Obituaries
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John Summers Martin, 94, Professor of Physics
An empathetic man with a deeply progressive spirit, John treated every individual with unwavering dignity and respect and expressed his hope to one day see a female president. He died on October 3, 2025.
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James Joseph Kane, 96, Professor of Chemistry
Jim served as the first Chemistry Department chair and was proud and honored to have been a part in the growth and development of that branch campus into Wright State University. He died on October 4, 2025.
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Donald James Beelick, 84, Professor of Philosophy
Donald J. Beelick, 84, of Springfield, passed away on October 1, 2025, at his residence. He was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on March 16, 1942, the son of the late Lewis Beelick. Donald was raised, in part, by his grandmother, Mary Smith. Donald was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents; honorary grandparents…
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Nabil Hassan, 92, Professor of Accountancy
He will be remembered as a man full of love, wisdom, and compassion, whose devotion to family, students, friends, and community left an enduring mark on countless lives. His life was a testament to kindness, generosity, and the beauty of a life well-lived. He died on September 9, 2025.
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Richard E. “Dick” Birt, 78, Building Services Worker, WSU-Lake Campus
Dick will be remembered as a gentle, kind-hearted man who deeply loved his family. He especially loved the outdoors and found joy in fishing, hunting, boating, water-skiing, and cheering on his favorite sports teams.He died on August 18, 2025.
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Jan Lee Dorrough Austin, 66, Director, Department of Surgery
Jan loved the beach, finding good bargains and couponing while shopping, and spending time in her backyard pool which she called her “little bit of paradise”. She loved cooking for others and was always working in her “restaurant” AKA her kitchen to provide meals. She died on August 13, 2025.
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Charles Edward Hathaway Ill, 89, Vice President for Academic Affairs
In 1986 he accepted the position of Vice President for Academic Affairs at Wright State University to work with his long-time friend, President Paige E. Mulhollan. During this collaboration the university made significant advances in graduate education, external research funding and initiated the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences as a free-standing college. He died…
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James Elbert Branch, 88, Custodian
Throughout his life, James was known for his quiet strength, deep humility, and a facetious sense of humor that brought joy and laughter to those around him. His storytelling ability made lasting impressions, providing steady guidance to his family and friends, accentuated by his warm smile. He died on July 12, 2025.
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William R. Evans, 95, Research Associate, Biological Sciences
Bill began his career as a researcher for Philip Morris and started his final employment as a researcher at Wright State University, working with Wayne Carmichael, Ph.D. He was known for his caring and quiet manner. He passed away on May 27, 2025.
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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
Author of Back Roads & Frontal Lobes, Brady was a brilliant writer and storyteller. He was beloved by countless students. He died on March 8, 2025.
Upcoming Events
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Wright State Retirees Picnic
Wright State University retirees and friends are invited to a picnic on Sunday, Sept. 19, 1:30–4:30 p.m., in Rotary Park, 2260 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45432.
See what’s coming up in our Events Calendar