Dooley Funeral Home

Donald E. Benschneider, 86, of Payne, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at his home. Don was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on June 11, 1939, son of the late Ervin & Lucile (Overmyer) Benschneider. Don devoted his life to hard work, beginning with a lifelong career in farming and in partnership in Wildcat Creek Farms. On December 13, 1981, he married the love of his life, Elaine (Hanenkratt), and together they built a life filled with love and many happy years. As a young man he enjoyed working at Van Wert airport, owning his own plane and instructing. Deeply committed to his community, Don served as Mayor of Payne and contributed his leadership to numerous organizations, including the...

Franklin Ray Pier, 89, of Antwerp, Ohio passed away Saturday, February 28th at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Ray was born on December 24, 1936 to Francis Howard and Virginia (Ladd) Pier. He was a 1954 graduate of Paulding High School. In 2000 he retired from General Portland/Lafarge where he worked for over 30 years. Ray will be sadly missed by his family. Surviving are his wife, Joan (DeMuth) Pier, whom he married in 1966, children: Scott (Stephanie) Pier, Jennifer (Fred) Langham, Steve (Jessica) Pier, Spence (Sandee) Pier, son-in-law, John Adams, 12 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. Ray is also survived by his 4 brothers, "Toot," Roger, John, and...

Lennis Saylor, age 90, entered heaven on March 4, 2025. He was born Lennis Harold Saylor on November 24, 1934 in Insull Kentucky to Arthur and Mary (Edds) Saylor. At the age of 16, the Saylor family moved to Ohio where Lennis graduated from Antwerp High School. He would meet his future bride at the Payne Church of the Nazarene, Lula Burkley, and he was married there on April 3, 1955. They would have four children, Brent, Denise, Danette, and Joni. Lennis served in the United States Army, stationed in the Panama Canal Zone. Later he worked at Permaglass in Payne and eventually retired from BF Goodrich, Lennis loved to tell stories to anyone who would listen. He talked about his...

Dr. Don K. Snyder, 91, of Payne, entered into the arms of our Lord, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Don was born on July 13, 1933 in Payne, a son of the late Katherine (Evans) & Gerald Snyder, Sr. Don grew up going to Clear Lake, IN, where he developed a deep love for the outdoors and all the lake had to offer. In his youth, he was passionate about music, playing the saxophone and performing in a band, while also excelling in football and basketball in high school. He graduated from Payne High School in 1951, and married his high school sweetheart, Myrna, in 1955. Don went on to attend Ohio State University and Northwestern Medical School, earning his...

Lula Saylor, 88 of Payne passed away at her home on November 15, 2024. Lula Helen Burkley was born on February 17, 1936 to Raymond and Edith (Betts) Burkley. She was married to Lennis Harold Saylor on April 3, 1955, who survives. They were high school sweethearts who remained loving companions throughout their 69 years of marriage. Four children would grace their family-Lennis Brent(Cheryl) Saylor of Haviland Denise (Randy) Wright of Defiance, Danette(dec) (Tim) Hall of Fishers, IN, and Joni (Randy) Wenninger of Payne. She was a wonderful grandmother to 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Lula was best known as a talented pianist who could play classical music with great technical...

Helen Livingston, 84, of Antwerp, passed away October 30, 2024. Service is Tuesday, November 5th at 2 PM with viewing one hour prior at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, Antwerp. Dooleyfuneralhome.com

Denise Ann Doll, 75, of Antwerp, passed away August 29, 2024, at home. Denise was born in Fort Wayne, IN on January 28, 1949, a daughter of the late Betty (Lydiksen) & Jean Martin. Denise was the cherished proprietor of Looking Back Antiques, where her passion for garage sales and antiquing shone brightly. She was also a devoted quilter for many years. She found great joy in her active participation at Antwerp Global Methodist Church, particularly in her beloved Bible study group. Denise's deep faith and love for Christ were evident in all she did, especially in her roles as wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She delighted in attending her family's sporting events and spending...

Margaret Clemens Kupfersmith, 91, of Paulding, Ohio passed away Thursday, July 4, 2024 at Mercy Health, Defiance, Ohio. Margaret was born in Paulding on March 14, 1933, a daughter of the late Margaret (Bland) and Earnest Smith. She will always be remembered for her devotion to God, her church and her family. Margaret will be sadly missed by her children, Ray (Becky) Kupfersmith, June (Joe) Orozco and Tom (Karen) Kupfersmith; stepchildren, Ruth Ann (Larry) Brincefield & Robert (Nancy) Kupfersmith; grandchildren; Larry, Jr., Jeff, Jennifer, Diana, Ray, Kelly, Michael, Jason, Melissa, Jose, James, Jeremiah, Jessica; and numerous great and great great grandchildren. She was also preceded in...

Patricia Gray, 80, of Payne, passed away Monday, May 13, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital. Patty was born in Paulding, on February 6, 1944, a daughter of the late Helen (Beck) & Carl Young. Patty graduated from Payne High School in 1962 before attending International Business College. In 1967, she married the love of her life, John, and they shared 57 wonderful years together. Patty worked as a computer operator at International Harvester and later retired from Shambaugh's. She was a talented seamstress, avid gardener, and skilled cook and baker. Patty was known for her meticulous housekeeping, and she also enjoyed crocheting, quilting, and spending time with her family. She was a devoted...

Our beloved Carol Sue passed away on January 23, 2024 surrounded by her family after fighting a health issue unknown for quite some time, but later diagnosed as ALS. She was born on November 25, 1943 in Findlay, Ohio to Welton "Bud" and Margaret "Nita" Frantz. Carol was married to Russell Colburn, who preceded her in death, and Thomas Leatherman, whom she is since divorced. She married Steven Benroth on January 16, 1982 who survives. She is survived by her sister, Shirley Nulton of Findlay, OH and her daughters Chris (Daryl) Wilson of McComb, Ohio, Kelly (Herb) Caslow of Killeen, Texas, Cathy (Mark) Manz of Paulding, Ohio, and Nicole (Ben) Ricker of Payne, Ohio. She was blessed with 12...

Donald J. Oberlin passed away on January 10, 2024 after a long battle with cancer. Don was born on June 8, 1947, in Bryan, Ohio. Coming from humble beginnings on the family turkey farm he went on to build a life filled with love, laughter, and enduring friendships. Don's early years were marked by a love for scouting, horseback riding, 4-H, and dreams of being a cowboy. He graduated from Bryan High School and Bowling Green State University, with a BS in education. It is there where he formed lifelong bonds with a group of open-minded friends known as "The Doobies." His journey continued when he met the love of his life, Marsha Gerencser, at a 4-H event. Their marriage on June 16, 1968,...

Julia Deatrick, 80, of Payne, passed away Sunday, October 29, 2023 at home. Julia was born in Paulding on April 25, 1943, a daughter of the late Bertha (McPherson) & Robert Johnson. Julia was a 1961 graduate of Oakwood High School where she enjoyed being a majorette and performing in the band and choir. She worked for much of her life as a veterinary assistant at the Paulding Animal Clinic. She was also a member of St John Lutheran Church in Briceton. Julia loved to travel, and had many favorite destinations across the United States. The outdoors is where she found peace, whether it was camping and canoeing, or tending to flowers and her garden. Above all, Julia loved to spend time...

Larry Gene Gerken, 81, of Antwerp, passed away August 22, 2023 at Paulding County Hospital. Larry was born on July 25, 1942 in Defiance, Ohio, a son of the late Lavina (Retcher) & Richard Gerken. Larry graduated from high school in 1960. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Army during the Berlin Wall Crisis and proudly served his country. On September 7, 1966, Larry married the love of his life Jeannie. Larry would do anything for Jeannie, and even went as far as building her a double A-frame house himself, of which he would consider his greatest accomplishment. Larry worked at Johns Manville for about 8 years and later retired at the age of 50 from BF Goodrich in 1992. One of Larry's...

Judy DeLong, 72, of Antwerp, passed away Saturday, August 5, 2023 at the Antwerp Manor. Judy was born in Defiance on August 1, 1951, a daughter of the late Betty (Bercaw) & Glenn DeLong. Judy worked at FSC for many years. She also spent nearly 7 years, selflessly taking care of her mother. She always enjoyed being out in the community and conversing with friends and neighbors. She will always be remembered for her honest and loving personality and funny sense of humor. She will be sadly missed by her siblings, Sheila (Fritz) Ehrhart, Nick (the late Mary) DeLong, & Mary (Bill) Adams, nieces and nephews, Cord (Corrie) Ehrhart, Chad (Libby) Eckland, & Alicia Adams (Gary Rand),...

Douglas Wayne Phillips, 74, of Antwerp, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at his home. Wayne was born in Siler City, North Carolina on October 25, 1948, a son of the late Mildred (Davis) Feeney & Eugene Phillips. Wayne grew up in Continental and farmed for many of the farmers in that area. For much of his adult life, he worked as a millwright at General Motors in Defiance. On June 4, 1966, he married the love of his life, Sylvia, and spent many years enjoying life together. Sylvia preceded him in death on September 17, 2020. Wayne and Sylvia loved to travel with their camper. Together they traveled to nearly all 50 states. Wayne also had an appreciation for...

Mary Ellen Walk, 78, of Antwerp, passed away Sunday, June 11, 2023, at Park View Nursing Center, Edgerton, Ohio. Mary Ellen was born in Paulding on January 5, 1945, a daughter of the late Helen (Sullivan) & Paul Daeger. Mary Ellen grew up on her family's farm with her parents and three brothers. From a young age, her creativity led her to enjoy collecting buttons and using them for different art projects. On July 11, 1964, she married Jerry Walk, who preceded her in death on Oct. 13, 2019. With Jerry she started a family that she loved greatly, and she enjoyed the time she got to share with them. She will be sadly missed by her children, Robin (Jay) Chamberlain & Eric (LeaAnn)...

Elizabeth Ann Cross Bessette, 89, of Antwerp passed away Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Bryan Healthcare and Rehabilitation. Betty was born in Allen Park, MI on May 28, 1934, a daughter of the late Mary (Lehman) Edwards and William Kuhn. She was a 1952 graduate of Defiance High School. Betty held several jobs after her children were older including working at the Vagabond Village, Kammeyers IGA and later becoming the activities director at Dallas Lamb Foundation Home, Payne and Total Care in Paulding. Betty's most favorite job was caring for her husband, children and grandchildren. She will be remembered for the pride she took in raising her family and the kindness she showed to others. She...

George W. Underwood, 90, of Antwerp, passed away Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Antwerp Manor. George was born in Payne on March 26, 1933, a son of the late Bessie (Bradford) & Roy Underwood. George worked as a group leader in assembly at Dana Weatherhead for 45 years until his retirement in 1996. In his free time, George was a coach for youth Antwerp Baseball teams and spent many years on the chain gang for the football team. George also enjoyed NASCAR and even worked pit crew security in Michigan. He was a member of the Antwerp Global Methodist Church, the Antwerp Masonic Lodge, and served in the National Guard. He will be sadly missed by his children, Royce (Carolyn) Underwood...

Larry Gene Copsey, 81, of Antwerp, Ohio passed away Monday, March 27, 2023 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Larry was born in Paulding, Ohio on July 5, 1941, son of the late Dorothy Mae (Ream) and Earl "Pete" Copsey. Larry learned to play drums at Payne High School. As a young man he continued playing drums, bowling, golfing, and dancing, earning the nickname, "Crazy Legs." On February 12, 1988, Larry married Joyce (Messman). For years they traveled the NASCAR circuit together. Larry's love for automobiles brought him to develop and grow the Big Boy$ Toy$ car show for many years in Antwerp. Larry went on to work 16 years for the Ft Wayne Auto Auction after retirement from Dana Weatherhead...

Patricia Joyce Marlin of Antwerp, Ohio passed away peacefully in her home Friday, January 27, 2023. She was born November 22, 1928 in Garrett, Indiana to Clarence and Jessie (Rafferty) Byanskie. She was a graduate of Bryan High School and Bowling Green State University. She married Thomas Marlin, June 20, 1953, and together they raised 8 children on the farm. Pat worked as a secretary at International Harvester and later at Antwerp Northwest Credit Union. She enjoyed gardening, playing piano, sewing, and vacationing at Hamilton Lake. Her community activities included Boy & Girl Scouts, bridge, book, craft, and flower clubs, Bargain Bin volunteer, and original member of Friends of the...

Sue Schilb, 82, of Antwerp, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, January 23, 2023. Sue was born in Fort Wayne on June 22, 1940, a daughter of the late Ruth "Betty" (Stiebling) & Walter "Joe" Ross. Sue worked as an orthopedic nurse for many years. She cared for patients at Parkview, ONE, and Dr. Kaplansky's office in Fort Wayne. Sue enjoyed tending her flower gardens and would always make sure her house was kept in pristine condition. She had a soft spot for her collies and always loved watching birds at her bird feeders. Above all, Sue was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and her presence in their lives will be greatly missed. Sue is...