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Bernard G. Naegele

Bernard G. Naegele "Bernie" passed away suddenly and peacefully on December 10, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Bernie spent his life not just as a member of his community, but as an integral part of it—a proud owner of Naegele, Kleb & Ihlendorf Funeral Home for over fifty years. He was licensed in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Bernie was always the one people turned to—a mentor and a guiding light in the funeral service industry. He was the best boss and never ended a day without saying thank-you to his employees.

As a loving father, Bernie loved spending time with his daughters, Michelle (Paul) Harding, Lisa Harriman and the late Heidi. His pride extended to his grandchildren, Ben (Kate) Harding and Matthew Harriman, who brought brightness to his days and smiles to his heart. Linda Haines was happily by his side the last 25 years. He shared this journey with his dear brother, Tom (the late Jan), his twin, the late Dr. Robert (the late Lois) and the late George (Bonnie) Naegele.

Bernie's warmth extended far beyond bloodline; he nurtured friendships that became lifelong affiliations in his community. He served as the Norwood Civil Service Commissioner for many years. Generosity of heart led Bernie to belong to numerous organizations, from the Norwood Moose, Eagles, Shamrock Club, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Post #123, Masonic Lodge #576, the Knights of Columbus, Member of the Valley of Cincinnati A.A.S.R., Shriners and Kolping all spoke to his dedication to uplifting those around him.

A proud Army veteran, Bernie exemplified courage and resilience serving during war. He was stationed in Pam John, Korea, right next to the D military zone. In life, whether it was sharing a cold Bud Light with friends or cheering on the Cincinnati Reds and Bengals, Bernie embraced every moment and lived life to the fullest.

His passing is met with deep sorrow, yet those who were fortunate to know him carry memories of his unwavering spirit within them. Bernie was a beacon of joy, intelligence, and humor, a man who loved to revel in life and the love of his girls at the funeral home, Tara and Jackie. He knew the importance of celebration in the face of grief, reminding everyone that laughter and joy can coexist even in dark times.

A visitation will take place at Naegele, Kleb Ihlendorf Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, a Masonic and Scottish Rite Service will be held at 6:00 PM. Funeral Mass will held on Wednesday, December 17 at 11 AM at Holy Trinity Church, 2420 Drex Ave, Norwood, Ohio 45212.

Memorials may be directed to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) or St. Jude's Hospital.

Larry G. Crates

OFDA Past President, Husband of Drinda "Rindy" Crates, Retired Funeral Director, and Father of Amanda Crates Bayliff, Licensed Funeral Director and President of the OBEFD

After a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Larry G. Crates, 82, was gently released from its grasp on December 16, 2025. While the disease slowly took memories, it never touched the love he gave so freely, nor the legacy he leaves behind.

Larry was born on April 25, 1943 in Bluffton, Ohio, the first son of Herbert Hazen George and Lillian Irene (Koontz) Crates, both deceased. He grew up on the family farm with his four siblings. He was active in the high school band and graduated from Arlington High School in 1961, where he was the class valedictorian and penned the AHS Alma Mater. Following graduation, he pursued a pre-med degree at The Ohio State University, where he also played in “The Best Damn Band in The Land”, (the OSU Marching Band)--getting into the band on a challenge. While in college, Larry worked and lived at the Rutherford Funeral Home in Columbus–it was here where he found his calling in funeral service. He later graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and became a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Larry served in the US AirForce Reserves.

On August 22, 1970 he married Drinda (Rindy) McNett at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jenera. Larry and Rindy shared 55 years of marriage. The couple have two daughters, Amanda (Joseph, deceased) Bayliff and Katie (Rich) Kramer; seven grandchildren Kellen, Reis, Raena, Kendall, Noah, Ella and Braden.

Larry was a beyond-the-box thinker when it came to business, and his compassion for the bereaved solidified his decision to return to Hancock County and open a funeral business with his own family. He started his funeral career in 1968, opening Crates Funeral Home in Arlington, and then purchasing the Goff Funeral Home in Carey, which was sold in 1976 in order to purchase the Coldren Funeral Home in Findlay. In 1987, the Smith Funeral Home in North Baltimore was acquired, and the three funeral homes became Coldren-Crates Funeral Homes.

Larry lived to learn, he was interested in everything. He served as the president of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. While he was involved with the state association, he was instrumental in bringing trust funded funerals to Ohio. Larry retired from funeral service in 2019 upon his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. He was an excellent cook and loved to entertain. His wit and sense of humor, (although sometimes mischievous) was always appreciated.

He was a life-long member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he also served as organist over the years.

He is also survived by two sisters, Sandra Dacre, Mary Phillips and two brothers, Charles and Jack Crates.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Monday, December 22, 2025 at Good Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, 300 South Main Street, Arlington, OH with Pastor Steven Ramsey officiating. Burial will be in St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, alongside four generations of the Crates (Krotz) family, who emigrated to the United States in 1831. Larry took great pride in his German roots, his church, his family and bringing beautiful music to this area; however, ushering local residents and their families out of this world with great care was something it seemed he was divinely appointed to do. Please join us as we humbly try to do the same for him.

Visitation will be held from 12 to 5 pm Sunday, December, 21st at his residence, 630 North Main Street, Arlington, OH and for one hour prior to the funeral at the church. The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to The Findlay-Hancock County Foundation-Celebration of Life Fund (Memo: Larry G. Crates).

Donald A. Faulhaber, Jr.

Owner of Faulhaber Funeral Home, Father of Donald, III and Robin Faulhaber-Ferrara, Father-in-Law of Jeffrey Ferrara, Brother of Judith Faulhaber Kyle, All of Faulhaber Funeral Home

Donald A. Faulhaber, Jr., age 85, passed away November 11, 2025. Beloved husband of Luby (deceased) and Nancy (deceased). Cherished father of Donald, III (Dee), Tracy (Jim Eder), Robin Ferrara (Jeff), and Brian (Maffy). Dear step-father of Jim Detelich (Marlene), Tom Detelich (Diane), John Detelich (Kim), and Kathleen Kossman (Greg), Loving grandfather of 18 and great-grandfather of 19 Dearest brother of William (deceased) (Linda) and Judith. Son of Donald, Sr. and Lenore (both deceased). Brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend of many. Cherished lifelong friend of Frank DeWolf.

Don was a proud 1958 graduate of Brecksville-Broadview Heights School and attended Miami University and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science

Don worked as a funeral director and embalmer for 65 years, assisting families in need and supporting fellow funeral directors with his professional embalming services. Don also mentored many apprentices, guiding them into the funeral profession.

Don’s life was full of volunteerism and community service.

• He served as Captain in the Seven Hills Fire Department
• Past president of the Seven Hills Jaycees
• Coached little league baseball
• Rotarian of the Year for International Projects in 2005
• Broadview Heights Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2009
• Citizen of the year Brecksville in 2011
• Rotarian Nice Guy of the Year 2012-2013
• Inducted into the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Schools Gallery of Achievement in 2014
• Received award in 2020 in recognition of exemplary contributions to the community Broadview Heights
• Founding member and president of the Broadview Heights-North Royalton Rotary Club
• Named the Official Historian of Broadview Heights in 2019.  as instrumental in remodeling and opening the historical society museum.  rustee of the historical society
• steemed author of “Images of America-Broadview Heights”
• He was a lifelong member of the North Royalton Historical Society
• Member of the North Royalton Chamber of Commerce
• Brecksville Bicentennial co-chairman alongside his lifelong friend Frank DeWolf
• Member of Broadview Heights Chamber of Commerce where he served as president
• Charter member of the Broadview Heights Lions Club
• Active in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Alumni Association where he served as president
• Involved in the Gallery of Achievement at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School
• Member of OFDA, NFDA, Embalmers Association of Cleveland

Don was incredibly generous and would give his shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Family suggests contributions to the Broadview Heights Historical Society, C/O Louise Fiszer, 726 Tollis Parkway, Broadview Heights, 44147 or to the Faulhaber Family Memorial Scholarship, 6638 Mill Road, Brecksville, 44141.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 10:00 am at Assumption Church, 9183 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, 44147. Please meet at church.

Friends may call at the Donald A. Faulhaber Funeral Home, 7915 Broadview Road (at Sprague) on Friday, November 14 from 2-8 pm.

Interment Brecksville Cemetery. 

Robert M. Baird

OFDA Past President, Father and Father-in-law of Tami Baird, CFSP, OFDA Past President and Allan Ganley, Baird Funeral Home, and Father of Brent Baird, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions

Robert M. Baird, age 95, of Troy, OH passed away on December 2, 2025. He was born on February 17, 1930 in Cambridge, OH to the late Charles Thomas and Lena M. Warden Baird.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years of marriage: D. Ann (Davisson) Baird; three children: R. Mark (Carol) Baird of Raymond, OH, Tami Baird (Allan) Ganley of Troy, OH and Brent A. (Beth) Baird of Kettering, OH; five grandchildren: Carly Baird, Matthew (Maddie) Baird, Caitlyn (Zachary) Knutson, Libby Baird and Charlie Baird; four great grandchildren: Everett, Asher and Theodore Baird and Lillian Grace Knutson and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law: Grace and Chet Lindell; sister-in-law: Donna Davisson Hutchins; niece, nephew and great nephew.

Bob was a graduate of Cambridge High School in 1948. He served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. After returning from service abroad, he attended Marietta College prior to graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1956.

Though always a Guernsey County farm boy, Bob was proud to call Troy, OH his home after joining the Irvin-Deeter Funeral Home on South Cherry Street in 1957. He relocated with the firm to the current location in 1967 which eventually was renamed to Baird Funeral Home. Bob was honored to serve Troy area families for over 60 years.

Bob enjoyed being involved in the community and was a longtime member and volunteer of the First United Methodist Church, Troy and past Co-Leader of the Let’s Go Travel Ministry of the church. During his final years, he appreciated his worship time at St. Johns United Church of Christ. Over the years, Bob served in various volunteer and leadership roles with Troy Noon Optimist, Franklin Lodge #14 F&AM; Franklin Chapter #24 R.A.M.; Franklin Council #14 R. &S.M.; Coleman Commandery #17 K.T.; Antioch Shrine Temple; Miami County Shrine Club; Order of Eastern Star Chapter #256; Miami County Men’s Republican Club; Troy Elks Lodge #833; Troy Museum Corp; Troy Board of Education and Upper Valley Joint Vocational School Boards; Upper Valley Non-Profit Charitable Corp; Miami County Unit of the American Red Cross; Troy Recreation Board; Miami County Fair Board and Third Savings and Loan Board of Directors. Professionally, he was honored to serve as President of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, District Governor of the National Funeral Directors Association and Board Chairman of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He and Ann were named the Distinguished Citizens by the Troy Area Chamber of Commerce in 2005.

Bob and Ann eventually went back to their farm roots and enjoyed many years on Windy View Farm in Staunton Township. He raised Percheron horses and enjoyed providing horse teams for many parades and events and hosting a variety of church and non-profit events on the farm including visitors to Troy from our sister city of Takahashi City, Japan. Besides his love of farm life and horses, Bob was known for his passion for cars both old and new.

Bob was a proud grandpa and was happy to call anyone a friend. On his regular visits to K’s, he enjoyed seeing new and old faces even as the memory faded. Bob’s family extend heartfelt appreciation to all the kind and faithful friends and the staff at both Clare Bridge and Hospice of Miami County for their unconditional care.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Johns United Church of Christ, 130 South Walnut Street, Troy, OH 45373, Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County, 3230 N. County Road 25A, Troy, OH 45373 or Shriners Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Plaza 2 West, Dayton, OH 45404. Condolences may be expressed to the family through www.bairdfuneralhome.com.

Donald A. Faulhaber, Jr.

Owner of Faulhaber Funeral Home, Father of Donald, III and Robin Faulhaber-Ferrara, Father-in-Law of Jeffrey Ferrara, Brother of Judith Faulhaber Kyle, All of Faulhaber Funeral Home

Donald A. Faulhaber, Jr., age 85, passed away November 11, 2025. Beloved husband of Luby (deceased) and Nancy (deceased). Cherished father of Donald, III (Dee), Tracy (Jim Eder), Robin Ferrara (Jeff), and Brian (Maffy). Dear step-father of Jim Detelich (Marlene), Tom Detelich (Diane), John Detelich (Kim), and Kathleen Kossman (Greg), Loving grandfather of 18 and great-grandfather of 19 Dearest brother of William (deceased) (Linda) and Judith. Son of Donald, Sr. and Lenore (both deceased). Brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend of many. Cherished lifelong friend of Frank DeWolf.

Don was a proud 1958 graduate of Brecksville-Broadview Heights School and attended Miami University and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science

Don worked as a funeral director and embalmer for 65 years, assisting families in need and supporting fellow funeral directors with his professional embalming services. Don also mentored many apprentices, guiding them into the funeral profession.

Don’s life was full of volunteerism and community service.

• He served as Captain in the Seven Hills Fire Department
• Past president of the Seven Hills Jaycees
• Coached little league baseball
• Rotarian of the Year for International Projects in 2005
• Broadview Heights Senior Volunteer of the Year in 2009
• Citizen of the year Brecksville in 2011
• Rotarian Nice Guy of the Year 2012-2013
• Inducted into the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Schools Gallery of Achievement in 2014
• Received award in 2020 in recognition of exemplary contributions to the community Broadview Heights
• Founding member and president of the Broadview Heights-North Royalton Rotary Club
• Named the Official Historian of Broadview Heights in 2019.  as instrumental in remodeling and opening the historical society museum.  rustee of the historical society
• steemed author of “Images of America-Broadview Heights”
• He was a lifelong member of the North Royalton Historical Society
• Member of the North Royalton Chamber of Commerce
• Brecksville Bicentennial co-chairman alongside his lifelong friend Frank DeWolf
• Member of Broadview Heights Chamber of Commerce where he served as president
• Charter member of the Broadview Heights Lions Club
• Active in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Alumni Association where he served as president
• Involved in the Gallery of Achievement at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School
• Member of OFDA, NFDA, Embalmers Association of Cleveland

Don was incredibly generous and would give his shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Family suggests contributions to the Broadview Heights Historical Society, C/O Louise Fiszer, 726 Tollis Parkway, Broadview Heights, 44147 or to the Faulhaber Family Memorial Scholarship, 6638 Mill Road, Brecksville, 44141.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 10:00 am at Assumption Church, 9183 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights, 44147. Please meet at church.

Friends may call at the Donald A. Faulhaber Funeral Home, 7915 Broadview Road (at Sprague) on Friday, November 14 from 2-8 pm.

Interment Brecksville Cemetery. 

Betty Jane (Eberly) Barnes

Mother of George R. Barnes, Jr., General Manager at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home and David R. Barnes, Funeral Director at Barnes Funeral Chapel

Betty Jane (Eberly) Barnes, age 89, of Delta, Ohio, surrounded by an atmosphere of laughter, love and family, was called Home by her Lord and Savior on Thursday afternoon, November 7, 2025 at Fulton Manor in Wauseon.

Betty was born in Wauseon, Ohio on June 14, 1936—Flag Day—to the late David and Ethel Eberly. She and her twin sister, Mary, along with their sisters June and Grace, grew up on the family farm in Delta, on County Road 10, where Worthington Industries stands today. The family later moved to Wauseon, where Betty’s father owned and operated Eberly Sawmill. She graduated from Wauseon High School in 1954, where she played the cornet in the band and made lifelong friends. After graduation, she worked summers at Campbell Soup Company, and it was there she met the love of her life, George Barnes. The two were married on July 19, 1959, and began a beautiful life together built on love, faith, and family. Betty went on to earn her Licensed Practical Nursing degree from Riverside Hospital in 1956. She dedicated more than 45 years to caring for others as a nurse in the Delta community, first with Drs. Hutchins, Blair, and Reed at the Delta Clinic, and later with Dr. Murtiff. Her compassion, steady presence, and gentle sense of humor made her a beloved nurse and friend to many. After retiring from nursing, Betty wasn’t one to sit still for long. She began helping out at Barnes Funeral Chapel, greeting families with the same warmth and kindness that had always come so naturally to her.

Faith was an important part of Betty’s life. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, now Everyday Hope Church, in Wauseon. She loved working hard, keeping her home and yard beautiful, traveling throughout the United States, Alaska, Canada and overseas and especially spending time with her family. Betty was known for her incredible ability to plan family gatherings down to the last detail; holiday meals, picnics, and celebrations were always organized weeks in advance, complete with menus, drinks, and even assigned seating. Some of the family’s favorite memories include passionate and competitive games of UNO, long summer bicycle rides, picnics at the Toledo Metroparks, and countless days around the backyard pool, where Betty’s laughter and love made every moment special. 

She is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, George R. Barnes, Sr.; sons, George R. (Julie) Barnes, Jr. of Lancaster, Ohio, Michael R. (Debbie) Barnes, and David R. (Julie) Barnes, both of Delta; her cherished grandsons, Tyler and Mason Barnes and granddaughter, Rachel. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Roberta Kessock of St. Clair, Pennsylvania, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her dearly. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters and brothers-in-law, June (Ezra) Kohli, Grace (Dwight) Bridges, and her twin sister Mary (Roger) Heltzel; along with sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Betty Bridges, Mary Domozik, and Gene Kessock.

Family and friends may visit from 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Barnes Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 5825 St. Hwy 109, Delta, Ohio 43515. Funeral services for Betty will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Hope Church of Delta, 101 Northwood Dr., Delta Ohio 43515 with Pastors Maryann Reimund and Kent Winkler officiating. Private burial will be at Greenlawn Cemetery in Delta.

The family kindly asks that, instead of flowers or remembrance items, memorial contributions be made to a cause close to their hearts; The Ike and Ella Fund, which provides financial assistance to families who have suffered the loss of young children or infants. Donations may be mailed to The Ike and Ella Fund, P.O. Box 62, Milan, Michigan 48160, in Betty’s name and memory.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff at Fulton Manor who provided Betty with care and compassion during her year-long stay. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.barnesfuneralchapel.com