December 27, 2007

OBITUARIES

Al Gardner

Dr. Elmer A. “Al” Gardner of Skaneateles, N.Y., died Dec. 20, after a long illness.

Born in Newark, NJ, he was a graduate of Nottingham High School in Syracuse, NY, and graduated summa cum laude from Upstate Medical University. He did his internship at Yale University and completed his residency at the University of Rochester. He was known for his work in psychiatric epidemiology and the treatment of depression. He founded the first county psychiatric register in the country, in Monroe County, NY, and established one of the first community mental health centers, at Temple University in Philadelphia. He also was a former director of the Division of Neuropharmacology at the Food and Drug Administration, and a past medical director for Otsuka Pharmaceuticals. He maintained a clinical practice all of his professional life.

Al served as a medic in the U.S. Marines during World War II and was one of the last remaining Marines who had entered Nagasaki after the bombing. He loved music, art, theater, travel, and long discussions on social issues. He was known for his warmth, sense of humor, intelligence and visionary thinking.

Surviving are his wife, Mary, four children, Jeffrey, Barry (Maxine), Steven and Karen Gardner (Kevin Stokes), formerly of Yellow Springs; four grandchildren, Jesse and Jonina Hernandez, formerly of Yellow Springs, Joel and Brian Gardner; and sister, June Lustig of Syracuse. Services and burial were in Skaneateles.

Willard Arras

Willard B. Arras died Dec. 12. He was 99 years old. He was born Sept. 13, 1908, near Jenera, Ohio (Hancock County), to Henry and Johannia (Crates) Arras.

He married Electa Coldren in 1934; she died in 1993. They had been married 59 years and lived their entire married life in Yellow Springs.

Mr. Arras retired from the Air Force Logistics Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with 32 years of service. After retirement, he and his wife lived in Florida during the winter months. Willard enjoyed playing golf and was lucky enough to make a hole-in-one. In Yellow Springs, he was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Masonic Lodge and IOOF Lodge #279. He was also a member of the Antioch Shrine of Dayton, Scottish RitesValley of Dayton, Xenia Chapter No. 36 Royal Arch Masons, Aldora Chapter #262 Order of the Eastern Star, and Chapter 187 Retired Federal Employees of Springfield.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Oliver, Clarence, Homer and Theodore; sisters Carrie Arras Huffman, Elvina Arras Weihrauch and Helen Arras Weiden. He is survived by many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Burial was in Hancock County. Contributions in his memory may be made to the United Methodist Church of Yellow Springs. Online condolences may be made at www.coldrencrates.com.