Posthumous Distinguished Service Award

Hope, inspiration, courage, and love are words always described about Colby. For 10 years, he battled cancer in the form of a rare brain tumor, yet he never stopped doing everything in his power to help others, and wanted others to understand that he wasn’t the only child that needed help, other kids needed help too. Through his medical journey, the Colby’s Stars Foundation was born, a nonprofit organization created to help children who are fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. This foundation today is still notoriously known for its annual kickball tournament now attended by hundreds of participants. Known for bringing out the best in everyone through his positivity, smile, and jokes today, he lives on through his foundations continued efforts.

John was a graduate of Waynesburg Central High School, class of 1962 and also held an MBA from Waynesburg College (now University). His first job was with the department store AE Troutman Company. He later worked as the director of food service & marketing at Greene County Memorial Hospital, executive director of United Way, and Habitat for Humanity. He also worked at Polo Ralph Lauren as long as his health permitted.

A traveler with an endless curiosity about the world, John had a treasure of anecdotes and was a gifted storyteller. His journey began in 1969 with an excursion to Europe. He eventually visited 24 countries, hosted four Rotary exchange students, and instilled in his children the value and wonder of traveling the world.

John was a talented artist. Working in watercolor and stained glass, he brough beauty and joy to the many recipients of his art. Another art form was John’s cooking. He created the popular Lettuce Patch in Waynesburg in 1980. Implementing an idea that had come to him in a dream, withing six weeks he had painted the 23-ft walls with scenes from the Montmartre section of Paris. After selling the restaurant in 1990, he continued utilizing his culinary talents by catering events of all sizes, from high school graduations to meals for three Pennsylvania governors. Yest another art form he enjoyed was community theatre.

He was a three-time president of the Waynesburg Chamber of Commerce, a founding member of Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful, a founding member of Artisans Consignment Art Gallery, and a member of the Rain Day Special Events Commission for 26 years. John attended the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg most of his life. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg at the time of his death. As a lifelong resident of Waynesburg, he took pride in living in Greene County.

Larry resided in Waynesburg his entire life, where he served his family and community with diligence, knowledge and guidance.

Larry graduated in 1968 from Waynesburg University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and earned a Master’s equivalent in Mathematics and Physics from West Virginia University and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He taught honors physics at Trinity High School in Washington for 39 years. Upon retirement from teaching, Larry returned to work as the athletic director of Waynesburg University for seven years and recently as the special assistant to the president for Community Relations for three years. For his many contributions to the University and the community, he was recognized with the Distinguished Alumni Award this past April. Larry played on the Waynesburg University men’s basketball team, later serving as assistant coach under head basketball coach Rudy Marisa for 24 years. He worked at the Tri-State Basketball Camp for 34 years during the month of July. He coached the Trinity High School boys’ basketball team for five years and the Waynesburg Central High School girls’ basketball team for seven years.

Serving his community, Larry was an active member of the Waynesburg-Franklin Township Fire Company for over 57 years. He served as fire chief for 25 years, assistant fire chief for two years, captain for four years, lieutenant for one year, and had been a trustee since 2011. He taught and trained hundreds of firefighters as a Pennsylvania State fire instructor for 48 years through the Pennsylvania Fire Academy in Lewistown. He previously served with the Pennsylvania State Fire Safety Advisory Committee. He belonged to Keystone Chapter Fire Service Instructors, Greene County Fireman’s Association, (president for 29 years), and the Western Pa. Fireman’s Association. He was an honorary member of the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department in West Virginia, where he also was a judge of fire and emergency apparatus for 38 years during the Buckwheat Festival.

Larry served as manager of the Greene County Fair for 42 years and as the Main Street manager of Waynesburg Prosperous & Beautiful for 12 years. He was a member of the Waynesburg Borough Council for 19 years and served seven years as president of the Council.

Morgan Yoney, 29 of Waynesburg passed peacefully on Tuesday, June 27th 2023, surrounded by loved ones after a lifelong battle against Cystic Fibrosis. Morgan lived her life to the fullest any day she could. Her lighthearted energy filled everyone with laughter. She started the annual Morgan’s Army blanket drive in 2015. Since then, thousands of blankets have been donated to hospitals and organizations in the local area each holiday season.

Throughout her journey, she made connections world-wide to educate people on the importance of Organ Donation. Morgan was blessed with 13 more years through the selfless gift from Casey Moore and an anonymous donor for her second lung transplant. She found passion in helping and encouraging other friends with Cystic Fibrosis who are making the same journey. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, and spending time with family, friends, and her beloved dogs. She also enjoyed watching after and caring for others pets when she was able.

Shaunn was born on June 9, 1973, the son of Roy Negley and Shirley Patterson Negley.

Shaunn made the world a better place through his kind, generous and helpful presence. Shaunn volunteered at The Waynesburg County Humane Society, Relay For Life and Toys For Tots. He was a member of The Waynesburg Moose Lodge #461 and the Waynesburg Eagles. Shaunn was an avid bowler, he also played softball and speed skated. He loved to play bingo with his mom.

Shaunn is survived by his parents, his sister, Bianca Willis and husband, Shawn; his nephew Joshua Willis and wife Lauren; his fur babies, BoBo and Nellie and his beloved family and friends.

To say that John Brodak was a “man of many talents” is an understatement.  Throughout his long life, John was a visionary entrepreneur, with Carmichaels and the surrounding area being the beneficiaries of his efforts.

In addition to being a savvy businessman (and electrician, disk jockey and Pennsylvania National Guardsman) who constructed grocery stores, Brodak Printing Company, Brodak Hobby Shop, J&G Electric, and Brodak Manufacturing and Distributing Company, Inc., among others, John’s varied interests extended to softball, baseball, and model airplanes.  He pursued each of his interests with unequaled passion and drive.

While the Carmichaels area and its residents certainly were provided with retail opportunities and benefits resulting from his efforts, his community service activities were similarly impressive. He served as an officer of both the Carmichaels and Fredericktown Chambers of Commerce, was a Fourth Degree recipient from the John F. Kennedy Memorial Council 3569, Knights of Columbus, an officer in the King Coal Association, member of the Carmichaels Lions Club (where he was honored as “Man of the Year”), and a board member of the Greene County Industrial Development Authority.  This list is not all inclusive!

A devoted family man, John encouraged children of all ages to share his love of building and flying control line airplanes.  His final dream was to provide a place for those similarly invested in this passion to visit.  The result is the Brodak Tower 1 Aviation Museum located at 100 Park Avenue in Carmichaels, which opened posthumously.

Thus, in recognition of all of his contributions to Greene County, it is with great pleasure that the Greene County Chamber of Commerce recognizes John G. Brodak with its Distinguished Service Award.

Rick was the driving force in bringing the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Greene County. Kind of like a pitbull with a bone, when Rick got an idea in his head, particularly an idea that would support or recognize veterans, you couldn’t change his mind.

He formed a committee, and we went to work in raising fund to cover the expense of bringing the Traveling Wall to Waynesburg. With his leadership, we raised enough funds, coordinated access to the county fairgrounds, and organized a weekend long display of the wall. The event included military honors, several speeches, volunteers to help visitors, handicapped accessibility, 24-hour security, and food service for all the volunteers.

This was a wonderfully successful event with an estimated 10,000 visitors paying tribute to our veterans, their service to our country, and the loss and sacrifice so many have endured.

Following the successful Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wal event, the same committee led by Rick, embarked on a permanent monument dedicated to all service members known to any Greene Countian by a remarkable granite and concrete memorial in a park setting. This is a more that 125,000 project. Rick’s vision and passion for veterans is reflected in the quality of this monument.

Rick also spearheaded numerous events at the VFW; Christmas in July, he rang the Salvation Army Bell and dressed as an elf, he helped organize the Veterans Day parade, numerous times, and was always quick to organize an event to honor a veteran who had turned 100 or to celebrate a military anniversary.

Rick was selfless and always gave his time and energy toward veteran programs, services, and recognition ceremonies. He had big ideas and his enthusiasm pushed others to fill in the details. He was a visionary who was excellent at garnering support both financial and individuals to help with the projects.

Rick was a servant leader with a heart of gold. From his military service during the Vietnam War to his continued support of the veterans and their families, Rick exemplified service before self. He will be missed.

Brian Tennant was a lifelong resident of Greene County and public servant. Following his 2001 graduation from Waynesburg Central High School, he joined the Waynesburg/Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company earning Firefighter I, Firefighter II, and Vehicle Rescue Technician certifications.

Brian broadened his public service efforts earning an AMT certification and began employment at EMS Southwest, the local ambulance service where he worked for several years.

During his time there, he received several awards including; The Pennsylvania Fireman’s Association, Earl Dundore Humanitarian Serice Award, the Western Pennsylvania Fireman’s Association Award for Valor, and Award and Medal for Meritorious Service and Lifesaving from Waynesburg Borough, and a Citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for his courageous actions during a house fire while on duty as a Police Officer.

Shortly thereafter in 2010, he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Following extensive treatment and recovery, Brian successfully ran for public office becoming the youngest sheriff in Pennsylvania in 2013 at the age of 30. As the first Greene County Sheriff to graduate from the National Sheriff’s Institute, Brian had many notable accomplishments during his first term. In addition to the solicitation and receiving of thousands of dollars for the improvement of the Sheriff’s Office he greatly expanded community outreach efforts and presence. There was also significant expansion of the Sheriff’s Office through the addition of security forces, broadening access to gun permits, “drug take-back drives”, and Internship Program with Waynesburg University Criminal Justice Department, and county-wide initiatives for Institution of the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program into all five school districts within Greene County.

Tennant won re-election in 2017 and led the Sheriff’s Office to assist the limited law enforcement resources within the county facilitating joint training and efforts among agencies.

Mr. Tennant was a Paul Harris Dellow and help memberships in many organizations including; Rotary Club of Waynesburg, First Baptist Church, the Free ad Accepted Masons Lodge #153, the NRA, Firearm Owners Against Crime, Pennsylvania Narcotics Office Association, Nort American Police Work Dog Association, Pennsylvania Sheriff’s Association, and The Pennsylvania Society.

He was a supporter of many local programs including the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. He participated in fund raising efforts in addition to sharing his personal experiences as a cancer patient and public servant with others. Mr. Tennant is survived by his wife, Jessica and four sons.

Glenn William Gensler, “Bill”, was a life-long resident of Greene County.  Bill began his service to others at an early age: shoveling snow in the winter, mowing lawns in the summer, delivering daily newspapers and assisting his mother in the care of his grandparents.

Bill was a Waynesburg Central High School graduate.  Following high school, Bill earned an Accounting degree from Robert Morris University, and subsequently an Elementary Education degree from Waynesburg College,

Bill student taught at Amity School where he met his wife of 45 years, Joy.  Bill then began his teaching career at Whiteley School in Greene County.  He then transitioned to East Ward Elementary School in Waynesburg Borough.  In Bill’s twenty-five years of teaching in the Central Greene School District, he had a positive impact on the lives of many children.  During his career, he bestowed his generosity to many children and their families that were in need.

Bill was a faithful and humble servant of God.  He was a life-long member of the First United Methodist Church of Waynesburg, where he served on the Board of Trustees and as the Sunday School Treasurer for nearly thirty years.

Bill was also a dedicated member of the Waynesburg Lions Club, where he actively participated within the community.  He enjoyed events such as the annual Halloween Parade, 4^th of July celebration and driving a local queen or honoree in his antique Nash in the Christmas Parade.

Most importantly, Bill adored and was devoted to his family.  Bill has a strong bond with his mother, and cared for her through her years.  He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  If you had the privilege of running into Bill out and about, you would hear how proud he was of his daughter Ann and his granddaughters Madeline and Emily.  He never met at stranger, and enjoyed telling stories.

Dave was a man worthy of respect and love who lived for his family and to serve his community. Dave began his service to the community and to others early in life by pushing a lawn mower across town to mow grass. While attending Waynesburg High School, he worked to help support himself and his family at the local business, Spragg Wool. Following high school graduation, he stayed in Waynesburg and attended Waynesburg College which he graduated from in 1966 with a bachelor’s degree in history. While attending Waynesburg College, he worked at Waynesburg Milling Company. In June 1965 he married his wife Mary Anne, whom he’d met at college.

Dave began selling life insurance at the Goodwin Agency after college to support his family. It was there that his charisma, charm, and natural expertise in business gave him the opportunity to turn himself in to the Waynesburg businessman, community supporter, and volunteer many remember and respected. He went on to become part owner of the Goodwin Agency.

He was a past president of the Waynesburg Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow, as well as a board member of the former Greene County Memorial Hospital and the Greene County Community Foundation. He earned the degree of Master Mason with the Waynesburg Lodge of Free and Accepted Mason’s lodge no. 153. In addition, he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg where he served in various roles and leadership positions frequently offering his expertise in business and gardening.

Those close with him will always remember his love for golf, cycling, gardening, and most significantly his love for his family.

Mr. Lindsay was a 1968 graduate of Chartiers High School. On May 5th, 1973, he married Jeanette Blair Lindsay. He was the owner of Waynesburg Milling Company. He began working as a produce manager for Thorofare Supermarkets. He later worked as a journeyman machinist at Washington Mould and Foundry, and as a quality control manager for Dynamet Corp. He was also owner and partner in T.L.C. Family Amusement Center in Waynesburg.
He served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard 112th Tactical Fighter Group.
Mr. Lindsay was a member of First United Methodist Church in Waynesburg. He was also a member of Rices Landing Boat Club, and a former member of Waynesburg Lions Club. He served as a Boy Scout leader during the formation of Troop 1280 in Waynesburg.
He was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing dartball.

John Paul McCracken was born on April 14, 1957 in Columbus, Ohio. He was the son of the late Jack and Dolores McCracken.

Soon after his birth, he and his parents moved to Waynesburg, Pennsylvania where he spent the rest of his life.

John graduated from Waynesburg Central High School in 1976 and thereafter attended Salem University in West Virginia where he studied Education. Upon his return from Salem, John began his career at McCracken Pharmacy where the community came to know him in his steadfast role of Delivery Man. John worked at McCracken Pharmacy for over 30 years until his unexpected death.

John was a member of Whiteley Creek Community Church, and a member of Waynesburg Lodge F and AM 153 and Valley of Uniontown.  He was also a member of the Isaac Walton League of America, and a member of the Independent Order of OddFellows where he served a full term as Noble Grand.  An avid fan of the Three Stooges, Penn State and the Pittsburgh Pirates, John enjoyed bowling and driving his Mustang convertible.

Surviving are his two brothers, Jeff (Helen) of Waynesburg and Jay (Anne) of Bluffton, Ohio and his four nieces: Elissa, Lindsay, Katie and Molly.

John died at the age of 56 on August 23, 2013 in his home. We will always remember him as the beloved longtime McCracken Pharmacy Delivery Man.

Charles “Joe Behm III was a native of Greene County and a lifelong resident of Wind Ridge. Behm was an auctioneer and partner in Behm’s Auction Service and a licensed real estate salesman, broker and appraiser. At the age of 12, he was a member of the first graduating class of Knotts School of Auctioneering at Wheeling College. In 1970, he was recognized as the youngest licensed auctioneer in the United States and appeared as a contestant on “To Tell the Truth.”

He was a 1976 graduate of West Greene High School and studies real estate through Penn State University and the International Society of Appraisers. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Waynesburg, where he served as a deacon and trustee. He was well known to the Greene County 4-H program, having served as a leader and board member. He provided auctioneer services to the 4-H youth livestock sales at both the Greene County and Jacktown Fairs. He was a member of the board of directors of the Jacktown Fair for many years and a member of Waynesburg Lodge 153 F&AM.

Dr. Thomas W. Mering was born in Spokane, Washington and graduated from Gonzaga University in 1939. In 1943 he graduated from Marguette University School of Medicine and then completed his internship in Pittsburgh.

During World War II, he served as a battalion surgeon in the U.S. Army in France, Germany, and Belgium. Following the war, he completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC in Pittsburgh. Dr. Mering came to Waynesburg to practice medicine with Dr. Bruce Austin in 1950. In 1952, he began his private practice in obstetrics and gynecology in Waynesburg, which he operated until his retirement in 1995. During that time has he also served as chief of staff at Greene County Memorial Hospital. At one point in his successful career, it could be said that he personally delivered half the population of Greene County. Many residents can say that he delivered two and even three generations of the same family.

In addition to his medical career, he was a part president of the Waynesburg Little League Baseball Association and the Football and Wrestling Booster groups. He was also a member of the Waynesburg Optimist Club, Waynesburg Lions Club, American Legion Post #330, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars #4793.

Stanley E. L. Falor, M.D. attended Ohio University and graduated from Ohio State University with a B.S. in Anatomy and a certification in physical therapy. He also graduated from George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences with a Doctor of Medicine degree. He served as a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Vietnam War and completed his internship at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield Ohio. Later he was board certified from the National Board of Medical Examiners and in Emergency Medicine.

He practiced in several area hospitals including St. Clair, Canonsburg, and Brownsville. In 1974, he began at the Greene County Memorial Hospital as Director of the Emergency/Outpatient Department, a position he held until his retirement in 1992. During his years in medicine, he served Westinghouse Electric Corporation, U.S. Steel Cumberland Coal Mine, Cyprus Emerald Coal Mine, Consolidation Coal Company, Dilworth Mine and Robena Preparation Plant. He also served as the physician for the Greene County jail until the time of his death.

Dr. Falor has held many positions at the former Greene County Hospital. He was an instructor for EMT classes with Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support and also assisted with Waynesburg College Sports Medicine Program, Jefferson-Morgan High School Football team, and the Waynesburg Central High School Football team.

He served his community as a school director in the Jefferson-Morgan School District and the Central Greene School District and on numerous boards and non-profit organizations.

Dr. Falor was a member of the Jefferson Baptist Church and at one time served as Chairman of the Deaconate Board and as Adult Sunday School Superintendent.

Samuel A. Milliken was born, raised, and educated in Waynesburg, graduating from Waynesburg Central High School and Waynesburg College. He was a honor graduate of Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science.

He was a former member of Southwestern Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, and National Funeral Directors Association.

In 1949, Mr, Milliken started his working in the funeral industry with the late J. Ross Garrison. He then worked for the former Church Funeral Home in Waynesburg. In 1960, he formed a partnership with the late Glise E. Mariner, having started Mariner & Milliken Funeral Home in Waynesburg. In 1987, he and Daryl L. Throckmorton formed Milliken & Throckmorton Funeral Home, Inc. of Waynesburg. After 46 years in the funeral industry, he retired from Milliken & Throckmorton in 1996.

In 1952, Samuel married Shirlee Headlee Milliken and had three children, Pam, J.K., and Becky, and six grandchildren.

He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Waynesburg, where he chaired numerous boards and committee’s. Mr. Milliken was a veteran of the Korean War, having served with the U.S. Army. He served in Saltzburg, Austria, and Bad Aibling, Germany.

He was an active member of the Waynesburg Lion’s Club since 1958, serving in numerous capacities at the local, district, and state levels. In 2006, he was selected for the honor in international director of Lions, which included duties that had him traveling the world as a Lions representative. He also received a Paul Harris Fellow from the Waynesburg Rotary Club.

Mr. Milliken was a member of Waynesburg Masonic Lodge #153, Waynesburg Mooses Lodge 469 IOOF, Three Links Club, Waynesburg LOOM, Lodge 461, Waynesburg Elks Lodge 757, Fort Jackson Chapter SAR, James Farrell American Legion Post 330, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4793, Greene County Voiture 1020 Forty & Eight, and Syria Temple AAONMA Washington-Greene County Caravan 2, where he was a former director. He was a formed chairman of the Heart Fund of Greene County and served on the board of directors of Southwestern Pennsylvania Heart Association. He was a member and past director of the Greater Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Davises were well known throughout the community for not only their thriving law practice, but also their service. William practiced law for 38 years, and Kathy for almost 8. They were both active members of the Greene County Bar Association, and had served as officers. Mr. Davis was quite knowledgeable in the legal community for real estate and estate law and was always willing to humbly field and answer questions for less experienced lawyers. Mrs. Davis was a professor and administrator at Waynesburg University for twenty years before becoming the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Together, they were members of the Washington Street United Methodist Church and were strong supporters of the Community Foundation of Greene County, and the Washington Women’s Shelter (which also serves Greene County), Kathleen served in both these organizations as a member of their boards of directors.

“Bill” (William), was a past master of the Waynesburg Masonic Lodge, #153 F.& A. M., solicitor to the Waynesburg Fire Department, and for twenty years served on the Waynesburg College Board of Trustees. Kathleen was involved in a prisoner-rights program at the Waynesburg prison. She acted as guardian ad litem to many children and ways encouraged individuals no matter the age to seek higher education.

Known as “Mr. Greene County,” John Gardner was a lifelong resident of our community. In his early years, he played Tuba in the band and was a member of the basketball team at Waynesburg Central High School, and later attended Waynesburg College to obtain a degree in business administration and mathematics. From 1964-66 he was known for being the cameraman for the football and basketball teams at Waynesburg College. He worked at many places throughout his lifetime, from J.M. Burns & Sons, to Gardner’s Appliances, Ross Burns Inc, Baroid Drilling Products, Paramount Exploration, Tinney Drilling, Central Cab, and Equitable Resources.

As for service, he volunteered to be the first zoning inspector for Waynesburg Borough in 1970. He was appointed Greene County Commissioner in 1979 and served three terms.  He volunteered as a driver for the Blue Coats, drum and bugle corps-based in Canton Ohio. He also served as an elder for the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesburg, a member of the Rotary Club of Waynesburg, a board of trustee’s member of Waynesburg College, and chief as well as president of the Waynesburg Volunteer Fire Company.

Two scholarships have been established in his name since his passing, but it’s the legacy of who he was the people remember. He knew everyone and their family history in the county. John always had an endless supply of trivia and stories, so he was always carrying on a conversation with someone. John was a compassionate man of his word, honest, truthful, trustworthy, dedicated, and loyal. Above all, he is remembered for being the person who never considered himself more important than anyone else or used his political position for personal gain.

Richard “Dick” T. Walton was an active member of our community. Walton served as president of the Waynesburg Rotary Club. He also served the United Way and Bowlby Library boards, and was known for contributions to Hospice, Habitat for Humanity, and unnamed donations for the youth of his church to be able to attend conferences and conventions. Throughout his time serving, he sponsored the first female member of the Rotary club, and also was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellows Award multiple times.

The legacy that Walton leaves behind was his initiative to inspire others to get involved in helping those less fortunate. He was known for being concerned about the treatment of children and would counsel them in hopes to bring out the best of themselves to get them to respect themselves as well as others. He was known in the community as a great philanthropist who would contribute without recognition. Many who knew and loved him described him as brilliant, fun, loving, philanthropic, a great friend, and one who is leaving a challenge behind for those who remain, to follow his example.

After his cancer diagnosis, he never complained. He told those around him to live life to the fullest. The nomination came with the words, “the kindness and character that he portrayed will live as a growing testimony to our area for many years to come, and this award proves to all that even when we pass from this scene, our good deeds are not forgotten.”