Obituaries

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Funeral services will be held on Aug. 11

Paul E. Downing, age 86, of Alger, passed away on Monday, August 4, 2025 at Vancrest of Ada. 

Paul was born on January 6, 1939 in Ada, Ohio to the late William and Virginia (Adams) Downing.  In 1969, Paul married Mildred Castle and she survives in Alger. 

Also surviving are his brother, Lee Downing; and two sisters: Sally Smith and Mary Downing. 

He was preceded in death by three brothers: Charles Campbell, Jerry Downing and Robert Downing; half-sister, Barbara Downing; and half-brother, William Downing. 

Paul retired from Sheller Globe.  

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Funeral services on Monday, August 4

Lester E. Burkett, age 80, of Alger, passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at his home.          

He was born on July 7, 1945 in Floyd County, Kentucky to the late James and Mag (VanHoose) Burkett.  On December 6, 1979 Lester married Alma Howard and she survives in Alger. 

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Sondra May Amstutz, 61, passed away July 25, 2025 at her residence. Sondra was born November 5, 1963 in Lima to the late Phillip and Barbara (Underwood) Engle. On April 25, 1987 she married Tim Amstutz who survives.

Sondra was a 1982 graduate of Allen East High School and received her associate’s degree in business management from Rhodes State College, Lima. She worked at Airfoil Textron and Midbus, both of Bluffton. Sondra was a member of County Line Church of Ada where she was active in the children’s ministry. She was a 4-H advisor for the Beaverdam Bunch and worked with the Allen County Fair. Sondra loved babysitting and nurturing children. 

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Jeffrey A. Hunt, age 67, of Loudonville, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at his home.  Jeffrey died peacefully in his sleep when the Lord came to him and said, “Well done my good faithful servant.”

He was born on October 29, 1957 in Lima, Ohio to Harry and Susan (Hullinger) Hunt.  His father Harry preceded him in death and his mother Susan survives in Ashland.  On September 13, 1980 Jeffrey married the love of his life, Julie K. Basinger, and she survives in Loudonville. 

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Larry J. Marsh, age 69, of Kenton, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Vancrest of Ada, surrounded by his family. 

He was born on April 3, 1956 in Kenton, Ohio to Harold Junior and Virginia Lue (Castle) Marsh.  Larry was preceded in death by his father Harold, mother, Virginia and stepfather, Glenn Sprang and two sisters: Wilma Mullins and Charlene Penix.  

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John Cavinder, age 66, of Harrod, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Lima Memorial Health System, surrounded by his loved ones. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work and deep love for his family. 

He was born on September 22, 1958 in Lima, Ohio to the late Harold Cavinder and Barbara Neal. His stepmother, Sheila Cavinder survives at Indian Lake. 

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