James ‘Bill’ Graham
MOUNT VERNON — James “Bill” Graham, 69, of Harcourt Road, Mount Vernon, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.

He was born April 28, 1937, in Mount Vernon, to John Clifford and Effie (Jones) Graham. Bill retired in 1986 after 29 years of employment with Chattanooga Glass in Mount Vernon. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1961.

He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Robbie (Curry) Graham; a son, Rock (Karen) Foglesong of Mount Vernon; a daughter, Kim (Joseph) Smith of Mount Vernon; five grandchildren, Rocky, Kain, Kylie, Kelsey and Eric; two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Kaid; and a sister, Betty Nardi of California.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard Graham, Clifford Graham, Bob Graham; and a sister, Eileen Christopher.

There will be a graveside service with military honors provided by the Knox County Joint Veterans Council on Monday, July 3, at 11 a.m. in Mound View Cemetery. The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. This obituary and guest registry are online at www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.

Benjamin J. Laymon
MOUNT VERNON — Sgt. Benjamin J. Laymon, 22, of Mount Vernon died Saturday, June 24, 2006, as a result of an IED explosion while serving his country in South Baghdad, Iraq.

Benjamin was born Nov. 15, 1983, in Mount Vernon. He was a 2002 graduate of Mount Vernon High School where he played varsity football. He enlisted into the Army in September 2002 and received his basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C. Following basic training, he received advanced infantry training in Fort Sill, Okla., and paratrooper training at Fort Benning, Ga. In January 2003 he reported to Fort Hood, Texas, where he was assigned to the 3-16th attached to Task Force Ironhorse 4th Infantry Division and received his deployment orders to Iraq for his first tour of duty in March 2003. Following his tour of duty he returned to Fort Hood in March 2004. Ben was promoted to sergeant that spring and also received training on the Bradley fighting vehicle before returning for his second tour of duty in Iraq in November 2005.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Gale (David) Harstine, and father, James (Kathy) Laymon, both of Mount Vernon; three brothers, Trevor (Jennifer) Purdy of Mount Vernon, Curt (Laura) Purdy of Columbus and Andrew Laymon of Mount Vernon; maternal grandmother, Loretta Wiseman and paternal grandmother, Irene Fowler, both of Mount Vernon; aunts, Beverly (James) Sivits of Gambier, Pat (John) Scott and Judy Fowler, all of Mount Vernon, and Judy (Bob) Tubbs of Williamsburg, Va.; uncles, Ronald (Candy) Laymon of Mount Vernon, Richard (Shirley) Laymon of Newark and George (Jeane) Fowler of Gambier; special friend, Jessica Frazee of Columbus; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by a maternal grandfather, Roy Wiseman; paternal grandfather, Howard Laymon; and uncle, Bob Fowler.

Ben will be sadly missed by family and friends, but long remembered for his fun-loving spirit and his love for children.

Family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 110 E. Vine St., Mount Vernon, OH 43050, where funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jamie Gump officiating. Burial will be in Moundview Cemetery with military honors.

The North-Dilley Funeral Home of Mount Vernon is handling of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ben’s name to Mount Vernon Schools Athletic Dept., 300 Newark Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.

Information on the arrival time of Laymon’s body will be published in Saturday’s edition of the News and online at www.mountvernonnews.com.

This obituary along with an online registry page may be viewed at www.dilleyfuneralservice.com.

Robert A. McFadden
DANVILLE — Robert Arthur McFadden, 74, died Wednesday, June 28, 2006, at his home.

He was born June 19, 1932, in Pocahontas County, W.Va., to the late Arthur and Nancy (Roberts) McFadden. On March 26, 1955, he married Marcina E. McDonald, who survives. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, and he was a member of the American Legion Post 650, the Central Draft Horse Association and the Buckeye Horse Pullers.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, Roger (Kim) and Jim (Donna) McFadden of Danville; two daughters, Shirley (Ron) Horne of Danville and Rose (Paul) Crawford of Loudonville; five grandchildren, Heather, Robbie, Bryant, Tyler and Samie; two brothers, French and Keith McFadden; and two sisters, Mary Ellen McDonald and Bertha Fortney.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Ashford, Arnel, Walter and Harlan; and a sister, Lily.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 1, at 10 a.m. at the Fischer Funeral Home in Danville. The Rev. F. Richard Snoke will officiate. Burial will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery. Calling hours will be today from 5 to 8 p.m. Information is available at www.fischerfuneralhome.com.