All Obituaries

Donzel G. Stalnaker “Old Man”, age 75, born December 11, 1946 in Grantsville, WV and passed away May 10, 2022.   Donzel served in the U.S. Army as a missile mechanic in the Vietnam War. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening his “tomato plants”. He had many friends and was loved by all who knew him.   Preceded in death by father, Harland G. Stalnaker; brothers, James and Duane Stalnaker; granddaughter, Alyssa Nicole Carte; and best friends, Terry...

David L. Topper, age 84, passed away April 2, 2022. He was born in Akron, Ohio and was a 1955 of Greensburg High School. He attended the University of Akron and St. John Vianney Seminary. He was a Navy Veteran and owner of a grocery store and restaurant. He also managed several Avis Truck locations. David’s faith in God was deepened with St. Bernard Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister, singing in the choir, being a reader, working with the homeless and as an usher. He also...

Daniel L. Rice, age 63, passed away from a brief illness at Akron General Hospital on April 27, 2022. He was born on June 15, 1958 in Cleveland to the late Ellsworth and Winifred Rice. Dan was a graduate of Buckeye high school, honorably served in the US Navy, and was a dedicated welder. He was a humble man who enjoyed fishing, gardening, his German Shepard, and most of all, his family. Preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Elizabeth Holsapple; father-in-law, Loyal Hinerman; and...

Mildred Mae Grayson, age 83, passed away May 4, 2022. She was born November 22, 1938 in Wesson, Mississippi.   Mildred was an EKG Technician at Barberton Hospital. She also was a beautician and a foster parent.   Preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Grayson Sr.; son, Ernest Grayson Jr.; and daughter, Chrisia Stormer.   She leaves to cherish her memory daughter, Belinda (Michael) McElrath; granddaughters, Sharetta and Breana Buckner; great grandson, Jaxson Bayuo;...

James B Gochenour III passed away on May 3rd 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents Kathy and James. His son James the IV and his nephew Andrew. He is survived by his children Kara (David), Richard (Lyndsey), Alysa (Bill) and Brittany (Nicholas). His siblings Kara and Michael (Vanessa). His grandchildren Kora and Alex. Nieces and nephews Tabytha, Jasmine, Connor, Karlee, Gabriel, Hazzale, Tinley, Xyla, and Wylie. His uncle John. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many...

 David Paul Velka 73 passed away in his sleep February 8, 2022, preceded in death by parents, Paul Velka and Edna M. Slota; sister, Linda M. Waggoner and stepfather, John Slota. Leaving behind,  son, David; sisters, Bonnie Foster, and Sandra Davisson; many nieces, nephews and friends.  David was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam war, where he earned the BSM, GCM, NDSM,VSM, RVN, RVNGCUC W/P. David worked many years at the Whitefront cafe as manager Inurnment will take place at...

Catherine M. Spry, July 28, 1933- April 21, 2022. Mom walked into the loving arms of the Lord on the morning of April 21, 2022. Also waiting there to embrace her were her mom and dad, Jessie & Kennth Pullen; husband, Ward F. Spry; 2 daughters, Mikellyn and Sharon; and grandson, Bobby; alongside several extended family members and friends; a glorious reunion. She leaves to cherish her memory, son, Ward J. “Jerry” Spry; son at heart, Chris Spry; daughter, Patti Laughman and...

Jack M. Wood, age 93, passed peacefully in his home on April 25, 2022.  He was predeceased by his mother, B. Estelle (Hooten) (Wood) Oliver; adopted father, Earl Wood; step-father, Bill Oliver; and step brother, Tom Wood.  Born in Alabama, he came to Barberton as a child and lived a full, productive, and happy life as a true Barbertonian.  Following graduation from BHS in 1946 and his service in the Army as a member of the Japan occupation force following WWII,...

Nancy Lee Zickefoose (Hayes), age 91, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2022. She was born September 30, 1930 in Akron, OH. Nancy loved her family and spending time with them. She enjoyed play- ing cards and Bingo. Preceded in death by husband, Robert; son, Mark; parents, Charles and Lulu; and sisters, Jayne (Ford), Ruth (George), and Dorothy (Bill). Survived by children, Steven (Joyce) Zickefoose and Karen (Steve) Birow; grandchildren, Carrie, Krista (Gary), Nikki (Josh), Adam (Megan),...

Oris “Wayne” Alexander went to heaven April 27, 2022 where he joined his wife, Elizabeth; his son, Mark; and many other relatives and friends. He was born September 28,1932 in Floyd, Virginia to the late Russel and Eula Alexander.  After high school, he married Elizabeth and moved to Ohio where he worked multiple jobs and raised his five children.  After retiring from Firestone, Wayne and Elizabeth enjoyed their retirement years in sunny Florida. To all who knew him,...