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Basil Alonzo (or "Lonzo") Minerd Sr. was born on Oct. 10, 1897 in Amesville, Athens County, OH, the son of Jacob and Martha "Bessie" (Buck) Minerd Jr. Basil was just 10 years of age when his father died suddenly. Evidence suggests that he became a juvenile offender and at some point was admitted to a reform institution known as the Boys Industrial School in Lancaster, Fairfield County, OH. There, at age 18 in March 1915, he is known to have worked as a feed boy in the school's poultry yard and was a correspondent for the school's publication, The Industrial School Journal. The April 1915 issue of the Journal noted that he and Thomas Mungall were expected to be released soon, and by the following month, he and two others had gone home. "We all wish them success," reported the Journal. He later joked with family that this was the only school from which he had graduated. Basil in adulthood stood 5 feet, 4 inches tall and weighed 138 lbs. He had grey eyes, brown hair and a ruddy complexion. He was a longtime farmer.
Circa 1918, Basil is known to have labored for D. Evans in Guysville.
Instead of paying, Basil decided to marry Audrey. He obtained a divorce from Augusta in Common Pleas Court in Athens County in late March or early April 1922. On April 10, 1922, Basil wedded Audrey (1909-1992), a native of Athens, and the daughter of Charles Otto "Ott" and Bessie I. (Carsey) Lonas. He was age 24 at the time, and she was 18. The ceremony was led by Pearl W. Helwig, a justice of the peace in Athens County.
The couple went on to produce a family of 10 children -- Luella "Jean" Secoy Beal, Earl Edward "Eddie" Minerd, Basil Alonzo Minerd Jr., Charles Eugene Minerd, Richard Dow Minerd, Shirley Morris Fender, Donna France Creighton, Larry Lee Minerd, Roy "Roger" Minerd and Gary Dwight Minerd.
Later in the first year of his marriage with Audrey, Basil was arrested for allegedly forging a check to L.B. McCune of the McCune Tire & Accessory Company of Athens. The Messenger reported that he had been jailed after "his delivery of coal to F.C. Shaffer, of Mechanicsburg, for his employer, Vernon Bobo. After delivering the voal Minerd collected $50 from Shaffer of which $10 was in cash and for the remainder Shaffer gave a $40 check. It is alleged that Minerd endorsed Bobo's name to the check and gave it to C.A. Morris, crippled old taxi driver in paying an old taxi bill."
Basil was required to register for the military draft in 1942, during World War II. He disclosed that he was residing in Luhrig, Athens County, and that he was employed by the Works Progress Administration. The WPA was one of the ways President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and the federal government tried to overcome unemployment and is widely considered one of the Roosevelt's largest and most ambitious undertakings of his "New Deal" to get the nation back on sound economic footing. Over the years, the WPA hired millions of out-of-work individuals to build public works projects, such as roads, bridges, retaining walls and buildings. The federal census of 1950 shows the family in Dover Township, Athens County, with Basil working as a painter.
The Minerds marked their golden wedding anniversary in 1972 with an open house at the Athens Grange Hall. At the time, said the Messenger, they had 32 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. For the last several years of his life, Basil was employed as a watchman at the Grange Hall. Among his large projects was working at the Athens County Fair. At the age of 76, in 1973, he retired after doctors urged him to slow down and he was asked to do more at the fair. During the fair, he stayed on the grounds every night and went home from time to time to rest. At the close of the fair, he was pictured and featured in a Messenger story. Basil passed away in 1981, at the Logan Health Care Center in Chauncey, OH, at the age of 83.
~ Son Earl Edward Minerd ~ Son Earl Edward Minerd (1922-1996) was born in 1922 in Canaanville, Athens County, OH. He stood 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighed 150 lbs.. In 1942, during World War II, Earl registered for the military draft. At the time, he was living with his brother Basil in Cleveland at 1762 West 25th Street, and employed by Montana Flour Mills.
Earl was twice married. The first wife's identity it not yet known, and the union ended in divorce.
Mary's fate is not known. ~ Daughter Luella "Jean" (Minerd) Secoy ~ Daughter Luella "Jean" Minerd (1924-2023) was born on Oct. 11, 1924 in Guysville, Athens County. She grew up in Athens Township, Athens County, OH.
Jean was twice-wed. On July 5, 1946, at the age of 21, she entered into marriage with 28-year-old Burley Beal (Sept. 3, 1917-1998), son of James and Rose (Blair) Beal. Justice of the peace Percy L. Peoples led the service, held in Pomeroy, OH. During World War II, Burley had served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. At the time of marriage, he lived in Dayton, OH, working as a punch press operator. Their trio of children were James Beal, Linda Fetty and Robert Beal. The United States Census of 1950 shows the family in Nelsonville, Athens County. At that time, Burley earned a living cutting trees for a utility company. Sadly, Burly died on Feb. 21, 1998. In time she was united in holy matrimony with (?) Secoy ( ? - ? ). At one time she lived in Columbus, OH, where she drove a school bus and earned a living at Riverside Methodist Hospital. Just prior to retirement, she worked at Odd Lots in Athens. Her final place of residence was in Athens. At the age of 98, she passed away in Grant Medical Center of Columbus, OH on March 13, 2023. She was survived by 10 grandchildren. Rev. Phil Foster conducted the funeral service, followed by interment in Athens Memory Gardens. Son Robert Beal (1947- ? ) was born in about 1947. He married Elaine. They have made a residence in Centerburg, OH. Son James Beal (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949. He is thought to have been joined in wedlock with Jeannette. He was deceased by 2023. Daughter Linda Beal was united in matrimony with (?) Fetty. She relocated to Florida.
~ Son Basil Alonzo Minerd Jr. ~
Son Basil Alonzo Minerd Jr. (1927-2001) was born on April 8, 1925 (or 1927) in Meigs or Athens County, OH.
After the Minerds divorced in about 1954, Basil remained for a time in Middlefield, near Mansfield, OH and in 1958 was found guilty of forging checks. He married again to Kitty and relocated to Washington State. They lived at Moses Lake near Spokane, Grant County, WA, with a second family of two sons and two daughters.
Son Richard Dean "Rick" Minerd is the retired Chief of Police in Obetz, a suburb of Columbus, Franklin County, OH, where he spent a decade in law enforcement. Earlier in his career, he worked for 10 years as a public affairs officer with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, and was frequently quoted in hundreds of news stories in the Columbus Dispatch and on radio and television in connection with crime-fighting activities. He was quoted in Time Magazine (Dec. 15, 2003) for his work to help catch a sniper along Ohio's Interstate 270 who had gunned down numerous motorists before being captured. Rick also has been quoted or mentioned in the New York Times, USA Today and Cleveland Plain Dealer. In 1991, he appeared on a segment of television's America's Most Wanted with John Walsh to apprehend an escaped rapist. Prior to his career as a police officer, he was a radio news, sports and talk-show broadcaster with some of the most popular radio stations in Columbus -- WTVN, WCOL, WNCI and WMNI. Rick considered but did not pursue an election campaign in 2008 for the office of Sheriff of Franklin County. In 2009, he authored his memoirs, Life Is A Jukebox: Real Stories of Triumphs and Tragedies, issued by Trafford Publishing and available on Amazon.com. The volume is described as "a police chief's look back at both sides of the police tape and the unlikely circumstances that made him step from one side to the other." He also is the author of Honey, I Promise! and Deputy in Disguise. In 2013, he was a guest panelist at the national Minerd-Minard-Miner-Minor Reunion, speaking on the topic of "What's Your Legacy?"
~ Son Charles Eugene Minerd ~ Son Charles Eugene Minerd (1931-1991) was born on Oct. 28, 1931 in Athens County, OH. On Jan. 8, 1953, at the age of 21, he was joined in the bonds of wedlock with his first wife, Marie Cunningham ( ? - ? ). Their nuptials were held in Indiana. Then circa 1957, he married his second bride, Carolyn Marie Lowe (Oct. 26, 1939-2023), daughter of William and Goldie Ray (Cordle) Lowe of South Vienna, OH. They resided in Millfield and Springfield, Clark County, OH. The Minerds together produced a family of eight children -- Terry Dean Minerd, Charles Dwayne "Chuck" Minerd, Steven Ray Minerd, Douglas Minerd, Mark Minerd, Melinda Marie "Mindy" McBurnett, Ronald Aaron "Ronnie" Minerd and Donald Allen "Donnie" Minerd. The marriage almost immediately began to suffer from troubles. In 1957, Carolyn's mother filed charges against Charles for assault and battery. Two years later, he ran afoul of the law in 1959 when triying to pass bad checks at a grocery store in Washington Court House, OH. The couple divorced after 23 years of marriage, with the decree handed down on Dec. 5, 1980. Charles appears to have wedded a third time to Karen L. ( ? - ? ). Their union lasted about a year, and the pair divorced in Clark County on March 10, 1986. Then at the age of 59, on June 2, 1991, Charles was united in matrimony once more to 29-year-old Tamara Kay Gallagher ( ? - ? ). He disclosed that it was his fifth marriage. At the time, he was a structural metal worker in the construction industry. Charles and Tamara bore a son, Dustin Ray Minerd. Sadly, the last marriage only spanned a few months. At the age of 59, Charles died in Springfield on Aug. 8, 1991. Burial of the remains was in Sunset Cemetery in Galloway, Franklin County, OH. In 1981, ex-wife Carolyn remarried to Paul Thomas "Tom" Earles (Sept. 12, 1934-2009) and continued living in Springfield. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War and worked as a painter. Tom died at the age of 74 on Sept. 1, 2009, with an obituary appearing in the Springfield News-Sun. Carolyn outlived her second husband by at least a decade and remained in Springfield. She held a membership in the Lil' Country Church. She surrendered to death at the age of 83, at Ohio State University Medical Center, on July 1, 2023. Her funeral was led by Pastor Chuck Graham and burial at South Solon Cemetery, with an obituary appearing in the Springfield News. Son Charles Dwayne "Chuck" Minerd (1957-1994) was born on Sept. 9, 1957 in Springfield, Clark County. He was joined together in marital union with Teresa Ann Barcus ( ? - ? ). They were the parents of Bradley Dwayne Minerd. He also married Kathy Lee Minerd ( ? - ? ) and together they bore a daughter, Kami Nichole Minerd. Circa 1994, he earned a living as a construction worker. Clues suggest that he was badly injured and rushed to a local hospital, where he died at the age of 36, on Jan. 4, 1994, in Kettering, Montgomery County, OH.
Son Steven Ray Minerd (1959-1977) was born on New Year's Day 1959 in Athens, Athens County, OH. He dwelled in Columbus, Franklin County, OH in the spring of 1977. Horror blanketed the family when the 18-year-old Steven was driving with 14-year-old friend in his 1964 Ford Mustang. While near Circleville, OH, the car plunged into Deer Creek Lake near a boat launch at Harding Cabin. The friend's body was found the next morning, but it took Pickaway County scuba divers all day to locate Steven's remains tangled in underwatern brush. He sleeps in eternal peace in Sunset Cemetery in Galloway, Franklin County, OH. Son Terry Dean Minerd (1960-2011) was born on July 14, 1960 in Springfield. He and his wife April had one daughter, Brittany Ann Gundolf. Terry was a U.S. Army veteran and enjoyed NASCAR racing. Later, April married (?) Skelton and remained in Springfield. He died on Nov. 4, 2011, at the age of 51, with his photograph and obituary published in the Springfield News-Sun. Rev. Rick Clos officiated at the funeral service.
Son Douglas Minerd ( ? -living) was born in (?). He wed Paula (?) and lived in Columbus, Franklin County, OH in 2011. Son Mark Minerd ( ? - ? ) was born in (?). He first was united in matrimony with Amy (?). They lived in Springfield, Clark County, OH and were the parents of Aaron Dale Minerd, Luke Joseph Minerd, Karla Ranee Stapleton and perhaps others including Wednesday Breslin. The couple divorced. Mark relocated to Georgia by 2011 and in 2019 was a companion to Hope Silvers Wilson, while Amy wedded (?) Bayes and migrated to Cincinnati. In June 2017, she and her son Luke made news when they traveled to Bowling Green, KY to see the 23rd annual HOT ROD Power Tour at the Bowling Green-Warren County Regional Airport.
Daughter Melinda Marie "Mindy" Minerd ( ? -living) was born on (?). She was joined in wedlock with Steve McBurnett ( ? - ? ) and made their home in 2011 in Georgia. Son Ronald Aaron "Ronnie" Minerd (1965-living) was born in about 1965. He has resided in Springfield, OH. Son Donald Allen "Donnie" Minerd ( ? -living) was born on (?). He entered into marriage with Maggie (?). In 2011, they lived in New Carlisle, OH. Son Dustin Ray Minerd (1989-living) was born in about 1989. A host of news stories shows that he has been in trouble with law enforcement in Clark County numerous times over the years, ranging from theft and vehicular offenses to resisting arrest and possession of drugs. ~ Daughter Shirley A. (Minerd) Morris Fender ~ Daughter Shirley A. Minerd (1936-2009) was born in 1936. She married (?) Morris and (?) Fender but later in life used her maiden name. Shirley bore two children -- Ronald Morris and Debra Perez. Said the Athens Messenger, Shirley resided in Glouster and "was a member of the Jacksonville Eagles and was an avid bingo player." She passed away at the age of 73 on June 10, 2009. Interment was at Clarks Chapel Cemetery. At the time of her passing, she was survived by 11 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. Son Ronald Morris ( ? - ? ) married Sue. Their home in 2009 was in Columbus, Franklin County, OH. Daughter Debra Morris ( ? - ? ) wed (?) Perez. She lived in Columbus in 2009. ~ Daughter Donna (Minerd) France Creighton ~ Daughter Donna Minerd (1939- ? ) was born in about 1939 in Athens Township, Athens County. On Sept. 24, 1958, she married 24-year-old Merle Arthur France (Aug. 31, 1934-2012), son of Ivan and Ruth France of Nelsonville. They were wed at New Martinsville, Wetzel County, WV, by the hand of Rev. W.H. Sliter. At the time of marriage, both Donna and Merle resided in Sistersville, WV. The couple produced these known children -- Vern France, Lynn Minerd France, Gregory France, Audrey Reasoner Minerd, Michael "Mike" France and an unnamed infant daughter who died shortly after birth in February 1964 Bethesda Hospital. The baby's remains were interred in Greenwood Cemetery. Merle served as a private in the U.S. Army. Circa 1964, their home was at 805 Shinnick Street in Zanesville, Muskingum County, OH. Later, after a divorce, she wed (?) Creighton ( ? - ? ) and made her residence in Athens. Merle spent his years in The Plains, Athens County. He succumbed at the age of 77 on April 13, 2012 while a patient in Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus. At his request, his remains were cremated and placed into repose in Clarks Chapel Cemetery. His survivors included 13 grandchildren and 14 geat-grandchildren. An obituary appeared in the Athens Messenger. Son Vern France ( ? - ? ) married Cara (?). In 2012, their home was in Athens, OH. Son Lynn Minerd France ( ? - ? ) dwelled in Athens in 2012. Son Michael "Mike" France ( ? - ? ) wedded Kylena ( ? ). They resided in Wilmington, OH. Daughter Tina Marie France ( ? - ? ) was deceased by 2012. Son Gregory Allen France (1961-1986) was born on July 10, 1961. He died three days after his 25th birthday on July 13, 1986 in Flushing Township, Belmont County, OH. Interment was in Clarks Chapel Cemetery in Athens County. Daughter Audrey France ( ? -living) was born in (?). She tied the knot with Dale Reasoner Sr. ( ? -living). Their offspring are believed to be Dale Reasoner Jr., Keith Reasoner and twins Thomas M. Reasoner and Timothy Reasoner. The family made its dwelling-place in Athens County, OH circa 1980. The marriage eventually ended in divorce, with Audrey taking the name "Minerd" and living in The Plains, and Dale settling in Cambridge, OH.
~ Son Larry Lee Minerd ~ Larry Lee Minerd (1941-1972) was born in 1941. He faced a lifetime of run-ins with the law, leading to his tragic death. In November 1969, wanted by the Adult Parole authority in Athens, he was apprehended in Temple, NH. State troopers in New Hampshire identified him through the National Crime Investigation Center (NCIC). Extradited back to Athens County, he faced legal charges there. In the 1970s, he made his home in Columbus, Franklin County, OH. Tragically, while in Atlanta at the age of 31, he was mortally shot by a rookie police officer in December 1972 when he held up an employment office and held a teenage girl at gunpoint as a hostage. The story was covered by the Associated Press wires and made headlines in newspapers around the country. ~ Son Roy "Roger" Minerd ~
Son Roy "Roger" Minerd (1945-2004) was born in 1945. He and married Billie Jo Dixon Kiraly (Oct. 4, 1948-2015), daughter of Charles and Harriett Dixon and adopted daughter of Danny and Mabel Kiraly. She was a native of Hollister, OH. The couple produced two children -- Roger D. Minerd Sr. and Brenda Moore. After a separation, Billie Jo began keeping company with Rodney Wright and they remained together in Hollister for the next 32 years until the separation of death. She and Roger divorced in 1986, and she carried the "Minerd" name for the rest of her life. She enjoyed flower gardening, fishing, camping, raccoon hunting and watching television evangelist Rod Parsley. She and here friends Judy and Jack Hogsett frequently played cards together, and she considered friend George Hogsett as a son. Roger lived at Glouster, where he was a member of the Glouster Eagles. On Halloween 2004, tragedy struck. While "participating in Glouster's trick-or-treating ... his homemade 'swamp man' costume caught fire ... while he was giving out candy," said the Athens Messenger. He died of his burns on Nov. 2, 2004, at Ohio State University's Medical Center in Columbus. He was laid to rest in Clark's Chapel Cemetery. Billie Jo passed away at Fairfield Medical Center in Fairfield, Lancaster County, OH at the age of 66 on Aug. 8, 2015. An obituary in the Athens Messenger noted that she was survived by nine grandchildren, all of them living in Glouster. Rev. John Wright led her funeral service at the Bishopville Church of Christ, with burial in Hollister Cemetery. Son Roger Minerd ( ? - ? ) entered into marriage with Misty (?) and lived in Glouster. Daughter Brenda Minerd ( ? - ? ) was married to (?) Moore at one time. In 2015, her home was in Glouster. ~ Son Gary Dwight Minerd ~ Son Gary Dwight Minerd (1948- ? ) was born in about 1948. He married Peggy Jean ( ? - ? ). Three known children born to this union were Melissa Ann Minerd, Victoria Sue Minerd and Gary Dwight Minerd Jr. Circa 2023, they lived in North Carolina. Daughter Melissa Ann Minerd ( ? - ? ) Daughter Victoria Sue Minerd ( ? - ? ) Son Gary Dwight Minerd Jr. ( ? - ? )
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