November 22, 2007

OBITUARIES

Eugene Powell

Eugene Mondt Powell, of Valley Cottage, N.Y., passed away at his home on Nov. 10, surrounded by loved ones. He was 84 years old. Gene was born on July 14, 1923 in Indiana, raised in Ohio, but made New York his home since 1947.

He served in the 106th Infantry Division in World War II and was a POW at Stalag 9B in Germany. After the war, Gene made his career as a painter and scenic artist. He studied painting at The Art Institute of Chicago and The Art Students League of New York, was awarded the John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship in creative painting in 1952, and has exhibited paintings in many galleries including The Art Institute of Chicago, Brooklyn Museum, Toledo Museum of Art and University of Oklahoma.

He painted scenery for Broadway theater (including Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly and Cats), major motion pictures (including Sophie’s Choice, Raging Bull, The Wiz and All That Jazz), opera, ballet (New York City Ballet) and television (including NYPD, Sesame Street, The Cosby Show). During that time he served as a trustee for the United Scenic Artists Pension and Welfare Funds.

After retiring, Gene was involved in the restoration of Lyndhurst, a historic gothic revival mansion in Tarrytown, N.Y. Since 1988, Gene served the American Ex-Prisoners of War as commander and treasurer of the Hudson Valley chapter, treasurer and commander of the New York chapter, national director for the northeast region, and national service officer.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Neva Powell; son, Gene (Gino) Powell; daughters, Chris Powell and Abby Powell; and grandchildren, Jesse and Caleb Welton and Hannah Powell.

Gene touched so many lives as a friend, mentor, and teacher, and through his numerous charitable contributions. He was well known for his sense of humor, generosity, and kindness toward all people. He loved all kinds of music and enjoyed singing and playing the guitar and a dulcimer that he made by hand. His largeness of spirit and his gentle soul will be sorely missed.

A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to United Hospice of Rockland, 11 Stokum Lane, New City, NY 10956, or the American Indian College Fund, P.O. Box 172449, Denver, CO 80217-9797.

Robert Gueth Jr.

Robert Carlton Gueth Jr. of Springfield died Wednesday, Nov. 14, in Community Hospital. He was 53.

He was born in Springfield, Ohio, on May 25, 1954, the son of Robert C. and Roseann (Powers) Gueth. Robert was a member of Trinity Lutheran church, an avid golfer, and had worked in construction prior to his illness. He was a 1972 graduate of Springfield south High School and attended the Ohio State University.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Traci Gueth, on Oct. 19, 2007.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Roseann and Harry Van Pelt, of Springfield; father, Robert C. Gueth Sr. of North Ft. Myers, Fla.; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Adam and Vanessa Gueth of Yellow Springs, Robert C. Gueth III of Springfield, and Private Alex Gueth of Ft. Hood, Texas; stepson, Johnny Hyde; stepbrother, Mark Van Pelt: sister and brother-in-law, Durinda and Scott Selm; niece, Roseann Whitacre, all of Springfield; two grandchildren, Madison and Ashton Gueth of Yellow Springs.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions are requested to Project Woman, Trinity Lutheran Church, or to one of the homeless shelters.

John S. Estep

John S. Estep of Fairborn died on Nov. 13. He was 83. John was born Feb. 5, 1924, in Lawrence County, Ohio, the son of John and Birdie Estep.

John was retired from Dayton Power and Light company after 38 years and was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Alberta Sizemore. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Virginia; daughters and sons-in-law, Cindy and Scott Allen of Fairborn, Sue Ann and Wesley Laughrey of Laurel, Miss., and Mary Fodal of Fairborn; son and daughter-in-law David and Sharon Estep of Fairborn; brother and sister-in-law Sim and Wilma Willis of Yellow Springs; sisters, Carrie Jones of California and Virginia Mae Hulsman of Texas; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, Nov. 23, 6-8 p.m., in the Burcham Funeral Home, 119 East Main Street, Fairborn. The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m. with Pastor Doug Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in Byron cemetery. The family requests that contributions in John’s memory be made to the charity of one’s choice.