Robert Eugene Steichen died peacefully surrounded by loving family March 3, 2021. He was 94 years young having lived a life filled with farming, music, an infectiously positive outlook on the world, unparalleled ethics and a real belief in the absolute goodness of every individual.

Bob was born at Sunny Slope Farm, eight miles north of Perry, on November 21, 1926. The third child of John and Maude (Schiltz) Steichen, he walked to Sunny Slope School for his first eight years. He graduated from Perry High School in 1944 where he played trombone in the band, serving as band president his senior year. He was a member of National Honor Society. As a 4-H club member, he showed sheep and pigs, and boarded his first train to attend the National 4-H Congress in Chicago. He and his sister, Mary Lou were popular entertainers at Perry events.

Following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, Bob attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) for one semester. With the world still engaged in World War II, he left school and served two years as a sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps – the precursor to today’s U.S. Air Force. He spent the majority of that time at Fairfield-Suisun Army Air Base outside of San Francisco, frequently making trips into the city to experience the opera and symphony. He returned to A&M to complete his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1950. He spent weekends at the family farm in Perry, milking cows and hitchhiking back to Stillwater for school. He was a member of the trombone section at A&M. He accepted his first teaching position in Minco, Oklahoma, where he taught band and vocal music for three years.

When asked once about his greatest life accomplishment, he answered “convincing Margaret to marry me.” He and Margaret Beadle met at a 4-H party at Sunny Slope Farm and dated long distance while he was in Minco. They were married at St. Joseph Catholic Cathedral in Oklahoma City on a hot August morning in 1952. Their honeymoon was a road trip to Taos, New Mexico, staying at cabins along the Rio Grande Valley – sleeping in twin beds.

Bob taught band and vocal music for five years in Waynoka, then moved to Tonkawa High School where he spent 11 years as band director and driver’s education instructor, later adding guidance counselor to his job responsibilities. He completed his Master of Science degree in Secondary Administration from OSU in 1954 and his Education Specialist degree in Counseling and Guidance from Arizona State University in 1967. Margaret would pack the six kids into a station wagon each summer as Bob worked on his advanced degree in Arizona. Bob became the director of counseling, and an instructor in music and psychology at Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) in Tonkawa from 1969 until his retirement in 1990. While at NOC, he served as advisor to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Bob was recognized by fellow colleagues as Oklahoma “Counselor of the Year”. He was a lifelong member of Oklahoma Music Educators Association and Oklahoma Retired Teachers Association.

He served as president of the Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce and the Tonkawa Lions Club. He was a past commander of the Tonkawa American Legion and served on the Tonkawa City Council for eight years. He served as treasurer of the Blackwell-Tonkawa Airport board for 25 years. He was a committee chairman of the Boy Scouts of America and made a backpacking trek to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico with his son, Kevin. He worked on establishing a senior citizen center and a recycling program in Tonkawa. The Tonkawa Chamber of Commerce awarded him a Lifetime Service Award and, along with wife Margaret, the Tonkawa Pride Award.

Bob lived his Catholic faith, serving on the parish council at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Tonkawa, teaching Sunday school, conducting the Christmas choir, attending daily Mass and breakfast club at Mary’s. He and Margaret were Eucharistic Ministers and he acted as the faculty advisor for Catholic students at NOC.

He never stopped teaching. After retiring from NOC, he led the Tonkawa Leadership program for more than 18 years and taught “Character Counts” to 8th grade students at Tonkawa Mid-Hi where they learned life lessons from a passionate “grandfather” figure. He was a founding member of the North Central OK Arts Council.

He was never happier than when he was wearing overalls (winning the Farmer’s Tan Contest at Tonkawa’s July 4th celebration), driving the tractor or combine and sharing his love of farming with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He instilled in all of us a respect for the land, a love of growing things, his patience and his quiet and deep faith.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Margaret; two brothers, (John and Joe); and his sister, Mary Louise. He leaves behind a legacy of love: Jeanne (Steve) Friesen of Enid; Kevin (Erin) Steichen of Tulsa; Suzanne (Matt) McQuade of Yukon; Brenda (Don) Dobbs of Tulsa; Jerry of New York City; Barry (Christine) Steichen of Tulsa; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, so far.

He lived a life of exemplary kindness, belief in the innate goodness of every person and a genuine smile which will never be forgotten. His greatest wish: “Harmony and understanding among people, and accepting individual differences.” We love him so very much.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Funeral Mass will be a private family event. Please join us virtually via live stream Sunday, March 7, at 2:00pm. Link at www.troutfuneralhome.com.

Norman Glynn Wells was born May 9, 1966 to Norman and Virgie (Gordon) Wells and passed away at his residence Feb. 3, 2021.

David Dewayne Martinez, age 40, passed away in San Angelo, Texas on January 14th, 2021. He was born on February 25th, 1980 in San Angelo, Texas to Augustine and Yolanda Martinez.

David was a sales representative at Tarpley Music and loved to DJ. He was a kid at heart and loved and collected all things Snoopy. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Crucista, and was a Fraternity brother of Kappa Kappa Psi and was commonly known and nicknamed as “Monkey”.

He is preceded in death by his father, Augustine Martinez. He is survived by his mother Yolanda Martinez, his dog Bo Martinez, his sister Jerri Lynn and Angel Fierro of Ozona, Texas, his brother Leroy and Elmi Martinez of Fort Worth, Texas. His nephews Chris and Leigh Ann Fierro of Winnsboro, Texas, Trey Angel Fierro of Austin Texas, Christopher Aguilar of Fort Worth, Texas, Xavier Martinez of Brady, Texas, his nieces Kristen Fierro of Lubbock, Texas, Breanna Aguilar of Clarksville, Arkansas, Destiney Martinez of Stephenville, Texas, and Kaitlyn Aguilar, and Aubrey Martinez of Fort Worth, Texas.

Services will be held Friday January 22nd, 2021 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ozona, TX with burial following at Lima Cemetery. David was laid to rest next to his father Augustine Martinez.

Paul A. Lytle, 62, passed away on January 10, 2021, due to complications from COVID-19. Beloved husband, father, son, colleague, friend, fan, volunteer, leader, and lifelong Wichitan, Paul was born in 1958 to Robert Lytle and D. Joanne. Paul was a lifetime Shocker, graduating from WSU in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Paul was hired Dec. 11,  1989, as a mechanical engineer for his alma mater. In June 1993 he was promoted to building systems engineer.  He went on to receive his Master of Engineering Management in 2006 from WSU and was promoted in December 2018 to director of environmental control.

Paul was an avid sports fan of any and every sport, especially of Wichita, Kansas City, and United States international teams. An Eagle Scout, and father to two others, Paul volunteered for years as a cubmaster and scout leader for troops 520 at St. Thomas Aquinas, 542 at Holy Cross Lutheran, and 503 at Magdalen Church. A history buff and space enthusiast, Paul also volunteered frequently at the Kansas Cosmosphere and Lake Afton Public Observatory, never failing to miss any celestial events or space/rocket launches. Paul was the ultimate tourist, squeezing the most out of his time when traveling, always on the lookout for monuments, landmarks, historical places, and stadiums. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with as well as those he reached but never met.

Paul is survived by his wife of 32 years, Virginia, son Trevor (Lindsay Ann), son Zach, and mother D. Joanne, as well as countless extended family members and friends. Paul was preceded in death by his father, Robert.

DAMIAN MCCLINTON, 31, passed away Monday, January 4, 2021. He was a graduate of Oak Grove High School, obtained his Associate’s Degree from Shorter College and attended UCA and ASU Beebe. He was a member of Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, a 32nd Degree Mason and Past Patron in the Order of Eastern Star. He was a Training Instructor for TTech. Damian was a talented entertainer, saxophonist and vocalist, loved animals, possessed a quick wit and was a loving son, brother and friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Marjorie Faucette; step-father Hilton Chandler, III; god-mother Delores Iverson and two uncles. He is survived by his parents, Marcia (Aaron) Moore and Donny McClinton; brothers Nicholas and David Chandler; god-sister and niece Marce Jones and MyCayla Lenier; grandmother Ruth L. Chandler; Two loved pets Thor and Fred Astaire; four aunts; two uncles and many cousins and friends.

A walk-through visitation will be held Friday, January 15, 2021, 3–5 p.m., at the Serenity Funeral Home Chapel, 1851 Marshall Street, Little Rock. CDC guidelines will be enforced. Floral expressions may be delivered on the 15th after 12:30 p.m., to Brown’s Christian Funeral Service at 1705 Main Street, North Little Rock. Florists should call (501) 244-800 for delivery.

Thomas (Tommy) Hoyt Edwards 71 of Belle Isle, Georgetown South Carolina entered the kingdom of God on January 1, 2021 at his villa on Belle Isle, SC surrounded by Gods beauty and serenity of the Spanish moss on the century old oak trees, looking out along the lakes of Winyah Bayand the two loves of his life, his wife Sheila Arney Rassette Edwards and Keiko his dog of 18 years. In his own words since retiring here Tommy said many times, “You sure brought us to a beautiful place”

Tommy was a member of the First Moravian Church in Greensboro, NC and had been a head usher taking over for his beloved father, Hoyt Pervis Edwards who proceeded him in death along with his mother Mary Elizabeth Edwards and stepmother Helen Westmoreland Edwards.  He worked for his father for many years in a family owned business, Edwards Seafood Company and completed his working career for the Federal Government as a TSA officer at the Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC for 13 years.  Tommy and Sheila traveled all over the world and the US by air and ship and without a doubt loved Ireland and the Isle of Man as their favorite. Once retired he and his beloved wife moved to Belle Isle Marina and Yacht Club and enjoyed what Tommy thought was one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Tommy’s wish was to be cremated and have no formal funeral. There will be a Celebration of Life later in his hometown of Greensboro, NC where he was born and raised and met his soulmate and wife over 41 years ago and finally reunited and married her 20 years later at the age of 50. Tommy said he waited for marriage to find the right partner he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. He is survived by his wife and three step-children: Christian James Arney Rassette of Charlotte, NC, Nicholas James Arney Rassette and wife Fatima Lima Rassette of Boca Raton, FL; and Carolyn Danielle Louise Rassette of Stokesdale, NC; four step-grandchildren: Alexis Nicole Hardin, Madison Lyann Hicks, Madeleine Pelletier and Silas Lima Rassette; his only sibling, David Willard Edwards and wife Joan Johnstone Edwards of Greenville SC. Tommy was loved by everyone he met and his soft nature attracted lifelong friends.  His smile and warm heart will be missed by all.

Memorials may be made to Agape Hospice of SC, 3009-C Church Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 or SC House Calls of Columbia SC as they helped his wife care for him in the home his last months or to his church, First Moravian Church, 304 S. Elm Street, Greensboro NC 27403.

Burroughs Funeral Home (843-651-1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family.

John Joseph Delagrange, age 53, of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, died on December 28, 2020 at Western Reserve Hospital after battling Covid 19.

John was born in Akron, Ohio, on August 23, 1967, the son of Alice (nee Laws) Delagrange of Stow, Ohio and the late John Philip Delagrange.

John was a 1985 graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School and a graduate of the University of Phoenix, earning his Bachelors Degree in Business Management. He was currently working as an L&D Product Manager for Allstate Insurance Company in Hudson.

John enjoyed gaming, collecting swords of all type, and loved being with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed the holidays of Halloween and Christmas. His decorations made his neighborhood lively and loved. John also loved to travel to Florida, especially Disney with his loving wife, Colleen.

In addition to his mother, survivors include his beloved wife, the former Colleen Erb, whom he married on August 23, 1996; his siblings, Ruthann (Matt) Francis, Rebecca (Rich) Metz and Patrick Delagrange; his nieces and nephews, Patrick John Delagrange, Hannah Metz, Mary Metz, Audrey Francis and William Francis; his wife’s siblings, Dawn Butler and Courtney (Andrea) Erb; his wife’s nieces and nephews and their families, Lindsay (Trevor) Petitte, Leah (Lorenzo) Dumancas, Austin (Jamie) Erb, Zachary Erb and Anthony Erb. His wife’s parents also survive, Daniel and Karen (nee Miller) Erb.

Private memorial services will take place at Newcomer Funeral Home, Akron, Ohio.

THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF LIFE AT A LATER DATE.
For those of you invited, we ask that you ADHERE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES AND WEAR A MASK.

Amy S. Walp, 50, of West Chester, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, at her home.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of Leonard and Paula Swithers Walp, of Jackson Twp.

Amy was a 1988 graduate of Lake-Lehman High School and attended West Chester University. She fell in love with the town of West Chester and the university and made her home there for the last 30 years.

Amy served as the backbone of her employer, Under The Sun Productions Inc., a special events production company based in West Chester where she served in countless roles for a wide range of high-profile national public events. She was the “mass group coordinator” for the huge youth choir, tap dance, and dance productions for the QVC/West Chester Christmas Parade, the 6 ABC Dunkin Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, the Celebrate America Parade, the Miss America “Show Us Your Shoes” parade, The National Independence Day Parade, The Philadelphia Independence Day Parade, The Citrus Bowl Parade, The Tangerine Bowl Halftime show, The Nashville Christmas Parade, The National Memorial Day Parade, the Republican National Convention Lighted Boat Parade, the Welcome America Lighted Boat Parade, the National Cherry Blossom Parade, the Boy Scouts of America Centennial Parade, and The Hershey Centennial Parade. In this role, she managed well over 70,000 individual performers over the course of 20 years, calling them “her kids” and taking great pride and joy in managing the performance opportunities for the young performers. She was a production team member for the first anniversary commemoration of the Crash of Flight 93, participated in the production of several Daytona 500 pre-race shows and was a technician for the Golden Crown New Year’s Brigade and the Hegeman String Band, participants in the Philadelphia Mummers parade, for a number of years.

Amy served as assistant director of the West Chester University Winter Color Guard, Field of View, who was a consistent world class finalist at the Winter Guard International World Championships. She was also the assistant director of the West Chester University Incomparable Marching Band Color Guard, who recently became the first division two school in the history of the United States to receive and currently hold the coveted Sudler Trophy, the “Heisman” for marching bands. Her logistical skills, leadership, sewing skills, dedication, building of props, RAM Pride and much more contributed to the high standards required to receive the award.

Amy received several state and local commendations including the key to the city of West Chester, Volunteer of the Year award from the West Chester Chamber of Commerce and commendations from the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives.

All of Amy’s efforts in the production industry have contributed to entertaining and spreading love and joy to tens of millions of viewers and spectators from around the globe. Her passing is a huge loss to an industry of making people smile and be happy, as she always cared and gave to others rather than herself.

Surviving in addition to her parents are her brother, Ryan Walp and his wife, Maria, Jackson Twp.; nephew and godson, Adam; and niece, Sarah Grace.

Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of family.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to West Chester University Foundation in memory of Amy Walp. Please make checks payable to WCU Foundation, Memo: In Memory of Amy Walp, and mail to 202 Carter Drive, West Chester, PA 19382. If making the donation online, visit www.wcufoundation.org/give and include Amy Walp in the tribute information.

Arrangements are by Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home Inc., Shavertown.