Charles Edward “Charlie” Deskins, age 78, of Shelby, died Saturday night, January 11, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born March 29, 1946 in Floyd County, KY, he was the son of the late Wayne and Monalee (Sparkman) Deskins. He attended Plymouth High School before enlisting in the United States Army and later served his country in the United States Navy. Following many years of service, Charlie retired from Detroit Steel Mill and had also worked for Sensimier as an OTR truck driver.
As a person, Charlie was warm-hearted and always willing to help others. Constantly smiling, his quick wit could make anyone laugh. For hobbies, Charlie loved watching the Cleveland Browns and The Ohio State University Buckeyes football and enjoyed fishing and working on cars. Charlie always enjoyed grilling outdoors for family and friends and was the biggest fan of the Shiloh Ox Roast. He was a member of the American Legion, Moose, and VFW.
Charlie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia J. “Patty” (Hill) Deskins; children: Tim Hill of Shelby and Sherry Browning (fiancé, Rich Koller) of Euclid; grandchildren: Chanelle (Brendon) Wichterman, Sophia Browing (Gabe Lemon), Coleman (Nikki) Browning, Logan Browning (Alexis Biddle), Alex Hill (Courtney Copeland), Brady Hill, and Raven Hill; great grandchildren: Avah Howell, Adalynn Morrow, Nora Browning, Hazel Browning, and Paisley Browning; brothers: James Deskins, Paul Deskins, and Kenny Deskins; former daughter-in-law and family friend: Loretta Hayes-Hill (Dr. Eric Snyder); his beloved pet: Wally; and numerous other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by his son: Charles E. “Chucky” Deskins, Jr.; daughter: Stephanie Deskins; grandsons: Charles E. “Chip” Deskins, III and Seth Patton; son-in-law: Tony Browning; and his beloved pets: Lindsey and Buster.
Calling hours and funeral services will not be observed. Care for Charlie and his family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Elsie Marie Branch, age 93, of Shelby, died Thursday, January 9, 2025 after a period of declining health.
Elsie was born December 18, 1931 in Rochester, New Hampshire, to the late Charles and Catherine (Hickey) Dame. A 1950 graduate of Spaulding High School, Elsie attended Sacred Heart Hospital Nursing School in Manchester, New Hampshire. After graduation she began her career as a registered nurse at Rochester Hospital before enlisting in the Navy. It was during her time in the Navy that she met “the love of her life”, Donald Branch, when they both were assigned to the neurosurgical unit at the naval hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia. Although they had to keep their love secret for a year due to Elsie being an officer and Don being a naval corpsman, they were engaged on February 7 and married six months later on August 3, 1957. Together Elsie and Don raised four children: David, Kathy, Katie, and Mary.
Upon their return to Ohio, Elsie worked at the hospital in Springfield and then as a neonatal nurse in Columbus at The Ohio State University Hospital. The couple finally settled their family in Shelby in the early 1970s. When all of the children were school age, Elsie took a job with Shelby City Schools working as the lunch cashier and helping in the kitchen at the middle school. Soon she was hired as the school nurse at Auburn Elementary School where she worked until her retirement in 1992. After retirement Elsie became involved with Shelby Home and Public Health and also served as a volunteer in many ways throughout the community.
As a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, Elsie was involved in the Altar and Rosary Society and participated in many church events. She lived an active life and, together with her late husband, Don, she enjoyed taking casino bus trips and traveling, especially to New England, the Smoky Mountains, and Alaska. Elsie valued her faith, family, and friends and took great pride in her grandsons, Luke and Sam Wareham. She was always up for an adventure with her many friends and looked forward to any opportunity to make memories with them. Elsie never lost her New England accent or her Yankee stubbornness, and she rarely met a stranger. She lived a life of service and was willing to help others in any way that she could.
Surviving are Elsie’s four children: David Branch, Kathy (David) Wareham, Katie Branch, and Mary (Charlie) Myrick; two grandsons: Luke Wareham (Amanda Check) and Sam (Melissa) Wareham; brother-in-law: Barry Albert; and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Don, Elsie was preceded in death by her brother: Harold Dame; and sister, Andrea (Dame) Albert.
Family and friends are welcome on Monday, January 13, 2025 from 9:30-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where the rosary will be recited at 10:45 am. Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow the visitation at 11:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.
Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Karolus J. “Karel” van Ooyen, age 93, of Shelby, passed away peacefully at The Meadows in Galion, Ohio on Thursday, January 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife, Paula, and three children Ken, Scott, and Brian.
Karel was born on August 24, 1931 in Hilversum, Netherlands, to Elbertus and Maria (Kormelinck) van Ooyen. He graduated from the Hilversum Trade School (Hilversum, Netherlands) in 1947 and served his required military duty with the Dutch Army for two years. After his service, he completed his Tool and Diemaker apprenticeship in1951 with Philips Telecommunication Industries. In 1954, amongst family and friends, Karel married his loving wife of 70 years, Paula.
In 1955, the couple immigrated to Canada where they lived in Calgary for a year. They also lived in, Orillia, Canada and resided there for a year prior to immigrating to The United States of America to Bedford, Ohio where he worked for Ford Motor Company. In 1957, Karel and Paula moved to Shelby, Ohio and became US citizens in 1964. Karel began his Tooling and Diemaker career in 1957, working for Fisher Body Division of General Motors Corporation until he retired in 1993 after 36 years. Karel and Paula spent many years traveling to Ft. Myers, Florida during the winter months to escape the Ohio winters. While in Florida, he spent his free time lending his handyman skills to anyone in need. He also loved to boat and fish.
Karel is survived by his wife and children: Paula (Ruiter) van Ooyen of Shelby; sons: Ken (Julie) van Ooyen of Galion, Scott (Greg) van Ooyen of Columbus, Brian (Rhonda) van Ooyen of Hilton Head Island, SC. He was richly blessed with 6 grandchildren: Ben (Megan) van Ooyen, Chris (Jenna) van Ooyen, Jessica van Ooyen, Alexis van Ooyen, Adam van Ooyen; and 6 great-grandchildren: Olivia, Cleveland, Amelia, Elliott, and Banks; and numerous other relatives and friends. Karel was preceded in death by his parents; infant son: Richard John van Ooyen; infant grandchild: Sam; infant great granddaughter: Lena; and sister and brother-in-law: Wilhelmina and Henny Nap.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 12 noon-1 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby where funeral services will immediately follow at 1 pm. Fr. Paul Fahrbach will officiate the services. Burial will be in Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby, OH 44875, where he was a longtime member, or The Lighthouse WHW, 449 Portland Way S, Galion, OH 44833.
Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Merlyn Junior Mulvane, age 79, of Shelby, passed away Tuesday morning, January 7, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at his home. His death follows a valiant battle with COPD.
Merlyn was born June 4, 1945 in Willard, Ohio to the late Merlyn C. and Ruth M. (Cole) Mulvane. At a young age Merlyn began working in the “Muck” in Willard to help support his family. Merlyn held various jobs throughout his life – a security guard at Food Town, groundskeeper for Greenlawn Cemetery in Plymouth, and for the City of Plymouth.
On August 16, 1980 Merlyn married Valerie E. Jordan and together raising their family and celebrated 44 years of marriage prior to his death. A devoted family man, Merlyn loved spending time with his children and always looked forward to visits from his grandchildren. Merlyn was a jack of all trades and used his wittiness to figure things out. He taught his family the need to be good people in this world, to know right from wrong, and what loving your family means. An avid fisherman, Merlyn loved being outdoors whether on a Boy Scout Retreat or attending a race at Norwalk Raceway. Merlyn was a sports fanatic, always supporting the Shelby Whippet football and basketball teams, the Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, and The Ohio State University Buckeyes. Merlyn had attended the Shelby Church of God- now Connect Church.
Merlyn is survived by his wife: Valerie; his children: Jeff (Kathy) Mulvane of Mountain City, TN, Jesse (Tina) Mulvane of Kingsport, TN, Tyler Rogers (fiancé Jayden Hillman) of Shelby, and Skylar (Miranda) Rogers of Shelby; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren including: Amber, Caleb (Mercedes), Summer, Arenn, Nevoline, Emary, Estyn, Zoey, Silas, Briella, Maeplinn and Kinsley; siblings: Wendell Mulvane, Cecil Mulvane, Bonnie (Larry) Trimble, and Evelyn (Duane) Evans; sisters-in-law: Linda Mulvane and Nancy Mulvane; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Arden Mulvane, Howard Mulvane, Gary Mulvane, Grace Uzunoff Gies, Edward Mulvane, Vernon Mulvane, Susan Mulvane, and Betty Mulvane.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 10-11 am at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby with funeral services immediately following at 11 am. Chaplain Doug Olsen with Pathways Hospice will officiate the services. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery, New Haven. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice who have helped the Mulvane family with the care of Merlyn for the past 3 years.
Condolences may be left on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Mildred L. (Laverentz) House went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Sunday morning, January 5, 2025. Her passing comes just 25 days shy of her 102nd birthday.
Mildred was born on January 30, 1923, in Hubbell, Nebraska, Thayer County, to Thomas C. and Emma L. (Meyer) Laverentz. She graduated from Hubbell High School, and then moved to Hebron, rooming with a friend, and working as a telephone operator. During WWII, she also worked as a telephone operator for the local Army Airforce Base in Bruning, Nebraska, which was one of her favorite memories. One evening, she answered the door for her roommate, who was preparing to go out on a “date” to a local basketball game. The “date” was standing at the door. He took one look at Mildred and took her to the game instead! With her jet-black hair and deep blue eyes, this handsome “date” was smitten with her. He was none other than Ralph House, the pastor of the Lutheran Church at the local town of Carlton. After declaring that she would never marry a minister, they tied the knot on February 11, 1947, and they raised four daughters, along with pastoring churches in Grand Junction, Colorado, and towns in Ohio, including: Willowdell and Versailles, Loudonville, Clyde, New Washington, and retiring in Bucyrus.
Mildred worked in the admitting department at Fremont Hospital, then retired from Bucyrus Hospital. She was always active with women’s circles at church, choir, and taught Sunday School, and over the course of decades, had made many friends at the various churches that she and Ralph served. She had many hobbies, which included knitting, crocheting, and baking. She made so many different types of cookies at Christmas that her family lost count! She loved to collect recipes and try them out on her family. She also had a beautiful flower garden, and especially loved her rose garden.
Mildred’s daughters were blessed to have godly parents. The grandchildren loved coming to her house where they knew she would be cooking and baking for them. They also knew where her candy stash was at, and grocery shopping with grandma was special, because they could get what they wanted.
She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn (Dave) Bennett of Clyde, Barb (Ron) Mraz of Omaha, Nebraska, Cindi (Terry) Arbogast of Westerville, and Ronda (Steve) Robey of Ashland; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; two nephews; and one niece.
In addition to her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her husband, Pastor Ralph House, on September 27, 1985; her siblings and their spouses, Don and Mary Laverentz, Lois and Marvin Bodtke, and Ralph and Donna Laverentz.
Mildred’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Crystal Care Nursing Center of Ashland and Gentiva Hospice for their outstanding, professional, and nurturing care of Mildred.
Family and friends are welcome on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 from 11 am-12 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 147 West Forest Street, Clyde, OH 43410. A procession to McPherson Cemetery in Clyde will immediately follow the conclusion of the visitation at 12 pm for graveside services and burial. Rev. Dr. Tim Hubert will officiate the services.
Because of Mildred’s dedication to the churches Ralph pastored for many years, memorial contributions may be made to the respective church of the donor’s choice.
Care for Mildred and her family is being provided by the Penwell Funeral Home in Shelby. Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Catherine “Cathy” Hope Paxton, 70, of Ashland, passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday, January 2, 2025, surrounded by her devoted husband and children. She courageously battled bile duct cancer with strength and grace until the end.
Born on August 19, 1954, in Willard to the late Maxine M. (Ramey) and John J. “Newton” Johnson, Jr., she was the youngest of six siblings. A 1972 graduate of Plymouth High School, she embraced a life centered on family. Cathy was fortunate to stay home with her children, Lesley and Andy, during their early years before returning to work. She was employed at Shelby Insurance Company until its closure in 2000 and later joined Sprint in Mansfield, where she remained until her retirement in 2016. Cathy treasured her time spent working which allowed her to build many cherished and lifelong friendships.
Cathy’s warm smile and genuine love for helping others left an unforgettable mark on everyone she met, making people feel valued and appreciated. She will be remembered for her caring, hardworking, fun-loving, and outgoing nature. Cathy had a deep passion for travel and was fortunate to explore 39 of the 50 states before her health prevented her from visiting the remaining 11. She also found great joy in gardening, bird watching, history, and solving puzzles. Known for her delicious cookies, she loved cooking for family and friends, especially creating special memories by baking with her grandchildren. Above all, Cathy treasured time with her loved ones, from cheering on Lesley and Andy in their sporting events and found even greater joy in supporting her grandchildren’s activities later in her life.
Cathy is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Larry Dean Paxton, whom she married on June 19, 1976. Larry was a loving husband and an exceptional caregiver, especially during her final months. She is also survived by their children, Lesley (Jeff) Klosterman of Harrodsburg, KY, and Andy (Halsy) Paxton of Dublin. She was lovingly referred to as Nini by her grandchildren Reece and Grant Klosterman and Nora, Delia, and Declan Paxton. She is also survived by her siblings, Ronald (Muriel) Johnson, Nancy Dyer, Brenda Coovert, and Jane (Ray) Bond along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Curtis Roth, and her brother-in-law, Dave Coovert. She was blessed with her new family of friends from the Lighthouse Small Group at Grace Church and was touched by all of those who reached out to her during her illness.
Family and friends are welcome on January 9, 2025 from 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio. Funeral service will be held on Friday January 10, 2025 at 10 am at Grace Church, 1144 West Main Street, Ashland, Ohio, where Cathy and Larry are members. Pastor Dan Allan will officiate the services. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Shiloh. Memorial contributions may be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or Grace Church.
Condolences may be left on Cathy’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Mary Jane Fike (Traxler), age 77, of Shelby, died early Saturday morning, December 28, 2024, at the Avalon of Lewis Center surrounded by her loving family during a time of prayer.
Mary was born February 7, 1947 in Shelby, the daughter of the late Leon and Agnes (Eberl) Miller. Mary was a 1965 graduate of the St. Francis Convent in Tiffin, Ohio. After high school she attended The Ohio State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education, later earning her masters degree. Mary’s love for education and helping students was evident her entire life. She taught in various schools in Shelby including St. Mary’s, Sacred Heart, Auburn, and Dowds for over 30 years. Throughout her life, she inspired countless students and those around her with her kindness, care, and compassion.
Mary’s love for others, both those she knew as well as complete strangers, was evident in everything she did. She found great happiness in simply connecting. Her interest in those around her was genuine, truly loving everyone as God wanted us to. She cherished every moment with her children and grandchildren, always finding joy in their presence. After retiring, Mary stayed active by volunteering at the schools as well as delivering meals to those in need. An avid baker, Mary enjoyed sharing treats including her world famous cinnamon rolls. She also loved to travel, covering thousands of miles with her beloved husband Larry. Her most cherished trips were family vacations to Florida beaches, or exploring the country by RV with Harry and Jean Miller, children, and grandchildren.
Mary was an active long-time member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Shelby. In 2015 Mary was proud to receive her Rite of Admission into the Secular Franciscan Order and later made her permanent profession at the Basilica of Our Lady of Consolation. She was a member of the St. Anthony of Padua Fraternity of OFS.
Mary is survived by her children: Chris (Jen) Fike of Akron, Jen (Erik) Anderson of Galena, Michael (Shannon) Fike of Rochester Hills, MI, and Bryan (Sara) Fike of Lexington; grandchildren: Owen Fike, Aubrey Beauford, Jaxon Anderson, Travis Anderson, Anna Fike, Adam Fike, and Eli Fike; siblings: Harold (Jean) Miller, Brother Jim Miller, MSC, Kathy (Bill) Staton, Donna (Gary) Biglin, Mike (Diana) Miller, Diane (Tom) Metzger, and Debbie (Jeff) Pifher; brother-in-law: Rick Stokes; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her first husband: Larry Fike in 2014; her second husband: Harvey Traxler in 2023; brothers: Bernard Miller, Kenneth Miller, and Bob Miller; sister: Carol Stokes; and sister-in-law: Lucy Fike.
Family and friends are welcome on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 2-4 and 5-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. A prayer service will be held at the conclusion of visitation at 7 pm. Mary’s Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 10:30 am at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 29 West Street, Shelby. Fr. Chris Mileski will celebrate the Mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery at later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org/donate). Online condolences may be made on Mary’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Jean Lynne (Riley) Lash, age 92, of Shelby, passed away Sunday afternoon, December 29, 2024 at Mill Creek Nursing and Rehab in Galion.
Born Christmas Eve, December 24, 1932 in Shelby to Ralph and Grace (Tindale) Riley, Jean was a lifelong Shelby resident. A 1950 graduate of Shelby High School, Jean’s working life, as a working mother, was at Montgomery Ward in Ontario for many years and later was the office receptionist for her husband Don’s chiropractic office, Lash Chiropractic. Following, she was a counselor in the family program at Serenity Hall (the former Richland Hospital) and facilitated a local co-dependency group.
On April 23, 1973 she married Dr. Donald B. Lash at Boar’s Head Resort in Charlotteville, VA- a destination they fondly visited each year on their anniversary. Together with Don they attended St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mansfield and had been a part of the Marriage Encounter group. Jean herself had been a member of the Shelby Gourmet Club and had thoroughly enjoyed attending monthly dinners with her Shelby High School classmates. Her hobbies and interests varied but certainly included needlework, writing, traveling, and listening to audio books.
Jean became actively involved with family genealogy after being in touch with relatives in England, learning family heritage from her English roots. Her love and passion for writing led her to penning “Poetry and My Story” which chronicles her family origin and chapters of her life.
Jean loved and enjoyed her beloved family- her husband, children, grandchildren, and friends. She is survived by her children: Dr. Mark W. Hogue (fiancé, Matavia Johnson) of Lexington, Anne E. (Ronald Jr.) Strine of Glen Allen, VA, Joan M. Wildman of San Francisco, CA, Joel A. (Lisa) Hogue of Marblehead, Susan A. (Ronald) Keiser of Knoxville, TN, and Sally K. (Danny Jr.) Wray of Ostrander; daughter-in-law: Kathy Hogue of Indian Land, SC; her late husband Don’s children and their families: Ben (Cindy) Lash, Lori (Mark) Amicone, Stuart Lash, Pam (Mark) Hess; grandchildren: Theresa “Teedi” (Greg) Rouse, Beth (John) Shenberger, Seth (Ayrial) Hogue, Rebekah (Joe) Sparr, Molly (Matt) Strine, Abby Strine, Travis (Amanda) Hogue, Hillary Harbin, Emily (Jeremiah) Martin, Casey (Matt) Smith, Natalie (Chad) Keiser-Baloy, Camille Keiser (Kevin Bradley), Jacob (Erin) Keiser, Derek Wray, Bryson (Ashley) Wray, and Hayley Wray; 22 great grandchildren with another expected in July 2025; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her husband: Dr. Donald B. Lash in 2020; children: Lynn Therese Hogue, Gail D. (Dean) Myers, and Christopher J. Hogue; granddaughter: Tracie Ann Hogue; and brother: James (Rosemary) Riley.
Family and friends are welcome on Sunday, January 5, 2025 from 12 noon-2 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, where funeral services will immediately follow at 2 pm. Rev. Dr. John C. Jordan, a dear family friend, and Jeremiah Martin, her grandson-in-law, will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to The Shelby Foundation (TheShelbyFoundation.org/donate/)
Jess Edward Carey, 67, of Shelby passed away early Friday morning, December 27, 2024, at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital.
Jess was born November 5, 1957 in Shelby, Ohio to the late Leroy Carey and Carol (Arter) Frederick. After graduation from Shelby High School in 1977, Jess enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country for 12 years. Stationed at various bases, both state side as well as overseas in Germany, Jess was assigned as an armor crewman working directly with tanks. After his military discharge Jess worked for many years at Carton Service. He later worked at the Shelby Middle School as a custodian until his retirement.
An avid sports enthusiast, Jess loved the Shelby Whippets, The Ohio State University Buckeyes, and the Cleveland Browns. He also enjoyed watching western movies.
Jess is survived by his loving wife of 22 years: Cynthia “Cindy” (Keesy) Carey; his grandson whom he raised since infancy: Xavior Alleyne; children: Crystal Power and Michael Carey both of South Carolina; step-children: Chad (Jamie) Hall of Ontario, Michael Hall of Ontario, and Shannon Hall of Sandusky; grandchildren: Natalie, Whitley, Colt, Jax, Chance, Draven, Shalyn, and Sadie; and brothers and sisters: Steve Carey, Sue Dennis, Lorie Carey, and Kenny Frederick.
Funeral services for Jess will be private. Military honors will be conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail with burial following in Myers Cemetery, State Route 39, Shelby. The family would like to thank the Shelby Fire Department, the Emergency Room staff at OhioHealth Shelby Hospital, and the ICU staff at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital for the care they provided Jess. A special thank you to ICU nurse Jackie for the loving and compassionate care she provided over the past week.
Condolences may be made on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
Richard E. “Dick” Lamb, age 86, of Shelby, died Thursday night, December 26, 2024 at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. His death follows an extended illness.
Dick was born July 6, 1938 in Cleveland to the late Torrence Kinsman and Florence Arlene (Drushel) Lamb. In the 1950s he was proud to be the Cleveland Yo-Yo Champion having been able to perform on TV. Starting on the day his dad bought his hardware store, Dick was 15 years old and worked side by side with his dad whenever he was not in school. He attended and graduated from Fairview High School where he lettered in football and ran low hurdles in track.
Directly following high school, Dick joined the United States Naval Reserves, a six-year program, and also worked at Bingham Wholesale Hardware Co in Cleveland. He went on to attend Bowling Green State University for two years, married the former Marilyn Smith in 1961 and started a family, and then finished his last two years at BGSU. He graduated in June of 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration- his eldest son, Jim, born in April of that same year, attended the graduation.
Dick went to work with Packaging Corporation of America in Rittman and Mentor, OH for seven years and then a year at Card Pack, Inc. in Cleveland. It was consulting work for Carton Service, Inc. establishing their personnel department which brought Dick’s career to Shelby. He was hired in December of 1981 and remained there until 2007- 26 years of total service. While at Carton Service, Dick was Personnel Director, established a Quality Assurance Department and program, restructured the Production Control Department, and managed the operations for many years as the Director of Production. His final years at Carton Service were spent helping develop the SAP Warehouse Integrated Module. In total, Dick was in the packaging industry for 43 years.
Active in a variety of volunteer programs throughout his life, Dick had been a Boy Scout Pack Cub Master and served as a district committeeman, had coached soccer at the Mansfield Liederkranz for boys under the age of 16, and volunteered for the Salvation Army for many years. Additionally, Dick served on the Shelby Help Line Ministry advisory board where he had been the vice president and was on the finance committee. A longtime member of the Shelby First Church of God (now Awake Church) Dick also served as the finance ministry leader for five years.
Dick is survived by his children: James (Marquita) Lamb of Maryland, Deborah (Tim) Newmeyer of Shelby, Thomas (Amanda) Lamb of South Carolina, and Robert (Stacy) Lamb of Shelby; grandchildren: Danica Bellita, Lee (Morgan) Newmeyer, Konnar Lamb, Reilly Lamb, and Alex Lamb; sisters-in-law: Suzanne Lamb and Sandra Schneider; and nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his brothers: Terry Lamb and Bill Lamb; and his longtime companion: Darlene Rickens.
Family and friends are welcome on Thursday, January 2, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Penwell Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby. Funeral services will be on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 10:30 am at Awake Church, 3616 State Route 39, Shelby. Pastor Rita Bullock and George Johnson will officiate the services with burial following in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Memorial contributions may be made to Awake Church or Shelby Help Line Ministries (ShelbyHelpLine.org).
Condolences may be left on Dick’s obituary on the funeral home’s website (PenwellFuneralHome.com) or their Facebook page (Facebook.com/PenwellFuneralHome).
