Timothy Thompson

Timothy Lee Thompson, 53, of Ironton, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, at the St. Mary’s Medical Center-Ironton Campus. The Ironton native was born March 27, 1960, a son of Ruth Schlichenmayer Thompson, of Ironton, and the late James Lee Thompson. He is also survived by his wife, Mary Misner Thompson, whom he married May 1, 1989.

Tim was a 1978 graduate of Rock Hill High School and a former employee of the Shafer Bros. and the Community Action Organization.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Donna K. Stokes; and a nephew, Jay Michael Stokes.

In addition to his mother and wife, he is survived by three sons, Timothy Nicholas Thompson, Zachary Thompson and Nathan Thompson, all of Ironton; a daughter, Katelyn Thompson of Ironton; two brothers, Edward Thompson of Melbourne, Fla., and James C. Thompson of Ironton; and two sisters, Patricia Klaiber, of Ironton, and Rita (Ron) Roach, of Coal Grove.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Phillips Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery and visitation will be from 11 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service at the funeral home. To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.

Debra Collins

Debra “Debbie” Collins, 57, of Caledonia, died Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013, at Marion General Hospital. Debra was born on Jan. 4, 1956, to Joe W. and Edna May (Gannon) Bailey in Ironton. Debra married John Collins, who survives.

Debbie was a homemaker the majority of her life. She enjoyed working in the yard, taking care of her children, and her grandchildren were the love of her life. Debbie always made sure everyone was well fed, especially on Thanksgiving and the annual Christmas breakfast.

Debra is survived by her mother, Edna; husband, John; children, Kristie (Tommy) Wood and Danny (Kendra) Collins; grandchildren, Owen Collins, Trent Collins, Marshall Wood and Nathan Collins; and siblings, Kay (Stan) Collins, Willard (Genie) Bailey, David (Linda) Bailey and “Happy” James Bailey.

Debra was preceded in death by father, Joe; siblings, Joe (Mary) Bailey Jr. and Sonny Bailey; granddaughter, Autum Wood; and nephew, Shawn Alfred Collins.

Visitation will be held at from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday at Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors with Minister Russell Howard officiating. Burial will follow in the Caledonia Cemetery. Online condolences may be made to www.gunderhallandfolk.com.

Andrew Gagai

Andrew Dennis “Big Andy” Gagai, 84, went to be with his Lord on Nov. 14, 2013. Andy died peacefully at Community Hospice Care Center after a short illness. With him was his wife of 64 years, June Frances Hortel Gagai.

Andy was born on May 17, 1929, in Ironton. He was the youngest son of Frank and Rose Gagai. Andy graduated from Ironton St. Joe High School in 1947 and was an all-state guard on the undefeated 1946 Flyer football team. Andy was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and he truly loved his church.

After high school Andy worked at the C&O Railroad before going to work with his father-in-law, George “Ty” Hortel, who taught him the carpentry trade. He retired in 1992, but not before building or remodeling all four of his son’s homes.

Andy served in the military as a member of the Ohio National Guard, headquartered in Ironton. He was a Fourth Degree Knight of the Watterson Council 1405 of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local out of Portsmouth. He also served on the Collins Career Center Advisory Board in its early years.

Andy was preceded in death by a brother, Frank Gagai; four sisters, Rosemary Rudmann, Margurite Osterman, Imelda Christian and Annie Palmer; and his mother and father, Rose and Frank. Survivors include his wife, June (Hortel); and four sons, George (Linda), Andy (Brenda), John (Sheila), all of Ironton, and David, of Cincinnati. He is also survived by grandsons, Nick (Katie), of Cincinnati, Dennis, of Huntington, W.Va., Tyler, of Athens, and Pat, of Ironton; one granddaughter, Traci (Sam) Elswick of Orlando, Fla; and three great-grandsons Sam, Lucas and Joel Elswick of Orlando, Fla. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 6 p.m. Sunday with the recitation of the rosary at 8:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Monday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Andy’s name to St. Joe High School, St. Joe Church or Ashland Community Hospice. Phillips Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.