Monroe Evening News - November 9, 2013

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MONROE NEWS
THE
MONROENEWS.COM
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2013
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CENTS
DAILY
Paul W. Smith
inducted into
Hall of Fame
BY RAY KISONAS
[email protected]
On a quest — Monroe News photo by TOM HAWLEY
The St. Mary Catholic Central volleyball team continues on its quest toward another state
championship by beating Ida in the Class B district final at Jefferson.
Local philanthropist
Shirley Meyer dies at 91
X Shirley A. Meyer
BY RAY KISONAS
[email protected]
Shirley A. Meyer, a Monroe philanthropist whose
$1 million dollar donation
launched the construction of the La-Z-Boy Center and the theater that
bears her name, died quietly Friday. She was 91.
The wife of the late
Richard M. Meyer, whose
father founded Monroe
Auto Equipment, Mrs.
Meyer was a strong supporter of Monroe County
Community College and
the performing arts. Her
gift led to the creation of
the Richard M. and Shirley
A. Meyer Theater, a 575seat facility that has been
the site of many productions, plays and concerts
since its grand opening in
2004.
William H. Braunlich,
vice chair of the MCCC
board of trustees and
close family friend, estimated that a quarter
of a million people have
visited the theater since
its opening. He called it
an exquisite centerpiece
of the facility. The gift,
he said, inspired others
to donate, including the
state of Michigan.
“She energized every-
Since 1825
No. 309 (USPS 359-400)
Monroe, Mich.
© 2013 Monroe Publishing Co.
obituary — Page 7A
— Monroe News file photo
Shirley A. Meyer, who marked
her 90th birthday at Monroe
County Community College,
gave a gift to the college that
led to the creation of the Richard M. and Shirley A. Meyer
Theater, a 575-seat facility.
one,” Mr. Braunlich said.
“Her gift inspired everyone to achieve a long
sought-after goal: a worldclass instructional and
performing arts center
on the campus of MCCC.
This is simply an exceptional legacy.”
Mrs. Meyer’s son, Michael, said his mother
passed away peacefully at
3:25 p.m. at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Moth-
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erhouse Health Care Center, where she had been
for 3½ months.
“She would be the first
person to say what a great
life she had,” Mr. Meyer
said. “She was just really,
really happy.”
Mr. Meyer said his
mother’s donation to
MCCC was something she
was proud of because she
was such a strong supporter of the college and
visual and performing
arts.
“Our family has always
been grateful for our roots
in this exceptional community and this was a
wonderful way to pay it
forward,” he said. “Even in
her very last days, if someone mentioned the Meyer
Theater, my mother simply beamed with joy.”
In addition to Michael,
Mrs. Meyer is survived by
two daughters, Tamela
Fitzgibbons and Deborah
Almada, both of Colorado.
Visitation and an interdenominational memorial
service will be held at the
Motherhouse Chapel next
Saturday, Nov. 16.
Monroe native and radio
personality Paul W. Smith,
whose career evolved into
the Great Voice of the Great
Lakes, is heading into the
Hall of Fame.
Mr. Smith, 60, the morning radio host for Detroit’s
WJR-760, will be inducted
tonight in the National
Radio Hall of Fame during
a black-tie ceremony in
Chicago hosted by legendary talk-show host Larry
King.
“I never did this work
to win awards,” Mr. Smith
said. “But I am thrilled.
This was a complete shock
when it was announced. It
is truly an honor.”
Mr. Smith’s career spans
45 years and began at 15
when he was a student at
Monroe Catholic Central
High School where he
graduated. After working
for many years at radio
stations in various states,
Mr. Smith got a huge break
in his career when he took
over for the late J.P. McCarthy in 1996.
Since then Mr. Smith has
become the king of talk
radio in Detroit and is the
only broadcaster who filled
in for all three big names
including Paul Harvey,
Rush Limbaugh and Sean
Hannity.
“I feel very honored that
I’m alive to see all this
happening,” he said. “I’m a
blessed man.”
His mother, H. Marie
Smith, 87, and living in
Monroe, is — not surprisingly — his biggest fan.
She, of course, is quick to
add that she is proud of all
three of her children, but
she is absolutely thrilled
that Paul is being inducted.
“We are all proud of Paul
for getting this national
honor,” Mrs. Smith said.
“He’s worked very hard
over the years. We’re very
happy for him.”
Several times Mr.
Smith has broadcast his
show from the campus
of Monroe County Community College, his alma
mater. But he has become
well-known in Detroit and
beyond since WJR’s signal
reaches several states.
Mr. Smith has inter-
TODAY’S OBITUARIES Details, 7A
SHIRLEY A. MEYER, 91, of Monroe
MABLE J. GIBBONS, 89, of Monroe
MARK CHEATHAM, 50, of Monroe
— Evening News file photo by TOM HAWLEY
Paul W. Smith hosted a WJR Morning Show live from the Monroe
County Community College.
Paul W. Smith was CC, MCCC grad
Monroe native Paul W.
Smith, who is being inducted
into the National Radio
Hall of Fame tonight, began
his broadcasting career at
WVMO-FM in Monroe while
he was a Monroe Catholic
Central High School student.
the Monroe County Hall of
Fame.
viewed every U.S. president since Gerald Ford
and many celebrities.
One of his most awkward
interviews involved one of
the Redgrave sisters, who
are actresses. Mr. Smith
was given a note that her
While with WJR, Mr. Smith
has served as the radio news
talk show host from 5:30 to
9:30 a.m. He is a regular fillin on “The Rush Limbaugh
Show,” “The Sean Hannity
Mr. Smith, 60, the son of H. Show” and “Paul Harvey’s
Marie Smith and the late Wil- News and Comment.” He
liam D. Smith, also attended was named best morning
and graduated from Monroe show broadcast personality
County Community College by the Michigan Association
before earning his bachelor’s of Broadcasters in 2007 and
2009.
degree from the University
of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Mr. Smith is part of a
2013 Hall of Fame class
Prior to joining WJR-760
that includes Steve Dahl
in 1996 he served as host
and Garry Meier of Chicago;
on the ABC Radio Network,
John Lanigan of Cleveland;
WXYZ-TV in Detroit, WDHOEddie (Piolin) Sotelo of Los
TV in Toledo, WABC and
WMCA radio in New York City Angeles; Charlie Steiner
of ESPN; Blair Garner of
and at CKLW in Windsor.
Nashville, and Powel Crosley
In addition to his morning (posthumous).
show, Mr. Smith devotes
Mr. Smith and his wife,
much of his time to many
public service organizations, Kim, have four children
including the McCarthy Can- between them: Adam, 21; Jacer Foundation and Hospice mie, 16; Natalie, 14, and Sophie, 10. Mr. Smith also has
of Michigan. He also has
emceed numerous business a brother, Monroe attorney
Mark D. Smith, and a sister,
and charitable banquets. In
Alison Smith Schwanke.
2003, he was inducted into
LOCAL Details, 3A
See SMITH, Page 7A
WEATHER Details, 6A
A groundbreaking is
set for this
“wildlife”
center.
TODAY
Partly cloudy
59°
TONIGHT
Mostly clear
38°
▼
Saturday, November 9, 2013
The Monroe News
7A
monroenews.com
D E AT H S
Mable June Gibbons
Shirley A. Meyer
June 3, 1924-Nov. 2, 2013
Mable June Gibbons was
born in Bell County, Kentucky on June 3, 1924. She
was one of seven children
from the union of the late
George and Rhoda (Pruitt)
Cornelieus. Mable attended Bell County High
School.
Mable took a great deal
of pride in her appearance.
She always made sure that
she was a well kempt lady
having perfect nails and
hair. She
was raised
Southern
Baptist and
as a young
w o m a n
s o u g h t
spiritual
nourishment at the
Blackstar Church of God
in Kentucky. She never
missed her Thursday Bible
Studies. She was a loving,
giving and happy person
who cared for and loved
her family deeply. She delighted in cooking and baking for family occasions,
especially Thanksgiving,
and spending time with her
grandchildren and great
grandchildren who meant
the world to her. Mable
treasured her friendships,
loved to socialize and play
bingo with her with her
Medilodge friends. In her
free time, Mable enjoyed
putting together jig saw
puzzles.
Mable June Gibbons, age
89, of Monroe, passed away
on Saturday, November
2, 2013. In addition to her
parents her passing was
preceded by her husband
Charles Willis Gibbons, one
daughter: Donna Nisley;
one grandson: Matthew
Charles Preadmore; and
one great grandson: Gabriel Michael Dotson, three
September 1, 1922-November 8, 2013
brothers: Clee (Lydia) Cornelius, Matt (Mable) Cornelius, and Harvey Cornelius, and two sisters: May
(Harm) Daniels and Gertrude (Glen) Miracle; one
brother-in-law: Clarence
Greene.
To cherish her memory,
she leaves four daughters:
Patricia (Gary) McBride,
Bonnie (Dennis) Smock,
and Betty (Ronnie Sr.) Gibson all of Monroe, and Debbie (Mike) Fix of Newport;
one sister: Lois Greene of
Monroe; eleven grandchildren: Christopher (Audra)
McBride, Adam (Morla)
McBride, Joshua (Andrea)
Smock, Kelly (Christopher)
Dotson, Ronnie (Melissa)
Gibson Jr., Jonathan (Melinda) Gibson, Michael
(Angela) Preadmore, Jacob
Fix, Donald Nisley Jr., Kimberly (David) Rush, and
Thaddeaus (Crystal Curley)
Turner; and thirteen great
grandchildren.
A Private gathering was
held on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Merkle
Funeral Ser vice, 2442
North Monroe Street (734)
384-5185. A Celebration
of Her Life followed also at
Merkle’s with Reverend Jack
Henegar of Victory Temple
Church officiating. Cremation took place through
Southern Michigan Services in Livonia, Michigan.
Private inurnment took
place on Friday, November
8, 2013 at Woodland Cemetery in Monroe.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to
Medilodge of Monroe. Online guests may leave word
of inspiration and comfort,
share a photo, or make a
donation by visiting www.
merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.
D E AT H N O T I C E
Mark Cheatham
Nov. 7, 2013
Mark Cheatham, 50, of Monroe died Thursday. Arrangements are being handled by Bacarella Funeral
Home in Monroe.
▼
●
F R O M PA G E 1 A
Smith (cont.)
someone in space.
“It was very emotional
mother had died and when for me,” he said. “It was
very powerful. It was pretty
he referenced that, she
said her mother was in the dog-gone powerful.”
next room.
Mr. Smith said his enthu“It was live radio,” Mr.
siasm for his induction
Smith said. “What are you
has been tempered a bit
gonna do?”
because his older brother,
He’s also been known
Mark, a Monroe attorney,
to interview well with
has been struggling with
Detroit’s auto giants. He
illness. He said his brother
specifically mentioned his and family in Monroe are
professional relationship
far more important than
with former United Auto
his celebrity status.
Workes president Ron
“I know he’s very proud
Gettelfinger, who at one
of me,” Mr. Smith said. “I
time would only discuss
wish he was able to go to
issues with Mr. Smith.
Chicago with me.”
One of Mr. Smith’s most
Mrs. Smith, who will not
emotional interviews was
make
the trip either, said
literally out of this world.
even
though
her son has
Astronaut Jerry Linenger,
achieved
great
success, he
a Michigander, spoke with
never
forgets
his
roots.
Mr. Smith from the In“He’s a great hometown
ternational Space Station
Mir. Mr. Smith said he was guy,” she said. “He loves
Monroe and he loves his
astounded that he could
conduct an interview with family.”
Farmer, 86, injured in field
RAISINVILLE TOWNSHIP – A farmer believed to
be 86 years old was severely
injured when his arm became caught in the rear
of a tractor while he was
working in a field Friday afternoon.
Monroe County Sheriff’s
Deputy Jon Cregar said
Clifford Kuehnlein was
alert and conscious following the accident around
2:15 p.m. in the 4600 block
of Blue Bush Rd.
Mr. Kuehnlein was airlifted by ProMedica helicopter
from the scene to an area
hospital.
Deputy Cregar said Mr.
Kuehnlein was at the back
of an old tractor he likes
to use and apparently was
hooking up an attachment
when his sleeve got caught
in a rotating mechanism.
He eventually was freed
and flown to the hospital.
His condition was una va i l a b l e b u t a f a mily member said Saturday
night that Mr. Kuehnlein’s
injuries were severe.
Shirley Adele Meyer,
age 91, a highly respected community leader in
Monroe, Michigan, died
on Friday, November 8th,
2013 at the IHM Motherhouse Health Care Center
following three and onehalf months of residence.
Shirley was born on
September 1st, 1922 in
Champaign, Ill., to Adele
Mubarak Madden and
Walter Benjamin Madden. Shirley’s father was Shirley Adele Meyer on the MCCC campus
employed by the Illinois
Central Railroad as a
brakeman and was killed ploded when it struck the County Historical Society,
in a railroad accident water. Lt. Madden and Mercy-Memorial Hospion September 18, 1925. his gunner were killed in- tal Foundation and was a
Upon hearing the tragic stantly. In early Septem- member and past deacon
news, Walter’s father, Wil- ber of 2001, Shirley made of the First Presbyterian
liam Dylan Madden had a a tearful pilgrimage to the Church.
In 1998, Shirley providmassive heart attack and Chapel of Remembrance
also died. The front page aboard the USS Intrepid ed a high profile launch
of the Champaign news- docked at Chelsea Piers to the capital campaign
paper, The News – Ga- in New York City; the cha- for the Instructional Cenzette, carried the headline pel honors her brother ter for Business Training
“Death Invades Madden and every sailor who lost and the Performing Arts
Family Again; W. D. Mad- their life while serving this at Monroe County Comden is Dead”. The family country aboard the USS munity College with a 1
million dollar donation.
held a double funeral ser- Intrepid.
Shirley married Rich- Shirley’s lead gift provided
vice; both Shirley’s father,
age 28, and her grandfa- ard M. Meyer, a dashing, the “Realizing the Vision”
ther, age 58, were buried blond United States Navy campaign with immediin Mount Hope Cemetery pilot, on August 10, 1946. ate visibility, credibility
Richard M. Meyer was the and momentum. The 12
in Urbana, Illinois.
Following her hus- youngest son of August million dollar campaign
band’s death, Adele Mad- F. Meyer, founder and exceeded expectations,
den returned to family first president of Monroe raised 13.5 million dollars
in her native France for Auto Equipment Com- and resulted in the beaua period of time before pany. “Dick and Shirley”, tiful facility now known
relocating to Highland as they were known to as the La-Z-Boy Center of
Park, Michigan, and mar- their friends, raised their Monroe County Commurying Charles Schroeder three children at the brick nity College. The MCCC
of Detroit. Shirley’s child- ranch home they built on Board of Trustees, recoghood years (now Shirley Hollywood Drive in the nizing her inspirational
Schroeder) were spent in Woods in the mid-1950s. leadership and excepHighland Park and she During the early 1970s tional generosity, named
graduated from Highland Dick and Shirley discov- the 575 seat theater which
Park High School in 1940. ered the beauty of then functions as the exquisite
Following high school undeveloped Hutchinson centerpiece of the facilgraduation, Shirley took Island off Stuart, Florida ity, the “Richard M. and
classes at Highland Park and purchased a series of Shirley A. Meyer Theater”.
Junior College, worked ocean-front condomini- Since its grand opening in
for Michigan Bell at the ums as their winter resi- the fall of 2004, the Meyer
Theater has developed
corporate headquarters dence.
R i c h a rd M . Me y e r a reputation as a state of
in downtown Detroit, and
was eventually assigned served as an executive of the art performing arts
to Monroe, Michigan in Monroe Auto Equipment venue with outstanding
a supervisory capacity to until his retirement from acoustics and as a superb
train operators in the new the company in 1977. Mr. corporate and commu“dial system”. At that time Meyer died on June 8, nity classroom. Shirley
in early 1944, Monroe still 1984, at age 67, following was extremely gratified by
the success of the facility
used a manual system a lengthy illness.
with crank phones. ShirShirley is survived by and was deeply touched
ley, at age 22, began her her three children: Tame- by the many comments
assignment in Monroe la Fitzgibbons of Castle and expressions of thanks
staying at the historic Park Pines, Colorado, Deborah from so many people
Hotel located on Loranger (Amado) Almada of Lark- throughout the Monroe
Square. This assignment spur, Colorado, and Mi- community. Mrs. Meyer’s
would shape the rest of chael R. Meyer (William portrait, displaying her raher life and led to a won- H. Braunlich) of LaSalle, diant smile and signature
derful circle of Monroe Michigan. Shirley is also hair-style, hangs proudly
friends.
survived by three grand- in the atrium outside the
Shirley’s older brother sons, Ian August Fitzgib- Meyer Theater.
In the summer of 2007,
and only sibling, Lt. Wal- bons, of Breckenridge,
ter J. D. Madden, United Colorado, Ryan Michael Shirley donated “Circle
States Navy, was killed O’Connor and Thomas Squared” to MCCC, a
in action on September John O’Connor of Den- contemporary stainless
24, 1944, while serving ver, Colorado, one step- steel sculpture by Texasaboard the aircraft car- grandson, James Almada based artist Nic Noblique.
rier USS Intrepid and of Colorado Springs, and This sculpture, located at
participating in the US several nephews and the main entrance to the
Navy raid on Coron Bay nieces, including Bonnie La-Z-Boy Center/Meyer
in the Philippine Sea. In Meyer Bellestri and her Theater, captured and
the early morning of Sep- husband Victor Bellestri reflected, in Mrs. Meyer’s
tember 24, 1944, a total of of Monroe. Shirley is also opinion, the beauty, ener120 aircraft flew 350 miles survived by her beloved gy and excitement of the
performing arts.
away from their aircraft golden retriever Zeus.
Shirley’s passions incarriers and staged a surShirley served as a
prise aerial attack against board member of The cluded travel, theater,
the Japanese supply fleet Foundation at Monroe golf, pottery, reading,
of 24 ships at anchor in County Community Col- crosswords and inteCoron Bay. This was one lege and as a past board rior decorating. During
of the longest range mis- member of the Monroe the last decade of her
sions ever attempted by Golf and Country Club. life, Shirley was an avid
carrier based aircraft. Lt. She was active in a wide yachtsman and cruised
Madden, a member of the variety of organizations the Great Lakes, the UnitVB-18 squadron was on a including the Monroe ed States East Coast, the
bombing run at low alti- Thrift Shop, Monroe Florida Keys and the Out
tude when his plane was Women’s Center, Lotus Islands of the Bahamas,
hit; it flipped over and ex- Garden Club, Monroe including Bimini, the
Abacos, Harbour Island,
the Eleutheras and the
Exumas. She also spent
time at “Buttonwood”,
her condominium on
Hutchinson Island, and at
“Rio Tranquillo”, the Fort
Lauderdale home of her
son Michael R. Meyer and
his partner, William H.
Braunlich.
Visitation and an interdenominational memorial service celebrating
Shirley’s life will be held
at the IHM Motherhouse
Chapel with Sister Patricia G. Rourke, IHM, officiating on Saturday, November 16th. Visitation
will begin at 3:30pm and
the memorial service will
begin at 5:00pm. Rupp
Funeral Home will be
handling arrangements
for immediate cremation
in accordance with Mrs.
Meyer’s wishes. A private
burial ceremony will be
held at Roselawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the
family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to “The
Foundation at Monroe
County Community College” with a designation
for the Meyer Endowment for the Performing
Arts. On line donations
to MCCC can be made at
The Foundation website:
www.monroeccc.edu/
foundation/donate.html.
Simply click the “Donate” button and follow
the prompts. Donations
to this endowment will
ensure that the vibrant
cultural arts programing
at MCCC and the Meyer
Theater will continue and
inspire the next generation.
Alternatively, the family suggests memorial
donations to the SSIHM
Retirement Fund http://
ihmsisters.org/ or Mercy
Memorial Hospice of
Monroe http://www.mercymemorial.org/Main/
Philanthropy.aspx
The family extends their
gratitude to Mercy Memorial Hospital CEO Annette
Phillips; Shirley’s primary
physician, Dr. John Kalenkiewicz; her orthopedic
surgeon Dr. Ken McNamee; her dermatologist,
Dr. Paulette Moulton, as
well as the superb nurses,
staff and emergency room
physicians of Mercy Memorial Hospital System
and Mercy Memorial Hospice. Special thanks and
recognition to the wonderful IHM Sisters, caring
nurses and exceptional
staff of the IHM Motherhouse Health Care Center and to special friend,
poet, and psychologist,
Dr. Patricia Rourke. And
with enduring and profound appreciation, the
family notes that Shirley’s
quality and enjoyment
of life during the past 18
years has been immeasurably enriched through the
steadfast devotion of her
friend and personal assistant, Anna Lee Sampson.
Family, friends and
community members are
also invited to share their
sentiments and tributes
to Mrs. Meyer by visiting
www.forevermissed.com/
Rommel, son of famed ‘Desert Fox’ German field marshal, dies at 84
BERLIN (AP) — Man- considered him a “remark- 1928 to Lucie-Maria Rom- mel and Erwin Rommel.
fred Rommel, the longtime able” politician and nomayor of Stuttgart and only table member of her party.
son of Germany’s most faRommel was born in
mous World War II military
commander, has died. He
was 84.
The City of Stuttgart said
$950
“Serving Monroe area families with
Rommel, who served as
Blanchard-Strabler
kindness and dignity for 70 years.”
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mayor from 1975 to 1996,
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