Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home

05/24/2026

There comes a time to turn inward. Reflect on what it is we’re leaving to those we love. It is a true act of GREAT responsibility. Are you living in a way that is building the legacy you wish to leave?

05/20/2026

Melba A. Baker

Melba A. Baker

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Melba Baker on May 13th after a brief illness. She passed peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones. We wish to thank all of the wonderful Aultman hospital ER staff as well as the doctors and nurses at University Hospital. Extra special thanks to the Aultman hospice nurses and aides for their loving care every day and night. Taking care of Melba the last two weeks was stressful, but everyone played a valuable part. The home team was fortunate to have true health care professionals on hand. Thank you, Leigh Ann, Anna, Marissa and, of course, Cindy. Your around the clock compassionate, loving care will never be forgotten.

Melba is preceded in death by Charles, her husband of 62 years. Her parents Lloyd and LaVonne Steinbach. Her brother Lloyd Steinbach, Jr. A nephew Steve Steinbach. An infant son John Baker, and a daughter in law Mary Baker.

Melba is survived by children and spouses Cynthia Baker; Mark and Elizabeth Baker; Brian and Leigh Ann Baker. Kevin Baker (Mary); and Lisa and Lance Stranger.

Melba is also survived by grandchildren Kyle Baker and his friend Kaitlyn Cates; Cassie and Phil Fenstemaker; Marissa Baker and her fiancé Tanner Boston (Mark and Liz); Austin Baker and Anna Baker (Brian and Leigh Anne). And stepdaughters Brittney Sedlock and Stephanie Fryfogle (Kevin and Mary).

It is hard to imagine no more visits to grandma and her magnificent house to do laundry and watch classic movies on DVD-The Greatest Show on Earth was her childhood favorite. It is difficult to think of no more face-to-face lunches at Varieties eating frittatas. There won’t be any more chats at her kitchen table over diet Dr. Peppers and oven warmed Pizza Oven pizza, followed by Keurig coffee made with spring water because the hard Canton city water ruined the machine. No more drives in her red PT Cruiser where Raul Malo’s singing was the only musical accompaniment—and who else would you be listening to? And no more of his concerts with that voice and that horn section. Someday we will still say to each other “are the rules of physics different on your stove” but it won’t be as funny. And all of this was done while nattily attired year-round in one of her two dozen pair of Birkenstocks, although the socks she paired with them in winter might belie the claim. When sockless, her toenails were often painted burgundy, the same color she sported when she left us.

The trips to Columbus for Thanksgiving will be hollow, as will the time around the fire pit or the ice cream runs to Graeter’s. There won’t be any more of those perfect birthday cards arriving exactly on the right day with exactly the right sentiments inside. There is no need for a daily 10:30AM phone call now. Life without Melba is going to be difficult, something like life at Downton Abbey without Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham. Never again will we say, “I have to ask mom” or “I have to see what mom thinks about that.” Instead, they will be replaced with “I wonder what mom would have thought” or “Mom would have known what to do.” And we will never hear her reply to every request no matter who it was from or what it was for: “as you wish.”

Melba was staunch, unwavering, indomitable, cantankerous, to the point. Pick your adjective. She didn’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blew. She knew things and she knew how they worked. And she knew a fool when she saw one. And the fool talking to her, knew that she knew. Sadly, there were more and more of them. Accordingly, she worried about the world her grandchildren would grow up in. She was hard to read, but she didn’t want to be read. She was like a line in a Bob Dylan song or a verse in a Joni Mitchell song that doesn’t quite make exact sense to you, but you know that it is true and honest, and perfectly describes an entire life and embodies a complete world and worldview. And perhaps, someday, with enough time and enough life experiences, you might come to understand it better.

Melba’s greatest pride is her five surviving children. And with her five grandchildren they all combine to form a beautiful, glorious, sparkling legacy like the stars in the night sky or the rainbow of colors on the fall trees. The children and grandchildren show great sparks of joy, love, hope, civility, beauty, passion, mercy, wisdom, decency, forgiveness, generosity, gratefulness, and imagination that takes my breath away. That did not just happen. It could never just happen. And that is her and Chuck’s incredible gift. From them both came rivers of love that could not be held back or hidden. Like those countless stars in the night sky that can't be seen in the day, or the beautiful fall colors in the leaves that are always there but masked, that love was always there. And that love will always be there and will continue to grow and flourish. Melba's signature response to any query or request from any child or grandchildren was always "as you wish." But when Melba said, “as you wish” we all knew what she really meant was “I love you.” And we love you. And we know that finally your accommodations are exactly and perfectly and peacefully "as you wish".

Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com

Gordon (330) 456-4766

View Melba A. Baker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/17/2026

"Life’s too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it’d be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.” - Dr. Seuss
If you are interested in getting complimentary, inspirational grief poems, click here: http://205887.celebrate-life.us/grief-poems/

05/15/2026

Gilbert Nunez

Gilbert Núñez

December 28,1946 - May 14, 2026

A lifetime resident of Canton, Ohio, Gil had everything he needed right here: his wife, Jean, and children, Ron Nunez (Dawna), Kelly Kirkbride (Eric), Chad Nunez (Julie Esack), Julie Beeghley (Matt) and Daniel Núñez. It’s comforting to look around and see the little pieces of him that live in each of his kids - not because he wanted everyone to be like him, but because his personality was infectious. His greatest joys came from all things automobile: cars, motorcycles and the open road. He was happiest when surrounded by his large extended family and circle of friends, including his wife’s family who considered him a friend! He was everything you wanted in a Grandpa; he showed up for everyone

His relentless stories, unending advice and pure love for his grandchildren, Lauren and Morgan, Beau, Emma, Cady, Harley and Athena and Great-grandchildren, Savannah, Jaxon, Raegan, Cameron, Mason and Octavia arriving in November, will live in our hearts forever. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Maxine, brother Joe Nunez and sister Helen Nunez. Others left to cherish his memory are his sister, Delores of Oklahoma and a host of family members including life-long friend, Paul, former wife, Gerry Hammond, and the many who looked forward to Gil’s unannounced visits and his mastery of shenanigans. Gil led by example to not take life too seriously.

Please take a moment to remember how Gil fit into your world as our world was forever blessed by his unending and unconditional love. A service will be held Sun. at 3pm in Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home. Friends may call from 1-3pm in the funeral home. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330)456-4766

View Gilbert Nunez's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/09/2026

We take great care in answering this common question. Just like adults, children’s grieving journeys can begin at a funeral. So the short answer is yes. The long answer: We think it’s best that you share with your children as much as possible in preparation of what they will experience. Explain to them that there will be people there that are sad, and even crying. Be sure to let them ask as many questions as they can in advance. For babies, toddlers and very young children, it is up to you if you think they can participate in a visitation, funeral, celebration of life, or gathering.

05/08/2026

Robert Belden

Robert F. “Bob” Belden,

Age 78, of Canton, died on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. He was born June 20, 1947, in Canton, a son of the late Richard Belden, Sr. and Patricia (Freeman) Belden.

Bob was a 1965 graduate of Central Catholic High School, and he earned a BS in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in 1969, where he was a quarterback and a member of the 1966 National Championship Team. After graduation, he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys. He went on to earn an MBA from the University of Michigan. After working at 3M and on the Chicago Board Options Exchange trading options as a market-maker, Bob returned, at the request of his family, to work with his father, cousins, and eventually two of his children, Bob and Julia, at The Belden Brick Company, from which he retired as Chairman Emeritus in 2025.

Bob loved sports and remained an avid golfer and handball player his entire life. He played organized baseball well into his 60s and competed in father-son tournaments in Florida and Arizona with his son Bob. His amazing memory enabled him to recount rounds of golf, football plays, and even his own Little League games in precise detail, decades after they had happened. A member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Bob had a deep and abiding faith that was apparent in the many good works he did throughout his life to support organizations and individuals in his community. Bob's lifelong devotion to the people of Canton was exemplified by his long service on numerous boards of directors and community organizations that benefited from his time and talents. Most of all, Bob was a family man. A patient, steady, generous, and tremendously loving husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother, Bob’s many family members, along with his friends, were the beneficiaries of his prodigious intelligence, his sports acumen, his quick wit, and his unfailing support. He will be forever loved and missed.

Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kathleen (Keniray) Belden, and their four children, Christine (Tim) O’Connor and grandchildren Daniel, Matthew and Thomas; Robert (Ashley) Belden and grandchildren Charles, Robert and Lillian; James (Meagan) Belden and grandchildren Bridget, Patrick, James, Andrew and John; and Julia (Ken) Johnson and grandchildren Jack, Samuel and Ella. He is survived by siblings Richard Belden, Jr., Julia Belden, Ann (Derek Remski) Belden, Mark (Madeleine) Belden, and Phillip Belden.

A Memorial Mass will be held on May 21 at 10 A.M. in St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, with Fr. Benson Okpara as Celebrant. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to the Stark Community Foundation, 400 Market Ave N Suite 200, Canton, OH 44702. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330) 456-4766

View Robert Belden's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/03/2026

Take back the driving wheel by pre-planning today! Planning ahead gives you the peace of mind knowing that arrangements have been taken care of and that the burden of payment and hard decisions aren’t passing onto loved ones.

04/26/2026

This is a good question to ask. We like to be upfront about embalming. Embalming is not required by law, except in a few special circumstances. In nearly all cases, you do not have to embalm. Contact us if you have specific questions about this or other topics. We are always striving for honest and open communication on all things funeral related.

04/19/2026

We offer you and your families peace of mind in knowing that we’ll take care of the difficult process after life happens.

04/15/2026

Joyce G. Carman

Joyce G (Clark) Carman

age 91

Navarre OH

Joyce passed away peacefully in her home on April 9,2026. She was met at Heaven's Gate by her Lord and Savior. She was born January 25,1935 in Canton OH. The daughter of Orville and Trevenna (McCormick) Clark.

Joyce was a 1953 graduate of McKinley High School. Always a proud Bulldog. In 1957 she married the love of her life, Kenny. They celebrated 60 years of marriage November 28,2017 before his passing December 20, 2017. May 10, 1964, she accepted Jesus as her Savior and the gift of Eternal Life. An active member of Cornerstone Baptist Church.

Surviving to cherish her memory are two daughters, Trevenna (Rick) Carman-Rabel and Wynonna Adams. Her "other girl" Kathy (Gary) Bonsky-Heckman. Grandchildren Heather Boston, Garrett, (the favorite) Aaron, Seth, Joel, and Hannah Adams. Two great granddaughters, Hayleigh and Paisleigh who always made her smile and her day brighter.

Family would like to extend special thanks to Aultman Home Health personnel Jennifer, Josh and Brenda.

Services will be held Sat. at 12pm in the Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home. Private interment. Friends may call one hour before the service, from 11am to 12pm in the funeral home. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330) 456-4766

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04/13/2026

Dale Stoner, Sr.

Dale H. Stoner, Sr.,

Age 79, of Canton, passed away Fri., Apr. 10, 2026. He was born Feb. 5, 1947, in Canton, a son of the late John and Alice (Stark) Stoner. Dale had worked as a self-employed autobody repairman and was a member of Greenwood Christian Church. Preceded in death by his wife, Jean Stoner. Survived by his daughter Christie (Jason) Hayhurst; son Dale (Stacey) Stoner, Jr.; grandchildren Heather (Matt) Moore, Amanda (Jon) Hayhurst, Kristen (Wesley) Smith, Steven (Liv) Stoner and Benicio and Rey Hernandez; and seven great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Fri. in Greenwood Christian Church at 6pm. There will be no calling hours. Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330)456-4766

View Dale Stoner, Sr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.