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Melcher Hammer Funeral Home, 1417 Offnere Street, Portsmouth, OH (2026)

03/27/2026

James “Jim” Michael Bailey, 80, of Portsmouth, OH, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. Born in Portsmouth on November 4, 1945, to the late Frank and Eileen Bailey, Jim will be best remembered for his quick wit, service to others, contagious smile, and inability to remember a name.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Bailey, lovingly deemed “a saint” for being married to Jim, four daughters, or as he called them, “Jimmy’s Angels”: Jaime Madden (Paul) of Portsmouth, Julie Dunning (Tim) of Cincinnati, Jan Bailey of Portsmouth and Katie Shadle (Jon) of Springboro. Jim was a proud Pappaw to 13 grandchildren: Connor, Emma & Lillian Madden; Will (Shannon), Luke, Olivia & Lila Dunning; Millie, Addie & Archie West; Ford, Britton & Hayden Shadle and became a great-grandfather just 3 days before his passing to his 1st great-grandson, Charles John (CJ) Dunning. Jim is also survived by his sister, Sara Kaye Musgrove (Mike) of Wheelersburg, sisters-in-law, Candi Bailey of Panama City, FL, Mary Kay Pennington (Pete) of Chillicothe, Sharon Patrick (Bob) of MI, Lynn Ford (William) of Columbus and brother-in-law, Tom Ford of Las Vegas, NV. “Uncle Jimmy” is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, John Bailey, sister, Margaret Ann Endicott (Bailey), brother-in-law, Glenn Endicott and nephew, Glenn “Frankie” Endicott. He is a 1964 graduate of Wheelersburg High School and member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Jim joined the Portsmouth Fire Department in 1968 where he served as a Lieutenant Firefighter. You may remember him driving “The Mack” in Portsmouth holiday parades throughout the years. During his 38-year career, Jim lead countless firehouse tours for local elementary students earning him the title of “coolest dad” by his daughters. Jim also took considerable pride in stringing Christmas lights throughout the tree-lined streets of Portsmouth across many holiday seasons.
A veteran of the US Navy, Jim served during the Vietnam Era from 1964-1967. He was extremely proud of his service and lovingly talked about his time in the Navy. He was a member of the James Dickey Post 23 American Legion and had a soft spot in his heart for veterans. Jim exemplified this in his work with the Jim Saddler Nursing Home Veterans Program where he helped raise funds for Christmas gifts for disabled veterans in Scioto County.
Jim was a Member of the Knights of Columbus serving as the 4th Degree Assembly Commander. He also worked as the manager of the Knights of Columbus for over 25 years where he was always recruiting new members.
Jim provided maintenance services for the local McDonald restaurants for over 45 years. A side job he acquired in the early 1980’s after receiving and returning excess change for his McDonald’s order. Just one example of the honesty and integrity he lived by.
Jim was a devoted supporter of The Notre Dame Schools and a member of The Notre Dame Athletic Association for over 20 years. He took immense pride in watching his children and his grandchildren play NDHS sports. He was his grandchildren’s greatest fan.

Jim was a tireless volunteer who put the “fun” in fundraiser. Whether he was ringing the Salvation Army bell at Kroger every holiday season or selling tips to raise money for the next great cause, Jim could convince you to part with your last dollar. The phrase “It’s for the kids” became synonymous with Jim Bailey and will undoubtedly be his legacy among the community he loved so dearly.
A mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Stephen Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth, where graveside military rites will be provided by the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23 along with a Last Alarm Service performed at the cemetery by the Portsmouth Fire Department Honor Detail. A visitation for friends and family will precede the mass from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth Is handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Notre Dame Athletic Boosters. (Remember…. it’s for the kids) 2220 Sunrise Ave, Portsmouth, OH 45662 or SOMC Hospice.
A special thank you to SOMC Hospice and SOMC Hospice nurse, Pam Stacy, for taking such wonderful care of Jim and his family during these last few weeks

03/24/2026

James Schmidt, 78, of Winter Haven, FL, formerly of Portsmouth, died Friday, March 20, 2026 at Winter Haven Hospital. He was born July 30, 1947 in Portsmouth, to the late Bert and Victoria (Skaggs) Schmidt. Jim was a retired Real Estate Broker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Sue Schmidt, a brother, Donald Schmidt, and a niece, Crystal Seth.

Jim is survived by his wife, Lorena Hall Schmidt, of Winter Haven, FL, a brother, Dan Schmidt (Sharon) of Rosemount, a nephew, Michael Schmidt (Tia) of Chillicothe, a sister-in-law, Marie Schmidt of West Portsmouth, and a special friend, Dan Wente of Avon Park, FL.

Funeral services will be 11:30 A.M. Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. A burial will follow at Universal Cemetery in Rubyville. A visitation for friends and family will be on Saturday morning, from 10:30 A.M. until the start of service at 11:30 A.M.

03/23/2026

Charles Dean Clark, 76, of Portsmouth, died Saturday, March 22, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born January 28, 1950 in Portsmouth, to the late Charles F. and Reba (Reece) Clark. Charlie retired from R. J. Reynolds To***co as a Senior Sales Rep., working over 30 years. He was an avid golfer, loved rooting for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, Boston Celtics, and the Cincinnati Reds, but most of all, he adored his grandchildren. Charlie was a member of the Elks Country Club since 1971, and also coached junior high basketball at Notre Dame High School.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharon Thacker Clark, whom he married on March 14, 1968, two sons, Chris Clark (Julie) of Portsmouth and Chad Clark (Angela) of Portsmouth, five grandchildren, Jackson Clark, Isabella Clark, Ariebella Clark, Gabrielle Clark, and Case Clark. He I also survived by a sister, Carolyn Kean of Portsmouth, and a niece, Stacy Staker of Portsmouth.

Funeral services will be 3:30 PM Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with Deacon Chris Varacalli officiating. Burial will follow at Scioto Burial Park in McDermott. A visitation for friends and family will be on Saturday, from 1:30 PM until the start of service at 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Charlie to SOMC Hospice for the wonderful care they took of Charlie or to the Steven A. Hunter Hope Fund to help defray the cost of their backpack program.

03/23/2026

Dr. Robert A. Nelson, DDS, of Portsmouth, died peacefully, Saturday, March 21, 2026 at The Sanctuary of the Ohio Valley Senior Nursing Facility in Ironton. He was born January 4, 1934 in Cincinnati, to the late William and Ceceila (Fathbruckner) Nelson.

Bob, or “Doc” to most, was an Air Force veteran, having served in the Vietnam War, graduated from Xavier University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1958, and then graduating from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry in 1962. Dr. Nelson practiced for over 64 years, right up until he became sick. He was a proud member of the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23 Honor Guard, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree, Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, and he joined the Lions Club in 1965. He founded the Dental Assistant Program at Scioto County Joint Vocational School and was co-founder of the Dental Hygiene Department at Shawnee State University. Not only was he just a member of most Dental Associations, he was elected or appointed committee member, chairman, or delegate in almost every capacity. Doc was very proud of his time serving his country in the military and was equally proud of his accomplishments in the dental profession.

Some of his professional affiliations, American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, Ohio Academy of General Dentistry, Southern Ohio Dental Society, American College Dentist, Federation Dentaire Internationale, Holistic Dental Association, International Academy of Microendocrinology, Academy of Gold Foil Operators, American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, Central Ohio Academy of Dental Practice Administration, George M. Hollenbach Operative Dentistry Study Club, W.G. Sutherland Temporomandibular Cranial Dental Group, Pierre Fauchard Academy, Ohio Dental Options Committee, Cranial Academy, Scioto Memorial Hospital - Former Staff Member, Chair Credentials Committee, Mercy Hospital – Former Staff Member, Chair Credentials Committee.

Elected and Appointed Positions - American Dental Association: Delegate and Alternate (18 years), Member of the Constitution and By Laws Committee (4 years). Ohio Dental Association: Ohio Dental Association Member 1964-Present. Chair & Member of Numerous Councils, Sub-Councils and Committees, Contact Dentist, Sub-Council on Dentists Concerned for Dentist-Co-Founder and Present Member, Co-Founder ODA Peer Review Committee, 9 years on State-Wide Peer Review Committee, Chair of Southern Ohio Peer Review Committee – 1975 to present, Member of the Select Committee that was charged with updating portions of the State of Ohio Dental Practice Act.

The Ohio State University College of General Dentistry: Blue Ribbon Committee-Member, Served on The Faculty & Curriculum Sub Committee

Ohio Academy of General Dentistry: Chair-Constitution and By Laws Committee, PACE-Chair, Director District VII

Southern Ohio Dental Society - All offices held numerous times: The Central Ohio Academy of Dental Practice Administration, President Emeritus-held all offices

Community Involvement- Member of the following: St. Mary’s of the Annunciation Catholic Church, Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, American Legion-Life Member, Honor Guard and Memorial Day Parade Committee, Parade Marshall, Portsmouth Lions Club – 1965-present, District Trustee, served in all offices, Knights of Columbus – served in all offices.

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry: Numerous Presentations to Dental Students on Operative Dentistry and Practical Management.

Shawnee State University: Co-Founder of Dental Hygiene Department.

Scioto County Joint Vocational School: Founder of Dental Assistant Program

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sheila Nelson, two sisters, Alice Rose Bucheit and Wilma Gosink, and a brother, William Michael Nelson II.

Doc is survived by his children; Patrica Scarberry (Rick) of Franklin Furnace, Kevin Nelson (Pam), of Gig Harbor, WA, Sharon Nelson (Dave Manguso) of Montrose, CO, and Lisa Kinsey of Hubert, N.C, seven grandchildren that he adored, Drew Scarberry, Devan Spriggs (Stefan), Brooke Kinsey, Grant Kinsey, Michaela Nelson, Mackenzi Cullen (Jon), and Miranda Wood (Caleb), and a great-grandson on the way in May of this year, Barrett Lee Spriggs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 PM Thursday, March 26, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Stephen Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth, where graveside military rites will be provided by the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23. A visitation for friends and family will be on Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. A Recitation of the Rosary will immediately follow the conclusion of visitation Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

The family would like to give a special thank you for the exceptional care the medical staff gave to their father; Dr. Hamm and staff, SOMC Hospice, and the staff at Sanctuary of Ohio Valley.

In lieu of flowers, donations can me made in memory of Dr. Nelson to Notre Dame Schools, SOMC Hospice, or the Ohio Dental Association’s Political Action Committee, ODPAC.

03/20/2026

Phillip J. Malone, 71, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, March 18,2026 at SOMC Hospice. He was born February 13, 1955 in Aberdeen, Maryland, to the late, John and Anne (Coyle) Malone.

Phillip was proud of his many years in law enforcement, especially being the original 911 dispatcher for Scioto County. However, what he was more publicly known for was his work as a DJ, both with WPAY and his mobile services as Phil “Magic” Malone. If Phil didn’t make your feet move, he most likely touched your heart or someone else’s you know with his many years volunteering for Boy Scouts of America. He also served as a 4th degree knight with the Knights of Columbus.

Along with his parents Phillip is preceded in death by a brother, John Francis Malone.

He is survived by his sons Scott Malone (Chassidy) and Cody Malone, both of Portsmouth, his siblings, Greg (Sharon) Malone of Lucasville, David (Jacqui) Malone of Portsmouth, Mark (Kay) Malone of Sciotoville, Deanne (John) Henry of Waynesville, Mary (Ed) Anderson of Lucasville, and Dan (Beth) Malone of McDermott, six grandchildren; Brooklynn Howard, Brady Malone, Peyton Howard, Riley Malone, Mylee Malone, and Carson Malone-Whitt and twelve nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 12:00 PM Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church with Father Stephen Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Portsmouth. A visitation for friends and family will be 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth. A Recitation of the Rosary will follow at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Phil, to Sierra’s Haven for New and Used Pets, 80 Easter Drive, Portsmouth, OH 45662.

03/12/2026

Michael Ray Maddix, 78, of New Boston, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born November 2, 1947 in Portsmouth, to the late Harold and Della Lewis Maddix. Mike was a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the United States Army. He worked as a salesman at Wil-Car for 25 years before retiring from Southern Ohio Correctional Facility. Mike loved to hunt, fish, and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister who died in infancy, Beverly Gayle Maddix.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ruth Hood Maddix, two daughters, Michele (Jamie) James of Wheelersburg and Kimberly “Kimmy” Ann (Bryan) Johnson of Lucasville, five grandchildren, Evan (Jennifer) Adkins of West Portsmouth, Emily (Cody Brown) Howard of Wheelersburg, Erin (Garrett) Wheeler of Chesapeake, Eden Howard of Wheelersburg, and Milyn James of Wheelersburg, and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 12:00 PM Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth, with Pastors Cal Ray Evans and Raymond Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Franklin Furnace, where military rites will be provided by the American Legion, James Dickey Post #23. A visitation for friends and family will be on Saturday morning at the funeral home from 10:00 AM until the start of service at noon.

03/10/2026

Sandra K. Middleton, 67, of West Portsmouth, died Sunday, March 8, 2026 at SOMC Hospice surrounded by her family.
She was born April 4, 1958 in Portsmouth, to the late Ralph and Juanita Gross Sexton.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded n death by a son Michael Swords, a grandson, Michael Anthony Swords Jr., her siblings, Joe, Bill, Mike, Dave, Brian, Mary, Judy, Renee, Sharon, and Brenda, and her significant other of 17 years Guy Spencer.
Sandy is survived by her son, Ronald Swords of West Portsmouth, a daughter and son inlaw, Rhonda Meadows (Larry) of West Portsmouth.
Her Grandchildren Joshua Mead(kayla) of west Portsmouth, Brandon Mead (Abbie) of blue creek Ohio ,Ashley Chapman (Shauntice) of Portsmouth, Dustin Meadows (Alexyse) of west Portsmouth,Kaleb Swords of west Portsmouth, Kyleigh swords of South Carolina,Devin Swords of Portsmouth, and Chris Shover of Portsmouth. Great-grandchildren Myla,brantley, Gavin, kash, Kamira ,Kingston ,Salem, kayson lynkon ,c**t ,Justus, My’Leiyah ,dominic & AbeLynn and several nieces and nephews.
Sandra was a wonderful grandmother and loved her family, kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly . She loved seeing and spending time with them. She was big on Christmas and crime shows, like Chicago fire and the Hallmark Channel. She was very sweet and loved everyone for who they was she was such a wonderful soul and will be missed dearly.
"Though her body's gone, her soul remains, Watching over her loved ones. through life's joys and pains.
Psalm 32:8 ”I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
"A grandmother’s love is a legacy that lives on in the hearts of her family forever.
The family would like to send thanks to SOMC hospice and their staff for caring for her and having so much compassion & support for her daughter and guiding her through being her mother’s caregiver until the very end. The family will be having a celebration of life on Tuesday March 10th from 12:00 to 4:00 at 9766 state route 335 Minford Ohio. Friends and family are welcome to come show your love support and memories of Sandra. Everyone is welcome.
Melcher Hammer Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

03/10/2026

Wilma McCarty, 72, of New Boston, died Saturday, March 7, 2026 at SOMC Hospice. She was born October 16, 1953 in Portsmouth, to the late Wilbur and Myrtle Jackson Hull. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Tom, Jim, Gale, Wendell, John Hull, Retha Cantrell, and Patsy Whitt.
She is survived by her husbad, Larry McCarty, of New Boston, a daughter, Treasa Carmichael (Ryan) of Lafayette, TN,a son, Shannon Keith Ward of New Boston, a brother, Kenneth Hull (Eleanor) of Portsmouth, a sister, Rosemary Bellar of Wheelersburg, a brother-in-law, Henry Cantrell of Portsmouth, and three sisters-in-law, Carmen Hull of Minford, Paula Hull of Portsmouth, and Lori Hull of Wheelersburg, and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind three grandchildren that she adored, Taylor Coots (Jaron), Avery Carmichael, and Aiden Carmichael.

Services will be at the convenience of the family and are under the direction of Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

03/07/2026

Sheila Christina Blankenship, 70, of Portsmouth, died Wednesday, March 5, 2026, at Southern Ohio Medical Center. She was born September 14, 1955, in Circleville, Ohio, to the late Ralph Blankenship and Louise (Cox) Prieto.

Sheila was known for her caring heart and kind nature. When she could find the time, she enjoyed sewing. She will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and the memories she created with those closest to her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Cinda Stoltz.

She is survived by her daughter, Dawn Blankenship-Montenegro (Rommel) of Land O’ Lakes, Florida; two sons, Duffy Blankenship of Columbus and Brian Blankenship of Lucasville; a brother, Ralph William Blankenship Jr. of Newark; and two sisters, Tammy Carr and Tina Bentley of Portsmouth.

She is also survived by three grandchildren, Amanda Montenegro, Joshua Montenegro, and Sarah Kim (John); a great-granddaughter, Nabi Dawn Kim; and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are under the direction of Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth.

She will be remembered by those who knew her.

03/05/2026

Teresa Ellen Huffman- Kelly, 68, of Portsmouth, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026. Teresa Ellen worked for SOCF, Daniel's Head, and USEC for many years and was also a registered nurse. She was born on December 4, 1957 to the late Clyde and Kathleen Patterson Huffman. She was very strong willed and had a love for her pets, especially her dogs, Wolfie & Amy. She is survived by her husband, Michael Kelly, daughter, Stacey Prater Ratliff, grandson, Justin Ratliff, stepson, Brian Kelly, stepdaughter, Kate Kelly, step-grandson, Eli Kelly, sister, Julie (Michael) Bricker, and special friends, Weese Dilley and Morris Liddle. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Her light lives on in our hearts. The family wishes to thank Riverside Methodist Hospital for their compassionate care for our dear Ellen. A graveside service will be held at Memorial Burial Park in Wheelrsburg on March 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes a donation be made to Sierras Haven. Melcher Hammer Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

02/17/2026

Mary Jane Jones, 93, of West Portsmouth, died Saturday, February 14, 2026 at her home, surrounded by family. She was born October 13, 1932 in Portsmouth, to the late Raymond and Hester Ray Coyle.

Mary Jane worked in Human Resources most of her working career, starting at Williams Shoe Manufacturing and ending at Southern Ohio Medical Center.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Robert Jones, who died on March 31, 2013, a son, Robert “Bobby” Jones, who died on August 4, 2019, her siblings, Steve Coyle, James Coyle, Peggy Alig, and Phyllis Ann Malone.

Mary Jane is survived by her children, Charles “Chuck” Jones of Delaware, OH, Carol Ann Walter of Patalaska, OH, Annette Ginn (Jeff) of Enterprise, AL, Mary Ellen Coy of Portsmouth, and Karen Cwiekowski of Portsmouth, a brother, John Coyle (Barbara) of Cincinnati, two sisters, Kathie Meinrod (Robert) of Vernal, Utah, and Barbara Montavon (Gary) of California, 10 grandchildren, Shawn Walter (Johna), Elizabeth Hamner (Josh), Adam Jones (Kristina), Aaron Jones (Ashley), Jeffrey Ginn (Megan), Amanda Parker (Jarod), Cory Sanders (Jessi), Kerri Kelley (John), Casey Sanders, and Macie Jones, 19 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church with Father Michael Fulton officiating. Burial will follow at Scioto Burial Park in McDermott. A visitation for friends and family will be on Monday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth, where a Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 7:00 PM.

02/03/2026

Charles “Doug” Williams, 68, of Portsmouth, died Thursday, January 29, 2026 at his home. He was born August 31, 1957 in Portsmouth, to the late Leo Williams and Hazel Pratt Osborne.
Doug was a long-haul truck driver retiring in 2023 from YRC. He loved his family immensely and was the official score keeper of the “brownie points” that he earned from all of his loved ones.

In addition to his parents, his was preceded in death by three sisters, America Williams, Charlene Rickards, and Shirley Howard.

Doug is survived by his only child, Alicia Williams of Pemberton, NJ, two brothers, Dale Williams of West Portsmouth, and Leo Williams. He is also survived by nieces and nephews, that felt more like siblings, Juanita Sissel (Joe) of Portsmouth, Linda Swords (John) of West Portsmouth, John Howard (Beverly) of West Portsmouth, and David Rickards of West Portsmouth, along with many dear friends.

Services made be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Melcher Hammer Funeral Home in Portsmouth is assisting with the arrangements.

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