Brown Funeral Home, 237 W. Main Street, Wilmington, OH (2026)

05/23/2026

Waylon Wayne Wright was born sleeping on May 21, 2026, at Kettering Health.

Though his time here was far too short, he was deeply loved and will forever be cherished by his parents, Dylan and Michelle Wright; his siblings, Oaklyn, Jaxen, Casen, Eli, Holden, and Owen; and all those who were waiting to meet him.

Waylon was welcomed into Heaven by his Nanny and Papaw Bill, where he is now held in eternal peace and love.

Though tiny in size, Waylon’s life left an immeasurable mark on the hearts of his family. He will always be remembered, always be loved, and never be forgotten.

05/22/2026

Estil Glen Parks, 88, of Waynesville, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

You may have known him as Estil, Papaw, Big E, Flo, or one of the many other nicknames he acquired over the years of raising children, grandchildren, and countless Warren County 4-Hers. Whatever you called him, if you knew him, you were lucky to have him in your life.

He was the son of Thurston and Gladys Parks of Dayton, who preceded him in death and helped ignite his lifelong love of fast cars and Darryl Waltrip. That love of cars also introduced him to the love of his life, Carole Elizabeth, who lived down the street from the filling station where he worked and proudly talked about having the hottest car around. What started there became a love story that lasted both their lifetimes and a marriage spanning 65 years.

Together, Estil and Carole raised three children: Charles B. (Kym), Robert G. (Marla), and Pamela E. (Wayne Kibler).

Estil and Carole dedicated many years to serving Warren County 4-H, raising livestock projects for countless members as well as their own children and grandchildren. Estil was always found ringside, usually offering advice on how things could be done better, though in later years he was just as happy to sit back and enjoy the show, whether in person or, right up until his final days, watching from his tablet.

His love of unique cars created stories the family will tell forever, but none more memorable than the purple-and-black lowered dually that turned heads every time he rolled into stock show. It hardly felt like a weekend unless he was watching NASCAR, baling hay, working in the garden, or finding yet another way to make his family shake their heads at his mechanical skills or the latest deal he had made.

Estil was the quiet voice of the family. He did not need to be the loudest person in the room to leave an impression. His steady presence, laugh, and advice will be deeply missed by so many, especially his grandchildren: Thomas (Mackenzie Harris), Terry Joel (Cassandra Lueking), Cassandra, Samantha, Katlynn, Addison, and Kourtney Parks; Lindsay and Chelsea Shell; and Cheyenne Crowe and Austin Kibler. He is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Avery Parks and Isabella Crowe.

The family has planned a Celebration of Life for Estil and Carole on Sunday, May 31, from Noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Caesarcreek Township Picnic Shelter, 2034 E. Spring Valley Paintersville Rd., Xenia, Ohio 45385.

Please join us for one last 4-H-style picnic to share memories of Estil and Carole. Food will be provided, but good conversation is requested.

Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family.

05/17/2026

Sheryl Rhinesmith, 70, of Wilmington, Ohio, passed away on May 13, 2026, at Clinton Memorial Hospital, following several years of health struggles that she faced with quiet strength and grace. She was born on August 6, 1955, in New Vienna, Ohio, to the late David and Esther Blackburn. She was a 1973 graduate of East Clinton High School. Sheryl was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandma, sister, and friend whose kindness touched everyone around her. She shared 50 wonderful years of marriage with her husband, Charles Rhinesmith. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Charles Rhinesmith; her children, Brandi (Kevin) LeForge and Chara Rhinesmith; her beloved grandchildren, Hillary and Landen LeForge, Dylan Rhinesmith, and Lorelai and Naomi Charlton; her sisters, Saundra Keller and Crystal Sandells; and her brother, Bob Blackburn. She was preceded in death by her son, Dustin Rhinesmith, and her sisters, Jeanie Wilson and Chanda Day. Sheryl retired from the Clinton County Board of Elections in 2005. She was known for her caring heart, gentle spirit, and deep love for her family. She found her greatest happiness in spending time with her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. She also enjoyed listening to music, crafting with her grandkids, bird watching, baking, sewing, quilting, and crocheting. Sheryl was a member of Fellowship of Praise Church, where her faith remained an important part of her life throughout the years. Though her family’s hearts are broken by this loss, they find comfort in knowing she is now resting in the arms of the Lord. Her love, warmth, and memory will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.” — Revelation 21:4

Funeral services will be held 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington. Pastor Matt Morgan, of Fellowship of Praise will officiate.

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

05/13/2026

Joel H. Walraven, age 86, of Wilmington, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Hospice of Cincinnati, Blue Ash.

He was born January 9, 1940, in Wilmington, the son of the late Forrest "Archie" and Vivian "June" (West) Walraven.

Joel is survived by his children, Christoper (Emily and Sophia), Jessica (Noah and Kylie), Robert, Diana, and Joni; and his brother, Jay. He is preceded in death by his parents Forrest and Vivian Walraven; his wife, Terry (Singer) Walraven; and his sister, Jenna.

Dad's love of sports and a multi-decade Bengal season ticket holder during the time the team resided in the old riverfront stadium. During this period dad and mom attend Super Bowls XVI and XXIII and once relinquishing their season tickets they enjoyed the warmth of their living room and instant replay.

His joy of driving and just taking a “ride” whether it was to unwind or on Sunday’s waking up and suggesting a restaurant many times several counties away which meant driving an hour or more just to eat and turn around and come home.

He found it therapeutic and a joy to spend time doing yard work or gathering with family and friends playing cards and his love of dancing is known by all his friends. He stated many times his emptiness he felt losing his dance partner after mom’s death. Today, he has rejoined his dance partner and loving wife. They are back and “cutting a rug” across the pearly gates.

His love of Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis to old country music ballads from George Jones to W***y Nelson, Waylon Jennings to more recent country singers such as Brooks and Dunn. He always enjoy listening to a song from Jimmy Buffett and enjoying his patio and backyard.

His life long yearly stays in Florida ranging from weeks to years created memories that lasted his lifetime dating back to his earliest of years dating back over 80 years. The times he spent fishing in Chokoloskee and winter home in Everglade city with his wife Terry always brought back fond memories when he was chatting about Florida. Then later in life back to the east coast of Florida with a winter home on Hutchinson Island. The final years wintering with Christopher and his children Sophia and Emily with Karol popping in Sewell’s Point, Florida.

The last several years have been dedicated to his grandson Noah and granddaughter Kylie as he transitioned year-round back to Ohio. He loved the change of seasons and having Noah by his side during his daily odysseys. He also enjoyed many Thursdays with Jessica having Joe’s pizza at what he considered the #1 in pizza the country.

More recently the time spent with Miranda his granddaughter and her children Haley and Blaine and great great grandson Kyler. The memories created with their grandfather brought joy to him in his final days.

As we say our final goodbyes for me it easy to close my eyes and visualize Dad and Mom together gliding across the dance floor dancing to anyone of their favorite songs as they begin their new chapter united as one for eternity. We leave here today with our hearts not filled with sorrow but joy knowing Joel and Terry are together once more.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington. Burial will immediately follow in Sugar Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.arehart-brown.com or visit the page, Brown Funeral Home.

05/13/2026

Military honors will be accorded to recognize Richard Dale "Rich" Hartley's service to his country in the United States Navy. Honors will be accorded at Brown Funeral Home at 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, by the American Legion Post #49 Honor Guard of Wilmington. We give notice that rifle fire will be heard in the downtown area as we do not want to induce panic. Please keep Mr. Hartley and his family in your thoughts.

05/07/2026

Richard Dale "Rich" Hartley, Sr., age 75, of Wilmington, passed away May 5, 2026 at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati. He was born September 29, 1950 in Wilmington, Ohio, the son of the late Maurice Dale and Veda Mae (Davis) Hartley. Richard had served his Country for nearly 23 years in the United States Navy and began farming upon retiring from the Navy. He belonged to the American Legion Post #49 in Wilmington, the American Legion Post #25 in Washington C.H., the Wilmington Fraternal Order of Eagles 1224, the Blanchester Fraternal Order of Eagles 2222 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6710 of Wilmington. Richard enjoyed doing puzzles, playing softball, and especially loved camping. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 57 years, Marilyn (Gray) Hartley, to whom he married January 27, 1969; his children, Wanda (Brent) Curtis, Denise (Everett) Bennett, Rich (Eric) Hartley and Shawn Hartley; siblings Randy (Joe) Hartley and Susan Meineke; grandchildren, Michael (Kendra), Bryan (Rachel), Blake (Morgan), Brandon, Brittany, Brianna, (Xander), Kaylie, Kylie (Seth), Rosemary, Everett III (Tara), Jodi (Timothy), Kristopher (Katie) and Sienna; nieces, Veda, Kelly (Rhonda), Nikki (Brian), Candice, Monica (Randy) and Terrie (Lonnie); nephews, Patrick (Rebecca), John, and Joe (Mary Alice); and numerous great and great-great grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends. In addition to his parents, Richard is preceded in death by his three grandchildren, Nicholas, Dustin and Justin; and two brothers, Thomas and John Philip Hartley. Military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #49 Honor Guard of Wilmington in honor of Richard's long and dedicated service in the United States Navy. Military honors will begin at 1:45 p.m. Wednesday May 13, 2026, outside Brown Funeral Home. Following military honors, public visitation will take place until 4:00 p.m. at which time funeral services will begin. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave on-line condolences, please visit www.arehart-brown.com or visit the page, Brown Funeral Home.

04/28/2026

Robert Kent “Rob” Shaeffer, age 64, of Wilmington, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. He was born October 30, 1961, in Washington Court House, Ohio, the son of Russell and Wanda (Brewer) Shaeffer. Rob had attended Wilmington High School where he excelled at football for the Hurricane. He enjoyed working on cars, playing frisbee golf, and woodworking. He also loved to hike, fish, fly drones, and was a master gardener. Rob was always in a good mood, and was always the jokester. He loved being around his family. Rob is survived by his mother Wanda (Brewer) Whiting; daughter Alyssa (Ed) Lippincott of Wilmington; sisters Angie (Roger) Barr of Wilmington, and Susan Shaeffer of Arizona; brother Russell (Wendy) Shaeffer of Dayton; grandchildren, Michael (Joan) Mack, Jr., Noah (Hallie) Mack, Alyk Lippincot, Skyla Edwards, Carson Edwards, Annika Shaeffer, Addalyn Shaeffer, and Ava Shaeffer; great grandchild Eleanor Mack, with two more on-the-way; and his former wife Sandra Locher. Rob is preceded in death by his father Russell Shaeffer, Sr.; son Addam Shaeffer; and sister Cathy Powell. All services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.arehart-brown.com, or see our page, Brown Funeral Home.

04/23/2026

Larry Dean “Deanie” Cole, age 67, of Wilmington, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Clinton Memorial Hospital in Wilmington. He was born February 27, 1959, the son of the late Larry V. and Cherie (Goings) Cole. Deanie was a lover of all sports; he would spend time watching any sport at any time. He was an avid follower of the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals. Deanie was father to Kile (Rebecca) Holland, Jamie Ford, and Tasha (Stephen) Lamb. He is also survived by sister Rhonda Broady; brother Todd Cole; granddaughters Andrea Fulton and Audrey Collins; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, including special nephews Brandon Cole and Kaedyn Cole; aunts Arlene Cole and Maureen (Sonny) Goings; father-in-law Tom (Linda) Holland; special sister-in-law Tomi (Dave) Woleab; sister-in-law Tameka (Dick) Thacker; brother-in-law Troy (Kristie) Watters; many friends; and special girls Martyna, Jamie, and Shelby Brooke Swain and his last words to them, “where the white women at?” Deanie is preceded in death by his father Larry V. Cole; mother Cherie (Richard) Williams; his fiancé and love of his life Tonya Holland; his first wife Darlene Ford; grandson Daulton Fulton; sister Regina Stevens; sister Cindy Williams; brother Darrell Cole; and nephews, Darrell Allen Cole, Jr. and Tayéshawn Cole. Funeral Services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington. Pastor Kathryn David will officiate. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. util the time of service at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial in Springfield Friends Cemetery will take place privately at the convenience of the family. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.arehart-brown.com, or see our page, Bown Funeral Home.

04/21/2026

Kyle Bradley Goings, 42, passed away on April 17, 2026. Born to Maureen Goings September 24, 1983, in Wilmington, Ohio.

Kyle was a man full of life, laughter, and love. He had a deep passion for music—both listening to it and creating it—and found joy in simple, meaningful moments. He loved cooking for his family, being outdoors, drawing, and watching basketball and football. More than anything, Kyle was known for his humor. He had a way of making people laugh until their cheeks hurt, always bringing light into any room he walked into.

Family meant everything to Kyle. He was caring, giving, and always willing to help those he loved. In the last four months of his life, following his stroke, he showed incredible strength and determination through therapy. During that time, he also created lasting memories with his loved ones—especially his grandsons, sharing laughs, love, and his signature “dad” and grandpa jokes that will never be forgotten.

Kyle was preceded in death by his best friend, Jason Hensley; his aunt, Edwinna Brooks; his grandmother, MaryAnna Jackson; and his stillborn son, Jason, whom he named in honor of his best friend.

He is survived by his mother, Maureen Goings; his daughters, Keonna Goings, Taylor Goings, Myiah, and Jayleonna; his grandsons, Kyten and Leo; and his younger brothers, Chad (Jennifer) Goings and DaShawn Goings. He also leaves behind his aunts, Yvette (Daryl) Howard, Josie (Tyrone) Morrison, Dorthea (Brian) Hayslip, Daria (Jeff) Mansfield, and Dawanna (Gary) Garrette; along with many cousins, including Rodney Goings, Fred and Easter Jackson, and Charles and Tiffany Brooks. Kyle also had many lifelong friends he considered family, because his love extended far beyond blood—he truly loved everyone.

A service to honor and celebrate Kyle’s life will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, at Quinn Chapel AME Church from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, with a repass to follow for family and close friends.

Kyle will be deeply missed, but the love, laughter, and memories he gave will live on in everyone who knew him.

04/15/2026

Mary E. Hurley, age 87, of Blanchester, formerly of Washington C.H., passed away peacefully Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Continental Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation in Blanchester. She was born May 7, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of the late Robert G. and Dorothy Mae (Campbell) Fox. Mary was a 1956 graduate Washington High School in Washington Court House. She had worked for Mac Tools, retiring in 1988. After retiring, she then spent time working for Wal-Mart in both Washington C.H. and Wilmington. Mary didn’t know a stranger. She was very generous with her time, money, and her famous thumbprint cookies. She had a heart for the lonely and the hurting. Mary spent many years volunteering with Fayette County Hospice and The Well in Washington C.H. Mary loved deeply and nothing was more important to her than her family. She was an amazing mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed, but there is so much joy in knowing that all her years serving Jesus has paid off. She will now get to spend eternity with Him. Mary is survived by her daughter Julie Beth Crabtree Ray and her husband Philip of Blanchester; son John Crabtree and his wife Cindy of Wilmington; grandchildren, William (Brenda) McCoy of Sunderland, Maryland, Tiffany (Shawn) Reevie of Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Christopher (Logan) Crabtree of Plain City, Ohio, Courtney (Austin) Harding of London, Ohio, and Luke Crabtree of Washington C.H.; 9 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandson; sister Suzanne “Sue” Bostick of Springfield, Ohio; sister and brother-in-law Leticia “Tish” and William Newton of Richmond, Kentucky; sister-in-law Brenda Fox of Washington C.H.; and many nieces, nephews and friends that she considered family. In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her first husband and father of her children, Leroy Crabtree; her second husband Kenneth O. Hurley who became the new love of her life; sister and brother-in-law Julia Ann “Judy” and Rev. Donald Bock; brother and sister-in-law Robert G. and Patricia Fox, Jr.; brother Donald Fox; and brother-in-law Danny “Dan” Bostick. Mary didn’t want a sad funeral. Per her wishes, the family will host a Celebration of Mary’s Life, 1:30 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Community Church, 5704 Edwardsville Road, Clarksville, Ohio 45113. There will be a short service with a carry-in dinner following. If able, bring a covered dish and a story about Mary to share. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the activities department at Continental Manor in Blanchester, or Queen City Hospice. Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.arehart-brown.com, or see our page, Brown Funeral Home.

04/14/2026

Ricky Lee "Rick" Fravel, age 60, of Wilmington, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at Clinton Memorial Hospital, Wilmington. He was born August 18, 1965, in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph and Janet (Young) Fravel. Rick proudly served his Country in the United States Air Force, and his hobbies included working on cars and finding various projects to problem solve. He was a very independent man who had a big heart for animals, especially cats, and was very competitive and always enjoyed a challenge. He went out of his way to help people and placed high value on family. Rick was an original authentic person that enjoyed visiting the Renaissance Festival and Jungle Jim's in his leisure time. He was the type of person that never gave up and was a fighter until the very end. Left to cherish his memory are his two children, Alicia (Charlie) Nicol of Wilmington and Sean Fravel of San Antonio, Texas; his grandchildren Aden, Raleigh, Scarlet and Conrad Fravel; his mother, Janet (Young) Dersham; and his siblings Joe Fravel and Candy Fravel. Rick is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Fravel. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 17, 2026, at Westboro Cemetery, Jonesboro Road, Westboro, Ohio. Fr. Thomas Mannebach will be the Celebrant. In recognition of his service in the United States Air Force, military honors will be accorded by the American Legion Post #49 Honor Guard of Wilmington. To leave on-line condolences please visit www.arehart-brown.com or visit our page, Brown Funeral Home.

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