When a loved one dies, it’s natural to feel lost and alone. But in the face of such immense grief, many people reach out to community members for support. And that’s what the news is all about: celebrating the lives of others. This series will feature some of the most touching Lima news obits. These stories will remind you that although we may never meet in person, we are connected through love and loss. So join us as we pay tribute to some of our favorite people in Lima.
J.D. Payne
J.D. Payne, a former news anchor, and reporter at KUSI-TV in San Diego, passed away on March 21 at 61 after a long battle with cancer. It was known as one of the most passionate journalists in southern California, and his work aired on KUSI for over 20 years.
Payne started his career as an anchor and reporter at KUSI in 1990. He quickly becomes well-known for his hard work and passion for covering local news. During his time at KUSI, he was responsible for covering a range of stories, including the Tijuana drug war, the OJ Simpson trial, and the 1994 Northridge earthquake.
In 2002, Payne left KUSI to join Bay News 9 in New York City as their evening news anchor. He remained with Bay News 9 until 2006, when he returned to San Diego to join KGTV-TV as their morning news anchor. In 2010, Payne retired from journalism after 37 years of working in the industry.
Throughout his career, Payne was known for his effusive interviews and intimate stories that always brought a smile to viewers’ faces. His death has left many heartbroken; he will be remembered as one of the most passionate journalists in southern California history.
Barbara Bush
Barbara Pierce Bush (born April 17, 1925) is an American politician and the wife of George H.W. Bush, former President of the United States. She was First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993 and was later President of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Doreen Virtue
Doreen Virtue was a selfless human who touched the lives of countless people. The Lima News obits writer shared this story about Doreen:
Doreen Virtue was born in 1941 in Lima news obits, Ohio. She graduated from Lima East High School and studied at Bowling Green State University. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, she moved to California and worked as a secretary for several companies before moving back to Ohio in 1977. Doreen married her husband, Bob, in 1978, and they had two children.
Doreen began working at the Lima Municipal Court as a clerk in 1988. She quickly became known as a kind, caring person who always had time for everyone she met. Her work ethic was exemplary, and she soon became the court administrator. In addition to her work at the municipal court, Doreen served on many community boards and committees.
Doreen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016 and decided to fight the disease head-on. She refused treatment that would have prolonged her life but would have caused significant pain and discomfort. Instead, Doreen chose to undergo surgery that would give her some quality of life while she fought cancer. Doreen continued chemotherapy treatments following surgery until finally succumbing to the disease on December 7, 2017, at 72 years old.
Throughout her life, Doreen touched the lives of countless people with her kindness.
Robert Wadlow
At 7’11” and weighing just 315 pounds, Robert Wadlow was the world’s tallest person ever. He died on January 18 in a hospital near Las Vegas. Wadlow lived until he was 16 years old, and his height stunted his growth. At the time of his death, he was only 78 pounds heavier than when he was first measured at 7 feet and 3 inches in 1956.
Wadlow’s story is one of hope, resilience, and redemption. Born to an unwed mother in 1931 in West Virginia, Wadlow grew up living on welfare and bouncing between relatives’ homes. In 1956, when Wadlow was 16 years old, he applied for admission to The Ohio State University, where he would become the world’s tallest man (not to be confused with “world’s shortest man” Ahmad al-Azhar). But even though Ohio State accepted him as a student, they refused to admit him because of his height. Undeterred by this setback, Wadlow continued to pursue his education and eventually earned a degree from The Ohio State University in 1961.
After graduating from college, Wadlow began working as a truck driver for Southern Pacific Railroad Company but had trouble finding employment because of his height. In 1971, Wadlow met journalist Bill Unruh who helped him land an interview with American television personality Dick Clark who offered Wadlow a job as a guest performer.
Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve, the iconic Hollywood actor, and humanitarian, tragically passed away on October 10 after a long battle with paralysis. Reeve was known for his roles in seminal films such as “Superman” and “The Lord of the Rings,” but his work as an advocate for spinal cord injury awareness and research made him a hero to many.
Jerry Lewis
Jerry Lewis was known for his many comedic roles in films such as The Nutty Professor, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The King of Comedy. Lewis also had a successful music career, releasing dozens of albums and singles. He was a fixture on the Vegas circuit and often performed at the Mirage, where he died from cardiac arrest on September 17 at 91.
