Local resident Dr. Alfred G. Olivier, a former New Hampshire native, helped probe the death of President John F. Kennedy. He was part of the Warren Commission’s investigation while working in wound ballistics research for the U.S. Military at Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland. Olivier shows local attorney Richard Yoss one of the bullets from the box of bullets left by Lee Harvey Oswald after he assassinated the President on Nov. 22,1963.          
Photo by Martha Ackerman

Helped With the Investigation of President Kennedy’s Death

A former New Hampshire native, who has resided in Monroe County since 1977, became part of the Warren Commission’s investigation while working in wound ballistics research for the U.S. Military at Edgewood Arsenal in Maryland.

Dr. Alfred G. Olivier remembers his role in the Warren Commission’s investigation into the killing of President John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963.

Officially named The President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, the panel became widely known as the Warren Commission after Chief Justice Earl Warren, who chaired the effort.

Dr. Olivier has one of the 6.5 millimeter bullets from the box of bullets left beside the gun that killed President Kennedy. The gun and box of bullets were left on the sixth floor of the Dallas School Book Depository. 

Because the alleged assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, was himself murdered shortly after the Kennedy killing, “it was no longer possible to arrive at the complete story of the assassination through normal judicial procedures during a trial,” so states the Warren Commission report. Oswald was shot to death Nov. 24, less than 48 hours after his arrest, in the basement of the Dallas Police Department by Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner.

Thus, the commission was created on Nov. 29, 1963 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. In his capacity with the commission, Dr. Olivier fired test bullets from the gun to prove the gun to be the one that was used to assassinate the President. In 1953 Dr. Olivier graduated from the University of Pennsylvania as a veterinarian. He worked for three years in disease control for the Department of Agriculture but longed for a different professional challenge. He obtained employment as veterinarian in charge of the goat herds at Edgewood Arsenal and became involved in wound ballistics research at the facility. His work included studying experimental wounds to develop better military defense devices such as body armor. At the time of the assassination, the Wounds Ballistics Branch of the U.S. Army Chemical Research and Development Laboratories at Edgewood Arsenal was very “hush, hush,” said Olivier. But that was soon to change as Olivier and other experts from the organization came under the international spotlight during their testimony before the Warren Commission. Olivier said the Warren Commission wanted the wound ballistics experts to view the film of the assassination to determine the paths of the bullets that felled Kennedy and injured Texas Gov.

John Connally Jr. According to the Warren Commission report, “The Edgewood Arsenal tests were performed under the immediate supervision of Alfred G. Olivier, a doctor who had spent seven years in wounds ballistic research for the U.S. Army.” Olivier said the results of his tests showed “Oswald, one man with one gun, could have done it all.” However, Olivier noted the tests do not prove that. Oswald is said to have shot Kennedy with a 6.5 millimeter  Mannlicher-Carcano from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository in downtown Dallas. The selection of that weapon by Oswald has always fascinated Olivier. The bullets from the weapon, Olivier said, were full-jacketed, blunt-nose, military bullets with “tremendous penetrating ability.” The bullets were capable of penetrating a security bubble top. They were also capable of passing through one man to inflict injury on another. For example, Olivier said the bullets could have passed through a Secret Service man to hit a government official. Also, the weapon was plentiful for purchase at that time. Olivier said he wonders whether the weapon was selected because the perpetrator had vast knowledge of wound ballistics and thus knew the damage it was capable of creating, or simply because it was readily available to obtain. While there, a theory surfaced that a second gunman from another location also shot. Olivier said all the wounds of Kennedy and Connally “could and most probably did come from the same gun and could not have come from any other direction.” Three shots were fired from the Mannlicher-Carcano, one missed and two struck Kennedy.

Kennedy and Connally were riding in a motorcade in the same car at the time with Connally seated in front of the President. Olivier said one of the first two shots missed its target with the other striking Kennedy in the back of the neck.

The third shot shattered the right side of his head. A great deal of controversy surrounded the bullet which struck Kennedy in the back of the neck. Through much testing for the Warren Commission, Olivier developed the premise that the shot was also the one which injured Connally. Olivier said the bullet entered the back of kennedy’s neck and exited the front, nicking the knot of his tie. The bullet then struck Connally’s side, cracking a rib and cutting a lung. It exited the torso and went through the Governor’s wrist and into his leg. The bullet fell from the leg and was discovered on the stretcher used to transport Connally in the hospital. In addition to testifying before the Warren Commission, Olivier also testified a couple years later before the Rockefeller Commission which was investigating possible links of the CIA to the assassination. Olivier co-authored a publication for the military on Kennedy’s murder. The document has since been declassified under the Freedom of Information Act. At the time of the assassination, Margaret Olivier, who had a Ph.D. in anatomy, was also working at Edgewood Arsenal in the Histology Department. She was conducting microscopic work to learn the proper debridement of wounds received in war. Olivier was part of a medical team which studied wounding during the Vietnam War. He also was hired by Colt Firearms in the late 1960s to try to develop a bullet which would stop skyjackers without causing decompression of the airplane if the bullet missed. In addition, Olivier’s ballistics experience involved working for the University of Colorado as part of a team to develop a better bullet for Denver police. Dr. Olivier and his wife Margaret settled in Monroe County when they bought a farm near Sardis to spend their retirement. Dr. Margaret Olivier, also known as Peg to her friends, passed away in January 2010. Dr. Alfred ‘Bud’ Olivier now resides at the Monroe County Care Center. Information for this article came from Dr. Olivier and an article written in 1988 by Laurie Leonard, Ohio Bureau Staff Writer.

Monroe County Beacon 2010: A Year In Review

JANUARY

Emergency Ordinance for Woodsfield Village appropriating temporary funds for village operations passes council; Medi Home Health Earns Recertification; ECHO Group Donates to Warm the Children; Ormet to Pay Ohio EPA for Violations; Back Boards Donated to Emergency Squads by Air Evac Lifetime and MedFlight; PowWow Plans in Progress; 2010 Honor Roll of Businesses - 76 Businesses Highlighted; Grant Money Helps Fund New Fire Truck for Lewisville VFD; Acker-man Named Beacon General Manager; Monroe Central Artwork on Exhibit at Stifel Fine Arts Center; Team Monroe Seeks New Partner-ship.

FEBRUARY

Bridge on CR16, a Precarious Situation; School Bus Safety a Concern; New Clock Installed in Sardis; Lee Township Selected for $300,000 Neighborhood Revi-talization Grant Application; Vortex Bookstore Welcomed; Wetzel Hospital Has Open House; Local Athletes - Dylan Potts and Derek-London Dierkes - Sign Letters of Intent; Snow and Ice Plague Monroe County; GMN Re-ceives State Award; Garrison Won’t Seek Democratic Nom-ination; Schuerman Recog-nized for Service; Commis-sioners Declare State of Emergency; Millers Honored at Valentine’s Day Observance in Columbus; Suicide Coal-ition Formed; Academic Achievers 2010 Features 28 High School Students.

MARCH

Angry Sycamore Valley Residents Want Answers; School Days Extended Half Hour; Blattler TV to Close March 6; A Salute to 4-H Members Highlights Projects and Programs; Rare Cancer Afflicts Dany Ollom; Daffodil Days are Week of March 15; Hyres’ Sugarhouse Tour Set; Lee Twp. Selected for CDBG Revitalization Grant; Marcel-lus Wells Being Drilled; School Projects Ongoing; Democratic Executive Com-mittee Donates New TV to Westwood Landing; Every-bunny Welcome to the 2010 Know Show; Air Evac Life-team Based at Wetzel County Hospital; Doctors’ Day: A Salute.

APRIL

Kiwanis Talent Show Winners Featured; Potential Catastrophe Averted with Russell Arrest; Students Unite in Support of a Critically Ill Classmate; Churches: Our Heritage Featured in Special Section; Prom Night Guide Featured Page; Kick’n Back Cabins=Relaxation; Child Abuse, Neglect and Preven-tion Month Observed; Cham-ber Welcomes Red Head; Russell Pleads Not Guilty; Get a Tree When You Choose “E” at OVCCU; Countians Attend Gala Event Honoring John & Annie Glenn; Riesbecks, Firing Up the Grill for 4-H; Farming in Monroe Features Local Farms.

MAY

Troy Hickman Presented With Distinguished Service Award; Access to Higher Education Expanded in Monroe County; Kiwanis Scholarship Banquet Held; Community Gardens are Ready  for Planting; Dama Burkhart Receives Austin C. Furbee Award; Don Harmon Honored by Village of Woodsfield; Cameron Carry Out Reopens; Active Duty Soldiers Recognized on Armed Forces Day; Woods-field Elementary Observes Emergency Services Day; George Tremblay, Veteran, Enjoys Trip to Washington, D.C.; Monroe Memorial Pool Opens May 28; Drug Investigation Results in Arrests; Graduation 2010 Recognizes SOLSD Grads.

JUNE

M&D Horses, Canoes and Kayaks Welcomed by Cham-ber; Woodsfield VFW Donates POW Flag to Schools; Civil War Encampment Set for June 12 and 13; Annual Clarington Festival Features River Museum; Alumni Times Honors Woodsfield High Alumni; Cemetery Expansion and New Baseball Field Coming to Clarington; Dally Library Relocating, Accepts Book Donation; Air Force Buddies Reunite; Walking the Red Carpet for a Cure in 2010 Relay For Life; Baseball Field Dedicated in Clarington.

JULY

Summer Fest, Pow Wow and Fireworks Set for July 4 Celebration; Kids Eat Free With Program at WES; Tax Abatement Discussed at Com-missioners Meeting; Summer Fest Draws Nice Crowd; An Emotional Display at Inaugur-al Pow Wow; Sunflowers Reach for the Sky at Schumacher’s; Congressman Charlie Wilson Visits Museum; Asbestos Removal Ongoing Throughout Summer at RHS; Triplets Celebrate Second Birthday; WWII Memorabilia Donated; OVCCU To Host Health Fair; Relay For Life Exceeds Goal, Raises Over $54,400; Library Summer Reading Program Ends with a Splash in Monroe Memorial Pool.

AUGUST

Bill Lance Enjoys D.C. Honor Trip; Breastfeeding Awareness Month; Service Guide Available; Landmark Store Remembered as Feiock & Distler Mercantile is Razed; CNB Earns 5-Star Superior Rating; 911 System Up and Running; Back to School 2010; Bids for New Beallsville School Opened, Project Estimates Up; Health Depart-ment Prepares for Upcoming Flu Season; Sheriff Warns Residents About Check Scam; Molly Landefeld Sworn In As Monroe County Board of Elections Deputy Director; 2010 Junior Fair Royalty Named.

SEPTEMBER

Status of SOLSD Building Projects Addressed; World War II Vessel Makes Historic Trip to Pittsburgh; Ricer Participates in White House Meeting; Air Evac Lifeteam Crew Hosts Safety Class at Graysville; Youth Soccer Clinic Set; Buchanan Presbyterian Church To Close; Ohio Valley Community Credit Union Celebrates 50 Years; Beallsville Homecom-ing Sept. 17; Beallsville Branch of WesBanco Bank Robbed; ABLE Program Holds Open House; Health and Wellness Fair Sept. 29; Paige Atkinson Crowned Beallsville Homecoming Queen; Pediatric Backboards Presented at OVCCU Celebra-tion; Kiwanis Peanut Day Set for Oct. 1; Tracey Craig is New President, CEO of Woodsfield Savings Bank; Charles F. Orum, CPA, Will Host an Open House at New Offices; Monroe Central Tour of Homes Set for Oct. 3.

OCTOBER

Blazing a Trail for a Cure Car Show; Jennifer Hayes Selects Golden Rose to Become Monroe Central Homecoming Queen; Jonathan Muntz Selects King Card to Become Monroe Central Homecoming King; Williams is Commissioner Candidate; Thompson Vying for Repre-sentative; Black Walnut Festival Set for Oct. 10 and 11;  Secrest Vying for Rep Seat; River High Royalty Selected: Zach Wichterman, Mr. River; Kylie Brown, Miss River; Pyles Runs for Re-Election; Beallsville School Project Begun; Heartland Has New Partner; Safe Auto Donates to Warm the Children; Beallsville Schools Ceremonial Ground-breaking Held; CHIP Program Denied; BMW Z3 and Z4 Drivers Experience Monroe Roads; Switzerland of Ohio Local School Meets, Recog-nizes RHS Golf Team; Christ-mas Festival Set for Dec. 4.

NOVEMBER

School Levy Passes; Pyles Retains Commission Seat; Ohio Made Tires Celebrating a Business Expansion; Woodsfield Schools Celebrate Groundbreaking; Veterans Recognized in Honoring Our Brave Veterans; James L. Peters Appointed Prosecuting Attorney; Prosecuting Attorney L. Kent Riethmiller Retires; Woodsfield Rt. 4 Postal Carrier Retires Not By Choice; Burke Honored with Presidential Birthday Card; John Huffman Presented Flag Flown Over Afghanistan; Riesbeck Sponsored BBQ Nets $2,400 for Warm The Children Program; Local Residents Meet Former President and Mrs. George Bush; Work Continues on Cameron Bridge; Sheriff, Village Police and BCI Conduct Meth Lab Bust; Erica Logston Donates $420 to Warm The Children; Scott Receives Award.

DECEMBER

Two Potlines to Open at Ormet Corporation, Hannibal; Sardis Tour of Homes Dec. 2; 220 Thanksgiving Meals Delivered; Arraignments Include Meth Lab Charges and Domestic Violence; New Management at Transforming Physics With New Name, The Center; Dama Burkhart Establishes OUE Scholarship; Kaye Hogue Receives Peacekeepers Award; Safe Auto Awarded Best Float Laurels in Woodsfield Christmas Parade; Switzerland of Ohio OAPSE Donates to Warm The Children; Belmont Technical College Teams Up With MACO; Kaiser Has No. 1 Dog Tag; Animal Shelter Closes for Winter Months; The Banana Man ... An Angel of Mercy?; Gavin Matz and Sisters Visit With Santa; New Business: Ohio Made Tires with Building Dedicated as The William E. Moore III Building; Dany Ollom Receives Love and Support; Grump’s Bunch Has Christmas Drawing; Sardis Elementary Students Donate to Monroe County Dog Pound.

Around the Burnside     

If you are dissatisfied with your lot in life, build a service station on it.

It’s difficult to win an argument when your opponent is unencumbered with a knowledge of the facts.

Well, another year is in the book. Seems like they go faster and faster. I suppose it will be the last of January until I remember to write 2011 instead of 2010. Resolutions? Did you make any? I think I’ll just continue to use the same ones I used in 2010. They worked out OK.

We celebrated New Year’s eve in our usual manner. We watched the big ball drop in New York City and then went to bed.

A couple of things I think worth of giving some thought. First of all, we will be moving into new school facilities in a couple of years. Several of us were talking and thought someone or some organization should have made up, I’m not sure what they are called except The Cat’s Meow is one source. It’s a small wooden block with the picture on the front and a brief history on the back.

The point being, no one knows for sure what will happen to the old schools when students move into the new schools. The school where Esther and I graduated is gone, torn down. All we have is the Cat’s Meow to remember the building. I sure would like to have one of Skyvue and of Swiss Hills that includes the trailers hooked on to the building I have a number of this type of things of counties where I’ve lived, worked, buildings and items located on OSU campus.

The other thing is the Hunter Education program. For years I have taught a Hunter Education class in the county. There comes a time when you must call it quits. It’s a tough thing to do but it’s time for someone younger to step in and do the job. There is a great need for someone to step up in the Woodsfield, Skyvue area and hold Hunter Education classes. I am not planning to hold any more classes.

I think in last week’s Beacon there was an announcement of an instructor training session being held in March. It would be nice if two or three would go to the training session and hold some classes in this area Information regarding the training is available from the State Wildlife in Columbus. The class I held in 2009 had 65 attend so there is a great need for this training.

You know one of the nice things about Monroe County is the folks living in the county. Well, most of them anyway. The county is a bit divided by area but all are Monroe County. Good neighbors are what makes life pleasant and worth while. Generous too.

Every so often I mention some things in Around the Burnside we had way back when or I personally like. Before I know it someone stops and leaves it for us. For example, fruit, persimmons, rhubarb pie. Sometimes even when we are not home. The latest was fresh side. We came home from the store the other day and someone had left us a package of frozen fresh side. Was it ever good and I didn’t get to thank them. There was even a large picture of Esther and me getting ready to chow down at a meal at Skyvue. I couldn’t even remember which one as we used to have so many. Whoever did this, thanks a lot. I really enjoyed. I just happened to think, it was back in the early 50’s. I owned a brand new car. Ha.

Those of you that have complained about the type of weather we have been having, cheer up, better things are on the way. I read something by an expert that after December is over things will be getting better weatherwise. So he says. I’m not sure how he knows. As I write we are getting rain to get rid of the snow and make things ready for it to snow again. I wonder, I looked at my gas usage and I burned almost as much gas in December as I did in January and February last year.

Speaking of gas, how about the price of gasoline? The price seems to almost jump while you are putting gasoline in your auto and you even have to put the gasoline in yourself. Things must have happened when they changed calling them a filling station to a service station. Just another thing to complain about. Then again, what would life be if we couldn’t complain about something? I do not complain anymore, I think I’m old enough to growl about it.

Who knows what 2011 will bring along or be like? I always try to look on the bright side of things. I will admit I do get what they call down in the dumps every so often and then realize it’s a waste of time. How many times have you worried about something and then find out it didn’t amount to a hill of beams? How many of you remember the comic strip “Worry Wart”? My advice is let Worry Wart hand be your worries, smile, laugh out loud at least once a day and keep reading the Beacon.

Remember: Busy people do not have time to be busybodies.

Resolve to attend church more often.

Ormet Update

According to Mike Griffin, vice-president, Ormet Corpor-ation, Hannibal, the two-line start-up, which will total six potlines in production, is going very well. The start-up is being done very safely and efficiently, he noted.

“Interviews and testing of the new group are being set,” said Griffin. All of those employees on lay-off have been recalled and Ormet is expecting to add 50 new employees, added the vice-president, bringing the total additional employees to 100-120 total.

The two additional potlines are expected to be up and running in the first quarter of 2011.

Voice of Democracy winners were honored at a dinner recently, hosted by the Woodsfield VFW Post 5303. Shown, from left, are: Betty Weber, past president of the Women’s Auxiliary; Megan Dick, Patriot’s Pen winner; Kayla Simmons, third place VOD winner; Devon Jones, first place VOD winner; and Robert ‘Bob’ Podlasiak, representing Woodsfield Post 5303.
Photo by Martha Ackerman

Voice of Democracy Winners Honored

  Voice of Democracy and the Patriot Pen essay winners were honored Dec. 14 at a banquet hosted by the Woodsfield VFW Post 5303 Post and its Auxiliary. First place winner this year is Monroe Central student Devon Jones, daughter of Mike and Stacey Jones and Heather Fletcher. Second place winner is Kyle Cox, son of Jeff and Laurie Cox of Beallsville, who is homeschooled. Kyle has been a consecutive winner in the program. Chosen as the third place winner was Kayla Simmons, a Monroe Central/Swiss Hills student. Kayla is the daughter of Brenda Simmons and granddaughter of Mary Ellen Eickleberry, who were guests at the dinner.

The Patriot’s Pen winner is Megan Dick, daughter of Richard and Rachelle Dick of Woodsfield. Megan is an eighth grade student at Woodsfield Elementary.

Bob Podlasiak, of VFW Post 5303, Toni Elliott, president of the auxiliary, introduced the winners and awarded their prizes.

The national theme for this year’s contest is “Does My Generation Have a Role in America ’s Future?” The following is Devon Jones’ winning essay:

“Looking at my peers, I think my generation has a definitive role in America’s future. After all, we are America’s future. I and my peers are the faces of tomorrow. We are future politicians, doctors and lawyers. My generation could help change America for the better.

We will be here to set a good example for the generations to come after us. People my age are for peace so that may prevent wars. We will teach others about good morals. Hopefully, we could reduce tensions between races and various religions. If we teach our children this, and they teach theirs, we could solve problems rationally, not radically. But, what will we do about dwindling resources?

I believe that my generation could spread and apply the ideas of recycling and conservation. We can find alternate means of energy to save polluting ways of energy, such as coal, oil and gas. We could use less water, and in the meantime, not pollute the water we have. By recycling, we could reduce the amount of paper, plastic and glass waste we create. However, we need our government to make laws that promote conservation and other laws as well.

Like I mentioned previously, there are future politicians in my generation. Government is an enormous role my generation has to fill. We will someday be the ones making laws and enforcing them. One day somebody from my generation will be President of the United States. My generation is the future leaders of our country. Being involved with the government also brings along the responsibility of the economy. As we all know, our country is in a recession. It is obvious that this is a bad time for the economy and to find a job. My hope is that we can come out of this soon. If not, I wish that my generation has something to do with improving the economy of America without cutting funding for things such as the military.

For my generation, I hope we have a great, strong military force, as we always have. Many people my age would find it to be an honor to serve for our country. One day I believe my generation will produce as many proud, honored and distinguished veterans we have today. We greatly appreciate everything our veterans have done for us, and we hope we have more great veterans to thank. This includes men and women. Women have a growing role in American society.

In my opinion women in my generation will have an immense role in society. As we can see, more and more women are becoming senators, representatives, doctors and even Supreme Court judges. We have more ambition to take part in everything. In the future I see my generation producing a female president. I believe that women will have more important niches in America.

As you can tell, I think that my generation has a great role in America’s future. Hopefully, we can change America for the better. After all, the future of our great nation rests in our hands.”

“Does Patriotism Still Matter?” was the topic for this year’s Patriot’s Pen contest. Following is Megan Dick’s winning essay:

As the daughter of a Marine, patriotism plays a huge role in my life. I was taught since I could walk that patriotism is a love for one’s own country and it is also important to show it. It is important to show it because you want to show that you are proud to be a citizen of the Untied States, and to have freedoms and rights that allow the people to be in control.

Some rights to be proud of here in the United States are, for starters, our line of defense. My daddy and his best friend got to go through Marine Corps boot camp and proudly serve our country together. Our branches of the military defend us overseas so that we can be free without worry, and so that we can have rights given to us. Freedom of speech is another one. We have the right to voice our opinion freely and tell our thoughts on global issues. We also have freedom of religion. No one tells us who or what we can and can’t worship.

Along with having patriotism in your heart, it is also very important to show it. We can show our love for the United States of America by voting in every election. This shows that you are a part of the government and that you deeply care about who your leaders are. We could show our love to those overseas serving us by sending care packages and cards. We can use symbolic objects in our yard such as a flag (always keep a light shining on it at night and never ever let it touch the ground), ribbons or a painted or carved rock.

My conclusion is very simple. I know I have patriotism. I know why I have it and I know that that love will never weaken. Having said all of this, I am proud of who I am . I am proud of who we are as a nation and I am proud that I live in the United States of America!

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OBITUARIES   

BILLY RICER 
Billy Ricer, 84, Woodsfield, died Dec. 27, 2010 at Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a long courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). He was born Oct. 16, 1926 in Woodsfield, a son of the late Fred D. and Sarah E. Moore Ricer.

He ran the Swiss Ohio Dairy, former Woodsfield Ice and Creamery, for many years, was a route manager for Broughton’s Dairy and retired as the Assistant Superintendent of ODOT; was a member of the Moffett-Fletcher Methodist Church, life member of K of P Lodge, charter member of the Moose Lodge, member of the Eagles Lodge, 40 & 8 Club, American Legion, life member of the VFW former Chief of the Woodsfield VFD, former Woodsfield Mayor and 16-year Woodsfield City Council member, Monroe County Coon Hunters Club and helped start the CB Radio Club. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and served in Germany as an M.P., and he also served during the Korean War.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Dorothy Frum Ricer of Woodsfield; five sons, David (Patricia) Ricer of Woodsfield, Rick (Cheryl) Ricer of Cincinnati, Gary (Diane) Ricer of Woodsfield, Rob (John) Ricer of Columbus, Jim (Judy) Mahoney of Columbus; a brother, Robert Ricer of Toledo; and a sister, Clara Lee Leasure of Woodsfield; four grandchildren, Dr. Jen Spata, T.J. Ricer, Matt Ricer, Richelle Ricer, Amy Meyer; three step-grandchildren, Amy Reich, Danny Graham, Eric Graham; four great-grandchildren, Lily, Evie, Lucy, Maggie; nine step-great-grandchildren, Mariah, Ryan, Jason, Tyler, Courtney, Macy, Dustin, Donavan, Zack; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Susan Mahoney; step-mother, Mary Knowlton; four brothers, Raymond, Fred, Don and Rusty Ricer; and a sister, Dorothy White.

Friends were received Dec. 30 at Bauer-Turner Funeral Home, Woodsfield, where funeral services were held Dec. 31, with Rev. Richard Wilson officiating. Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery, Woodsfield. Veterans services were conducted by the Belmont Veterans Council.

Memorial contributions may be made to: The ALS Association, 1810 MacKenzie Dr., Suite 120, Columbus, OH 43220. Condolencs can be expressed at www.bauerturner.com.

RANDY L. RICER, JR.

Randy L. Ricer, Jr., 39, of 39533 SR 26, Graysville, died Dec. 27, 2010 at his home. He was born Sept. 23, 1971 at Barnesville, a son of Randy, Sr. and Luella Brown Ricer of Graysville.

He was a laborer and a member of the First Free Methodist Church, Woodsfield. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards.

Surviving, in addition to his parents, are a daughter, Lakelynn Paige Ricer of Woodsfield; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Friends were received Jan. 2 until time of service at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with Vernon Burke officiating. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family.  

LESTER E. McGINNIS
Lester E. McGinnis, 65, Beallsville, died Dec. 30, 2010 in Affinity Medical Center, Massillon. He was born Sept. 3, 1945 in Beallsville, a son of the late Edward and Martha Vanness McGinnis.

He was a Vietnam Air Force veteran; a retired operator from the former Union Carbide; and a member of Powhatan Point Church of Nazarene.

Surviving are his wife, Bonnie Lou Pyles McGinnis; a son, Michael (Sherrie) McGinnis; a daughter, Russie (Leroy) Baker, all of Beallsville; two grandsons, Steven Patrick McGinnis, Ethan Leroy McGinnis; a granddaughter, Tonia Ann Baker; two brothers, Chester (Carolyn) McGinnis, Ralph (Duanna) McGinnis, all of Barnesville; three sisters, Dorothy Carpenter and Betty Lough of Barnesville, Nancy (James) Scott of Quaker City; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents who raised him, William and Lula Bell Vanness; and a brother, Robert Edward McGinnis.

Friends were received Jan. 3 at Powhatan Point Church of Nazarene, where funeral services were held Jan. 4, with Rev. Graham, Rev. Noonan, and Rev. Brown officiating. Burial was in Beallsville Cemetery, where Powhatan Veterans Honor Guard conducted military graveside services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Powhatan Point Church of Nazarene, SR 7 South, Powhatan Point.

Sympathy expressions at grisellfuneralhomes.com.

EVELYN M. LALLATHIN
Evelyn Marie Lallathin, 87, Sardis, passed away Dec. 28, 2010 at Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. She was born Feb. 21, 1923 in Sardis, a daughter of the late Charles F. and Lena M. Bruny Lallathin.

She was a member of the West Union Church of Christ.

Surviving are a sister, Alice Riley of Wheeling; a sister-in-law, Virginia Lallathin of Bridgeport; several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Bertha Lengacher and Loraine Thomas; and two brothers, Ralph D. and Carl E. Lallathin.

Services were held Dec. 31 at Kepner Funeral Home, Elm Grove, Wheeling, with Ron Stuilenbarger officiating. Burial was in West Union Cemetery, Sardis.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Ohio Valley University, Campus View Drive, Vienna, WV 26015-9915.

Condolences may be offered at www.kepnerfuneral.com 

LUZETTA P. HILL
Luzetta P. “Zetta” Hill, 89, Harmar Place, Marietta, formerly of New Matamoras, died Dec. 31, 2010 at Marietta Memorial Hospital. She was born May 6, 1921, near Rinard Mills, a daughter of the late James Tony Scott and Matilda “Tillie” Graham Scott.

She was a homemaker and a member of the Brownsville Church of Christ. She was a great mother-in-law who enjoyed helping others, gardening, baking cookies, her Christian ministers who visited regularly at the Harmar Place, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are two daughters, Clarice (Larry) Byers of Newport, Kathy (Fred) Martino of Philadelphia, Pa.; a brother, John Scott of Alliance; four grandchildren, Lanny (Lisa) Byers, Tammy (Michael) Stern, Fred (Jill) Martino, Christopher Martino; and five great-grandchildren, Stephen, Logan and Landon Byers, Addison and Paxton Stern. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Wiley Hill on Sept. 15, 1992; three sisters, Beryl Lisk, Janet Griffin, Donna May Dougherty; and two brothers, Ralph Scott and Chauncey Scott.

Friends were received Jan. 4 until time of service at Watters Funeral Home, Woodsfield, with Roger Rush and Lloyd Westbrook officiating. Burial followed in New Matamoras Cemetery.

BEA DECKER
Bea Decker, 90, Woodsfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, formerly of Beallsville, died Jan. 3, 2011 at the center. She was born Oct. 29, 1920 in Paden City, W.Va.,  a daughter of the late Harold “Pat” and Ella Price Cecil.

She was a member of the Belmont Ridge Christian Church.

Surviving are two daughters, Penny (Dwight) Lucas of Beallsville, Diana Hypes of Reynoldsburg; two granddaughters, Debbie (Duane) Gehring, Brenda (Scott) Bondy; and four great-grandsons, Shawn, Matthew, Nathan, and Shane.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Glenn Decker; four brothers, Harold, Harry, Bill,  and Jimmy Cecil; and three sisters, Monelle Clark, Margaret Bowen and Betty Agin.

Friends will be received Jan. 6, from 3 - 8 p.m. at Harper Funeral Home, Beallsville, where funeral services will be held Jan. 6, at 11 a.m., with Jim Russ officiating. burial will follow in Beallsville Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.harperfh.net