George Ferguson

George Ferguson, 78, of Mansfield, passed away May 29, 2012, in Lexington, Ohio.

Born in Ironton to Harrison and Julia Ferguson, he was one of 21 children. He was preceded in death by 19 brothers and sisters and a son, Michael Ferguson.

He is survived by his wife, Toni Ferguson; brother Dick (Betty) Ferguson of Galion; children Julie Barber of Shelby, Mark (Cherie) Ferguson of Shelby; Jim (Charlie) Perry of Perrysburg, Debbie Kirkpatrick of Mansfield and Craig (Kim) Ferguson of Bucyrus; 16 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

George retired from General Motors after 38 years. He was most proud of his 30 years as a union official where he was able to impact the lives of numerous “at risk” employees at the Mansfield Plant.

During the Korean Conflict George served our country in the U.S. Air Force. George loved boxing and was a professional boxing official, judging many matches. Additionally, he volunteered time at the Ohio State Reformatory to help run their boxing program.

A memorial service will be 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home with military honors conducted by the Richland County Joint Veterans. Burial will to follow on the grounds of the funeral home. Calling hours will be 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through the funeral home.

Online condolences to the Ferguson family may be made by visiting: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com

 

Diana Burcham

Diana Gail Burcham, 55, of Willow Wood, died Sunday, May 27, 2012, in Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House of Huntington, W.Va. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Schneider-Griffin Funeral Home with Rev. Darrell Fowler officiating. Private interment will be in Locust Grove Cemetery at the family’s convenience. Diana was born Dec. 2, 1956, in Ironton, a daughter of Nancy E. Stephens Burcham and the late Bernard F. Burcham.

She was a graduate of Symmes Valley High School and Ohio University receiving both her bachelor’s and master’s in education. She did volunteer work for Lawrence County Senior Citizens and Lawrence County 4-H, was a member and board officer Lawrence County Briggs Library, was an employee of Symmes Valley Local School District serving a total of 30 years, nine as a teacher’s aide and secretary and 21 as a junior high teacher. She was also a lifetime member of Ohio Education Association, the local chapter president for five years and local representative to the State Conference for 10 years, a recipient of the Jennings Scholar Award for four years, and a Who’s Who among American Educators recipient for two years. In addition to her mother, she is survived by three brothers, William Anthony “Tony” Burcham, Randall Lee Burcham and Bernard Justin “Gus” Burcham and his wife, Brenda all of Willow Wood; her one and only precious nephew, Gus Anthony Burcham; her great nephews, Ian and Ethan Burcham; a special friend, Brenda Cade; and special family members too numerous to mention.

Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at Schneider-Griffin Funeral Home, Chesapeake. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.schneidergriffin.com.

 

William Swartz

William “Bill” Swartz, 65, of Benton, Tenn., passed away at his residence Sunday May 13, 2012. He was born in Delaware, Ohio, and went to school in Hanging Rock and Ironton. He is survived by daughters, April, Billie and Penny; and companion of 22 years Michele Burnett. He was laid to rest in Chattanooga National Cemetery. Higgins Funeral Home of Benton was in charge of arrangements.

 

Carl Boster

Carl Oliver Boster, 83, of Proctorville, died Sunday, May 27, 2012, at Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, Huntington, W.Va. He was the husband of Doris Boster, who survives. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Hall Funeral Home. Burial will be in Rome Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/hall.