Obituaries
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William R. Evans, 95, Research Associate, Biological Sciences
Bill began his career as a researcher for Philip Morris. From there he went on to work at Brookhaven National Laboratory as a researcher before coming to Charles F. Kettering Research Laboratory in Yellow Springs, Ohio, in 1963. At the Kettering lab, he did research “in photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation.” After the transfer of the…
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John M. Kimble, 85, Director of Graduate Studies
John proudly served his country in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. He had a wealth of knowledge that came from his enormous passion for cars. He owned a ’69 Chevelle and collected numerous model cars. He died on April 20, 2025.
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Richard Eugene Mercer, 73, Associate Professor of Mathematics
Richard Mercer was a graduate of The Ohio State University and the University of Washington. He served on the faculty of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Wright State University for 36 years. He died on March 22, 2025.
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Brady M. Allen, 54, Senior Lecturer, English
Brady Allen was beloved by countless students. He was the author of Back Roads & Frontal Lobes and was a brilliant writer and storyteller. He died on March 8, 2025.
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Kay Doreen (Crampton) Wick, 83, Marketing Instructor
Kay was committed to community service. She was a member of the Montgomery County Board of Elections for 12 years. She co-chaired Ohio elections personnel education programs through the Ohio Association of Election Officials (OAEO). She died on March 3, 2025.
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Blair A. Rowley, 90, Professor and Chair, Biomedical Engineering
Blair dedicated much of his career to shaping young minds and advancing biomedical education. He brought building model airplanes and building bridge designs to the students in the engineering program at Wright State, creating and spreading love for design with them. His impact on students and the broader medical community was profound and lasting. He…
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Peter Kurt Alfred Lauf, 91, Chair & Professor, Physiology and Biophysics
Peter had a sharp mind throughout his entire life, engaging friends, family and colleagues in spirited discussions about philosophy, music, sciences, and life. He imbued his love of these subjects to his children. He was also a passionate supporter of the musical arts, and played both piano and harpsichord, starting ensembles and attending concerts together…
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Richard A. Upton, 65, Telecommunications Plant Engineer, CaTS
Richard enjoyed running his Karate Dojo, American Pangainoon Academy. The Dojo meant the world to him. He died on Jan. 28, 2025.
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Mark Sheets, 71, Supervisor, School of Medicine Courier Services
Mark found great joy in gardening, traveling, and reading. Whether tending to his garden or exploring new destinations, he embraced life with enthusiasm. His love for travel was especially evident in his pilgrimages to religious sites that deepened his spiritual connection. He died on Jan. 1, 2025.
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Robert Irwin, 80, Supervisor, Shipping & Receiving
Robert, a man of immense resilience and indomitable spirit, was a beacon of love and wisdom to all who knew him. His life was a testament to the words of Winston Churchill, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” He died on Dec. 28, 2024.
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Carol Ann Baumhauer, 76, Regional Director, Ohio Small Business Development, Raj Soin College of Business
She built her career in the insurance business, running her own business, Baumhauer Insurance Agency, and later became the director of Ohio Small Business Development Center. She helped many people start their own businesses, including her children. She died On Dec. 25, 2024.
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Lorna Dawes, 89, Director, University Center
Lorna’s personal and professional commitment to education, to the flourishing of the arts and the empowerment of artists, and her dedication to Wright State, the Muse Machine, and the Dayton Community will stand as an example of how one person can contribute to the development of resilient, benevolent institutions. She died Nov. 30, 2024.
Upcoming Events
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Annual WSU Retirees Luncheon
The Annual WSU Retirees Luncheon will be held Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., in the E.J. Nutter Center Berry Room.
See what’s coming up in our Events Calendar
