If there’s one thing I wish I had written – something that takes years to write – it would be a diary. I’d keep the kind of diary that keeps track of forgettable moments – what we did and where we went. Just the facts.  

Those who keep the other kind of diary – full of thoughts and feelings – are sharing words meant for their eyes only. That kind of diary must be placed under lock and key and hidden in a safe place. The owner of the diary knows where the secret hiding spot is, and so does the anonymous reader.

Years go by, and if the little book is still around when their estate is sorted, someone is going to find the diary and take it home to read. That is when a diary becomes a story. 

My mother began writing in diaries at the age of fourteen and continued throughout her teenage years and her engagement to my dad. She wrote about her friends and what they did. The ball games and movies. The dances. She listened to the “Hit Parade” and noted which song was number one for the week. I should count how many times she’d written the word “fun.”

She wrote about a guy named Chuck, but I didn’t know who Chuck was. The two were dating in 1945, but she felt they’d probably break up by the end of the year. He gave her pearls for Christmas, but after the holidays his name disappeared from her diary. 

I realized I was reading a part of my mother’s life I had never known. I found myself thinking that Mom and I should’ve spent some time together reading her diaries so she could tell me the real story of her life. 

Knowing that her friends would have some answers, I began visiting them. They knew who Chuck was and could identify him in the photos. They also remembered when Mom was dating Jack Yoder, a man whose name appeared in her diary when he was on leave from the Army. 

In May of 1944, Mom wrote that Jack had given her a bracelet as a gift. I wonder if I’ve ever seen that bracelet. 

I knew my mother had dated Jack, and they’d gone to his family’s restaurant on her commencement day for a meal. Her diary confirmed what she’d told me. On May 18, she recorded: “Went out to Yoder’s for a chicken supper.” 

She had also told me that the image of his parents arriving at her work at The Edgerton Earth newspaper office, in February of 1945, was something she’d never forget. His parents were there to tell her they’d received a telegram. Their son had been killed in Europe.  

She left work on her bicycle, stopping at the church to pray on her way home. I wonder how long she cried. 

Her experience made me think of the many women from her generation who’d received the same news. Who went through the same heartache and wrote words they never thought they’d write. Many of those diaries are still in existence, here to tell us just a small part of a life story.

In July of 1946, my father’s name appeared in Mom’s diary for the first time. She journaled that Vern Kimpel had stopped by her work that day, and they talked for a “long time.”

On August 16 she wrote: “Mom and Dad went up to Aunt Goldies. I told Vern Kimpel I didn’t have any brakes on bike and he stopt in front of me just to see. He’s nice.”

In September, they spent a Friday evening together at the Williams County Fair on a double date with Mom’s sister Verda and her boyfriend Alfred Curry. Mom spelled Dad’s last name wrong when she wrote: “Al invited Vernon Kimple to go with us. Had a good time.”

Dad’s birthday was the next day, and she wrote: “Vern called me up this afternoon and told me he got his car and wanted us to celebrate his birthday. Went to Bryan to a show. Gave him a plaid necktie.”

They went on their third date on Sunday – taking Dad’s new car to Fort Wayne to see the movie To Each His Own at the Paramount. On the way home, they stopped for a frozen malt at Gardner’s. In the right margin of the diary, she noted the words “wonderful evening.” 

Mom continued to keep a diary as they dated and throughout their engagement, but stopped journaling after she was married. The two of them started a new diary together in 1954, and Dad’s handwriting is present for the first eight days. Then it’s Mom’s handwriting. They were busy people, and the journaling slowed down as the months ticked by.  

After Dad passed away in 2008, I took Mom to the mall to shop for clothes for the funeral. We needed a necktie to deliver to the funeral home, and as we stood in the men’s department, it occurred to her: The first thing she’d ever bought for Vern was a necktie for his twenty-seventh birthday. More than six decades later, I watched her buy the last thing she would purchase for him – a necktie.

Years after Mom passed away, the story came to life again as I read that she had given him a necktie on his birthday in 1946. Her diary entry gave me one last detail: It was plaid. Such a small thing, yet her words helped me see the realness in the story of their life together. Their moments were just ordinary, forgettable moments, yet she preserved them in her own handwriting in the pages of those old diaries. 

Marlene Oxender is a writer, speaker, and author. She writes about growing up in the small town of Edgerton, her ten siblings, the memorabilia in her parents’ estate, and her late younger brother, Stevie Kimpel, who was born with Down syndrome. Her three published books, Picket Fences, Stevie and Grandma, You Already Am Old, are available on Amazon. Marlene can be reached at mpoxender@gmail.com  

By: James Neuhouser

The first production automobile was by Ford in 1902. Wrong. The first production automobile was made in 1888. This is a story I’ve never heard before and it is most amazing. 

The first vehicle to actually travel on the roads was The Motor Wagon, invented by Carl Benz in 1886, patented and put into production in 1888. As with the invention of the airplane there were many people working on it at the same time in different countries. 

Most of the inventors were putting a motor under the seat of a buggy. Carl was the first to build the entire machine from scratch. Many were building engines and Carl made his engine, a four cycle single cylinder with a 954 cc displacement. It only had about 2/3 of a horsepower and had a bit of difficulty going up hills. 

The engines were somewhat like a John Deere tractor, only with one cylinder. A huge flywheel which you spin to start. When it fired it would turn four times before it fired again. You can imagine what a challenge it would be to make all of the machine parts of an engine. Then to make all the gears, the leaf springs, it was the work of a genius.

The first auto was constructed in 1886 but it was put in the barn and forgotten. After all people didn’t need different transportation when they had a horse and buggy. The top speed of the auto was 10 or 12 mph, not much more than the speed of a horse and buggy. 

People ridiculed the invention. Carl’s backers pulled out and he ended up with only one supporter, his wife Bertha. Bertha put her dowery into the intervention. And another thing about Bertha, she was a born promoter. She devised a scheme to get Carl’s machine some attention. 

Early in the morning of August 5, 1888, Bertha got up early in the morning, took her two oldest children and rolled the machine out of the barn. She was going to visit her mother.

Mannheim, Germany to Pforzheim a distance of 66 mi. The trip took an entire day, they got there in the evening. 

Many problems along the way. The leather strap used as a brake broke and a blacksmith was able to install a new one. The fuel line plugged but she was able to unplug it with a hat pin. A couple of stops at a drugstore to buy bottles of fuel. It burned a cleaning fluid called Ligrone which was sold in 12 oz bottles at the nearest drugstore.

The notoriety she got from this venture got several orders and a company was set up to produce automobiles. It was an upgrade to spin the flywheel, hop in and go, then to hitch up horses. Also you didn’t have to feed it everyday when you weren’t working. The company exists to this day, Mercedes-Benz. 1200 of these automobiles were made. In early 1900s other companies. started making more powerful and cheaper automobiles and took over the automobile market. 

By: Ron Burt

ANDERSON, Ind., May 20th Kody Swanson was honored as the #1 driver of 2025 by the National Pavement Sprint Car Rankings. On Saturday night he put an exclamation mark on that honor by winning his fourth Little 500 at Anderson Speedway in Doran Racing’s Wilke Orthodontics/Glenn Farms No. 77 asphalt sprint car. Swanson took command of the 33 car field and led the first 158 laps before pitting and falling to 10th, he battled back, passed Davey Hamilton Jr. on the frontstretch on lap 473, and led the last 28 laps of the 78th annual Little 500 for his Ohio based team’s first victory in the biggest pavement sprint car race in the world. Swanson won this race in 2016, 2018, and 2019. The top 5 finishers were 1st Kody Swanson, 2nd Davey Hamilton Jr., 3rd Dakoda Armstrong, 4th Jake Trainor, and 5th Mario Clouser.

On May 22nd at Toledo Speedway the feature winners were Mike young in the Late Model Sportsmen division, this was his 2nd feature victory of the season and Josh Bunting won Factory Stocks feature.

Thursday, May 28, 2026, Wayne County Speedway in Orrville, Ohio, the World of Outlaw Late Model Series made a stop, with all the national stars in attendance. 45 cars showed up to compete in the Lone Wolf 40, paying $12,000.00 to win the feature. Going into tonight’s event Brandon Sheppard has raced in 4 World of Outlaw Late Model events at Wayne County Speedway and has won 3. 

Nick Hoffman set quick time tonight with a 16.012. The Outlaws had 4 qualifying heat races. Heat winners were Nick Hoffman, Daulton Wilson, Ricky Thornton Jr, and Hudson O’Neal. After the redraw Ricky Thornton Jr. won the pole for the feature and Daulton Wilson started on the outside of the front row. The top 4 from each heat race made the feature. Kyle Moore, the 2025 track champion at Wayne County Speedway, was in heat 4 and finished 8th out of the 11 car field. In the Last Chance Showdown race to make the feature Moore started 8th and could only work his way up to 5th, his Late Model night is over, but he will race his Modified and that feature pays $2,000.00 to win.  

Ricky Thornton Jr. won the 40 lap event and had the $12,00.00 payday tonight. Nick Hoffman started 4th and was able to move up to 2nd. Rounding out tonight’s podium, Bobby Pierce. He fought hard to work his way up from 8th to finish 3rd. All these drivers will be back tomorrow and Saturday night racing on the newly redone ½ mile Mansfield Speedway. It was good meeting several of you from Defiance, Van Wert and Bryan that made the trip over to Orrville tonight. Wave me down, I’m always happy to talk racing if you see me.

Some upcoming races you should have on your calendar would be Ohio Sprint Week featuring the All Star Circuit of Champions and anyone that races a 410 Outlaw Winged Sprint Car. Ohio Sprint Week will have 8 races and one open date for a makeup if needed because of weather. Tracks include 6/12 Attica, 6/13 Sharon, 6/14 Millstream, 6/15 Wayne County, 6/16 Eldora, 6/17 Rain Date, 6/18 Waynesfield, 6/19 Fremont and 6/20 Atomic. First place prize money is $7,500.00 to win at each track but the last race at Atomic Speedway will pay the winner $10,000.00.

Flat Rock Speedway(asphalt) will run the rescheduled 100 lap Joy Fair 100 for ARCA Outlaw Super Late Models June 6th.  Fans will get a bonus. The Turn 1 CRA Pro Series will also be at Flat Rock for a 125 lap feature event.

The 500 Sprint Car Tour Series (asphalt) will take to the high banks of Toledo Speedway, Sunday, June 14th at 3PM. Many of these drivers competed against each other at the recent Little 500 at Anderson Speedway. Anderson is a ¼ mile oval and Toledo is a half mile track. The race teams will need to adjust as the cars will reach higher speeds with more room to race at Toledo. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out! www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz

On May 12, the Antwerp Police Department received an alarm on S. Erie St.

On May 14, the Antwerp Police Department assisted Antwerp EMS at Antwerp Manor.

On May 14, the Antwerp Police Department received a call in reference to open burning somewhere around N. Main St.

On May 14, the Antwerp Police Department received a call requesting an officer be present while children were exchanged for a child custody arrangement.

On May 17, the Antwerp Police Department was called to Sunoco gas station for a disturbance involving a customer.

On May 18, the Antwerp Police Department assisted the Antwerp Fire Department with a call at Antwerp Manor.

On May 19, the Paulding County Juvenile Probation Office requested a welfare check on a resident of Woodcox St. The officer located the individual and found everything to be fine.

On May 19, a resident reported a vehicle parked on the roadway on W. Canal St. near Wentworth that had been there for several hours. The officer located the vehicle and also located an individual distributing fliers door to door. The individual was cited for parking in the roadway.

On May 20, the Antwerp Police Department received a complaint of someone going door to door attempting to sell items. The individual was located and advised that door-to-door sales were not permitted in the village.

On May 21, a resident reported a child custody issue.

On May 21, the Antwerp Police Department received a request to unlock a vehicle.

On May 21, the Antwerp Police Department received a protection order from the Paulding County Common Pleas Court.

On May 21, two suspicious individuals were reported in the parking lot of Antwerp Manor. An officer responded and identified the two individuals, who were seeking a ride to another village. The officer transported them.

On May 21, an officer observed a junk ordinance violation at a residence on N. Main St. The owner will be sent a notice.

On May 22 a person reported that their son had dropped $71 near Marathon. A short time later the caller contacted police again and reported that the money had been found.

On May 23 a resident of Canal St. reported that someone was banging on doors and windows before running away. The juveniles involved were located and a report was prepared.

On May 24 an employee of the Sunoco gas station reported that someone was sleeping in a vehicle and requested an officer check on the individual. The officer responded and determined everything was okay.

On May 25 a suspected fire was reported at the Antwerp wastewater treatment plant. An officer responded and contacted utility personnel.

On May 25 the Antwerp Police Department received a report of a possible violation of a protection order. A report was completed and forwarded to the prosecutor’s office.

On May 25 the Antwerp Police Department received a report of an alleged rape. The case was investigated and a report was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office.

On May 25 a resident reported receiving emails from their bank regarding a fraud case.

If you would like to report any suspicious activity or if you have any questions, please contact the Antwerp Police Department, 419-258-2627. They are always ready to serve the residents of the Village of Antwerp!

By: Mark Holtsberry 

Floyd L. Tabler was born January 24, 1901, in Paulding County, the son of Charles G. Tabler, born October 24, 1873, in Auglaize County, Ohio, and Emma May (Stahl) Tabler, born May 17, 1876, in Paulding County, Ohio.

Charles’ father, Marion Thomas Jefferson Tabler, was a Spanish-American War veteran. He passed away January 31, 1924, and was buried in Hedges Cemetery. I strayed off again, didn’t I? Sorry. Anyway, Charles and Emma were married May 7, 1894, in Paulding. By 1900, the couple was living in Jackson Township, where Charles worked as a day laborer. The family consisted of Wretha, born October 1894; Nellie Mae, born October 1896; and Genevieve “Jennie,” born October 1898.

By 1910, the family was still living in Broughton, Jackson Township. Charles was working at the tile mill, possibly the Baughman Tile Mill. The family had grown with the births of Floyd in January 1901 and William Howard in March 1909. On June 11, 1909, Emma passed away and was buried in Hedges Cemetery.

On November 12, 1915, Charles married Lydia Ann Golliver in Jackson, Michigan. She was born August 3, 1869, in Ohio.

On July 3, 1916, Floyd joined the National Guard out of Paulding, serving with Company B, 2nd Ohio National Guard. This unit was sent to the border between Mexico and the United States during the unrest and attacks against United States citizens. He served in the National Guard until October 16, 1917, when he was assigned to Company K, 146th U.S. Infantry, serving as a private until March 24, 1918.

He was then sent to Camp Sheridan, Alabama, to serve as a replacement soldier until May 29, 1918. He was assigned to Company I, 104th Infantry, as a private and was sent to France. He served in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne Defensive Sectors and was wounded in action around October 29, 1918.

After recovering from his wounds, he boarded the ship Mount Vernon at Brest, France, and sailed for home. He arrived in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 4, 1919. His grandfather, Marion Tabler, picked him up there. Floyd was honorably discharged April 23, 1919.

After returning home, Floyd moved to Pennsylvania and began farming in Cambridge, Beaver County. On Tuesday, November 30, 1920, at 9:00 p.m., Floyd was killed by a train at Ambridge, sixteen miles from Pittsburgh. The American Red Cross was asked to locate the family. Found in Floyd’s pocket were his discharge papers, photographs, and documents containing his name and military record.

His remains were shipped back to Paulding and arrived Friday, December 2, 1920. The body was taken to the home of his sister, Mrs. Stanley Howe, west of Paulding, where funeral services were held. Rev. Wilkins officiated, and burial followed at Hedges Cemetery, Lot 11, Block A, Grave 3.

Charles passed away in 1959 and was buried in Hedges Cemetery. Floyd’s sister Nellie passed away in 1966, William in 1969, and Wretha in 1975.

…Until Next Time!

Penny For Your Thoughts By: Nancy Whitaker 

What are they? They are small, I think they are stinky and I have always seen them in a can. A  lot of people like to eat them on crackers,  but it scares me to look at them. There is a picture on a webpage of these little things in a can trying to escape. 

By now, you may guess that the contents of  the can includes little tiny fish called sardines. You can get them canned in oil, mustard or catsup and other sauces. When l look at sardines and how small  they are, my first question is I wonder how and where they catch them. 

Sardines have been around for years and travel in schools together around the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific. 

Nets are used to catch them  with thousands  being caught at once. Keeping sardines fresh is important to preserving them until they get to a cannery or a point of sale. 

I don’t think I have ever  seen fresh sardines in a meat market but I do know fresh ones have to be decapitated and cleaned before cooking. I know I know You do the same to a big fish too.

I asked a few people if they had ever ate sardines and a lot of them  had not. There is a story about a family who bought a can of sardines. When they opened the can they noticed that one sardine had a distended stomach.  

They found little dark eggs in the poor pregnant mama sardine  and it was determined it had been caught during spawning

It is said, and I don’t know, but they say some folks consider the dark eggs as a treat and bonus. They call it Roe.

There are actually people who love sardines and try every kind there is. It is always challenging to find the best tasting little fish. 

Here is one guy’s story: He said “I thought I wanted a good sardine, which I heard was Nuri. So I looked on Amazon and bought 10 cans  for 50 bucks. $5 a can is a little pricey but way cheaper than most peoples lunches.”

“I was blown away how good they tasted. I normally eat King Oscar brand, which is of course a high quality brand, and I felt the Nuri was in a whole other category of quality. These were spiced in olive oil. I ate them straight out of the tin with a side of toast and baba ghanoush, a whole raw red pepper, a handful of Italian olives and almonds, a slice of avocado, and for dessert I had blackberries. I will try to get a photo next time but for anyone on the fence about it, try Nuri! I couldn’t believe how good they tasted and I’m excited to try more Spanish and Portuguese brands going forward”

I really don’t care how much a sardine costs or how good they taste, I really don’t want to try them, but I am curious to find a market that sells fresh ones.  I wonder how many people like and eat sardines?

Health-wise they are very good for you to eat, even the soft bones.  It is said that  you feel really good after eating sardines, but I don’t know if it meant a whole can or one. Maybe we should all eat sardines because they boost your brain and body with their nutrients. So my final word to you is Let’s all eat some sardines and they will make us feel young again.

Do you like sardines? Have you ever bought or cooked any fresh ones?if you happen to like and eat sardines, let me know and I’ll give you a Penny For Your Thoughts.

Psalms 107:1 (NIV): “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent goodness of God and His everlasting love. It begins with a call to gratitude – “Give thanks to the Lord” – emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acknowledging God’s blessings in our lives. Gratitude is not only a response to specific acts of kindness but also an attitude of the heart that fosters a deeper relationship with God. 

When we maintain an attitude of gratitude, it separates us from our dis-satisfactions and increases our overall sense of happiness and joy.  

The phrase “for he is good” encapsulates God’s character. Goodness here refers to His nature, which is defined by righteousness, kindness, and mercy. This goodness stands in stark contrast to the imperfections and failings we often find in ourselves and others.

The latter part of the verse, “his love endures forever,” highlights the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s love. Unlike human love, which can fluctuate based on circumstances, God’s love is steadfast and always available, offering comfort and assurance to those who seek Him. This steadfast love is a core theme throughout the Psalms and underscores that, no matter the challenges or trials we face, God’s love remains a constant source of strength and hope.

Reflecting on Psalm 107:1, we are encouraged to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing both God’s goodness and the permanence of His love, as these truths can inspire us to trust Him more deeply in our daily lives. Whether in times of joy or struggle, this verse invites us to return to a place of thankfulness, grounding us in the assurance that we are loved and cared for by a good and faithful God. May God bless you.

Peace & Love,

—Pastor Dwayne

By: Ron Burt

Limaland Motor sports Park opened their 2026 featuring the Great Lakes Super Sprints in the 27th Annual Run for The Rabbit, paying the winner $5,000.00. In his 7th career start Mason Hannagan found himself in Victory Lane after working his car around veteran drivers. Rounding out the top 5, John Ivy, Kalib Henry, Corbin Gurley and Zane DeVault. Todd Sherman won the Thunder Stock Feature followed by Jordan Conover who set fast time 14.994, Tony Anderson, Zach Rush and Dan Wooten. In UMP Modifieds, Dillon Nusbaum set fast time with a 13.993 and won the feature. Behind the winner Tony Anderson 2nd, Dustin Moore 3rd, Jeff Koz 4thand Shane O’Connor 5th.

On Friday, May 15th Eldora Speedway hosted night #1 of Let’s Race Two featuring the USAC Non-Winged 410 Sprints and the World of Outlaw Winged 410 Sprints. On Friday in the USAC Sprint Feature Kyle Cummins from Princeton Indiana had a big pay day parking his car in Victory Lane. He started the feature inside row 2. Brady Bacon worked his way up from 7th to 2nd. Rounding out the top 5 Justin Grant 3rd, Briggs Danner who started on the pole came in 4th and Chase Stockon 5th. In the World of Outlaw Feature, Tony Stewart Racing driver Rico Abreu started 7th and worked through cars and found the checkered flag. Michael Kofoid, Giovanni Scelzi, Aaron Reutzel and Logan Schuchart rounded out the top 5.

Saturday, May 16th was the final night of let’s Race Two at Eldora. For the World of Outlaw Feature both drivers that started on the 2nd row moved up to finish 1st and 2nd. Logan Schuchart started P3 and was first to Victory Lane followed by Rico who started P4. Brady Bacon, Emerson Axsom, and Wooster Ohio’s Sheldon Haudenschild were your top 5 finishers in the WoO Sprints. For the USAC Feature, Brady Bacon led wire to wire, followed by Kyle Cummins, Briggs Danner, Steven Snyder Jr. and Mitchel Moles.

On Saturday, Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon opened for their 2026 season after a few weeks of bad weather. The DIRTcar UMP Super Late Model feature highlighted a great opening night of racing. 23 Late Models started the feature with Dan Wallace starting on the pole and had the early lead. On the tenth lap, the leaders caught up to the slower cars making the field bunch up and a couple of mishaps brought out the caution flags. Your new leader was the 2025 track champion Devin Shiels, and he was able to fend off the 2020 champion, Steve Kester, in the closing laps to pick up the opening night win. Casey Noonan, Jamie Grochowski and Dan Wallace were your top 5. Your Late Model Sportsman Feature was won by Dylan Jessen on the last lap, followed by Defiance driver Josh Robertson, John Gamber, Dylan Hough and Chris Williams. Adam Lantz started 2nd in the Dominator Stock Feature but parked his car in Victory Lane after the Feature. He was followed by Mason Luttrell, RJ Cornett, Jeff Foks Jr., and Scott Hammer. In the Sport Compacts 1st Ken Wells, James Stamper, Ryan Okuley, Gage Rushlow and Wesley Belkofor. 

Saturday the Ultimate Heart of America Super Late Model Series invaded Montpelier Speedway Indiana. Your podium was Rusty Schlenk, Steve Peeden and

Dona Marcoullier. Other Feature winners UMP Modifieds Dalton Smith, and Super Stocks Super Stocks Tony Anderson. Until next week. Keep your wheels down. Ron Out! www.facebook.com/ohiosportsblitz

Clifford Lee Harrison Thompson was born March 2, 1889, in Cecil, the son of Frank William Thompson, who was born June 4, 1864, in Sandusky, and Rose Adeline (Ankney) Thompson, who was born November 28, 1874, in Paulding County. Rosa’s father, Joshua Ankney, was a Civil War veteran who served out of Defiance. Frank and Rosa were married May 18, 1888, in Paulding.

By 1900, the couple was living with their children: Clifford, born in 1889; Frank H. Jr., born in June 1894; and Murl A., born in November 1895. Frank Sr. was working as a painter. Frank Sr.’s mother, Laura A. Thompson, was also living with the family. Clifford was attending school.

By 1910, the Thompson family was living on Plum Street in Cecil. Frank Sr. was still painting homes, while Clifford was working odd jobs. Frank Jr. and Murl were attending school.

On June 5, 1917, in Cecil, Clifford registered for the World War I draft. He was described as tall and slender, with light blue eyes and light brown hair, and was working odd jobs and painting. Murl also registered for the draft but was not selected.

On June 25, 1918, Clifford joined the National Army in Paulding. He served with the 16th Company, 4th Training Battalion, 158th Depot Brigade. Clifford injured his back while in service and had previously noted back problems on his draft registration. He was later classified as 8% disabled through a Surgeon’s Certificate of Disability.

On December 24, 1918, Clifford married Evalena Leona Kenworthy. She was born September 14, 1902, in Lafayette. The couple was married in Fort Wayne. Clifford received an honorable discharge on June 24, 1919.

By 1920, Clifford and Leona were living on Pass Street in Clear Creek, Georgetown, Colorado. They later moved back to Allen County, Indiana, after Clifford became ill. Clifford was admitted to Parkview Memorial Hospital on April 26, 1920. He passed away at 10:18 p.m. on May 13, 1920, from tuberculosis of the lungs.

He was buried May 17, 1920, at Rochester Cemetery in the old section, Lot 146, Grave 1.

Clifford’s wife, Evalena, later remarried a man from New Haven. She passed away August 1, 1947, and was buried at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery alongside her second husband.

Clifford’s father, Frank Sr., passed away in 1950. Clifford’s mother, Rosa, passed away in 1964. Frank Jr. died in 1974, followed by Murl in 1984. All were buried in Rochester Cemetery.

…Until Next Time!

Psalm 34:8 (NIV): “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

This verse invites us to experience God’s goodness firsthand. The imagery of tasting and seeing suggests a deep, personal encounter with the divine, akin to savoring a delicious meal or witnessing something beautiful. It’s not just about intellectual knowledge or secondhand accounts; it encourages believers to engage with their faith actively.

When it says, “blessed is the one who takes refuge in him,” it highlights the security and protection found in God. In times of trouble or uncertainty, turning to God provides comfort and safety. This verse reassures us of the joy and fulfillment that come from trusting in Him.

In this context, “tasting and seeing” can also imply that once we experience God’s goodness, we cannot help but recognize and share it with others. It’s an invitation to explore the depths of God’s love and grace, reminding us that faith is both a personal journey and a shared testimony. 

For those seeking hope or solace in difficult times, this verse encourages them to lean into their relationship with God, assuring them that doing so brings peace and blessing.

So, if you are hungry all the time, and nothing seems to satisfy your appetite, try Jesus. He will fill you up. God bless you.

Peace & Love,

—Pastor Dwayne