August 21, 2003

OBITUARIES

James A. Looney
James A. Looney died on Thursday, Aug. 14, in his residence. He was 72.

He was born Dec. 17, 1930, in Springfield, the son of Pinkey and Henrietta Looney.

Mr. Looney retired in 1981 from International Harvester after 31 years of service. He was a former aircraft mechanic in the United States Air Force and a graduate of Central State University.

A devoted member of First Baptist Church, James taught Sunday school and sang in the Male Chorus and Senior Choir. He also helped with the landscaping at the church. His Christian involvement extended to being active into the Springfield area Emmaus and the Emmaus Christian renewal walk at the High Street Methodist Church. In addition, he belonged to the Kairos Prison ministry group in Lebanon and attended a Jewish-style service once a week at the Messianic church in Dayton for many years. He also worked with the Core Program.

He had a particular love of gardening and just this summer was named the 2003 Ohio Master Gardener of the year at the Ohio Master Gardeners Conference.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Grace Looney; and one sister, Betty Jean Looney.

He is survived by one sister, Joanne C. Blackwell of Springfield; five children, Dawn M. Sanders of Trotwood, Albert Looney of China, Rossa Looney and Blake A. (Rozalyn) Looney of Springfield, Joyce Indra Looney of Columbus; a goddaughter, Sherre Sanders of Trotwood; four grandchildren, Christopher R. Sanders, Evan B. Looney, Michael A. Wallace Jr. and Sean B. Wallace; and a host of nieces, nephews and a special friend, Marlene Johnson.

Services were held Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the First Baptist Church of Yellow Springs. Final resting place is Ferncliff Cemetery, Springfield. Final tributes are a service of Porter-Qualls Funeral Home.

Donalda Heaton
Donalda L. Heaton of Xenia died Tuesday evening, Aug. 12, at Hospitality Home West. She was 94.

Born April 3, 1909, in Xenia, she was the daughter of Charles C. and Emma Nelson Cost. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl C. “Pete” Heaton, who died on April 5, 2001; a sister, Olivia Horen; and two brothers, George K. Cost and Elwood N. Cost.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and John R. Shaw of Xenia; two granddaughters and their husbands, Cheryl and George Barber of Moorehead, Ky., and Jennifer and John Silvati of Erlanger, Ky.; great-grandchildren, Eric Caudill and Victoria Silvati; brother and sister-in-law, Lewis and Anne Cost of Bellfontaine; sister-in-law, Florence Heaton of Xenia; brother-in-law Ralph Heaton Jr. of Yellow Springs; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services were held on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Woodland Cemetery. Neeld Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.