March 15, 1939 - December 31, 2025

Thomas (Tom) Eugene Miller, age 86, a lifelong resident of Plain City, Ohio passed away on December 31, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on March 15, 1939, in Columbus, Ohio.

Tom had a deep love for his family. He is survived by the love of his life, Ann Marie (Colliflower) Miller, whom he married on April 30, 1961. Together, they had seven children: Tamara Miller, Tim (Liz) Miller, Teri (John) Shaw, Tonya Miller Thomas, Tiffany (Doug) Izzard, Ted (Hollie) Miller, and Thomas Miller. He was grandfather to twenty-one grandchildren: JD, Zeke and Samuel Chenault, Kellen Miller, Ian (Kayla) Shaw, Haley Shaw, Tori and Truitt Thomas, Maddison (Mitchell) Jones, Taylor, Kennady and Jackson Izzard, Capell (Jillian) Miller, Carsyn (Fiancé Stone Hambel) Miller, Andie Miller, Mackenzie (Jordan) Glosser, Hunter (Keltin) Melvin, Zane (Fiancée Caitlyn) Miller, Braden Miller, Kalleigh (Caleb) Wheeler and Jason Badgeley. Also survived by many more beloved family members. His legacy will always live through his numerous great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Pearl (Beanie) and Florence (Thomas) Miller, his brother, Charles (Jerry) Miller, and his two children, Tamara Ann and Thomas Anson.

He graduated in the first class of Jonathan Alder High School in 1957. After high school, he attended Otterbein University. Tom retired from AEP (formerly Columbus and Southern Electric Company) after over 35 years of service. He also worked for the United States Trotting Association and the Village of Plain City. Tom was a proud member of several civic organizations: the Urania Masonic Lodge 311 in Plain City, the Scottish Rite Masons, the Aladdin Shrine, Kentucky Colonel, the Hilliard Moose and Elks, the Farm Bureau and a lifetime member of the Ohio Harness Horseman’s Association.

Tom was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He was a true PIONEER – a three-sport athlete (where he received many accolades throughout the region), booster, and unwavering Alder athletics supporter. His most favorite moments were spent supporting his grandchildren in their athletic and extracurricular activities. He also loved harness racing as an owner, breeder, and spectator. He had a green thumb and enjoyed having a large garden.

Tom will be remembered for his genuine zest for life, family, his quick wit and the king of one-liners; and most notably his backseat driving. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

A special thanks to the Pioneer community who embraced his love for Jonathan Alder sporting events throughout the years and making it possible for him to attend every game, while cheering alongside him.

Family will receive friends 3:00-6:00 PM on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, at Ferguson Funeral Home, 202 East Main Street Plain City, Ohio 43064. Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 9th at Ferguson Funeral Home with the burial to follow in Forest Grove Cemetery in Plain City.

Memorial contributions can be made in Tom Miller’s honor to:

Jonathan Alder Athletic Boosters – 9200 US 42 Plain City, Ohio 43064

Plain City Historical Society – 111 West Main Street, Plain City, Ohio 43064

Please visit www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to leave a special memory. Ferguson Funeral Home Plain City is honored to care for the Miller family.

December 24, 1937 - November 18, 2025

Christmas Eve, 1937, in the hotel on Railroad Street in Plain City, George Washington Vance and Nellie Clonch Vance welcomed the 7th of their 8 children. BERNARD EDMUND (INGMIRE) VANCE was named after the village doctor who came to the apartment to deliver him. (Nellie wanted the Ingmire in the name but there was not enough room on the line of the birth certificate to write it in!)

Bernie grew up with brothers George (Junior), Phillip (Bill), Charles (Charlie) and Ray (Raywessel) and sister, Nancy. Robert and Bessie both died in childhood, one day apart in 1935.

After graduating from Plain City High School in 1955, Bernie went on his first ocean cruise. He ended up in Korea with the U.S. Army. After serving his country, he returned home to work in grocery stores until he became of age to enter the Columbus Police Academy. He served 25 years in law enforcement doing patrol, burglary and robbery investigations, homicide investigations, and community relations. After serving with the CPD he began working 15 years of Service for the State of Ohio as a fraud investigator for the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. Listening to stories of his 40 years in law enforcement was a favorite of his friends and family.

Retiring in 2002, Bernie returned to his true loves — fishing, woodworking, fishing, community service work, fishing, working with Veterans' groups and fishing! He served in leadership roles locally with the Plain City Historical Society, Union County Veterans Service Commission, Friends of the Plain City Public Library and held offices in both VFW 3268 and American Legion 248.

He was active in the Urania Lodge #311, 32 Scottish Rite Mason, recipient of the Meritorious Service Award, member of Aladdin Shrine, a Kentucky Colonel, a member of The York Rite, Marysville Moose Lodge #1615 and Marysville VFW.

Bernie's life and escapades will live on through his children, Michelle (Bean), Sharon (Gert), Michael (Poncho) and George (Scooter). He also leaves 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, wife of 25 years, Karen Kile (Mumsie) and an entire family with nicknames!!

The program at Hospice of Central Ohio cannot be praised enough for their care and concern for Bernie's and Karen's welfare during these past weeks. Memorial donations, if desired, can be made to:

Hospice of Central Ohio https://www.ohioshospice.org/give/;

Plain City Historical Society https://www.plaincityhistoricalsociety.org/index.php/contact;

Plain City Public Library https://www.plaincitylib.org/information/#getinvolved; or any charity of your choosing.

A visitation will be held 10 AM-12 PM on Monday, November 24, 2025 at Ferguson Funeral Home in Plain City where the funeral service will be held at 12 PM. Burial with full military honors immediately following at Forest Grove Cemetery, Plain City.

Several brethren of the Lodge helped to repaint the outside of the Lodge building. A few years prior, we had the American Flag repainted on the West wall as the stucco was starting to crack and fall. We were able to raise a bit more money to finish the exterior upgrade and repaint using one of the approved colors for the Plain City downtown corridor.

We carefully painted the walls on the west side of the building to retain the original look of the American Flag and framed the section with the darker wall color. We feel this helps the flag really stand out as a beacon in the community and something we can all be very proud to support our Great Country!

The front of the building is what most passer bys will see, and the white accents on the front really help to make the front of the building pop out. Before, the front was the same light blue color as the rest of the building and sort of just blended in with the surrounding buildings.

This whole project was possible thanks to the support of brethren with painting equipment and especially having the scissor lift available. This made the project move along quickly and we were able to paint the whole building within a few hours.

Thank you to the brethren that took the time to edge paint the various portions of the building. The white accent in the front of the building was a great idea and addition to the whole project.

Thanks again to all of the brothers that stepped up and came out on a Saturday morning to bring our building back to life and more of a pleasant building to look at within the community. We look forward the upcoming visual improvements within the Lodge building in the coming year!

Gene Allen Dougherty, Jr. peacefully departed this life on March 2, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Gene was born to Norma Jean (Verne) and Gene Allen Dougherty, Sr. on March 11, 1951.

Gene accomplished so much and lived his life to the fullest during his 70 years on this Earth. Among many things, Gene was an airplane pilot, motorcycle rider, martial artist, collector, traveler, spiritual studier, ordained minister, beekeeper, and feeder of critters. Throughout his life he was part of many organizations including the United States Marine Corp, the Ohio Army National Guard (retired Captain), Plain City Police Department, Plain City Volunteer Firefighters, Urania Lodge 311 (current Master), Morning Star Lodge 795 (past Master and Charter member), New Carlisle 100, Widows Sons Masonic Riders, AASR Valley of Columbus MSA, American Legion Post 248, and VFW Post 3268. Gene was a proud Vietnam Veteran who believed in our freedom and the American way. He was also the previous owner of Dougherty Trucking and Pizza Villa, the Plain City Village Administrator, and a tour bus driver for Lakefront Lines. More than anything, Gene was a devoted husband, poppy, grandpoppy, brother, and friend to many.

Gene joins his parents; mother and father in-law Carl (Woody) and Mary Ann Gruenbaum; son Thomas Dougherty; and sister Martita Dougherty in Heaven. Gene is survived by his wife of almost 47 years Sue (Gruenbaum); his children Deborah (Hiney) Hall, Lee Ann Dougherty (Jamie Stewart), Elizabeth (Jason) Deere, Carla (Adam) Quick, Jonathan (Chassity) Dougherty; his grandchildren Stephanie and Jayson Dougherty, Tyler and Aaron Fraley, Tanner Stewart, Kaitlyn, Lauren, and Braden Deere, Mia Wilson, Bella, Colt, and Brooklyn Quick, Owen Dougherty, and great-granddaughter Phoenix; sisters Paula Burton (Mike Bing) and Matilda Dougherty. Family, friends, and others whose lives Gene touched are invited to Ferguson Funeral Home, 202 East Main Street, Plain City, Ohio, from 2pm-8pm on Friday, March 11, 2022, to reminisce, grieve, and support each other. Following calling hours on Friday at 8pm, there will be a Masonic service, Scottish Rite Ring ceremony, and Widows Sons ceremony. There will be a Celebration of Life service at 11am on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Ferguson Funeral Home. A private burial will be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Urania Lodge Repair Fund, PO Box 311, Plain City, Ohio 43064. Please visit www.fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to share a special memory.

April 21, 1931 – June 12, 2020

Edgar Lee Kauffman, age 89, of Plain City passed away at his home, Friday evening, June 12, 2020. Born April 21, 1931 in Plain City, Ohio and was the only son of nine children born to late Erwin and Anna (Keim) Kauffman.

Ed was a Past Worshipful Master of Urania Lodge #311 F&AM, also active member Scottish Rite and member of Aladdin Temple Shrine. Past Patron of OES, Elizabeth Chapter #56 and current member of Caroline Chapter #39. He worked on the family farm prior to starting his own plumbing business in 1966 and semi-retired in 1993. Ed served as a former Jerome Township Trustee and is a current member of the New Hope Church.

Preceded in death along with his parents; sons: William C. Kauffman – 1961, Kevin L. Kauffman – 1984; sisters: Irene Allen, Anna Mae Miller, Mary Plank, Ruth Mast.

Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carol (Chapman) Kauffman whom he married September 29, 1956. children: Krista Precourt, Kenneth (Kym) Kauffman, Carolyn (Jay) Turner; grandchildren: Rachel Precourt, Charles Precourt, Jacob Precourt, Joshua Miller, Christian “CJ” Miller, Jim Kauffman, Kyle (Lexi) Kauffman, Nicole (Andrew) Berczelly; great-grandchildren: Chase Wilson, Connor Manning, Sicily, Paisley and Lorelei Kauffman; sisters: Helen (James) Thurmond, Jean (Homer) Swartzentruber, Betty Silks, Carol (Jeff) French.

Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, June 27, 2020 at New Hope Church, 4739 W. Powell Rd, Powell, Ohio 43065 with Masonic and Eastern Star services. Pastor Steve Norden officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to National Church Residences Hospice, 2245 N. Bank Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43220. Visit fergusonfuneralhomeinc.com to share a special memory or message.

Thomas Devore, age 79 of West Jefferson passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020 at his residence after an extended illness. He was born April 8, 1941 in Columbus, Ohio.

He was a graduate of Marysville High School and then joined the US Marines serving from 1959 – 1963. A 32nd Degree Mason of Urania Lodge #311, Plain City and recently received his 50-year pin. Tom loved camping and enjoyed many trips with friends and family throughout the U.S. He enjoyed farming and spent his career driving a truck.

Preceded in death by his parents: Charles “Al” & Margaret Ann (Gould) Devore; brother: Charles N. Devore; sister-in-law: Sharon Devore; brother-in-law: Roger Humble.

Survived by his loving wife of 51 years: Martha J. (Bennett) Devore whom he married August 11, 1968; sons: Scott ( Melissa) Devore, David (Annette) Devore, Doug Devore; grandchildren: Jessica, Dan, Brad, Zach, Gabby; sister: Carol Humble.

June 15, 1926 – February 21, 2019

HOWARD SMITH FOUST, JR. age 92 passed away peacefully Thursday, February 21, 2019 at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Born in Columbus, Ohio on June 15, 1926 to Howard and Effie (Converse) Foust and lived in Plain City, Ohio his entire life. Graduated from Plain City High School in May 1944. He joined the United States Marine Corps in June 1944 serving 20 months in the Pacific Theater of WWII being discharged in November.

He was a farmer after the war, raising prize winning Guernsey cattle until 1954 going on to be a prison guard at the London Correctional Institution in London, Ohio. In 1960 he became Assistant Deputy Warden, rank of Captain, retiring in 1966. In 1967, he was appointed by President Johnson and confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Postmaster of the Plain City Post Office. In 1978 he served as the Ohio State Chapter President of the National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS) and Chapter Secretary-Treasurer from 1986 to 1992. He also served as National Vice President from 1984-1985. He retired from the Post Office in November.

After retirement he went on to serve as the National Secretary-Treasurer of NAPUS from 1994-1995 and National President NAPUS from 1998-1999. In December of 2000 he started working with Walmart as a lawn and garden associate retiring from the London, Ohio store in December 2017 at the age of 91. He was working for the Madison County Board of Election until the time of his death.

In the 1960’s thru early 1980’s Howard loved to coon hunt with his son Chic and two of the best dogs Slim and Jim. He played euchre every Wednesday in Marysville and often traveled around the state to play. He was a supporter of Jonathan Alder High School sports especially girls basketball. He was a member of the Plain City Presbyterian Church, 32nd Degree Mason of Urania Lodge #311 Plain City, Lions Club International, VFW and American Legion.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Ruth R. Foust; brother, Jack C. Foust – 2009; sister, Margaret Ann Weber – 1975. Survived by children, Rebecca Foust, Rachel Stenner, Howard “Chic” (Mindy) Foust II, Laura (Steve) Vowell; grandchildren, Christy (Travis) Headings, Katie Gallenstein, Michele (Melody) Foust, Jackie Foust, Whitney (Chris) Reed, Lauren (Eli) Karn, Jimmie (Hunter Channell) Jordan, Meredith Foust; great-grandchildren, Zach, Kyle, Maddy and Cooper Headings, Ian, Henleigh, and Olivia Reed, Abe and Baby Ike (due in May) Karn, Mason and Lucas Jordan; sister-in-law, Alice Foust and numerous nieces and nephews. Also classmates Bob Converse and Mary Andrews Mitchell.

The family will receive friends 2 – 7 PM with Masonic services at 7:30 PM Tuesday at Ferguson Funeral Home, 202 E. Main Street, (St. Rt. 161W) Plain City where the funeral will be held 10:00 AM Wednesday, February 27, 2019. Burial Forest Grove Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Union County Honor Guard.

Born: July 01, 1921
Died: September 18, 2017
Services: A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9-10;30 AM, Saturday at Ferguson Funeral Home 202 E. Main St. Plain City, where funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 23, 2017.
Visitation: A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9-10;30 AM, Saturday at Ferguson Funeral Home 202 E. Main St. Plain City, where funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 23, 2017.

PAUL J. KAUFMAN, 96 of Plain City, Ohio passed away Monday, September 18, 2017 at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Born July 1, 1921 in Plain City.

Paul served as a Merchant Marine during WWII where he transported livestock to Poland, he and his fellow service men were referred to as “Seagoing Cowboys”. He was a retired Supervisor from Ranco and the Credit Union. Member of Armature Radio Club. He also was a member of Urania Lodge 311 of Plain City and a 32 Degree Mason.

Paul was a life member of Aladden Shrine and Union County Shrine Club. A Past Patron 1981 of Elizabeth Chapter 56, Plain City. He was also a past member of Hilliard Senior Citizens and member of Plain City Senior Citizens for over 35 years. He was an active long time member of Big Darby Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by parents, Abram and Imo Gene (Thomas) Kaufman; daughter, Paula F. Kaufman in 2008; step mother, Beulah (Hartzler) Kaufman; brothers, Carl, John and James. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Dora (Johnson) Kaufman whom he married on March 2, 1946; sons, Gary (Debby) Kaufman, Jeffrey Kaufman; grandchildren, Nathan (Heather) and Steven; sister, Julia (Wayne) Longanecker; brother, Tim (Mary) Kaufman.

A gathering of family and friends will be held from 9-10;30 AM, Saturday at Ferguson Funeral Home 202 E. Main St. Plain City, where funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM, Saturday, September 23, 2017. Burial at Forest Grove Cemetery.

Memorials: Contributions may be made to Big Darby Baptist Church 6921 Plain City Georgesville Road, Plain City, OH 43064 or the Plain City Senior

This is a explanation of this type of Identification;

The USA would have been the first nation to have adopted Identity Discs back in 1862 if the notion hadn’t been rejected. US troops therefore, like most of their European counterparts , had either no identification (other than in paper form) or supplied their own (private purchase tags from the Civil War, China Expedition and Spanish-American War appear in abundance). However, on 20 December 1906 , the War Department General Order number 204 officially sanctioned the first authorised US identity disc. This disc was a small circular aluminium disc, 3cm in diameter, that contained the soldier’s name, rank, unit and the letters “USA” (“United States Army”). It was worn around the neck on a thin bandage-like cotton ribbon.

In 1910 a tag was issued that was identical to the 1906 pattern in all ways except size. The 1910 tag measured 3.5cm in diameter. Both 1906 and 1910 pattern tags were, from this date on, issued in similar numbers and can be encountered relatively equally. There was one more change before the USA entered the war. Possibly due to reports from the nations already involved in the war or possibly due to experiences in Mexico, a second disc was introduced on 6 July 1916. From this date, the first disc (whether of 1906 or 1910 pattern) had two holes to facilitate the attachment of the second disc.

There was also a locket that was found belonging to Kenneth which was gold filled and made around the turn of the century (1900) by H.F. & Bro. It is noted that Kenneth’s wife was a long time school teacher at the Unionville School most likely the Darby High School long closed located in Unionville Center Ohio.

Further Investigation shows that Kenneth was infact a member of Urania Lodge. Last Entry found was dated July 31, 1950 as a member the following year does not show him on the records as of July 1951. It is my belief that he could have been a soldier during the Great World War 1 at the age of about 24 years. He died at age 58.

Arthur Sr. William L. "Bill" Arthur Sr., age 89, of Fredericktown, passed away on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at the Laurels of Mount Vernon with his loving family by his side. He was born on July 13, 1927 in Central College, Ohio to the late Charles and Ethel (Hartley) Arthur.

Bill was the owner and operator of THE Plain City Barn Dance. He was a member of the Fredericktown United Methodist Church, was a member of Urania #311 Masonic Lodge and was a plural member of the Thrall Lodge #170. Bill was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, Valley of Columbus Consistory. He was a veteran serving in the United States Navy during World War II. He is survived by his daughters, Susan (Michael) Link, Debby (Louis) Sizer; four sons, Mick Arthur, Tony Arthur, Dwight (Katherine) Arthur, Michael Arthur; 12 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents,

He retired 2 years ago from Conway Freight after 30 years of service. David honorably served our country in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was a past commander of the Plain City VFW Darby Post # 3268 for 6 years and was an active member of the Union County Honor Guard.

David was a member of the Urania Lodge # 311 F&AM and Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus. He was a member of the Zanesville Rifle Club and a founding member of the Last Chapter Motorcycle Club, a member of the Mechanicsburg Eagles and a life member of the Plain City Historical Society.

David was preceded in death by his father: Robert L. Mitchell – 1991.

He is survived by his son: Michael L. Mitchell; daughter: E. Alice Mitchell; wife: Madelon “Molly” Mitchell; mother: Mary Mitchell.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

RIP brother David Mitchell

Paul began his journey in Masonry back in 1966. He was an employee of Ranco in Plain City until 1980 when Ranco moved to Mexico. His wife Dora was by his side during the presentation. For many years Paul has been our “Ships Captain and Wayfaring Man” while performing the degree work.

RWB Shawn Johnson District Deputy Grand Master & Worshipful Master Jeremy Graham presented the award & recognition from the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio representing MWB Grand Master Robert C. Rill, Jr..

Looking on were members & wives of Urania Lodge including WB Douglas Kirk President of the 9th Masonic District and 9th District Education Officer WB David Waggoner, RWB Fred Kile PDDGM & Secretary of the Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus as well as a member of Urania. Thank You for making this a memorable occasion.

Congratulations Paul!

You have been cordially invited to attend our Dedication Ceremony for our York Rite Building and Scottish Rite Building on Sunday, October 18, 2015. A gathering of those who are planning to be in the procession will be at 1:30 p.m. in Burkhart Auditorium at the Ohio Masonic Home.

We wanted to make everyone aware that the Highway Hikers Annual Toy Run will also be taking place on Sunday, October 18th. Their journey will take them through Clark County and they will be passing The Ohio Masonic Home at approximately 1:30 p.m. During this time the entrance to our campus will be closed to let the group of approximately 3,000 motorcycles pass the intersection. We also suggest that anyone traveling on I-70 coming to the Home that take use the exits for US 68 to come to the Home and avoid all exits for US 4 to come to the Home. We wanted to make you aware of this event so that you can be prepared to arrive at our Springfield campus a little earlier on Sunday than you originally anticipated.

Once you arrive on campus there will be directional signs as well as our Springfield Masonic Community Security staff members to direct you to the parking area. Once in the parking area we will have shuttle service to the event areas. If you have any questions please feel free to contact:

Dan Shirk

Fraternal Relations Director

Born: July 23, 1921 Died: October 22, 2014 Services: 10:00 AM Monday, October 27, 2014 at Ferguson Funeral Home, 202 E. Main Street, Plain City, Ohio 43064. Visitation: 2-4 PM Sunday, October 26, 2014 at Ferguson Funeral Home, 202 E. Main Street, Plain City, Ohio 43064.

CLARENCE W. DURBAN, age 93 of Plain City, passed away Wednesday evening October 22, 2014 at Milcrest Nursing Center, Marysville. Born July 23, 1921 in Hilliard, Ohio. WW II US Navy Veteran (1944-1946) Fireman First Class stationed on the USS Laub and USS Stevenson. Darby High School Graduate and member of the Plain City Presbyterian Church. Retired farmer from southern Union County. Inducted in the State of Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame. Clarence traveled nationally and abroad for the conservation of our national resources. Active member and past president of the National Association Conservation District (NACD) and Ohio

Federation Conservation District (OFCD) for Land and Soil Conservation. Met with President Reagan regarding the Farm Bill in the early 1980’s. Member of the Plain City American Legion Post # 248, Marysville American Legion Post # 79, Plain City VFW Darby Post # 3268 and 32nd degree mason of Urania Lodge # 311 F&AM.Preceded in death by parents: E. Edward & Grace (Clark) Durban; wife: Eileen (Magill) Durban – 2003; 1 brother; 2 sisters and spouses. Survived by his wife Polly Scheiderer Durban; daughter: Barbara (Joe Jenkins) Bruning; step-children: Denny (Kay) Scheiderer, Pam (Jeff) McClain; step-grandchildren: Jason (Julia) Jenkins, Jenny (Doug) Davis and 10 additional step-grand and great-grandchildren; sister: Mary Boerger.

The family will receive friends 2–4 PM Sunday at the Ferguson Funeral Home, 202 E. Main Street, (St. Rte. 16W) Plain City where the funeral will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, October 27, 2014 with Rev. Oluf Kongshaug officiating and burial Forest Grove Cemetery with Union County Honor Guard conducting full military honors.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the PC Presbyterian Church Easy Access Fund, 231 E. Main Street, Plain City, Ohio 43064. Cemetery: Forest Grove Cemetery Location: FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME Church: Plain City Presbyterian Church

Tonight was an interesting night! We were able to move to refreshment after opening the Lodge and we had a meal together. Stories were shared, and the timing was perfect for a couple brethren to join in after a long day of work. We then returned to the Lodge to complete our business.

All Fellow Crafts and Master Masons are invited to the Special Meeting on Saturday October 25th at 9 AM for the purpose of conferring two Fellow Craft degree practice sessions. This is a great opportunity for any of our members who have not been to Lodge in some time to experience the degree in a relaxed session. You are encouraged to assist in the degree practice in order to enjoy to its fullest.

Also remember that November 11th is our Annual Meeting and Election of Officers for the 2015 year. We have many opportunities for members to experience a station in the Officer Line! Rest assured, we will not pressure new Officers to stay in the line year after year. If you ever wanted to “test the waters”, now is an excellent opportunity! Contact me for further information!

Fraternally, Jeremy Graham, WM

Services: Celebration of Marc’s Life will be held at Ohio Wesleyan University in the Hamilton Willaims Campus Center, 40 Rowland Ave., Delaware on Sunday July 6th at 3:00 PM

Visitation: The family will receive friends beginning at 2:00 PM July 6th at the Ohio Wesleyan University in the Hamilton Williams Campus Center, 40 Rowland Ave., Delaware with a tribute to begin at 3:00 PM

Marc David Iman, age 58, passed away June 27, 2014 at the Memorial Hospital of Union County. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and friend.

Marc will be greatly missed by his wife of 28 years, Christine (Szmagala) Iman; son and daughter-in-law Jeremy & Amanda Iman; son Josh Iman; brother and sister-in-law Greg & Pam Iman; as well as nieces, nephews, other extended family members and freinds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Martha (Rustemeyer) Iman.

Marc was a graduate of The Ohio State University. After college he worked as a park ranger for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and for the U.S. Forestry service in Oregon. He had recently retired from Honda after 25 years of service. Marc and his wife have been residents of Plain City for the past 28 years. He was past Worshipful Master of Urania Lodge #311 F&AM, actively involved in the Miami Valley Steam Threshers, and was an enthusiastic collector of all things mechanical & antique.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association in honor of Marc. Donations can be made at his memorial page at honor.americanheart.org.

The Grand Master & Grand Lodge Officers will be opening in emergent communication for the purpose of issuing a dispensation for Brethren to meet under the name of Morning Star Lodge, a daytime lodge of the Ninth Masonic District meeting at the Ohio Masonic Home. Ceremonies will be held Saturday March 15th 2014, @ 11:00 am. in the Burkhart Auditorium in the Rickly Building at the Ohio Masonic Home. Upon conclusion you are welcome to join the Grand Lodge Officers for lunch in the Linder Community Center. Proper attire will be coat and tie for this event. ALL MASONS ARE INVITED.

Twas the Night before Christmas, and down at the lodge not a gavel was stirring, and in the hodge-podge.

Of aprons and jewels and chairs East and West You could savour the silence, most gladly divest

All metal and mineral, it mattered not, Since Christmas was nigh and the coals were still hot.

In the hearth of your home place, all Masons abed, As visions of trestle boards danced in their head;

When up on the roof there arose such a clatter Our Tyler jumped up to see what was the matter!

He picked up his sword and ran fast to the door, Three knocks shook the panels – he wondered ‘What for?’

He answered the knocking with raps of his own, And once the door opened he saw, with a moan

Of delight it was Santa, all jolly and red Except for one notable feature instead!

Upon his large finger he wore what we knew Was compass and square on a background of blue!

‘Why Santa!’ he shouted and lowered his blade, ‘I see you’re a Mason!’ the Tyler relayed.

He looked toward the Master’s most dignified chair And said, voice near trembling, ‘Most Worshipful there

Is a Gentleman properly clothed at the gate!’ The Master replied, ‘Let’s allow him – but wait!

You tell me a Gentleman, but I don’t see His Apron beneath that red suit, can it be

Our visitor hasn’t been properly raised? Must we offer a test that is suitably phrased?

‘I do beg your pardon,’ ol’ Santa said quick As he pulled up his coat and displayed not a stick

But a cane with engraving, two balls did appear And oh, what an apron, he wore and held dear!

Adorned like the Master’s, complete with a sign Of “Lodge Number One, the North Pole” on one line!

“Now let this man enter,” the Master declared, And once in the Lodge room, the Brethren all stared,

For Santa was wearing a jewel not seen For many a century – there in between

The fur of his coat and the splendid red collar Gleamed two golden reindeer that shone line a dollar!

“It’s Donner and Blitzen, who I must confess “Are actually images brought from the West

By my Warden, a craftsman like none in the world!” And with a great laugh from his bag he unfurled

An ear of fine corn, and some oil from the East, “My friend I have plenty, tonight we will feast

On all that is good! We are Masons, kind sir!” A murmur went throughout the Lodge, quite a stir,

As presents and promises flew from his sack!, A Mason, showed he had a knack

For making this Christmas the best you could glean, And soon even Deacons were laughing, they’d seen

On this very night only happiness reigned! This jolly Saint Nicholas quickly explained

That only a Mason could be so inclined To make all kids happy, make all people find

A Christmas so special, yes, Santa was right! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

With the Season’s Greetings to one and all.

Pictured left to right: WB Jeremy Graham, Bro Tom Miller, Bro Paul Kaufman, RWB Rob Weller, WB Geoffrey Fisher, WB Ed Kauffman, RWB Dan Shirk, WB Mike Jackson, RWB Fred Kile, Bro Paul R Jones

Image credit: Bro. John Shirk