Obituaries

Esther Elinor (Rapp) Braun lived a wonderful life filled with blessing and peacefully passed away June 30, 2026, just shy of her 100^th birthday.

Born on August 9, 1926, she grew up in Bloomingburg, Ohio, the daughter of the late Omar and Rena (Siemon) Rapp.

Preceding her in death was her husband, James Henry Braun and her siblings, Wilbur Rapp, Marjorie Rapp Braun and Roger Rapp.

Survivors include her four sons, Gary, Wade (Cheryl), Karl (Peggy) and John Braun; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Esther and Jim met at their sibling’s Marjorie and Williams Braun’s wedding and married a year later in 1950.  Over their 61 years together, they raised four sons and ran the family farm in Good Hope.  They also enjoyed winters in Florida and traveling throughout America and parts of Europe.

Esther was a long-standing member of the Good Hope United Methodist Church where she found great comfort and companionship throughout her life.  She was a dedicated volunteer cooking many wonderful meals for the Good Hope Lions Club where Jim was a member for many years.  Esther gave of her time and talents to the Fayette County Board of Elections as an election day poll supervisor.  She was also a member of the local garden club where she enjoyed friendship and her love of flowers.

She will be remembered by her family for her warmth, kindness and generosity.  One particular memory shared by many was her tasty hickory nut cakes which were always requested and enjoyed at gatherings of family and friends.  Esther was loved and will be remembered fondly.

A private graveside service will be held in Good Hope Cemetery under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

A celebration of life, which is open to the public, will be held Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.., on her 100th birthday, at the Good Hope Methodist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Hope Methodist Church, c/o Jerry M. Wilson, 2016 Flakes Ford Road-SE, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatarickfuneralhome.com

Kimberly L. Williams, 60, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Monday, June 29, 2026, at 2:29 p.m. at The Ohio State University Hospital East in Columbus where she had been a patient since June 21.

Kim was born October 11, 1965, in Columbus, Ohio to Kenneth and Katherine Huffman Robinson.  She lived her younger life in Columbus before moving to New Holland at the age of ten.  She was a 1984 graduate of Westfall High School and moved to Washington Court House in 1990.

She formerly was a secretary at HER Realtors in Circleville and later worked at Pettit’s Market in Bloomingburg.

She is survived by her husband, David Eugene Williams whom she married June 30, 1990; two children, Logan (Katie) Williams and Sara (Joey Greene) Williams; two grandchildren, Brady and Millie Mae Greene and a sister, Kellie Robinson of New Holland.

The funeral will be Friday, July 3, 2026, at 12 Noon at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Danny Dodds officiating. Burial will follow in the Brown’s Chapel Cemetery near Clarksburg.

Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Helen Leone Kruger Moore, 82, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away Friday, June 26, 2026, at 1:05 p.m. at Adena Fayette Medical Center where she had been a patient two days.

Helen was born on October 23, 1943, in Fayette County, Ohio to Harley Edward and Mabel Ellison Kruger.  She was a 1961 graduate of Jeffersonville High School, attended Southern State Community College and was a lifelong resident of Fayette County.

She was previously employed by The National Cash Register Company and Mac Tools before her retirement from Showa Aluminum Corporation in 2004.

Helen loved her family, traveling and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Thomas Moore whom she married on November 18, 1964, in Fayette County, Ohio.  They celebrated over 50 years of marriage before his death on March 23, 2015.  She was also preceded in death by her beloved son, John Thomas Moore on November 22, 2025; her wonderful parents; a sister, Barbara Jane Geesling on March 16, 2011; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, David and Carolyn Moore, Robert (Bob) and Lenna Moore and Fred and Martha Ann Zindle; two nephews, Edward Roy Geesling and Steven Zindle and a niece, Carolyn Zindle.

Helen is survived by a brother-in-law, John “Joe” Geesling of Washington Court House; nieces and nephews, Sue and Bob Keat, Bob and Linda Zindle, Debbie Zindle-Santana and James Zindle as well as cousins; friends; special neighbors, Andy and Amber Reboulet and their family; her driver, Tim Henderson and her cat, Smokey.

The funeral will be Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Danny Dodds officiating.  Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 12 Noon until the time of the service.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Maye Herron Lindsey, 75, of Washington Court House died Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 10:47 p.m. shortly after arrival at Adena Fayette Medical Center.  She had been in failing health.

Maye was born on November 10, 1950, in Magoffin County, Kentucky, to Hobert and Hester Lykins Howard.  She lived her early life in Waverly, Ohio then lived in Columbus before moving to Washington Court House where she was a graduate of Washington High School.

Before her retirement in 2012, she worked at Johnson Controls in Greenfield, Ohio.  She also had been a real estate agent.

Maye enjoyed flowers, plants, being outdoors, especially sitting on her porch talking to her neighbors.  She also collected spoons and mugs that her children and grandchildren would bring to her from trips.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and six sisters and three brothers.

Maye is survived by four children, Tamika (Mark) Mallow of Washington Court House, OH, Patrick Charles “Jason” (Brooke) Herron of Hilliard, OH, Ronnie (Nicole) Herron of Long Island, NY and Kellie Jo Herron of Washington Court House; eleven grandchildren, Katelin (Matt) Tremaine, Tayla (Angel Cano) Mallow, Alexus (Osey Hayes) Herron, Gerritt Mallow, Trevon Herron, Hayden Herron, Austin Herron, Caydence Herron, Kiya Hargo, Cooper Herron and Lauren Herron; a great grandson, Osey Hayes, Jr.; a sister, Rita Barlow and a brother, Junior Howard, both of Columbus, OH as well as several nieces, nephews and cousin.

To honor her wishes, cremation has taken place.

A memorial visitation will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 4-6 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Robert Paul Simon, 92, of Washington Court House, Ohio died peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Court House Manor Nursing Home where he had been residing since December 2022.

Bob was born May 25, 1934, in Pittsburgh, PA to Robert and Mary Lesinski Simon.

He worked in the bakery business his entire life, starting at Drake’s Bakery in Pittsburgh.  He later moved to Washington Court House to work at Pennington Bakery and retired from Kroger Bakery in Columbus in the late 1990’s

Bob was preceded in in death by his wife, the former Francoise (Fran) Palito, on June 26, 2016.

He is survived by two daughters, Kristine (David) Cartwright of Granville and Tricia Simon of Washington Court House; grandsons, Zachary and Alexander Cartwrtight of Granville, Ohio; a sister, Judi (Clem) Schneider of McMurray, PA and a brother, Jim (Wendy) Simon of California.

Following his wishes, cremation was observed and no services are planned at this time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio’s Hospice, 7575 Pargon Road, Dayton, Ohio 45459.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Angela Suzanne DuVernay, 50, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 2:49 a.m. at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton.

Angela was born May 5, 1976, in Fayette County, Ohio to Edward Thomas and Phyllis Louise Woods Rea.  She was a 1994 graduate of Miami Trace High School.  She received her undergraduate degree from Morehead State University and later received a master’s degree in special education.

She formerly had been a special education teacher with the Miami Trace Local School District and currently was an intervention specialist with the Washington City Schools at Cherry Hill Elementary School.

Angela had formerly attended Grace Community Church and currently was attending Crossroads Christian Church.  During her younger years she was active in 4-H.  She had a lifelong interest and love for photography.

She was preceded in death by her father in 1988, and her mother in 2013.

Angela is survived by her husband, Michael Gilbert DuVernay whom she married August 3, 2008; two sons, Thomas and Braxton DuVernay; a sister and brother-in-law, Michele and Mark Snider of Good Hope; niece and nephew, Shelby and Brayden Snider; a sister-in-law, Joy (Bret Voleres) Watkins of Columbus; aunts and uncles, Trisha and Steve Shepherd of West Alexandria and Nanci and Bill Sexten of Washington Court House; her co-teachers and professional friends as well as a host of other friends.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with Jay Lucas, pastor at Grace Community Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.

Angela’s family respectfully requests no flowers.  Memorial contributions may be made toward funeral expenses and her children’s future, c/o Kirkpatrick Funeral Home, 554 Washington Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www. kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

James Ford Wilson, 45, of Chillicothe, Ohio died Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. at his residence.

James was born April 5, 1981, in Hillsboro, Ohio to Mark David and Charlotte Muncie Wilson.  He made his home with his aunt and uncle, Mary Kay and Brian Sollars and their daughter, Kimberly, until he reached the age of 18 at which time went out on his own and then lived in various places.

He is survived by aunts and uncles, Mary Kay and Brian Sollars, Steve and Lisa Sollars, Jeff and Bridget Sollars and Mike and Sherry Sollars, all of Washington Court House; nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Cremation will be observed and a graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Milledgeville-Plymouth Cemetery with family members offering comments and prayers.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Thomas James Wagner, 64, of Columbus, Ohio died Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 6:31 p.m. at Mount Carmel East Hospital where he had been a patient the past week.

Tommy was born January 20, 1962, in Columbus, Ohio to James Joseph and Martha Jane Thompson Wagner.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Caryl Wagner Bookman.

He is survived by a sister, Patricia Wagner Parsons and her husband, Roger, of Washington Court House; a brother-in-law, Roger Bookman of Naples, FL; a nephew, James Parsons of Columbus; a niece, Anne Parsons of Washington Court House and a great grandniece, Sophia Parsons of Washington Court House.

A private family graveside service will be held in the Mount Joy Christian Church Cemetery in Scioto County, Ohio.

A visitation, which is open to the public, will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Brayden Matheu Pearson, age 14, of Washington Court House, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.

He was born on September 26, 2011, in London, Ohio to Amanda Havens. He was in the 8th grade at Washington Middle School.

Brayden was a very outgoing and happy boy even while battling a rare lung disease. Brayden loved going camping with his family. He had a passion for video games, watching his favorite movies and YouTube channels. He also adored his cat Sirius, who was his best buddy.

Brayden will be truly missed, he was proceeded in death by his papaw, Douglas (Dougie) Havens and great grandparents, Donald and Ruth Ann Duncan and Douglas and Beverly Havens.

He is survived by his mother, Amanda Havens; stepfather, Ryan Brown; sibling, Bryleigh Pearson; step-siblings, Tyler Brown, Leeah Brown, Mallory Brown and Emmalee Brown; grandparents, Nicole (Kirby) Duncan, Angie (Mark) Brown, Gerald Brown and William Dannaker; aunts and uncles, Adam (April) Havens, Courtney (Dustin) Havens, Bethany (Jason) Havens and Hunter (Cadee) Smith, along with many cousins.  He is also survived by his father, Zachary (Tyara) Pearson and sister, Valkyrie, along with many more people who loved and cared for Brayden.

Brayden’s celebration of life service will be held at Kirkpatrick Funeral Home on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. with Joy Stanforth, associate pastor at Heritage Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Waterloo Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 11 a.m. until time of the service.

kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Charles Ray Tackett, 78, of Bookwalter, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home in South Salem on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 3:24 p.m., with his wonderful companion and dear friend, LuAnn Merritt, by his side throughout his courageous battle with cancer.

Charles was born on March 7, 1948, in Virgie, Pike County Kentucky, to Elijah and Vertie Burke Tackett. He moved to Bloomingburg in 1961 and later lived in Bookwalter before making his home in South Salem nine years ago.

Before retiring, Charles worked as a home builder for both Ryan Homes and Palm Harbor Homes. He proudly served his country as a medic in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

He was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life, Donna McGraw Tackett, in 2011; a grandson, Chuck Tackett; three brothers, Elijah Tackett Jr., John Tackett, and Harold “Bunk” Little; and two sisters, Jean Cunningham and Faye Bennett.

Charles will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his children, Tracy (Todd) Callender, Chuck (Jenny) Tackett, and Jackie (Heather) Tackett-DelaRosa. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, three brothers, Kenneth Johnson of Kentucky, Dan (Mary) Tackett of Bloomingburg, and Dale Tackett of Bookwalter; along with several special buddies, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends who will miss him greatly.

Charles enjoyed the simple things in life and had a deep love for the outdoors. He found happiness in hunting, searching for Indian artifacts, whittling wood, and quietly watching and appreciating nature. He was happiest surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors and the people he loved most.

In honoring his wishes, cremation will be observed. A celebration of life will be held by the family at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com