Randal C. Brewer

Randal C. Brewer, a resident of Rising Sun, Md., passed away on July 25 at his sister’s home. He was 61.

Born in West Grove, he was the son of the late Talmadge C. and Frances Ward Brewer.

Randal was self-employed as a mushroom contractor.

He liked working on cars, antiquing and loved animals.

Randal was a very kind person. He would do anything he could to help someone who needed it. He will be sorely missed by his family. 

He is survived by one sister, Sandra Reese (Kevin) of Windsor; two brothers, Charles Brewer of Charlestown, MD and Clifford Brewer (Evelyn) of Creston, NC; four nieces, Heather Clinton, Annabelle Bennett, Amanda Brewer and Tiffany Drury; and one great-nephew and one great-niece. 

He was preceded in death by one nephew, Charles Brewer, Jr.

A graveside service was held on Aug. 1 at the Oxford Cemetery in Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite local pet shelter. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc., Oxford.
Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

Paul F. Eyanson

Paul Eyanson died on July 26 at home surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and awesome grandfather, educator and coach. He was 80 years young.

Born to the late Jim and Dorothy Eyanson of Philadelphia, he married his wife, Linda (nee Mattson), 53 years ago and had two children, daughter Jennifer (Kevin Robinson) and son Mark, who preceded Paul in death.

He doted on his four wonderful grandchildren, Ethan, Tyler, Max, and Kathryn Robinson. He is survived by two sisters: Nancy Brenek and Connie Connell, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Family was the center of his world.

Paul graduated from Malvern Prep, received his undergraduate degree from West Chester University, and his master’s degree in physical education from Southern Connecticut University.  As an athletic trainer at Muhlenberg College and Yale University, he quickly developed a passion for teaching and coaching and accepted a position at Conrad High School in Wilmington in 1969. During his eight years as head track coach he produced several league champions and state finalists. 

Wanting to have a stronger connection to his community, he left teaching  to start a construction and home improvement business in Oxford, but continued to follow his passion for coaching.  He moved from his early days of coaching youth soccer and softball to high school track at Oxford, Avon Grove and Kennett in his later years where he always encouraged his athletes to “compete with themselves,” not just in sport, but in life.

Paul specialized in teaching the more difficult skills events, with an emphasis on the pole vault. He took enormous satisfaction in guiding vaulters from those first awkward attempts to reaching a personal record of “flying over the bar.” Many of his vaulters earned college scholarships, but all of them learned an important lifelong lesson of succeeding at a task that requires grit, focus, and self-discipline. He considered his athletes his second family and was fortunate to connect with many of them during his final days.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In memory of Paul, his family will be sponsoring scholarships for young athletes to improve their pole vault skills.  The fund will provide opportunities for students to attend specialized pole-vault training and summer camps where they can receive safe, professional, and individualized coaching. Donations to “The Sky is The Limit” Scholarship Fund in memory of Coach Eyanson are appreciated and can be made on GoFundMe with The Sky is The Limit Coach Eyanson Memorial Fund.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

John J. Papay

John J. Papay, 73, of Kennett Square, passed away at his home on July 23. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy L. Papay, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. 

Born 1947 in New York, NY, John was the devoted son of the late John J. Papay, II and the late Elizabeth Gera Papay. 

John attended the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn for his undergraduate degree and continued his education at Northwestern University where he earned his Ph.D in organic chemistry. 

John spent his entire career working as a chemist for DuPont, specializing in engineering polymers, where he particularly enjoyed puzzling through solutions to technical challenges.

John’s family brought him tremendous joy and pride. He was a dedicated father to his two children and always put their interests above his own. He was unfailingly supportive of them throughout his life. 

He had a lifelong passion for building and spent many years as a woodworker, creating fine furniture. Later in life, he reveled in his two personas as both grumpy grandpa and patient playmate to his three young grandchildren, which brought them great joy. For the past decade, he enjoyed volunteering with Longwood Gardens and the Kennett Library Adult Literacy Program, where he tutored a student in English.  

In addition to his wife, Nancy, John is survived by his son, John P. Papay (Ellen), along with their three children, Rose, Jack and Charlotte, as well as his daughter, Kate Weingart (Robert). 

Services will be held privately with family. 

In lieu of flowers, John’s family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Kennett Library, Attn.: Adult Literacy Program, 216 E. State St, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

To view John’s online tribute and share a message with his family, visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com. 

Virginia Baldwin

Virginia (Ginny) Detwiler Baldwin passed away on July 27 at the age of 98 years young with her daughter, son, and family by her side. 

She was born to Raymond and Katie Detwiler in Cedars, Skippack Township in Montgomery County, Pa.

Ginny grew up next to her grandparents’ farm. She remembered carrying water to the field for her grandfather and horses while they plowed. On the farm, she developed a love for animals, particularly horses, where she first rode farm horses bareback, later buying her own horse. During World War II, she was an Air Raid Warden for the town of Cedars where her duty was to drive around the area and make sure everyone’s house was dark during a warning by an air raid siren. She loved the outdoors and sports where she learned to skate with her mother’s ice skates on the frozen grass. She later enjoyed skating on local streams and ponds near Zieglerville, Pa. 

Ginny attended a two-room school house from 1st through 8th grade in Skippack, Pa. and received a well-rounded education leading to four years at the J. Horace Landis Joint Consolidated High School in Schwenksville, Pa. She excelled in field hockey, basketball and tennis and participated in musicals. She was elected secretary of her class and continued in this capacity for over 70 years, keeping the class together with a newsletter she titled “The Glue.” After high school she enrolled at the Lansdale School of Business and received a secretarial degree which her father paid her monthly fee of $20 to attend. As a senior, she assisted the local dentist who volunteered giving needy students dental care. Her first job was secretary to the principal of her high school. Her second job was secretary and bookkeeper at the National Bank of Schwenksville where she worked for ten years.

Ginny married Richard “Dick” Baldwin of San Angelo, TX in 1951 after having met him on a blind date during World War II in 1942. Dick was employed with the DuPont Company and they were transferred several times. Their final move was to the DuPont  Engineering Department in Newark, Del., where Ginny also worked for several years before becoming a homemaker and raising a daughter and son. 

In 1962, Ginny and Dick purchased property in the area known as The Wedge outside of Newark, Del. and spent 52 years there before they moved to Jenner’s Pond Retirement Community in Jennersville in 2012. 

Ginny was very active in many community and church organizations but she was most proud of the Thanksgiving service at the “Wedgestone” which she organized and hosted for 50 years and accommodated up to 200 people on their property. Her second favorite volunteer position was secretary for the Brandywine Region AACA antique car club for eight years. Dick and Ginny were also members of this club for 37 years while they toured and showed their 1940 Buick.

Ginny is survived by her daughter Bonnie Baldwin Church, son Rich Baldwin, daughter-in-law Leticia Baldwin and granddaughters Breanna Baldwin and Rebecca Baldwin.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity in her memory.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Ronald David Hart

Ronald David Hart, a resident of Spring City, Pa. and formerly of Blackwood, NJ, passed away at home on July 22. He was 60.

He was the husband of Anita Dillow Hart with whom he shared 17 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of Anna Mae Murry Hart of NJ and the late Robert Lee Hart. 

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Ronald enjoyed the outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting and cooking. 

He is survived by his wife; his mother; four children, Brigitte Hart (Caliph), Ronald David Hart, Jr., Gregory Hart and Katelyn Hart; four granddaughters, Brianna, Amira, Jadelyn and Farrah; six siblings, Diana Hart, Rich Hart, Doris Hart, Robin Tibbet (Larry), Pam Reeves (Larry) and Maryann Ottaviano; and many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Robert David Hart, William Russell Hart and Robert Lee Hart, Jr. and one sister, Rosalie Turner.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 3 at the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Interment will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.

TACY E. WILSON

Tacy E. Wilson, a resident of Oxford, passed away on July 29. She was 92.

Tacy was born in Oxford on Sept. 7, 1927 to the late Samuel John England and Pearl Lydia (Williams) England.

Throughout Tacy’s life, she was involved in many organizations that brought her much joy. She was a founding member of the Degree of Pocahontas Ocklokonee Council 212 as well as being a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Oxford Senior Center. Tacy enjoyed many aspects in her life, but adored gardening and tending to her flowers and vegetables. Tacy would always be outside taking care of her yard and finding house work to do. When she wasn’t busy outside, Tacy could be found playing cards or acing crossword puzzles. 

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Williams and her husband, Johnny; a niece, Christina Hughes and her husband, Charles; a nephew, Thomas Williams and his wife, Melanie; and sister-in-law, Elizabeth England. 

In addition to her parents, Tacy was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Wilson; brother, Samuel England; and sister, Margaret Williams. 

Services for Tacy will be held privately at the convenience of the family. To send online condolences, please visit www.rtfoard.com.

CATHERINE BROWN

Catherine Mary “Sis” Brown, age 85, of Lincoln University, passed away on July 28 at her home and surrounded by her loving family. 

Catherine was the wife of her late husband, Hugh E. Brown, who predeceased her in 1974.

Born in Philadelphia in 1935, Catherine was the daughter of the late Thomas P. O’Donnell and the late Catherine Durham O’Donnell.

Catherine was a devout Catholic and attended St. George Parish for many years before becoming a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish. For well over 20 years, Catherine never missed Sunday mass.

Catherine, or “Sis”, was a caring, sweet, wonderful woman. In her free time, she enjoyed getting together with her bunco group. Yet, what she loved most of all was spending time with her family. She was extremely family-oriented and cared about everyone around her. Catherine was always taking care of others and was truly a grandmother to all.  

Catherine is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Wieland and brother-in-law, Joe; her daughter, Marianne K. Hannan and son-in-law, Robert; two grandchildren, Robert Hannan III and Thomas Hannan; many nieces and nephews; her great-nieces and great-nephews; and her great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. In addition to her late husband, Hugh, Catherine was predeceased by two brothers, Thomas O’Donnell and John O’Donnell. 

Catherine’s viewing was held on Aug. 3 at ABVM Parish in West Grove. Interment was at Peter and Paul Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust St., Philadelphia, PA 19103 or to ABVM Parish, 300 State Rd, West Grove, PA 19390. 

Arrangements are being handled by Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove. 

Constance M. Ford

Constance M. Ford died on July 31at Maris Grove, Glen Mills, Pa. She was 99.  

Connie was born on Nov. 30, 1920, to Mabel (Benson) and William P. Hourigan in Geneva, NE. Her grandparents came to Nebraska from County Cork, Ireland.

After graduation from the University of Nebraska,  Connie taught English and history at Geneva High School. She met her future husband, Earle M. Ford in Geneva at a USO dance during World War II.  Connie and Earle married in 1947 and settled in Kennett Square, Earle's hometown. Earle was an accountant and popular local musician and Connie worked part-time at the Kennett News. They enjoyed ballroom dancing and listening to live music on their nights out.

 Connie was predeceased by her husband of 48 years in 1995.  She is survived by her son, Thomas L. Ford and his wife , Katy of Wilmington, Del., her daughter, Janice Ford Benner and her husband, John of Ivyland, Pa., and her granddaughter, Laura Ford and her husband,  Matt Croskey of Wilmington, Del.

An avid reader, especially biographies, Connie also enjoyed daily walks, tinkering around the house, and Nebraska Cornhuskers and Philadelphia Eagles football.  Everyone knew not to call her on Sunday mornings as she would be engrossed in the political news shows.  She was a pioneer at Maris Grove, moving there in 2006, where she was described as a private little lady, with “the most beautiful white hair, like the queen.”  Connie was a devout Catholic and attended weekly mass into her 99th year.

Services will be private at the convenience of the family

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo Funeral Home, Kennett Square.

GLENN A. COMBS

Glenn A. Combs, 71, of West Grove, passed away on July 31 at his residence. He was the husband of Diane McGeehan Combs, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Glenn R. Combs and the late Josephine Cozza Combs.

Glenn was a heavy equipment operator, last working for Meco Constructers in Bensalem, Pa. until his retirement in 2009. He was a member of  I.U.O.E. Local No. 542 since 1981. 

Glenn served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.

He was a member of Assumption BVM Church in West Grove.

Glenn enjoyed watching the Phillies and Eagles, playing Black Jack, doing yard work, gardening, and being with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Matthew J. Combs (and his wife Gretchen) of Oxford; one daughter, Elizabeth A. Dunn (and her husband Christopher) of Oxford, and two grandchildren, Catherine Lacek and Delaney Combs.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 7 at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 300 State Road in West Grove. A funeral mass will follow at 11 a.m.  Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Route 82 in Kennett Square.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the LaMancha Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 656, Unionville, PA 19375 or to the National Wildlife Foundation, P.O. Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Arrangement are being handled by the Foulk Funeral Home of West Grove.

ALFONZO  L. WALLS, JR.

Alfonzo “Ricky” L. Walls, Jr., 37, of Kennett Square, passed away on July 31.

Born in Lancaster, Pa., he was the son of Alfonzo L. Walls, Sr. of Kennett Square and Tracey Weathers Davis of Oxford and his stepmother Angela Walls of Kennett Square.

Ricky worked for Big Lots in Kennett Square as an assistant manager. Prior to that, he had worked at Jiffy Lube.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his brother, Brandon Davis of Oxford and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was predeceased by his grandfather, Kerry Walls, his grandmother, Alice Walls, and his aunt, Donna Walls.

Ricky was a 2001 graduate of Kennett High School, and he went to U.T.I. in Eagle, Pa.,  where he studied auto mechanics. 

He served his country for four years in the U.S. Army.

He loved animals, horticulture, playing video games and being with his family and friends. He was a member of the Kennett Fire Company and in his earlier years, was a Boy Scout, and played little league baseball. He loved people and helping out whenever he was needed.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Episcopal Church of the Advent, 401 North Union Street (Union and Fairthorn Sts.), in Kennett Square. 

His Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com.

Ephraim R. Pennington, Jr.

Ephraim R. Pennington, Jr., passed peacefully at Ware Presbyterian Village in Oxford on Aug. 1. He was 77.

Born in Hemlock, NC he was the son of the late Ephraim R. Sr., and Mattie Osborne Pennington.

He lived in Southern Chester County. 

Ephraim was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

He was a member of Auburn Baptist Church, Landenberg. 

Ephraim was a devoted and loving husband and father. He enjoyed serving his church, fly fishing, woodworking and blue grass music.

He is survived by his wife Annette Miller Pennington of Oxford; one son, Robert Pennington and wife, Beth of Dallas, TX; one daughter, Tina Hagen and husband, Michael of Ft. Rucker, AL; Annette’s son, Chris Hunter and daughter,  Ronda Fabian and husband, Steve of Rising Sun, MD; two brothers, Curtis Pennington and wife, Sandy of Downingtown and Paul Pennington and wife, Paula of West Grove; two sisters, Janet Pennington Caldwell and husband, David of Avondale, and Regina Pennington of West Chester; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and a great-nephew and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gary Pennington; wife and mother of his children, Patricia Bird Pennington; and wife, Joanne Peirson Pennington. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8 at Auburn Baptist Church, 500 Auburn Rd., Landenberg, where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. 

Interment with full military honors will be held in the adjoining church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Auburn Baptist Church, c/o Ron Gehman, 1157 Pilgrims Pathway, Peach Bottom, PA 17563 or Ware Presbyterian Ladies Auxiliary, 7 E. Locust St., Oxford, PA 19363.

Arrangements are being handled by the Edward L. Collins, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. in Oxford.

Online condolences may be made at www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.