Obituaries

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

Donald Anthony “Tony” Del Ponte, 82, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Sunday, May 10, 2026, at his home.

Tony was born on September 21, 1943, in Columbus, Ohio to Tranquillo and Regina Rose Ging Del Ponte.  He was a 1962 graduate of Washington High School and was a lifelong resident of this community.

Before his retirement, he had worked in the maintenance department at Ohio Bell Telephone Company and later at Calmar.

Tony was a member of the St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.  He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and in the Air National Guard of Ohio from 1976-1977.  He was a member of Paul H. Hughey Post #25 of the American Legion; the Dragin Angels Car Club and the Fayette Amateur Radio Association.   He was an avid runner and participated in 53 full marathons throughout the United States.  He also ran in numerous half marathons.  He enjoyed woodworking and motorcycle riding.

He was preceded in death by his father on May 8, 1973; his mother on December 4, 2007, and a brother-in-law, Bruce W. Ream on January 27, 2026.

Tony, who was never married, is survived by a brother, Jerry Del Ponte and his wife, Cherie; two sisters, Vicki Ream and Ann Winkle and her husband, Chuck, all of Court House; six nieces and nephews., Julie Ream, Trina (Chris) Owings, Jason (Jessie) Del Ponte, Amanda (Tyler) Williams; Buffy and Guy Gardner and Kellie (Mike) Wahl and grand nieces and nephews. Merg and Ninjin Del Ponte, Emma, Hannah and Thomas Williams, Rowan, Kayden and Parker Gardner and Garrett Wahl.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the St. Colman of Cloyne Catholic Church by the Rev. Father Cyrus M. Haddad, pastor at the church.  Burial will follow in the St. Colman Catholic Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral mass.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Florence Kay “Bunt” Gray, 76, of Frankfort, OH passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:25 a.m. at Copper Knoll Health and Rehabilitation Center in Washington Court House where she had been residing since February 2025.

Bunt was born March 6, 1950, in Mansfield, Ohio to Samuel Thomas and Florence Kenish Burrows.  She was a graduate of Lexington (OH) High School.  She lived in the Mansfield area until 1984, at which time she moved to New Holland.  She moved to Frankfort, from New Holland, in 2002.

She had formerly worked at King’s Hallmark in Washington Court House.

Bunt had been a volunteer with the Fayette Regional Humane Society and assisted with raising baby bottle kittens.  However, the daily care and chauffeuring of her grandchildren, Emily, Savannah and Claire, was one of her greatest joys in life.

On May 24, 1984, she married Frank H. Gray.  He preceded her in death on March 9, 1997.  She was also preceded by her parents and three brothers, Ramsey B., David T. and John R. Burrows.

Bunt is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Heather L. and Roy A. Robinson of Frankfort; seven stepchildren, Michael Gray, Stephen Gray, Laurie Pahdopony, Liesl (Ara) Emrikian, Anissa Gray, James Komives and Dena Jacques; six grandchildren, Emily (Adam) Wynkoop-Jones, Savannah Robinson, Claire Robinson, Michaela Au, Madelynn Emrikian and Owen Patrick; a brother, Douglas W. Burrows; special family, Tina Schaffer; Christine Burrows, Kay Young and special friends, Cheryl Schuer, Tom Rea and Monica Draves.

Bunt’s family would like to thank the staff of Cooper Knoll for all of the love and care given to Bunt and Heartland Hospice for their care and support.

To honor her wishes, cremation will be observed.  Burial of the cremains will be held at a later date in the New Holland Cemetery under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in New Holland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fayette Regional Humane Society, 4 Commercial Avenue, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Beverly Ann Langley, age 87, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away peacefully on May 6^, 2026, at 1:10 a.m. with family by her side.

Beverly was born on January 13, 1939, in Washington Court House, to the late Alvin Werter and Anna Elizabeth (Shaffer) Campbell.

Following her graduation from Washington Senior High in 1957, Beverly worked as a telephone switchboard operator at Ohio Bell in Columbus for 10 years, prior to the birth of her children.

On May 24, 1959, she married her high school sweetheart, John (Buster) Langley Jr., and they were blessed to enjoy a 66-year marriage, until John’s passing in 2025.

Over the years, Beverly enjoyed several hobbies and passions that she explored. While her sons were young, she loved to sit and play her living room organ. At one point she became interested in cake decorating and created several beautifully decorated cakes for birthdays, holidays, and more. She dove into the world of arts and crafts, making everything from grapevine wreaths and nut trees to holiday ornaments and elaborate cross-stitch pieces. She enjoyed working part time at Rock-A-Bye Daycare in Washington Court House. She loved the arts and she frequently recollected one of her favorite moments as a child, visiting New York City with her mother, to see the original cast of My Fair Lady on Broadway, when the show first opened. She also loved flowers, butterflies, anything pink, and most importantly, spending quality time with her family and her dogs.

Beverly is survived by her two children, John Alvin Langley and his partner, Lane, of Cincinnati and Jody Andrew Langley and his wife, Melanie, of Washington Court House; her four grandchildren, August, Anthony, Anna and Isaiah Langley; her beloved dog, Shelby and numerous nieces and nephews.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin & Anna Campbell and her husband, John.

In accordance with Beverly’s wishes, there will not be a funeral, only an intimate, graveside service with her immediate family in attendance at Good Hope Cemetery. Pastor Matt Kysor, from Centerpoint Church in Chillicothe, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Beverly’s love for dogs, memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Fayette County Dog Shelter, 1550 Robinson Road-SE, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 or to Heartland Hospice, 220 East Market Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Ronald Wayne Caldwell, 78, of Leesburg, Ohio died Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Mease Dunedin Hospital in Dunedin, FL where he had been a patient for several weeks.

Ron was born February 16, 1948, in Hillsboro, Ohio to Robert Wayne and Grace Marie Eakins Caldwell. He was a 1966 graduate of Washington High School and, with the exception of spending winters in Sun City Center, Florida, lived most of his life in the Leesburg community.

He was a retired farmer. Ron worked the family farm, where he not only raised crops and livestock, but also raised a great family along side of him. Whether it was bailing hay, harvesting or milking cows, Ron took immense pride in everything he did.

More than anything in this world, he loved his family. He was a devoted husband who deeply loved his wife, Shirley, a proud and caring father to all four of his children, and a loving grandfather, whose grandchildren meant the world to him and brought him endless joy. Ron valued his friendships deeply and was blessed with many lifelong friends who meant so much to him. His kindness, laughter, and steady presence will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Ron was a member of Leesburg Lodge #58, F & AM and attended the Leesburg Friends Church. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He enjoyed trap shooting, lawn bowling, golfing, riding motorcycles, antique cars, boating and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, the former Shirley Ann Shoemaker whom he married June 10, 1967; four children, Andy Caldwell and his wife, Lindsey, of Leesburg, Amy Lamb and her husband, Sean, of New Vienna, Ann Hinkle and her husband, Jason, of Hillsboro and Angy Caldwell of Leesburg; nine grandchildren, Maddie Caldwell, Miley Caldwell, Keith (Bri) Lamb, Kadyn (Kaylee) Lamb, Kiley (Brandon) Troyer, Haley Hinkle, Seth Hinkle, Ginny Trent and Jimmy Trent; six great grandchildren, Kolton, Luke, Khloe and Koe Lamb, Benson and Beckett Troyer and Blakey Grace to arrive in June; a brother and sister-in-law, Randall and Cindy Caldwell of New Martinsburg; three sisters-in-law, Mary Belle Cockerill of New Martinsburg, Bonnie Taylor and Jamie Teeters and her husband, Jim, all of Washington Court House and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by both his parents and parents-in-law, James and Virginia (Shoup) Shoemaker.

The funeral will be Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Leesburg Friends Church, 149 South Street, Leesburg, Ohio with John Fitzgerald, pastor at the church, officiating. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 4-7 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leesburg Friends Church, 149 South Street, Leesburg, Ohio 45135.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Carolyn Sue Perone, 90, of Springfield, Ohio, formerly of Washington Court House, Ohio died Monday, April 27, 2026, at 10:14 a.m. at the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield, Ohio.

Carolyn was born September 25, 1935, in Madison County, Ohio, Ernest Frederick and Marian Cryder Moody Vallery.  She was a graduate of South Solon High School and Wilmington College where she was homecoming queen.  She lived most of her life in Madison and Fayette Counties before moving to the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield.

After college, she taught physical education at Circleville High School and later was a longtime employee of the former Boylan & Cannon Hobby Shop in Washington Court House.

Carolyn was a member of Emery Chapel United Methodist Church in Springfield.

On July 16,1961, she married Floyd H. “Tony” Perone.  He preceded her in death on October 12, 2023.  She was also preceded by a sister, Martha Emrich; a brother, Edwin Vallery; a sister-in-law, Claudia Vallery and three brothers-in-law, Joseph Emrich, Donald Hux and Don Seaburn.

Carolyn is survived by her siblings, Carl (Sharon) Vallery of South Solon, John Vallery of Troy, Ohio, Marion (Debbie) Vallery of London, Ohio, Norma Hux and Linda Seaburn of London, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Rita Vallery of South Solon; a special friend, Irma Mason of Florida and many nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.

The funeral will be held Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with the Rev. Ben Webster, pastor at the Emery Chapel United Methodist Church, officiating.  Cremation will follow the service with burial of the cremains will be at a later date in Washington Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Madison Plains Scholarship Foundation, 800 Linson Road, London, Ohio 43140.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Gregory M. McCune, 69, of Washington C.H., passed away Sunday, April 26, 2026, at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, where he had been a patient for two weeks.

Greg was born May 12, 1956, in Springfield, Ohio, to Leland “Mac” McCune and Winnifred Smith. He spent much of his early childhood in Fort Pierce, Florida, before moving to Washington Court House.

Greg was a 1974 graduate of Washington Senior High School, where he proudly played center for the 1973 State Champion Blue Lion football team. His love of football continued throughout his life, and many knew him as “Coach McCune” through his years of coaching for the Interns in Pony League, Blue Lion Middle School, and Miami Trace Junior High.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Greg became a well-known machinist at Roney’s Auto Parts. He later established his own business, B&M Machine Shop, with Keith Blade. As the automotive industry evolved and the need for engine machine work declined, Greg transitioned into new opportunities. He went on to work at Bose, where he combined his love of music with his work, selling Bose systems and related equipment. After the closing of Bose storefronts, Greg worked for Fayette County as a Zoning Official, serving Concord, Jasper, Madison, Marion, Green, Paint, Perry, and Wayne Townships, as well as the Village of Octa.

Throughout his life, Greg enjoyed boating and water skiing on Lake Cumberland and Paint Creek Lake, along with many camping and houseboat trips with good friends. In more recent years, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending Tuesday evenings at “Grandpa Beer Night” at the Rusty Keg with special friends and his brother. He was also an avid Ohio University Bobcats football fan, a passion inspired by his younger daughter’s time as a student and graduate of Ohio University. Greg had a love for NASCAR and was a longtime fan of the No. 40 Coors Light Dodge driven by Sterling Marlin. He also had a lifelong passion for Mopar performance, a love he proudly shared with his grandchildren, Cassie and Easton.

Greg is survived by his wife, Connie Palmer McCune; his daughters, Jenny (Doug) Coe of Frazeysburg, Ohio, and Megan McCune of Washington Court House; and his grandchildren, Cassie (Geoff) Bentley of New Vienna, Ohio, Hunter Showalter of Washington Court House, Caylin Showalter of Washington Court House, twins Oaklee and Easton Coe of Frazeysburg, Ohio, Taylor (Wesley) Fleak of New Holland, Ohio, Shelby (Dealin) Pinkerton of Washington Court House, Ella (Anne) Iampieri of Wimauma, Florida, and Hayden Coe of Greenfield, Ohio; as well as many great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Cheri (Marty) Martin of South Salem, Ohio, Bethany Ann Stroud of Arizona, Debbie McCune of South Carolina, Doug (Jenni Wilkins) McCune of Washington Court House; his brother-in-law, Dennis (Gina) Clay of New Martinsburg; his sister-in-law, Carole Palmer of London, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Greg also leaves behind his very spoiled Blue Heeler, Lillibelle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leland “Mac” McCune and Winnifred “Winnie” Smith; his brothers, Donald and Ronald McCune; his sister, Karol Thompson; his special aunt and uncle, Amie and Ernie Rauenhorst; and his beloved “girls,” sister Blue Heelers Lucy and Fergie.

Greg will be cremated. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Fayette County Fairgrounds, Mahan Building. Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a service at noon, officiated by Kevin Stuckey. All are welcome to stay for fellowship and refreshments as we gather to honor and remember Greg and share memories together

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Shirley Louise Drake, 90, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 12 p.m. surrounded by her daughters at Harmony of Anderson in Cincinnati where she had resided for the past 11 months.

Shirley was born on December 3,1935, at Clarksburg in Ross County, Ohio to Hugh Stemler and Pauline Rhodes Vincent.  She was a 1953 graduate of Washington High School and a 1956 graduate of the Mount Carmel School of Nursing.  She lived most of her life in New Holland, Washington Court House and Fort Myers, FL.

She was a retired registered nurse.

Shirley had been a member of the Washington Country Club and Herons Glen Golf and Country Club in Fort Myers, FL where she won several women’s club championships.

In 1956, she married Dean Drake who preceded her in death in 2002, and by her son, Charles, in 2001. She was also preceded by her parents; three brothers, Hugh (Sonny) Vincent, Jr., Rodney Vincent and Donald Vincent; a sister-in-law, Connie Vincent; a brother-in-law, Joe Drake and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Dustin and Marilyn Drake Stinson.

She is survived by three daughters, Denise Eldridge and her husband, Paul, of Cincinnati, Betsy Schach and her husband, Mark, of Birmingham, AL and Lynn Anderson of Brentwood, TN.  She is also survived by six grandchildren, Bryan (Julie) Schach, Patrick (Beth) Schach, Taylor (Jessica) Schach, Erin Anderson, Adam (Lindsey) Anderson and Caroline (Brendon) Cunningham; 11 great grandchildren with another expected soon; her sister-in-law, Marilyn Fulton Drake and several nieces and nephews.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation was observed.

A private graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family in the New Holland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Holland Methodist Church, c/o Mrs. Nikki Sheets, 154 East Front Street, New Holland, Ohio 43145.

Arrangements were completed by the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Lois Jean Huff, 97, of Milledgeville, Ohio, died Friday, April 24, 2026, at 12:09 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Manor of Washington Court House where she had been residing since January 30.

Lois was born on December 31, 1928, in Greenfield, Ohio to Joseph and Helen Lucille Hidy Huff.  She was a 1947 graduate of Jeffersonville High School and lived most of her life in this community.

She had formerly worked at Frigidaire and National Cash Register in Dayton and later retired from Delphi-General Motors Automotive in Dayton.

Lois was a member of the Center Faith Methodist Church.  She enjoyed bowling and had formerly bowled in several leagues, including the NCR league.  She was an excellent cook and was well known for her desserts, especially her make from scratch cakes.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Betty Lou Barbian, Mauna Lee Davis and Gloria Mae Neiswenter.

Lois is survived by a son, Richard Alan Huff of Milledgeville; a brother and sister-in-law, Joseph “Chuck” and Phyllis Huff, Jr. of Ripley, Ohio; a sister, Margaret Jane Crabtree of Hillsboro and several nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews and a great great niece.

The funeral will be Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Center Faith Methodist Church, 7850 Allen Road-NW, Washington Court House, Ohio with the Rev. Linda Johnson, pastor at church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Milledgeville-Plymouth Cemetery.

Friends may call at the church on Wednesday from 12 Noon until time of the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Center Faith Methodist Church, P.O. Box 184, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.

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

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com

Donna Jean Johnson, 95, of Washington Court House, Ohio died Friday, April 17, 2026, at 1:50 a.m. at Court House Manor where she had been residing since March 20.

Donna Jean was born July 25, 1930, in Fayette County, Ohio at Madison Mills to Arthur and Jean Sheets McAfee.  She was a 1948 graduate of Wayne High School in Good Hope and was a lifelong resident of this community.

She had formerly been officer manager at the dentistry office of Bruce and Doug Martin, DDS.

Donna Jean had been a member of the Good Hope Methodist Church since 1941.  She was always involved with her children’s school activities and supported the Wayne School Alumni Association.

On March 28, 1948, she married Loren Conner “Sonny” Johnson.  He preceded her in death on March 22, 2000.  She was also preceded by a daughter, Jeanie Johnson and a son, Carl David Johnson on May 24, 1969, and a sister, Judy Blair in 2016.

She is survived by a daughter, Lynda G. Johnson of Washington Court House; two granddaughters, Tara Luikart of Washington Court House and Sabrina Herman of Dayton; a great grandson, Cole Holland of Dayton; a sister, Carol Schmeltzer of Texas and her Godson, Nathan Martin of Arizona.

The funeral will be held Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 1 p.m. at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with the Rev. Jon R. Silveous, pastor at the Good Hope Methodist Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Sugar Grove Cemetery in Fayette County.

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

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.kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com