In Memoriam
Ray Barte, 95, of Baltimore, passed away surrounded by family on Thursday, February 27, 2025. He was born to the late Clarence and Flora (Courts) Barte on Tuesday, March 5, 1929.
Ray was a Marine Corps Veteran and served in the Korean conflict. He was promoted to SGT on November 28, 1949. Ray was always on the go, whether that be working or spending time with his family and friends. He was very talkative and was always striking up a conversation with someone. Ray enjoyed boating and was a professional Santa Claus for many years. He was also an actor on The Judge and Traffic Court.
Ray is survived by his children, Kevin (Debbie) Barte, Trent (Denise) Barte, and Cheri Hodgkinson; grandchildren, Caroline, Nicholas, Christopher Barte, Tawni, Teryn, and Trina Shull, Joe Dixon, and Jennifer Cosner, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lou (King) Barte; parents, Clarence and Flora (Courts) Barte; son, Charles Barte; daughter, Smokey Lynn Bare; grandson, Cristen Barte; and his sister, Wanda Lee Sinsabaugh. A graveside service with military honors was held Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, at Union Evangelical Cemetery.
Jeffrey Michael Darby, 48, of Columbus, Ohio passed away on March 11, 2025, at home with his family, due to complications from a heart condition. He was born on November 15, 1976, in Willingboro, New Jersey to parents Denise Hartley (Nick) and John Darby (Cindy). He married Tanya Anderson Darby on September 25, 2020.
Jeff is survived by his wife, Tanya; daughter Gabriella; step-daughters, Alexandria and Macie Sheltman, step-son Michael Sheltman. He is also survived by his mother, Denise Hartley (Nick), and father, John Darby (Cindy); granddaughter Kynslee Sheltman; his siblings Brian Darby and Kimberly Eckhart (Gregory); his nieces Ella Eckhart and Isabelle Darby; and nephew Leo Eckhart; as well as many loved cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Jeff worked in logistics support until his health declined in November 2024. He was a proud father and devoted husband. He loved Jesus and his family. Prior to his marriage, Jeff was a loyal friend and supporter to people on a journey of recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous, the Refuge Ohio, and other ministries. Jeff graduated from Walnut Ridge High School in 1996. He enjoyed campfires, corn hole, the Masters, disc golf, and playing with his daughter. He was generous of heart and spirit.