Melcher Hammer Funeral Home

10/06/2025

10/02/2025

Beverly Jane Kessinger, 82, of Friendship, died Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. She was born July 20, 1943 in Portsmouth, to the late Adrian and Mary (Wear) Kessinger. Beverly was a Unit Clerk at Southern Ohio Medical Center on 3West, where she met some dear friends, who still met for lunch regularly until Beverly became ill.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Jo Benner, a brother, Earl David Kessinger, a sister-in-law, Pam Kessinger, a niece, Adrian Hatton, and two nephews, David Benner and John Kessinger.

Beverly is survived by her brother, Adrian "Sam" Kessinger of Friendship, a sister-in-law, Judith Kessinger of North Carolina, a nephew, Bryan Kessinger (Frannie) of Stout, a niece, Carrie Kessinger-Berry (J.B.) of Friendship, along with many other nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and some of her dear friends, Pam Snyder, Marsha Whitt, Susan Martin, Sheryl Grooms, and Melanie Hawk.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Sunday, October 5, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with Pastor Rick Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Nile Township. A visitation for friends and family will be on Sunday at the funeral home, from 12:00 PM until the start of service at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Beverly, to SOMC Hospice, 1805 27th Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662, or your local animal shelter.

09/28/2025

Leatha S. Queen, 67, of Rosemount, died Thursday September 25, 2025 at SOMC Hospice of Portsmouth. She was preceded in death by her husband Walter Queen Sr. and her father Richard (R.T) Lemaster. She was a graduate of Portsmouth West & Vo-Tech High School. She was a retired rural mail carrier in Wheelersburg with 34 years of service. She enjoyed going to her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and traveling to civil war historic sites and reenactments. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and sister who centered everything on her family.
Leatha is survived by her 2 children Walter “Chip” (Teresa) Queen of Rosemount and Amanda Queen of Rosemount, two grandchildren, Brayden Queen and Walter “Tate” Queen III of Rosemount, two step-grandchildren, Scott (Amy) Dials of Scott Town, OH and Justin (Miranda) Dials of Lucasville and a step-great-granddaughter, Annie Dials of Lucasville, mother Pauline Lemaster of Wheelersburg, two very special sisters, Frankie Lemaster of Wheelersburg and Paula (Mike) Knauff-Trimble of Waverly, two brothers, Tony Lemaster of Fayeteville, OH and Richard Lemaster of Waverly, a brother-in-law, Alva Queen (Debbie) of Wheelersburg, a sister-in-law, Jenny Swords of Oak Hill, and several nieces and nephews,
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with Rev. Dr. Scott Holley, officiating. Burial will follow at South Webster Cemetery. A visitation for friends and family will be on Tuesday, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home, and again, one hour before the service on Wednesday.

09/26/2025

Timothy Eugene Coldiron, 55, of Wheelersburg, died Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at SOMC Hospice. He was born May 5, 1970 in Portsmouth, to the late Harry and Betty (Cummings) Coldiron. Most people know Tim by delivering their Giovannis pizza in Wheelersburg, where he worked for over 20 years or at the flea market, which he loved to do in his spare time. He was a proud supporter of the Wheelersburg sports program and Ohio State Football. When Tim was able, he loved to attend Waits Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jason Bishop and his sister, Keri Ann Coldiron.

Tim is survived by his wife of 17 years, Angela (Naas) Coldiron, a son, Timothy Workman of Cleveland, three daughters, Jamisen, Reese, and Sunnie Coldiron, and many cousins and friends.

A visitation for Tim will be on Monday, September 29, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth and again on Tuesday September 30, 2025 from 10:00 AM until noon at the funeral home. Funeral services will be on Tuesday at 12:00 PM at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home with Pastors Brent Saxton and Kevin Pitt officiating.

09/24/2025

Sarah Catherine Stone, 36, of Portsmouth, died Monday, September 15, 2025. She was born February 21, 1989 in Portsmouth, to Hayse Lowe and the late Redanna (Stone) Blevins.

Sarah was a graduate of Sciotoville East High School, class of 2007, she was a free spirit, who loved to draw, loved to listen to rock music, and was an avid fan of cats, especially black ones. Above all, she loved her boys immensely, they brought her, her greatest joy.

In addition to her mother, she is was preceded in death by her grandma Debbie.

Sarah is survived by her three sons, Gavin, Caiden, and Isaac, her brother Dwayne Blevins (Destiny) of Wheelersburg, her dad, Darrell Blevins (Betty) of Sciotoville, her three nieces, Harper, Hailey, and Willow, her boyfriend, Ricky Warnock, two uncles, Mike Blevins (Lisa) of Sciotoville and Mitchell Blevins, her grandparents, Chester and Judy Blevins of Sciotoville, her best friend of 25 years, Christina Leslie of Portsmouth, and many other dear friends.

Funeral services will be private and at the convenience of the family. Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth is assisting the family with the arrangements.

09/17/2025

Kristine Lauren Southworth, 43, of Portsmouth, died Friday, September 12, 2025. She was born March 27, 1982 in Columbus to Randy Southworth and the late Sandra (Wakeland) Southworth. Kristy was a 2000 graduate of Clay High School and S.C.J.V.S.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Madisen Lauren Diaz, an uncle Mark Southworth, and grandfathers, Ralph W. Southworth and David M. Wakefield.

She is survived by her two sons, Zane and Aiden Ball of Rosemount, her dad, Randy Southworth of Rosemount, aunts and uncles, Karen Grider (Randy) of Piketon, Kim Bailey Southworth (Robert Reid) of Sciotoville, and David Landis of Farmington, KY, her grandmothers, Mary Landis (David) of Farmington, KY and Phyllis Morrow of Portsmouth. She also leaves behind several cousins and many dear friends that will miss her.

Graveside services will be private at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelersburg and are under the direction of Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

09/17/2025

Joseph Michael McFadden, 31, of Beaver, died Tuesday, September 9, 2025 in Portsmouth. He was born June 27, 1994 in West Palm Beach, Florida to Michael McFadden of Georgia and the late Sharon McFadden.

Joey was a mechanic and loved working on cars. He was a great cook and loved listening to music. He was a people person, never met a stranger. He had been active in the recovery program, REACH for Tomorrow.

Joey is survived by his fiancé, Aaliyah Dale of Beaver, two sons, Rowan and Lucas, plus a baby on the way, a sister Melissa McFadden, and many dear friends, especially the ones in the recovery community.

Services will be announced at a later date. Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth assisted the family with the arrangements.

09/16/2025

Jerry Robert Rockwell, 68, of Londonderry, formerly of Lucasville, died Saturday, September 13, 2025, at his home, with his family surrounding him. He was born November 7, 1956 in Portsmouth, to the late Joseph “Joe Bill” Rockwell and Hazel (Gordon) Rockwell.

Jerry was retired from General Electric in Peebles and often reflected on how much he enjoyed his time there - it was challenging and rewarding to him, and he appreciated the relationships he built with many of his co-workers through their long shifts and overtime. Jerry also loved working on and rebuilding cars in his garage, tending to his garage dogs, watching and attending races (especially dirt track), entertaining himself at the casino, and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, his “Sweetie” Brenda (Colley) Rockwell, whom died on October 11, 2024, and three half-brothers, Larry Boldman, Dale Boldman, and Terry Rockwell.

Jerry is survived by three daughters, Amanda Roderick (Nate) of Columbus, Tiffani Hammer (Matt) of Portsmouth, and Mindy Kuhn (Dave) of Londonderry, four grandchildren, Emma Kuhn, Brody Kuhn, Simon Hammer, and Sophia Hammer, half-brothers, Roger Boldman of Lucasville and Kenneth Rockwell (Kathy) of Rosemount, half-sisters, Anita Rockwell of North Carolina and Lou Ann Rockwell of Michigan, and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be 6:00 PM Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. A visitation for friends and family will be on Saturday from 4:00 PM until the start of service at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jerry to either Hospice of Adena Health System, 2077 Western Ave. Chillicothe, OH 45601 or SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th Street Portsmouth, OH 45662

09/13/2025

Joan Dunham, 89, of Sciotoville, went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 12, 2025, at SOMC Hospice in Portsmouth. She was born June 28, 1936 in Portsmouth, to the late Frank Dunham and Ruth (Irvin) Cassidy.

Joan was a homemaker and had worked as an Aide at West End Day Care. Joan was a follower of Christ and attended North Moreland Christian Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Wood and Evelyn Andre, and two grandchildren, TJ Hanshaw and Troy Hanshaw.

Joan is survived by her three sons, Donald Bowens, Robert Bowens, and Fred Bowens (Donna), five daughters, Rosie Hewett (David), Judy Bowens, Donna Bowens, Diane Winters (Rick), and Mary Grate, and a brother Frank Adams (Deborah). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Melissa Nicholson (Nick), Jason Bowens, Donald Bowens II, Shawn Hanshaw, Davey Hewett, Tiffany Thorne (Devin), Reese Horn, Dena Horn, Kayla Horn, Scott Buffington, Joey Buffington, Phillip Buffington, Tyler Secriest, Ashley Secriest, Tara Grate, Ashley Grate, Paul Grate, Freddie Bowens, Jessica Deck (DJ), Dasha Buckley, and Rhonda Leach (Cody), also many great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and of course her favorite child, her cat George.

“While we grieve her passing, we find solace in the hope of Christ's resurrection and the assurance that we will one day be reunited in God’s eternal kingdom". Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. Burial will follow in Piketon at Mound Cemetery. A visitation for friends and relatives will be on Thursday at the funeral home, from 11:00 AM until the start of service at 1:00 PM.

Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

08/25/2025

James M. Lewis (Jack Lewis), of Stout, Ohio, died at the age of 93 at home surrounded by loved ones and family on August 23, 2025. He was born August 30, 1931 in Adams County Ohio to the late father Russell Lewis and mother Aldora Mae (Gill) Lewis.
At an early age, Jack ventured into the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked as a chef and later, he established his family and a gun store where he owned and operated the gun store. He was inducted into the black powder hall of fame on September 11, 2022 and was a 32nd Degree Master Mason for many years, originating from the Yateman Lodge #162 out of Cincinnati.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jesse Faye Lewis, his brothers; Bob, Ronald, Joe, a sister Carolyn Lewis-Bowles, and a daughter Sally Ann Wilburn.

Jack is survived by his three children, Jack (Cathy) Lewis of Cincinnati Ohio, Tom (Laura) Lewis of Stout Ohio, and Dora Marie Taylor-Lewis of Stout Ohio, a sister, Ruth Weaver of Vandalia, Ohio, 13 grandchildren; Jack, Dave, Bill, Jeff, Tommy, Brian, Candice, Christopher, Josh, Emily, Lindsey, Jessica, Gary, and many great and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Pastor Janie Lucas officiating. Burial will follow at Sunshine Ridge Cemetery in Blue Creek. A visitation for friends and family will be on Wednesday from noon until the start of the service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Jack to either St. Judes Children Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.

08/15/2025

Wanda Lou Payton, 80, of Minford, died peacefully Thursday, August 14, 2025 at SOMC Hospice, amongst generations of loved ones. She was born January 4, 1945 in Portsmouth, to the late William E. and Lilly R. (Mossbarger) Tackett. Wanda worked at Big Lots as a manager and loved to play Bingo, and when she was able, she was an avid bowler. In her younger years, she played softball in several leagues, including playing with her husband.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Roy Payton, whom died on September 26, 2021, a brother, Buddy Tackett, a sister, Ruth Edwards, and a brother-in-law, Gary Nylund.

Wanda is survived by her four children, David Payton of Minford, Roy Eugene Payton Jr., of Minford, Becky Hannah (Mike) of Minford, and Judy “Sis” Payton-Sherman (Perry) of Minford, two brothers, Jack Tackett (Debbie) of Portsmouth and Gerald “Toot” Tackett (Vivian) of Columbus, a sister, Gayle Nylund of Portsmouth, a brother-in-law, Larry Edwards of Portsmouth, her special friend, Jonna Bainer, and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by all of her dear grandchildren that she adored, 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 12:00 PM Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Franklin Furnace. A visitation for friends and family will be on Wednesday, one hour before the service, starting at 11:00 AM.

08/11/2025

David Lynn Gleason, 77, of Lucasville, died Saturday, August 9, 2025 at SOMC in Portsmouth. He was born September 14, 1947 in Portsmouth, to the late Murray and Hilda (Furst) Gleason.

David was a 1965 graduate of Portsmouth West High School, he received his Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University, his Masters Degree from Ohio State University, and later received his Ph.D. from Ohio University. He worked as a teacher and coach at Northwest, Minford, and Manchester School Districts, he served as Principal at Logan Elm Schools in Circleville, and as Superintendent at Meigs Local School District in Meigs County. He was also in charge of creating and building of Shawnee State University before his retirement.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Russell and Walter Gleason, and three sisters, Grace Lane, Catherine Dubiel, and Elaine Magargle.

David is survived by his soulmate and love of his life for 57 years, Candess (Candy) Johnson, his brothers, Richard Gleason of Grove City, Michael Gleason (Lois) of Rosemount, James Gleason of Friendship, and John Gleason (Lisa) of West Portsmouth, a sister, Dori Sundberg (Neal) of Palmyra, VA, several nieces and nephews, and a close family friend, Brandon Tabor of South Portsmouth, Kentucky.

Funeral services will be 6:00 PM Thursday, August 14, 2025 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth with Pastor Carl Rose officiating. A visitation for friends and family will be on Thursday, from 4:00 PM until the start of service at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of David to the Portsmouth West High School Alumni Association, c/o Karen Ciraso, 330 Coleman Road, West Portsmouth, OH 45663.