Obituaries

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 Adam Lynch, pastor at Crossroads Christian 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

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 from 1962-1965 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.

Memorial contributions may be made to Maria Argentina Cruz Fund for Research in T-Cell Cancer at https://giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/details/315762

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.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11 a.m. 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