Eckard-Baldwin Funeral Home

A hand on your shoulder. A smile that drew you in. A song on his lips. He knew how to make you feel noticed, important, even loved. He had a gift and he shared it as best as he was able. Kenneth Carr was surrounded by beauty all of his life. His home, from infancy, was a beauty shop. It was there he learned his secrets. Ken furthered those skills in Goodyear's machine shop where worked for over 42 years providing for those he loved. He loved coaching baseball and football. His players loved him back. One of Ken's more lasting gifts was leading the drive to bring pee wee football to his beloved Springfield Township. The plaque they gave him proudly proclaimed, "Patience is your...

We are so sad to let you know we lost our father, George G. Graham, 83, who passed away peacefully at his daughter's home with his family by his side June 11, 2022. He was born in Irishtown, PA to the late Clarence and Alice (Gabler) Graham and served in the National Guard. He worked for the City of Akron Parks and Recreation for many years and also for S & S Car Care. He was a member of Wedgewood United Methodist Church and most recently, of Greensburg Church of God. George will be most remembered for over 50 years of coaching football. He started the youth program in Greensburg and was highly involved in Green Local Schools football, teaching and mentoring thousands of players. He was...

Robert W. Saloiye, 84, passed away June 2, 2022. He was born in Akron to the late Mike and Marie (Shambach) Saloiye, was an East High School graduate, and was a proud veteran of the US Marine Corps. Robert retired from Musson Rubber Co. with over 40 years of service and was an avid sportsman, especially fishing. He was a devout husband, father and grandfather whose family meant everything to him. He will be deeply missed. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, JoAnn Brookman and Delores Cocciolone. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Doris; children, Joseph Saloiye, Lisa (Alan) Lawrence and Marie (Pete) Rickmann; grandchildren, Robert, Faith, Drew...

Harry Dale Spellman Sr., 91, passed away at Summa City Hospital May 20,2022. He was born July 15, 1930 in Akron, OH to William and Gladys (Pifer) Spellman and married the love of his life, Irene (Scurtie) on July 20, 1950. They were married for 70 years until Irene passed away in 2021. He missed her dearly and often told others of his desire to be reunited with her. Harry was a hard-working man who loved his family very much and was always generous with them. He showed his love by making sure when possible that they had whatever they needed and being there for them through all of their ups and downs. Harry often mentioned how he and Irene were blessed by their good and responsible three...

Harold A. Horvath, 100, went home to be with the Lord on April 8, 2022. He was born in Akron, Ohio, and was a life-long area resident. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Verna Jane (Courter) after 37 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his son, Robert "Bob" J. Horvath in December 2019 and by his daughter, Barbara J. Bertram in October 2021. Harold was one of six children born to Eva and John Horvath?Edward, Carl, Elizabeth (Sis), Robert, and Helen?whom all preceded him in death. Harold retired from Goodyear after 43 years of service, including 38 years as an elected union officer, serving 18 of those years as Treasurer of Goodyear Local #2 of the United...

Leona L. (Russell) Brobst, 93, passed away April 7, 2022. She was born in Akron to the late Charles and Lily (Brooks) Russell and attended Central High School. During World War II she worked at B.F. Goodrich, where she met Douglas, her dear husband of 64 years. She also proudly retired from the surgical department of Summa Akron City Hospital with over 20 years of service. Always devoted to her faith, she attended N. Arlington/Epworth United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, and was a member of Gospel Crusaders in Goodyear Heights. She loved music and playing hymns on her piano and organ, and she will be deeply missed. She was preceded to Heaven by 2 sisters;...

Carolyn Sue Austin, a loving mother and grandmother, passed away March 29, 2022 at the age of 81, due to complications from a serious fall on January 27, 2022. She was born in Akron on July 26, 1940 to the late Thomas Sr. and Mary Pearl (Garrison) Ferguson. She was a 1958 graduate of Ellet High School and Hammel Actual Business College. She leaves behind her daughters, Debi (Jim) Foss, Linda Docy and Lori (Darlene) Rotruck; grandchildren, Matthew (Alexandria) Foss, Joshua Foss, Jonathan (Emily) Foss, Kayli (Andrew) Leger, Brandin (Jade) Arteno, Kory (Allex) Somosko and Brooke (Tyler) Somosko; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Lincoln, Jonah, Charlotte, Morgan, Paizlee, Ava Grace, and Riley (who...

"Your Wings Were Ready, Our Hearts Were Not" John Henry Austin Jr., a very loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away suddenly March 20, 2022 at the age of 78. He was born in Akron on May 5, 1943 to the late John Sr. and Grace (Hohlbaugh) and was a 1961 graduate of Springfield High School. He leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Carolyn Sue Austin; daughters, Debi (Jim) Foss, Linda Docy, Lori (Darlene) Rotruck; grandchildren, Matthew (Alexandria) Foss, Joshua Foss, Jonathan (Emily) Foss, Kayli (Andrew) Leger, Brandin (Jade) Arteno, Kory (Allex) Somosko, and Brooke (Tyler) Somosko; great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Lincoln, Jonah, Charlotte, Morgan,...

Sharon "Nanny" Mason, 73, was called home Wednesday, March 16, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. We cannot imagine the celebration when she stood before Jesus. She was born in Akron to the late Eldon and Virginia (Haddox) Mason, was an Ellet High School graduate, and owned and helped operate Masons Auto Parts. Sharon dedicated her life to serving the Lord. She was a devoted and active member of Springfield Baptist Church and impacted so many lives through the years, including the countless children she taught and through her Missions work. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Cliff Mason. She is survived by her brothers, Dave and Rich (Donna),...

Barbara J. Tomlinson, 95, passed away March 12, 2022. She was born in Terre Haute, IN to the late Raymond and Clara (Meadows) Hays and moved to Ohio as a child, where she was a former member of Springfield Baptist Church. Barbara was always so kind and caring and was a friend to everyone. She will be dearly missed. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Frank Bentley, Richard Graber and Hubert Tomlinson, and daughter, Donna Nelson. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Rice; grandchildren, Gib (Heather) Rice, Amy (Brian) Tyla and Julie (Gary) Gardecki; great-grandchildren, Isaiah Rice, Zoey Tyla, Gilbert, Gavin and Griffin Rice, and Maddy and Samantha...

Geraldine M. "Gerry" Siegfried, age 101, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ March 11, 2022. She was born in Cuyahoga Falls, OH to the late John and Bessie Mae (Matheny) Meyers and was a 1939 South High School graduate. Gerry worked at Goodyear Aerospace during World War II and retired from E.W. Hamlin and Associates with 19 years of service. She was a long-time, active member of South Arlington United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for over 40 years. She had a tremendous influence on many and will be deeply missed. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for all the care and devotion that Mom received from the family of caregivers at...

Jack M. Worthington, 73, passed away March 11, 2022. He was born in Massillon, OH , was a Massillon High School graduate and was a member of the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, stationed in Guam. Jack worked for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. as a mechanic, the Summit County Sherriff's Department, and was a commercial electrician for many years. He was a faithful member of the NRA and belonged to the Zeppelin Gun Club where he volunteered as a range officer. Jack was a loyal friend who offered his skills freely to others. Preceded in death by his wife, Janet and parents, Jack E. Worthington and Betty (Miller) Vincent, he is survived by his daughter, Jessica Bilbrey...

Kathryn J. Lipscomb, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by family February 13, 2022. She was born in Akron to the late Carl and Ruby Baker and retired from the Summit County Auditor's Office. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by Roy; sisters, Dorothy and Mary Ann; brothers, John and Carl; grandchildren, Jason, Andrew and Jennifer; and daughter-in-law, Mary Jo. She is survived by her children, Roy Jr., Mark (Dawn), Mary (Robert) Ringeis and Sheila; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Bath Manor for their loving care of our mom for the last 17 years. The funeral service will be held on...

James B. Oliver Sr., 93, went peacefully home to be with the Lord February 8, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Inez, KY to the late William and Ressie (Hammonds) Oliver and retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber with over 40 years of service. James was a lifetime member of both Wedgewood United Methodist Church and the Mogadore Moose, and will be deeply missed. James was married to his first wife, Carol, for 50 years, until her death in 2000. Later in life he married his childhood sweetheart, Vicie, who also preceded him in death, along with his son, James Jr.; brothers, Tim, Clarence and infant George; and sisters-in-law, Elsie, Bea and Marilyn. He is survived by his...

Joseph R. Clarke, 72, passed away peacefully at his home January 31, 2022. He was born in Akron to the late William and Rosemary (Holtzapfel) Clarke and was a Garfield High School graduate. Joseph was a proud Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War, serving 2 tours of combat duty. After the war, he worked in ministry for many years, dedicating his life to preaching the Word of God and helping others. He will be deeply missed. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John. He is survived by his siblings, Mary (Rick), James (Patty), Daniel (Evelyn) and David; and nieces and nephews, Paul (Andrea), Jessica (Colin), James (Julie), Sarah (Michael), and Shannon (Doug)...

Carol Ann Busson, 74, passed away peacefully January 24, 2022. She was born in Akron to the late Kermit and Ann (Kline) Gerstenslager and was a Coventry High School graduate. Carol moved to Maryland shortly after high school and served as an LPN at Howard County General Hospital and Springfield Hospital. She retired to Chincoteague, VA where she volunteered at the Opportunity Shop and she was also a member of The Red Hat Society. Preceded in death by her daughter, Christina Busson and sister, Terry, she is survived by her daughter, Denise; grandchildren, Rickey Lester and Dylan Thompson; great-granddaughter, Ryleigh Lester; brothers, Thomas (Darlene) Gerstenslager and Glen (Kathy)...

Bryce A. Vittitoe, 62, passed away January 22, 2022. He was born in Akron, was a Tallmadge High School graduate and retired from P & P Mold where he worked as a machinist. Bryce leaves behind his beloved girlfriend, Toni Cole; step-children, Scott (Carrie) Cole and Jean (Mike) Cole-Dixon; many grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his best friends, Tom and Cora; sisters, Linda and Leesa; and niece, Danielle. He was preceded in death by Molly Cole. Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. Please share your thoughts and condolences by visiting his Tribute Wall at www.eckardbaldwin.com

Mary Lou Alexander, 88, passed away peacefully at her home January 15, 2022. She was born in Akron to the late Hoy and Ada (Brannon) Baker. Mary Lou graduated from East High School and retired from The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company with 33 years of service. She was a former member of East Market Street United Church of Christ, was an active volunteer for The Friends of the Cuyahoga Falls Library for over 40 years, enjoyed bowling and golf, and was an avid Cleveland and Ohio State sports fan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edsel. She was also preceded in death by former husband, Robert Klinginsmith; son, Robert Klinginsmith II; brothers, Jackie and Robert West; sister, Joann...

Nancy J. Prather, 90, passed away peacefully January 10, 2022 with her family by her side. She was born in Palmyra Twp, OH to the late Wilbur and Mary (Aberegg) Denmire and was an Akron resident most of her life. She retired from the General Tire & Rubber Company (GenCorp) with 36 years of service and was a member of Barberton Bible Holiness Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; sisters, Patricia Simmons, Barbara Peters and Shirley Hathaway; and brother, Wilbur "Bud" Denmire. She is survived by her children, Gary (Cheryl) Prather, Theresa (Kenneth) Abrams and Neil (Heather) Prather; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A...

Dewayne R. "Bud" Fearer, 83, went Home to be with the Lord January 6, 2022. He was born in Uniontown, PA to the late Everett and Dora (Hoover) Fearer and moved to Akron as a youth where he was a 1956 Ellet High School graduate. Dewayne retired from the FW Albrecht Company with 40 years of service, and was a member of the Teamsters Local 348 and Grace Baptist Church. He proudly earned 18 Beautification Awards from the City of Akron and enjoyed coaching youth baseball and trips to Myrtle Beach. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Everett Jr.; nephew, Matthew Boarman; and brothers-in-law, Joseph Burnside and Elmer Wagler. Dewayne is survived by his children,...

Wayne E. Lavender, 85, passed away January 2, 2022. He was born in Donora, PA to the late Thomas and Dorothy (Brooks) Lavender and was a proud veteran of the Army and Marine Corps for 22 years. Wayne was a fixed-wing aircraft pilot as well as a wide array of helicopters, and was an instructor of both. He enjoyed doing puzzles and puzzle books and watching old movies, and walking the MetroParks with his wife for 37 years. He will be deeply missed by his wife and his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his oldest son, Wayne, whom he called Butch. He leaves his wife of 67 years, Judith; children, Dale (Lora), Lori (Steve) Swanick and Jody (Tim) Simpson; and many...