Obituaries
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Wilbur Hankey Jr., 94, Professor of Mechanical Engineering
He received the Primus Award (’64) for firsts in aviation, earned two General Foulis Awards (’82, ‘84), was named a Dayton Outstanding Engineer, and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of The Ohio State University (’94). He served in the Air Force as a Lieutenant during the Korean War at Wright Patterson Air Force Base…
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William "Billy" Grunwald Jr., 50, Assistant Director, Proteomic Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Billy worked at Wright State University for 24 years. He had a strong interest in history, particularly the Civil War, and was an avid fan of the Arizona Cardinals. He died on August 5, 2024.
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Judy N.Rose, 88, Assistant Director for Scholarships and Outreach, Office of Financial Aid
Judy Rose will be remembered fondly for her warmth, generosity and vibrant spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will continue to inspire and uplift her family, friends and community for years to come. She died on July 23, 2024.
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Judy N.Rose, 88, Assistant Director for Scholarships and Outreach, Office of Financial Aid
Judy was one of the subjects of Julia Reichert’s Antioch College senior project documentary, “Growing Up Female,” where she shares the day-to-day life of a mother and housewife in 1970. She died on July 23, 2024.
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William MacGuire Gordon, 89, Professor of Education
William MacGuire Gordon, 89, lived a fulfilling and enjoyable life as a father, husband, dog-lover, water skier, teacher, fraternity advisor, world traveler, school de-segregator, and book lover. He died on June 23, 2024.
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Robert George Thobaben Sr., 100, Professor of Political Science
He was an accomplished philosopher, beloved professor, and proud veteran. Robert will be missed by all who knew and loved him. In his spare time, Robert loved to sail and race boats, assist his wife, Janet, with the Centerville Historical Society, and discuss the ideas of Spinosa and Socrates. He died on May 16, 2024.
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Ronald Wukeson, 68, Senior Editor, Office of Marketing
A lifelong lover of the English language, Ron was a tremendously talented editor and proofreader. Ron’s friends and colleagues remember him as endlessly kind—a gentle soul with nothing but love to give to the world. He will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him. He died on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
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Lois (Boehm) Gladchild, 81, Associate Director, Budget and Regents Reporting
Lois found kindred spirits when she became a part of the Miniss Kitigan Drum, or MKD, Lodge. Known as Biizh Aanji, she became — with extensive study — an Oshkibewis, or Helper in the Medicine Lineage of the late Keewaydinoquay, an Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) Mashkikikwe (herbal medicine woman). She died on May 14, 2024.
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Gary C. Barlow, 88, Professor of Art Therapy, Department of Teacher Education
When formative plans were underway by the Miami and Ohio State Universities to begin a new campus in Dayton, Gary was hired in 1964 as the first faculty member from Miami to serve in these early development stages of Wright State University. He died on April 25, 2024.
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Henry Arnold Wilson, 96, Mediator, Office of Affirmative Action
A patron of the arts and advocate for cultural preservation, Henry supported the Dayton Foundation’s African American Community Fund, a Dayton Foundation Endowment benefiting Central State University, and was a life member of the NAACP and a charter member of the Museum of African American History and Culture. He died on April 16, 2024.
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Kay P. Lillich, 71, Academic Advisor
She was a certified Yoga instructor, Reiki Master and Reflexologist.One of her favorite places to vacation was the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Massachusetts. She died on APril 15, 2024.
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Jeanne E. Cornor, 76, Programs Coordinator, Management
Jeanne loved summertime with her family on Middle Bass Island where she was able to share her love of water sports and being outdoors with family and friends. She died on April 9, 2024.
Upcoming Events
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Wright State Retirees Picnic
Wright State University retirees and friends are invited to a picnic on Saturday, 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