Alex M. Sweigart, age 18, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020.
He was born on July 9, 2001, in Bluffton to Robert Sweigart and Robin (Work) Tomasi. His father and step-mother, Ann Sweigart survive in Dola. His mother and step-father, Don Tomasi survive in Ada.
Alex was a 2020 graduate of Ada High School and Apollo Career Center. He loved baseball, cars, motorcycling, and hanging out with family and friends.
Alex is also survived by a brother: Adam (Christian Anderson) Sweigart of Ada; a sister: Lisa Oxley of Columbus; a step-sister: Abbigale (Gerald) Hardy of Columbus; paternal grandparents: Robert and Janice Sweigart; and step-grandmother: Cheryl Tomasi.
Dr. Byron L. Hawbecker, 84, died on Sunday, June 28, 2020, at 9:10 p.m. at his residence in Ada.
He was born on Oct. 2, 1935, in Lanark, Illinois, to the late Merle and Cora (Stauffer) Hawbecker. On June 24, 1961, Byron married Anita M. Luxmore and she preceded him in death on Dec. 19, 2001.
Dr. Hawbecker was a Professor of Organic Chemistry at Ohio Northern University, Ada, starting in 1964 and retiring as the Dean of the Getty College of Arts & Science in 2004.
John Thomas Wireman, Sr., 66, died on Thursday, June 25, 2020, at 10:44 p.m. at Blanchard Valley Hospital, Findlay.
He was born on July 9, 1953, in Lima, Ohio to Lesle and Marie (Lyons) Wireman.
John lived many places in Texas, Michigan and Ohio throughout his life. He was a loving father, son, friend and especially grandfather. John loved old western movies, especially John Wayne. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. John’s greatest joy was being a father and grandfather. He always had a story to tell his grandkids and all the candy and snacks they could ever want. He was a huge Ohio State Buckeye fan just like his father.
Burke O. Ziegler, 70, died on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at 7:26 p.m. at the Bridge Hospice Care Center of Findlay.
He was born on Oct. 7, 1949 in Kenton, Ohio, to the late George and Marjorie (Ford) Ziegler. On July 30, 1982 Burke married Peggy Kahler and she survives in Ada.
Burke was a lifelong farmer. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served during the Vietnam War. Burke was a member of the Farmers Bureau and the NRA. He enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing and working in his shop.
It was his wish to be cremated. Burial will be held at a later date in Huntersville Cemetery.
Larry L. Mathewson, 88, died June 21, 2020, at Brookdale Senior Living in Bowling Green, Ohio. Larry was born Oct. 9, 1931, in Ada to the late Dana and Treva (Lewis) Mathewson. On June 30, 1951 he married Imajean Klass who preceded him in death on Nov. 11, 2010.
Larry graduated from Bluffton High School where he was an all-conference running back. He started working with his father at the Bluffton Welding Shop and later was a maintenance welder at the Lima Ford Engine Plant from which he retired. Larry was also a life-long farmer. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Bluffton, and the local Farm Bureau and past president of the Bluffton school board.
Charles R. Castle, 79, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 1:49 p.m. at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by his family.
He was born on June 15, 1941, in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, to the late Malcolm and Polly (Hicks) Castle, Sr. Charles married Barbara F. Newland and she survives in Ada.
Charles retired from Ford Motor Company, Lima Engine Plant, as a UAW International Rep. Dad loved his family, driving the back roads with his brother Malcolm looking at the Eagles and family trips to Holmes County.
