle, traveling, and camping. During his lifetime Ray lived in many different parts of the country." The angel of death cleaved him away at the age of 62 on March 1, 2021.

Great-grandson Sean Coombs has lived in Celina, OH.

Great-grandson Jon Coombs was in Celina, OH in 2021.

Great-grandson Garrett Devall was a resident of St. Marys in 2021.

Great-granddaughter Misty George has dwelled in Geneva, OH.

Great-granddaughter Janelle Waymire made a home in 2021 in St. Marys, OH.
Granddaughter Jacqueline M. "Jackie" Coombs (1955-2012) was born on March 30, 1955 in Dayton, OH. She entered into marriage with Steve Israel ( ? - ? ) and relocated to Washington State. Two sons born to the pair were Shiloh Israel and Shane Israel. Jackie earned a living over the years at Emerald City Graphics in Kent, WA and for five years with Huntwood Industries. In her free time she liked to camp, hike and ride her bicycle. The couple divorced but remained friends. She eventually became a partner of Lil Dahl. She passed away in Spokane on Oct. 6, 2012. Funeral services were conducted at the Veradale United Church of Christ in Spokane. Jackie was pictured in her obituary in the Spokane Spokesman-Review.

Great-grandson Shiloh Israel ( ? - ? )

Great-grandson Shane Israel ( ? - ? )
Step(?)-granddaughter Shirley A. Brown ( ? - ? )

Granddaughter Brenda Sue Barton (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949, the daughter of Sylvester and Shirley Jean Barton. Her home in the early 1990s was in Englewood, OH. Circa Dec. 1991, she wed Daniel Anthony DeCerbo Sr. (1954- ? ). He brought a stepson to the marriage, Daniel A. DeCerbo Jr. Their homes over the years were in Englewood (1992) and Brookville, OH (2002). Brenda sued for divorce in 2008, with her living in Tipp City and him in Troy, OH. Stepson Daniel, a 1994 graduate of Northmont High School, served in the U.S. Marine Corps circa 1997.

Daughter Helen Lucille Coombs (1921-1999) -- sometimes called "Ellen" -- was born on March 6, 1921 in Greenville, OH. She first entered into marriage with William E. Lybarger (1912-1962). They became the parents of an only daughter, Edith Jean Nichols. In the 1940s and 1950s, the Lybargers dwelled in Richmond, IN. Their address in 1959 was 1301 South 15th Street. Sadly, William passed away on Feb. 19, 1962. Burial was in Earlham Cemetery in Richmond. After a year of mourning, in 1963, she was joined in wedlock with Roy Edward Zurwell (1902-1981). They put down roots in New Paris. Roy had served in the U.S. Navy from 1920 to 1923 and made a career as a self-employed fence builder and painter. He was divorced from Levada G. Flatter ( ? -1993) and brought three stepdaughters into the union with Helen -- Mary Yount, Pauline Miller and Peggy Smith. She is known to have advertised her services in chair caning in the 1970s. She earned a living through employment with AVCO and Hill's Roses. Their last address was 7671 New Paris-Eldorado Road. Helen was rendered a widow again at Roy's death at the age of 79, from a heart attack while shoveling snow, on Dec. 17, 1981. With Rev. Ned Michael leading the funeral service, burial was in Springlawn Cemetery in New Paris. Helen outlived her second husband by 17 years. Circa 1985, she lived in Hollansburg, OH and in 1994 moved to 306 West Main Street in Fountain City, IN. Helen at age 78 was spirited away by the angel of death in Reid Hospital on Oct. 9, 1999. Dennis Ball presided over the funeral rites. The body was laid to rest in Earlham Cemetery. In her Richmond (IN) Palladium-Item obituary, her mother's maiden name was spelled "Hancock." She was survived by six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Granddaughter Edith Jean Lybarger (1939-2018) was born on July 13, 1939. She resided in young womanhood in Richmond, IN. On Sept. 6, 1959, she entered into marriage with Douglas Allen Nichols (Feb. 13, 1932-1991), son of Cecil and Edna Nichols of Middleboro, IN. She was pictured in an article about her engagement in the Richmond Palladium-Item. Their union held fast over nearly 32 years together. The Nicholses together produced a brood of seven -- Helen Nichols, Arline Fullerton, Sandy Collier, Susan Cones, Bryan "Beans" Nichols, Troy Nichols and Cindy "Wojo" Owens. Their world was turned upside down in February 1979 at the tragic death of son Bryan in an automobile accident. As of 1981, they lived in Fountain City, IN and in 1991 at 10836 Indiana Route 227 North. Douglas was employed for 30 years at Nettle Creek Industries, attaining the position of supervisor. They held a membership in the First Baptist Church of Richmond. Sadly, after a long illness, Douglas died on Aug. 5, 1991 as a patient in the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dayton, OH. His obituary in the Palladium-Item said he "had lived in Bethel for the past 27 years." Burial was in Glenhaven Memorial Gardens, with funeral rites led by Rev. Gerald Bennett of the Bethel Christian Church. Edith endured as a widow for another 27 years. Having already lost her son Bryan years before, she suffered the deaths of married daughters Susan and Cindy in her later years. The spirit of death whisked her away on Christmas Eve 2018. Interment was in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.

Great-granddaughter Helen Marie Nichols (1961-2022) was born on Sept. 25, 1961. Early in life she lived in Fountain City, IN and was a 1979 graduate of Northeastern High School. Over the years she earned a living at Animal Kingdom and Richmond State Hospital. On Oct. 25, 1979, she was united in matrimony with Larry Lee Heltzel ( ? - ? ), son of Kenneth and Ilene Heltzel. Their wedding nuptials were conducted at the Bethel Christian Church. Larry was a 1974 graduate of Union High School and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was self-employed at the time of marriage. They became the parents of Nicholas Heltzel. Helen dwelled in Richmond, IN in 2009-2022. Grief blanketed the family when, at age 61, Helen died on Nov. 7, 2022. Her photograph accompanied her obituary in the Richmond Palladium-Item.

Great-granddaughter Arline Yvonne Nichols ( ? - ? ) was a 1981 graduate of Northeastern High School. She then worked at the local Waffle House. On May 30, 1981, at the Bethel Christian Church, she wed her classmate Albert Eugene Fullerton Jr. ( ? - ? ), son of Albert Eugene Fullerton Sr. At the time of marriage, Albert was employed by the Friends Fellowship Community. They were the parents of Christopher D. Fullerton and Travis Fullerton. The family resided in Bethel, IN in 2009-2012. Their son Christopher (1994-2012) was born with a birth defect but lived a life of 27 years' duration. He liked to fish, play video games, listen to music and watch professional wrestling on television. He died in Indianapolis' Methodist Hospital on Sept. 17, 2012.

Great-granddaughter Sandra "Sandy" Nichols married Darren N. Collier. Circa 2009, they made a home in Fountain City, IN. Their marriage dissolved in divorce in January 2017.

Great-granddaughter Susan Fay "Sue" Nichols (1964-2016) was born on Sept. 6, 1964 in Richmond, IN. Her youth was spent in Fountain City. She was a 1982 gradaute of Northeastern High School. On Oct. 10, 1987, at the age of 23, Susan tied the knot with Paul Cones ( ? - ? ). The pair planted themselves in New Paris, OH and produced two sons -- Brandon Cones and Devin Cones. Said the Richmond Palladium-Item, she "worked in retail for many years, including 15 years at Wal-Mart. She enjoyed photograph and had turned it into a business at one time in her life. She also enjoyed crocheting, reading, doing paranormal investigations, and the company of her many feline friends over the years." Grief blanketed the family when Susan died at home at the age of 51 on Feb. 3, 2016. Her obituary, which included her photo portrait, was printed in the Palladium-Item, with the family asking that any memorial gifts be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Indiana, the James Cancer Hospital, or Reid Hospice. The remains were placed into eternal repose in Spring Lawn Cemetery, New Paris.

Great-grandson Bryan "Beans" Nichols (1960-1979) was born on Sept. 5, 1960. He was a 1978 graduate of Northeastern High School and then worked as night manager at the local Waffle House. He also belonged to the Bethel Christian Church. On the fateful night of Feb. 24, 1979, at the age of 18, he was killed in a one-vehicle accident on Union Pike north of the Richmond city limits. News reports and his obituary were printed in the Richmond Palladium-Item, which said he was driving at a high rate of speed "southbound on Union Pike when his car hit a dip in the roadway and became airborn. As the car came down, Nichols apparently lost control. The car then went sideways off the east side of the road, traveling 86 feet before striking a utility pole. Upon impact, the car split in half and Nichols was thrown free of the wreckage." A photo of the wreckage being pulled from a ditch also appeared in print. Rev. Gerald Bennett officiated the services, and burial in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.

Great-grandson Troy Nichols was in Fountain City, IN in 2009.

Great-granddaughter Cindy Ann "Wojo" Nichols (1977-2009) was born on Sept. 28, 1977 in Richmond. Her early years were spent in Bethel and Fountain City. She was a 1997 graduate of Northeastrn High School. On July 1, 2003, Cindy entered into marriage with high school classmate Craig Owens ( ? - ? ), son of Roy and Christine Owens. Their wedding was held in the Centerville City Building, by the hand of Janice Roberts. The two daughters they bore together were Jacy Cheyanne Owens and Hollie Marie Owens. Craig was an Indiana National Guard veteran, having served in Bosnia on a peacekeeping mission. They established their homeplace in Lynn, IN. Cindy was a member of the Fountain City Wesleyan Church. At one time she served with the Indiana National Guard's Family Readiness Group of Company B of the 2/152 Reconnaissance and Surveillance Squadron based in Winchester, IN. She was employed in the dietary department of Friends Fellowship in Richmond and in 2008 joined the staff of Kabert Industries in Lynn. When time allowed, she liked to bowl with the Pin Downers Wednesday night bowling league and keep scrapbooks. Sadly, at the age of 31, on the day she gave birth to Hollie, she died at Richmond's Reid Hospital on April 13, 2009. She was pictured in her Richmond Palladium-Item obituary. Her funeral was conducted by Pastor Eric Dubach in the family church, followed by burial in Goshen Cemetery. By 2022, Craig had married again to Paula.
Step-granddaughter Mary Grace Zurwell (1927-1988) was born on May 27, 1927. She was an alumna of Jefferson High School and went on to employment with Ohio Telephone Company of New Paris. On Sept. 23, 1950, in nuptials held at the New Paris Presbyterian Church, she wed Charles O. Yount ( ? - ? ), son of Donald E. Yount of Dayton. She was pictured in an engagement announcement in the Richmond (IN) Palladium-Item. Then in an article about the event itself, the Palladium Item said it was "a lovely fall wedding... She chose for her wedding a gown of white slipper satin with fitted bodice. The high neckline yoke and Victorian collar were of Chantilly lace. The bodice was buttoned down the front with tiny white satin-covered buttons." Charles was a graduate of Stivers High School in Dayton and was employed in the city. They became the parents of a pair of daughters -- Denise Yeazell and Joni Miller. Their homeplace in the 1980s was in Dayton. She died at the age of 60 on May 21, 1988, with an obituary appearing in the Dayton Daily News. She sleeps for the ages in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in New Carlisle, IN. Charles outlived his wife.

Great-granddaughter Denise married Tony Yeazell. They were in Dayton, OH in 1988.

Great-granddaughter Joni Miller dwelled in 1988 in Dayton.
Step-granddaughter Pauline Vivian Zurwell (1928-2022) was born on May 20, 1928 in Hollansburg, OH. She was twice-married. At the age of 17, she first tied the marital cord on Dec. 29, 1945 with 20-year-old farmer and military veteran Kenneth Miller (1925- ? ), son of Ward Miller. They exchanged vows in the parsonage of the Methodist Church in New Paris, by the hand of Rev. Noble Schlechty. In announcing the marriage, the Richmond Palladium-Item said she "wore a light blue crepe street length frock and a shoulder corsage of gardenias. Her accessories were black." Four children borne of this marriage were K. Dwight Miller, Connie Hamilton, Shirley Bird and Judy Davis. She resided in Richmond, IN for decades, to the end of her life. Later, on March 18, 1983, she was united in matrimony with John R. Sedgwick ( ? -2012). They stayed together for 29 years until death intervened. John was employed for 18 years by K-Mart Pharmacy and also held positions with Uphaus Insurance Agency, Warfield Oil and American Aggregates, all in Richmond. He served as exulted ruler of the local Elks lodge, and was a member of the Harry Ray post of the American Legion, Hagerstown lodge of the Masons and was known for parading as "Mr. Pink Panther" with the Shriners Klassic Klowns Said the Palladium-Item, she "retired from Belden after 37 years and worked at K-Mart for 14 years. Pauline was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Belden 25-year Club, Belden Live Wires, Ladies International, Kirk Little VGW Post #1108 Ladies Auxiliary where she volunteered for the Buddy Poppies program for Veterans for 5 years, and Harry Ray American Legion #65 Ladies Auxiliary. John passed away at the age of 71 in Reid Memorial Hospital on Jan. 19, 2012, following a long fight with cancer and leukemia. Jointly leading his funeral rites were Pastors David H. Layman and John Hollis. Vivian celebrated her 90th birthday in May 2018. She died in Reid Memorial Hospital at the age of 93 on Feb. 15, 2022. The Palladium-Item pictured her in an obituary and reported that she was survived by six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, as well as 29 step-offspring. Rev. John Hollis conducted the funeral rites, followed by placement in repose in Earlham Cemetery.

Great-grandson K. Dwight Miller wed Barbara. They were the parents of at least one child, Cinnamon Miller-Duncil. The Millers made a home in Centerville, IN in 2012. Their daughter's first marriage was with Johnny Duncil and produced three children, Liam Christian Duncil, Kaylee Duncil and Nickole Duncil. Then after a divorce, Cinnamon married again to Doug Wright. The family was plunged into grief on Sept. 25, 2018, when Cinnamon's son Liam Christian Duncil died at home at the age of 17. An obituary said he was"a member of the Senior Class at Centerville High School. Liam enjoyed video games and cooking. He had great sense of humor and an infectious laugh."

Great-granddaughter Connie Miller married Stewart Hamilton. They relocated to South Carolina. In 2012, they lived in Pickens, SC.

Great-granddaughter Shirley Miller entered into marriage with Brent Bird. Their dwelling-place circa 2012 was in Troy, OH.

Great-granddaughter Judy Miller tied the knot with Gary Davis. They lived in Greens Fork, IN in 2012.
Step-granddaughter Peggy Anabelle Zurwell (1931-2019) was born on April 19, 1931 in Darke County, OH. She was an alumna of Jefferson High School in New Paris. Peggy was joined in wedlock with Allie C. Smith (1929?-1989). They remained together over the thick and think of 39 years until cleaved apart by death. Their trio of children included Rickie A. Smith, Kristi L. Henry and Patricia A. Heilman. For many years, they made their dwelling-place in New Lebanon, OH. Peggy was employed for 22 years as classified advertising manager with Dayton Newspapers Inc., a position from which she retired. She also held memberships in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Ladies Auxiliary, Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Post and American Legion. Sadly, stricken with leukemia, Allie died at the age of 60 on Aug. 21, 1989. The Dayton Daily News printed an obituary, in which the family made the request that any memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society's Montgomery County Unit. Peggy outlived her spouse by more than three decades. Her final residence as a widow was in New Lebanon, OH. There, she passed away in her home at the age of 88 on Oct. 16, 2019. Her obituary was printed in the Daily News.

Great-grandson Rickie A. Smith married Michele. They migrated to Colorado and dwelled in Denver in 1989. Later they moved to Texas and were in San Antonio in 2019.

Great-granddaughter Kristi L. Smith wed Michael Henry. They planted themselves in Avon, OH and have remained for many years.

Great-granddaughter Patricia A. Smith has been twice-wed. Her first spouse was Kenneth Campbell. In 1989, the pair's dwelling-place was in Springboro, OH. In time she entered into marriage with Ronald Heilman. Their residence in 2019 was in Springboro, OH.

~ Daughter Nora (Hickcox) Turner ~

Daughter Nora M. Hickcox (1894- ? ) was born on July 16, 1894 in Ohio.

Nora as a young woman lived in 1917 in Des Moines, IA, and in December that year visited her married sister Edith Coombs in Greenville, OH.

In about 1923, when she was age 27 and he 32, she married Earl R. Turner (Sept. 11, 1890-1976).

They became the parents of one known son, Robert E. Turner.

Zinc plant in DePue, Illinois

For decades, they resided in DePue, Bureau County, IL. The federal census of 1930 shows that Earl was employed as an electrician in the New Jersey Zinc smelter.

When the federal census enumeration again was made in 1950, of DePue, Robert continued to work as an electrician at the zinc factory and bachelor son Robert Jr. in the plant's vertical furnace.

Sadly, at age 76, Nora passed away in Spring Valley, IL on Feb. 28, 1971. The remains were lowered under the sod of Elm Lawn Memorial Park in Princeton, IL.

Earl survived his bride by five-and-a-half years. The spirit of death gathered him away at the age of 86, in Spring Valley, on Nov. 7, 1976.

Son Robert E. Turner (1925-1966) was born in 1925 in Illinois. As a bachelor of 25, in 1950, he dwelled with his parents in DePue and was employed in the vertical furnace section of the local zinc factory. He succumbed to the spectre of death in 1966 and sleeps for the ages with his parents in Elm Lawn Memorial Park.

New Jersey Zinc sold its DePue operations in 1975 to Mobil Chemical Corporation. Today the facility is a 950-acre Superfund site.

~ Daughter Eunice Viola (Hickcox) McKee ~

Daughter Eunice Viola Hickcox (1897-1942) was born on Sept. 19, 1897.

As a young woman, circa 1921, made a home in Dayton, OH, at 6 Dale Apartments.

In about Sept. 1921, Eunice married Earl Ralph McKee (March 22, 1898-1993). News of their marriage license was printed in the Dayton (OH) Herald.

Earl had been wed once before. Both Eunice and Earl were age 22 at the time of their marriage to each other.

The McKees became the parents of these children -- Glenn Earl McKee and Norbert Bruce McKee. They also helped raise a niece, Florence McKee, who was in their home in 1930 at the age of nine.

Eunice and Earl resided in Washington Township, Miami County in 1930; Piqua, Miami County in 1934; and in Dayton, Montgomery County in 1935-1942. In 1930, when the United States census was taken, Earl was employed as a weaver for a blanket company in Miami County. His occupation in 1940 was as a baker for a wholesale bakery.

Earl was a college football fan and in October 1932 traveled with Eunice along with Mrs. Verl Smith and Mrs. Leonard Soliday to Columbus to watch the Ohio State-Michigan game.

In the summer of 1942, suffering from inflammatory illness, with anemia as a contributing factor, Eunice was admitted to the Stonder Hospital in Troy, Miami County. She died there on July 12, 1942, at the age of 43. She was laid to rest in Fletcher (OH) Cemetery in Miami County, OH. Husband Earl was the informant on her death certificate, and only knew the name of Eunice's father, but erroneously gave the name of the mother as "Viola" with maiden name unknown.

Earl outlived his bride by more than half a century. He married again to Helen Eva (Wintringham) Bice ( ? -1996). She had been married previously to Roland Bice and brought stepchildren into the second union, including Robert Bice and Larry B. Bice. The pair produced two more offspring, Joan J. Glazier ( ? -1999) and Von Kay McKee. When the federal census enumeration of 1950 was made, the family had established their dwelling-place in Troy, Miami County. He earned a living in 1950 as an installer and repairer of electrical appliances for a retail furniture store. His final job was as a custodian for Peoples Savings Bank of Troy.

Sadly, Earl succumbed to the spectre of death at the age of 95 on July 2, 1993 as a resident of the Villa Convalescent Center. An obituary was printed in the Troy Daily News. His remains sleep for the ages in Fletcher Cemetery.

Helen lived for another two years. She passed into the arms of the heavenly host at Harborside Health Care Center in Troy on Feb. 10, 1996. Her obituary appeared in the Daily News.

Son Glen Earl McKee (1926- ? ) was born in about 1926 in Piqua, OH. During World War II and later the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was deployed to the South Pacific circa 1944-1945, as a cook on the USS White Marsh, and circa 1954-1955 was on the USS Cony and received his honorable discharge at Norfolk, VA on Sept. 12, 1955. He made a residence in Tipp City, OH in 1946. His first marriage, on Aug. 31, 1946, was with Delores "Jean" Bair ( ? - ? ), daughter of Gideon J. "Gibbs" and Elsie Mae Bair. They traveled to Maysville, KY to tie the knot. Their first home was in Tipp City. The couple's only daughter was Vicky Viola Perry. The federal census enumeration of 1950 shows Glen, Delores Jean and Vicki making a home with Delores' parents in Union, Miami County, OH. At the time, he was employed in a windshield assembly factory. Their marriage ended in divorce. Delores married again to Robert Shuttleworth. On Dec. 26, 1951, at the age of 25, Glen wed his second spouse, 20-year-old waitress Joan Lee Walker ( ? - ? ), daughter of George S. and Ethel (Marshall) Walker of Troy. They produced one daughter, Georgia Hoff. The pair divorced, with her obtaining a restraining order to prevent him from selling of any of their furniture, household goods and equipment, and automobile. Joan went on in about 1968 to marry Marvin E. Alspaugh (1928-1999). Later, Glenn was united in matrimony with his third bride, Juanita English ( ? - ? ), daughter of George K. and Alma Blanche (Carman) English of Miami County. One daughter of the second marriage was Deborah Kay Ratcliff. Circa 1966-1973, the McKees resided in San Diego and by 2010 jointly dwelled in Yuma, AZ and Rathdrum, ID.

Granddaughter Vicki Viola McKee (1947- ? ) was born in about 1947. She was a gradaute of Tipp City High School. At the age of 18, in 1966, she was employed in the factory of A.O. Smith Corporation in Troy. On Feb. 26, 1966, she was united in matrimony with Lloyd Ray Perry (1947- ? ), son of Floyd Perry. The wedding ceremony was conducted by Rev. Thornton Black at the Church of the Brethren at West Charleston, OH. With her father in San Diego, she was given in marriage by her uncle Norbert McKee. The Troy Daily News reported that the bride "wore a street-length dress of lace and satin and carried white carnations and sweetheart roses. Her veil was attached to a tiara of lace and pearls." Lloyd was an alumnus of Graham High School and at the time of marriage worked for Piqua Engineering Corporation. One known daughter of the pair was Robbin Lynn Perry. By 1996, the Perrys divorced. After that, Vicki dwelled in Tipp City, while Lloyd wed a second time to Judy and maintained a residence in Troy.

Great-granddaughter Robbin Lynn Perry was a 1987 graduate of Troy High School. She then attended the University of Cincinnati where she earned several degrees. As of 1996, she was employed as a corporate paralegal with USA Mobile in Cincinnati.
Granddaughter Georgia McKee ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was the mother of Shawn D. McKee, born in about 1976. She was joined in wedded union with Arthur Hoff ( ? - ? ). Circa 1990-1999, they lived in Troy, OH, with an apartment address of 721 Grant Street in 1990. Tragedy shook their world in the summer of 1990 when their teenage son died. .

Great-grandson Shawn D. McKee (1976-1990) was born in 1976 in or around Troy, OH. He was a student at Troy Junior High. Tragically, at the age of 14, after inhaling fabric protector from a can of spray, he tripped on an ash tray on the floor, hit his head on a window frame and died in Stouder Memorial Hospital. Burial was in Miami Memorial Park in Covington. In 1992, his grieving mother filed a $1 million wrongful death claim in U.S. District Court against 3M, the Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Company.
Granddaughter Deborah Kay McKee (1952- ? ) was born in about 1952 and spent her early years in Indian Head, MD but otherwise grew up in Troy. She was a 1971 graduate of Troy High School, a 1972 alumna of Continental School of Beauty and went on to secure a position as a beautician for the McKaig-Dorsey Beauty Salon. In Aug. 1973, at the First United Methodist Church of Troy, she tied the marital cord with her high school classsmate Robert Dale Ratcliff ( ? - ? ), son of Thomas Ratliff of Troy. Officiating was Rev. Theron H. Smith. The Troy Daily News announced the marriage, picturing the pair and saying that Deborah "wore an A-line gown of lace over taffeta with long lace sleeves, empire waistline and floor length train of organza trimmed in lance. An elbow length veil was attached to a camelot cap. She carried a colonial bouquet of yellow carnations, with purple statis and baby's breath." Robert at the time of marriage worked for Brown-Bridge Mills, Inc. Deborah has remained in Troy over the ensuing decades.

Hobart Arena, Troy, where Norbert McKee was superintendent

Son Norbert Bruce "Whitey" McKee (1933-2010) -- also nicknamed "Grumpy" -- was born on March 14, 1933 in Christiansburg, OH. As a high schooler he worked as an assistant cook in a restaurant in Troy, OH. He was a 1952 graduate of Troy High School. During the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army. He was thrice-wed. With his first wife, he became the father of Steven McKee and Gary McKee. On Dec. 13, 1955, in nuptials held in Wayne County, IN, Norbert entered into marriage with his second bride, Helen Louise Partington ( ? - ? ). On their marriage license, he gave his mother's maiden name as "Weatherhead." Helen in 1961 earned a living as a receptionist for Dr. W.J. LaVelle, a local physician. The pair's marriage dissolved in divorce in Miami County in Nov. 1961. Helen married again on Dec. 16, 1961 to her ex-husband's half-brother, Vietnam War veteran Larry Burton Bice and remained in Troy. Later in life she married (?) Cox. Norbert also tied the knot again, on Dec. 11, 1965, with Karen Sue "Susie" Haaga ( ? - ? ), daughter of Louis Frederick and Naomi V. (Waymire) Haaga. Their union endured the ebbs and flows of 44 years together. They also put down roots in Troy and produced two known sons of their own, Robert McKee and Ronald Bruce McKee. Norbert worked for Trojan Hamburgers, then as a deputy sheriff for the Miami County Sheriff's Department, then for Brower Electric, followed by five years with Huntsman Container and finally two decades as superintendent at Hobart Arena in Troy. He retired in 1995. He held memeberships in the Troy Eagles, where he volunteered as secretary for 22 years. He also was a life member of the local posts of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Amvets, the Korean Veterans of Piqua and the Troy Fish and Game Club. Norbert passed away at the age of 76 on Jan. 25, 2010 as a patient in Grandview Hospital in Dayton. Interment was under the sod of Fletcher Cemetery, with Pastor Shawn Hess leading the funeral service. A brief notice of his death was printed in the Dayton Daily News, in which his mother's maiden name was spelled "Hitchcock."

Grandson Steven McKee ( ? - ? ) married Tina Williams ( ? - ? ), daughter of Frank E. and Doris Marie (Rademachir) Williams. They have made a residence in Troy, OH. They produced an only son, Shane L. McKee. Heartache swept over the family at the death of their son at age 35 in 2017.

Great-grandson Shane L. McKee (1982-2017) was born on May 25, 1982 in Troy. He was the father of Odin McKee and Orion McKee. Said an obituary, "Shane enjoyed life to its fullest. He had previously worked at Taco Bell in Troy. His family was plunged into mourning when he passed away at the age of 35, in Dayton's Miami Valley Hospital, on June 9, 2017.
Grandson Gary McKee ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He attended Troy High School. In August 1976, he joined the U.S. Army for a three-year term, and began his training as a combat engineer at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Troy. Circa June 1978, at the age of 19, he is believed to have wed 16-year-old Catherine Elizabeth Lewis ( ? - ? ), also of Troy, and the daughter of James Von and Mildred Lewis. She was a student at Troy High School at the time. One known daughter of the pair was Tabitha Lynn McKee. Their address in 1980 was 1015 Frontier in Troy, but later that year, in June, their union ended in divorce. Catherine again entered into marriage on Sept. 20, 1980 with Mark Roger Friend, son of Roger Friend of Troy.

Great-granddaughter Tabitha Lynn McKee (1980- ? ) was born in 1980.
Grandson Robert McKee ( ? - ? )

Grandson Ronald Bruce McKee ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He was a 1992 graduate of Troy High School. In the early 2000s, he worked for American Honda. On May 24, 2003, at Eagles Recreation Park in Troy, he entered into marriage with Megan Renee Williams ( ? - ? ), daughter of Robert and Deborah Williams of Troy. Officiating their nuptials was the Mayor of Piqua, David Martin. In announcing the happy event, the Troy Daily News pictured the couple and said she wore "a white A-line sleeveless gown featuring pearl trim. She carried a bouquet of yellow roses and daisies." The bride was a 1997 graduate of Troy High and at the time of marriage earned a living as a medical coder with Hyatt Family Care in Tipp City.

Niece Florence McKee (1921- ? ) was born in about 1921 in Ohio.

Two famous Americans who called Greenville their home -- shootist Annie Oakley and broadcaster Lowell Thomas.Courtesy Library of Congress