Illustrious Sir E C Pelfrey, PP
July 13, 1929 - January 17, 2014
Potentate of Antioch Shrine - Dayton, Ohio in 1987
Illus. Sir E C Pelfrey, PP, PELFREY, E C, age 84, of Miamisburg, passed away on Friday, January 17, 2014. E C was born on July 13, 1929 in Calla, KY to the late Eva Lee (nee Johnson) Hardman and Eric Crittenden Pelfrey.
He served in the USAF as a Senior Master Sergeant and as a Civil Servant for the Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Following retirement, he then went to work for Centerville City Schools as a school bus driver.
E C was a member of Breathitt Lodge 649 in Jackson, KY, Solar Lodge 730, Royal Arch Masons, Royal and Select Masons, Knights Templar, AASR-Valley of Dayton, Antioch Shrine, where he served as Potentate in 1987, Knights York Cross of Honour (KYCH), Order of the Eastern Star-Dayton-Victory Chapter, and Red Cross of Constantine.
E C is preceded in death by his son, Stephen Pelfrey, and daughter, Deborah Pelfrey. He is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Barbara Pelfrey; children, Patty (Sheldon) Pelfrey, Susan Waetje, Cathy (Rick) Jones, Cindy (Bob) Hess, Dawn (Scott) Balonier, and Staci (Chris) Cassano; daughter-in-law, Connie Pelfrey; and 22 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Family will greet friends from 4:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 East Stroop Road, Kettering with a Masonic Service being held at 7:45pm that evening. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at David's United Church of Christ, 170 W. David Road, Kettering with Pastor Brian Newcomb officiating. Burial will follow at Miami Valley Memory Gardens. A luncheon will be held following the burial at 1:00pm at David's United Church of Christ.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in E C's name to the Ohio Parkinson's Foundation, 325 North 3rd Street, Fairborn, OH 45324, Shriner's Hospital for Children, 3229 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, OH 45420, or to the 32nd Degree Masonic Learning Center for Children, 525 W Riverview Ave, Dayton, OH 45405.
See more at: http://www.routsong.com/obituary/E-C-Pelfrey/Miamisburg-OH/1333017#sthash.E0919E3i.dpuf
Illustrious Sir Kenneth F. LeBay, PP
September 2, 1923 - February 22, 2014
Potentate of Zenobia Shrine - Toledo, Ohio in 1986
Illus. Sir Kenneth F. LeBay, 90, of Toledo, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2014, with his daughter by his side. He was born to Kenneth O. and Helen LeBay on September 2, 1923, in Tiffin, Ohio. Ken was a WWII veteran serving in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Sergeant in the South Pacific, British Samoa, American Samoa, New Guinea, Guadalcanal and New Britain. As a Sergeant, he was credited with saving the life of Australian journalist, Noel Ottaway, by leading him through the jungles and rivers of New Guinea to the safety of American lines. When thanked by the reporter, he responded, "If you guys can write stories about Marines, I guess I can help get them through." Ken also received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the war.
After the war, Ken returned home to build homes with his father-in-law, Alvin C. Young. Along with the building business he owned a real estate company and insurance agency. Later he worked for the William Ferrell Company and Great Lakes Industrial Contracting.
Ken was a 65-year member of Damascus-Collingwood Masonic Lodge No. 643 where he served as Master. He was a member of the York Rite and an honorary 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Past Potentate of Zenobia Shrine, Past Commander of Zenobia Legion of Honor, Past President of Great Lakes Shrine Association, Past Secretary/Treasurer of the Great Lakes Shrine Association, Past President of the Great Lakes Shrine Association Legions of Honor, and a member of American Legion Post 335.
Ken was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Thomasina, in 2013.
Surviving are his brother, Louis LeBay; sister, Ruth Orend; children, Douglas LeBay, Eugenia (Thomas) Wiles, James (Becky) Kohn and Kenneth (Lisa) Kohn; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Sunset Village and Ashanti Hospice for the loving care they provided Ken.
Friends may visit the family on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey) where Damascus-Collingwood Lodge will conduct services at 7 p.m., followed by Scottish Rite and Zenobia Legion of Honor. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home followed by interment at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park with military honors conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, that memorials be made to Honor Flight of Northwest Ohio.
Online condolences can be expressed at walkerfuneralhomes.com
See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/toledoblade/obituary.aspx?pid=169842013#sthash.ZdFnURi4.dpuf
Illustrious Sir Grant L. Nelson, PP
April 11, 1917 - March 20, 2014
Potentate of Mohammed Shrine - Peoria, Illinois in 1967
Illus. Sir Grant L. Nelson, PP, 96, of St. Petersburg, passed away Thursday, March 20, 2014, at the Masonic Home of Florida. Born in Peoria, Illinois, he graduated from Bradley University, and was a decorated Naval Aviator in World War II. After the war, he returned home and founded the Grant L. Nelson Company, from which he retired in 1984. The company still thrives in Peoria.
He was a member of Illinois Lodge 263, Scottish and York Rites, Mohammed Shrine in Peoria (Past Potentate 1967), Egypt Shrine in Tampa, and Tampa Court 89 Royal Order of Jesters. He divided his time between Florida and his beloved North Woods of Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur A. and Louella S. Nelson; his brothers, Arthur A. Nelson Jr. and Barrett R. Nelson. Mr. Nelson was also preceded in death by his three wives, Shirlee B. Nelson, Marian E. Nelson and Helen Strimer-Nelson. He is survived by his sons, Dr. Christopher G. Nelson and Scott A. Nelson; six grandsons, Christopher G. Nelson Jr., M.D., Andrew A. Nelson, M.D., Ryan S. Nelson, Grant T. Nelson, Bradley J. Nelson, and Chase A. Nelson; and his sister, Phoebe N. Partney.
A Masonic funeral and celebration of life will be held at a time to be announced by his family.
Donations may be made in his name to Egypt Shrine Temple, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa, FL 33634 or the Knights Templar Club Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 130, Summit Lake, Wisconsin 54458.
Illustrious Sir Lewis Thomas "Tom" Wilson, PP
March 27, 1928 - March 28, 2014
Potentate of Antioch Shrine - Dayton, Ohio in 1974
Illus. Sir Lewis Thomas "Tom" Wilson, PP, 86, of Kettering, Dayton, Ohio, died peacefully in his apartment at Lincoln Park on March 28, 2014, the day after celebrating his 86th birthday. Tom was the 5th born to Russell and Madeline Wilson of Falmouth, KY on March 27th, 1928. His family moved to Dayton where he graduated from Wilbur Wright HS in 1946. It was there that he met Lois Joan Anderson whom he was married to for 54 yrs.
He was a graduate of Wilbur Wright High School. In High School, Tom worked as a lifeguard at NCR's Old River. After High School, he got a job with NCR as a key bank setter where he saved up enough money to pay for his first year at the University of Dayton and was awarded a football scholarship. Tom would soon find his calling and spend a total of 37 years in law enforcement. He served 8 years with Oakwood and graduated from the FBI National Academy. Tom then served 19 years as Chief Deputy Sheriff and 10 years as Sheriff of Montgomery County from 1978 to 1988. He was Past President of the FBI National Academy Association of Ohio, the Buckeye State Sheriff's Association, Law Enforcement Officers Association of Montgomery County, Ohio-Indiana Police Association, S.W. Ohio Police and Sheriff's Association and was awarded the Ohio's Outstanding Sheriff's Award in 1981.
His involvement and lifelong contributions to the Dayton community are many where he has served on numerous boards for AAA, Goodwill Industries, Dayton Boys/Girls Club, Kiwanis Club, Easter Seals, Camp Fire Council, and Old Time Newsies. He became a Noble of Antioch in the Spring of 1955, joined the R.O.J. in 1962, was a member of the York Rite bodies and received his 33rd Degree in the Scottish Rite in Milwaukee on September 28, 1983. He served as Potentate of Antioch Shrine in Dayton, Ohio in 1974. His Motto for 1974 was "Fuzz with the Fez" and "Fun With A Purpose". Membership of Antioch was 9,157 and we took in 611 new Nobles that year. He was also a Past President of the Dayton Agonis Club. Most of all, Tom was deeply dedicated to his community, family and numerous friends and always strived to deliver an unsurpassed level of excellence in all that he did.
He is survived by his very dear loving companion, June Mathewson of Centerville, OH; son, Joseph C. Wilson of West Carrollton, OH; 2 daughters, Penny Ellis of Boulder Creek, CA. and Wendy McArdle of Bristol, VT; 2 grandsons, Jason Wilson and Alex Ellis; 2 granddaughters, Caroline McArdle, Jenna McArdle; 2 great grandchildren and a host of loving nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM, Friday April 4, 2014 at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Rd. in Kettering. The family will greet friends in the funeral home from 10:00AM - 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Antioch Building Corp., 107 E. First St., Dayton, OH 45402 or The Dayton Masonic Foundation for the Scottish Rite Learning Center, PO Box 932, Dayton, OH 45401. - See more at: http://www.routsong.com/obituary/Lewis-Tom-Wilson/Kettering-OH/1365435#sthash.uQO1iWED.dpuf
Illustrious Sir Gary N. Sellers, PP
January 4, 1931 - May 1, 2014
Potentate of Mohammed Shrine - Peoria, Illinois in 1995
Illus. Sir Gary N. Sellers, 83, of Washington, passed away at 5:10am, Thursday, May 1, 2014 at UnityPoint Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.
Gary was born January 4, 1931 in Peoria to Fredrick and Marguerite Osborne Sellers. He married Velma Johnson on June 15, 1952 in Peoria; she survives. Surviving is a son, Greg (Ellen Holy) Sellers of Champaign, a daughter, Linn (Merrill) Kaney of Oswego; four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and one brother.
Growing up, Gary attended Peoria schools, and went on to serve in the US Army. From 1952-1953, he served in Korea, where he received two Purple Hearts. He spent 20 years in sales with Midwest Television, and started his own specialty advertising business, Sellers Sales, in 1986.
He was an active member of his community and was a past director of the Royal Order of Jesters #40, Past Potentate, Life Member, and member of the Legion of Honor of the Mohammed Shrine in Peoria. Gary also served with the Scottish Rite, Temple Lodge #46 AF & AM in Peoria, as well as the Greater Peoria Tip Club and Peoria Buyers and Sellers Club.
Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory, Washington, has been trusted with cremation rites. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be to Bartonville Mohammed Shrine, transportation fund. Gary’s memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where condolences may also be sent to the family.
http://www.deitersfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Gary-N-Sellers/#!/Obituary
Illustrious Sir Robert "Bob" F. Voss, PP
August 31, 1920 - May 4, 2014
Potentate of Mohammed Shrine - Peoria, Illinois in 1971
Illus. Sir Robert F. “Bob” Voss, 93, of Peoria, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Bickford House in Peoria.
He was born to Edwin R. and Hazel (Davison) Voss on August 31, 1920, in Peoria. He married Frances Jones on April 16, 1943, in Miami Beach, Florida. She preceded him in death on April 13, 2005.
He is survived by his one daughter, Nancy (Michael) Stone of Dunlap,IL, one granddaughter, Emily (Brice) Lahl of Palatine, IL, one grandson, Ryan Stone of Dunlap, IL, two great-grandchildren, Claire Lahl and Beau Lahl of Palatine, IL, two nieces, Kathy Wessel of Wheaton, IL, and Carol (Don) Lehman of Gardner, KS, and one great-niece, Sheree (Michel) Click of Washington, IL. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Marie Wessel, one brother, Edwin L. Voss, and a nephew, David Voss.
Bob enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942, became a Commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in 1943, and made Captain in 1945. He served in the United States and ETO during WWII.
Bob graduated from Peoria High School and attended Bradley University and the University of Michigan. He worked for Kroger Company, Caterpillar Tractor Co., and then became the Sales Supervisor and Marketing VP with Piggly Wiggly Food Chain. After leaving Piggly Wiggly, he was an Account Supervisor with Hosler Advertising Agency, Inc. He joined Mace Advertising in 1951, became President in 1963, and Chairman of the Board in 1970.
Bob belonged to many Masonic groups. He joined the Temple Lodge No. 46 A.F and A.M. of Peoria in 1949, Valley of Peoria Scottish Rite in 1950 where he was Commander in Chief of the Consistory, he received his 33rd Degree and the Meritorious Service Award and Past Thrice Potent Master of the Lodge of Perfection; Mohammed Shrine Temple in 1950 and became Potentate in 1971; Peoria Chapter No. 7 of Royal Arch Masons, Peoria Council No. 11 Royal and Select Masons, Peoria Commandery No.3 of Knights Templar of the Peoria York Rite; St. Helena Conclave Red Cross of Constantine; Royal Order of Jesters Court 40 of Peoria in 1958 where he was Director in 1975 and Royal Director of the National Royal Order of Jesters in 1987.
He also belonged to the Peoria Advertising and Selling Club, University Club, Creve Coeur Club, Cosmopolitan Club, Elks Club, and Mt. Hawley Country Club, where he was an honorary life member and served as President. While living at Bickford House, he served as the President of the Resident Council. Bob also enjoyed volunteering at American Red Cross, United Way, and Proctor Hospital.
He loved spending time on the golf course with his many friends, and had the opportunity to travel the world with his wife through many Shrine and Jester functions. Bob was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, and will be greatly missed.
Bob's family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Bickford House for the wonderful care they provided, as well at Vitas Hospice and Dr. Brian Cohen.
Bob attended First Baptist Church of Peoria. A memorial service will be held at Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home located at 428 West McClure Avenue on Saturday, May 10, 2014, at 11:00am. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Bill Cordes will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded.
Memorials in honor of Bob may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Bob's online memorial website may be viewed at www.hurdfamilyfunerals.com.
http://www.hurdfamilyfunerals.com/obituaries/Robert-Bob-Voss/#!/Obituary
Illustrious Sir Robert W. Wilds, PP
August 30, 1924 - August 31, 2014
Potentate of Murat Shrine - Indianapolis, Indiana in 1981
Illus. Sir Robert Wilds left this world on Sunday, August 31, 2014, after leading a very full and complete life. Bob knew many people and developed many friendships in his lifetime. He started life in 1924 in North Vernon, Indiana where he attended a one-room school house until he was in high school. After graduating from Vernon High School, Bob joined the United States Army to serve in World War II. He moved to Indianapolis after discharge from the Army and completed an apprenticeship in the tool and die industry. With the apprenticeship completed, he worked in several plastic-injection mold manufacturing companies before starting his own company, E-W Mold & Tool Company.
Bob specialized in building molds for the appliance and automotive industries. He developed the ‘locked mold assembly’ that is still used today in molding automotive batteries including the Sears Die Hard, Delco Remy, Interstate and others. He held patents for this process invention in the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Germany, and Spain.
Bob’s interest in the automotive industry spurred him to lease a suite at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This lease originated when the suites in Turn #2 were built and continued for 40 years. Over the years, many people enjoyed the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race from Suite #260’s balcony.
In December 1986, Bob sold his mold business, but stayed on as its President until he resigned in July 1988 to concentrate on his property management business. He was Chief Executive Officer of Wilds Management Co., Inc., formed in February 1985. Wilds Management manages both financial assets and real estate investments.
Mr. Wilds was an avid Hoosier basketball fan. In 1975, Bob and four other investors purchased the Indiana Pacers to facilitate the Pacers’ transition from the American Basketball Association to the National Basketball Association. They held ownership long enough to get the Pacers admitted into the National Basketball Association to help ensure their continued existence in Indianapolis.
Bob enjoyed spending time at his 900 acre ranching operation in, Jennings County, Triple “S” Ranch. He owned quarter horses and Seminole cattle and used his background in farming to raise crops. Triple “S” was a working ranch and farming operation, but it was also a very fun place for family and friends. Many large parties with hundreds of people were held there.
As much as he loved Indianapolis, Bob was able to escape the harsh Indiana winters and spend time in his homes in Scottsdale, Arizona and Marco Island, Florida.
Mr. Wilds was a member of the American Business Club, the Columbia Club, The Hundred Club, Indianapolis Athletic Club, and Meridian Hills Country Club. He became Potentate of Murat Temple on January 19, 1981, following the successful term of Harry J. Harman. He was appointed to the Divan as Outer Guard in 1972 by Past Potentate John R. Barney. Bob went into the Blue Lodge at Capitol City in 1953, transferring to Southport Masonic Lodge 270 on May 4, 1959. He went into the Scottish Rite on November 13, 1953, and the Shrine on December 12, 1953. He is a member of the Thirty-Third Degree Association, Jesters Court, No. 15, Murat Temple DeMolay Unit, and the Indianapolis Horse Patrol. He held the office of Secretary in the Horse Patrol, and was an active rider with this group, participating in many parades and horse shows. He served on the Board of Citizens Gas & Coke Utility and the Citizen’s Speedway Committee. He was President and a member of the Marion County Sheriff’s merit Board for twenty years. Also, he was presented the Council of the Sagamore by the Wabash designation by then governor, Robert D. Orr.
Mr. Wilds is survived by his wife, ‘T’ Wilds. Bob had three daughters, Sharry Doiron (Bob), Shirley Bryant and Selina Wilds, a step-son, Michael McMullen (Beth), and a step-daughter, Michelle McMullen. Bob also had five grandchildren, Kendra York, Rob Bryant, Morgan Davis, Ross McMullen, and Cerelle McMullen and three great-grandchildren, Zane York, Caden York and Beckett York. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Wilds.
Funeral Information
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7, 2014 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Crown Hill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m, also at Crown Hill Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Burns Hospital, 'att'n Lisa Butt,' 3229 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229. If you would like to sign the online guest book or send condolences to the family you may do so by visiting www.crownhill.org.
Illustrious Sir Jerry Walters Winberry, PP
June 24, 1936 - November 12, 2014
Potentate of Mohammed Shrine - Peoria, Illinois in 1994
Illus. Sir Jerry Walters Winberry, 78, of Cumming (formerly Peoria, IL), son of Jesse Glynn and Julia Rebecca Winberry was born on June 24, 1936 in Greensboro, NC. He went to be with Jesus his Savior on November 12, 2014 surrounded by his loving wife of 54 years and his children, at Northside-Forsyth Hospital.
He is survived by his wife Norma, daughter Cathy Simmons (McRay); sons LTC (R) Jerry Winberry, Jr (Laurie); Jeffrey Winberry (Amy); and daughter Julissa Luebke (Kevin). He leaves a legacy of 20 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. In addition to being a great husband, father, and grandfather, Jerry was a successful self-employed businessman and philanthropist. His greatest joy in life was traveling all over the world with Norma as well as spending as much time as he could with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A devoted member of Fellowship Bible Church, Jerry was a man of faith who dearly loved the Lord Jesus. His favorite verses Psalm 23 and Revelation 21:4-7 were a great comfort to him in his final days with his family.
Jerry was raised a Master Mason in 1966 and served as Master of Peoria Lodge #15 in 1973. In the Scottish Rite, Valley of Peoria, he was thrice Potent Master in the Lodge of Perfection in 1994 and Commander-in-Chief of the Consistory in 1990. Jerry received the Meritorious Service Award in 1979 and received the 33rd Degree from the Supreme Council in 1982. He was Potentate of Mohammed Shrine in 1994, and member of the International Association Legions of Honor, the Order of Jesters, Court 40, and the Kachina Billiken Klub. In the York Rite, Jerry was a member of Peoria Chapter No. 7, Peoria Council No. 11, Peoria Commandery No. 3, York Rite College No. 42, and Knight Companion and Past Sovereign of St. Helena Conclave Order of the Red Cross of Constantine.
Visitation with the family will occur at Ingram Funeral Home, Cumming, GA on Friday, November 14 from 5-7 PM. The funeral service will be in the Ingram Chapel on Saturday at 1:00 immediately followed by a graveside military and Masonic service at Sawnee View Gardens Cemetery.
Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
http://www.ingramfuneralhome.com/book-of-memories/1983297/Winberry-Jerry-/obituary.php
Illustrious Sir John “Larry” Kerr, PP
May 22, 1943 - December 2, 2014
Potentate of Tadmor Shrine - Akron, Ohio in 2001
Illus. Sir John “Larry” Kerr, 71, was born on May 22, 1943 in Ravenna, OH and passed away on December 2, 2014.
John is survived by his wife, Charlene; daughter, Joanna; son, John; stepchildren, Tami, Terrie, Danny, and Shelley; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Clela; brother, Dale; and daughter, Bonnie.
John retired from Bridgestone/Firestone and was Potentate for the Tadmor Temple and served 9 years on the Divan.
A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2014, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Akron Turner Club, 547 Munroe Falls Rd. Tallmadge. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Akron Children’s Hospital, 1 Perkins Sq. Akron, OH 44302.
http://www.newcomerakron.com/obituary/94526/John-Larry-Kerr/Akron-Ohio