Richard Chester. Beloved husband of the late Phyllis O. Lockard. Loving father of Nancy Mulberry, Terry Wardwell, Linda Marek, Judi Harrison, Randy Wardwell, Phillip Wardwell and Amy Wardwell. Dear grandfather of 30, great-grandfather of 75, great-great grandfather of 1. Born in Lafayette, IN. Only child of Paul and Amy Wardwell. Began his musical career as the leader of Dick Wardwell’s Starlight Band in Wabash, IN at the age of 16. Graduated from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in 1950. Member of the US Army Band during the Korean War. Performed for 40 years with his beloved wife, Phyllis as the musical duo “Phyllis and Richard”. Passed away Monday, October 21, 2013 at the age of 84. Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 2013 from 10:00 am until time of service 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4610 N. Bend Rd., 45211. Interment Spring Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to The General Missionary Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 15 E. South Temple 2nd Floor East, Salt Lake City, UT 84150. springgrove.org
Miss Billie Walker, who played for many years in the Cricket Lounge at the Cincinnatian Hotel, Downtown, will be remembered as much for her gracious demeanor as for the elegant and inventive playing that impressed listeners who were lucky enough to hear her.
One of the true legends of our city, Miss Walker (Van Winkle), who was a classically-trained musician, anchored the Billie Walker Trio, which had a combined 150 years of performing experience. Her partners are just as legendary: The incomparable drummer Philip Paul and bassist Ed Conley.
Miss Walker, of Oakley, died on Monday, September 23 at age 92. She is survived by daughters Joellen (August) Grady and Kathleen (Lumis) Gallon, five grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.
Jacque Shoemaker, Honorary member and Leader of the “Smittie Band”, passed away August 2, 2013 at the age of 80. His good friend Stephan Barry wrote that he always enjoyed a gig if Jac was there. He was an excellent trumpet player and musician.
Milton H. Blalack
Our friend and colleague and wonderful horn player, Milton H. Blalack, passed away July 2, 2013, at age 75 years. He had just passed his birthday on June 30. Milt was a French horn player and member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra for 38 years before his retirement in 2003. Before joining the Symphony under Max Rudolf, he was a member of the U.S. Army Band in Washington, D.C. and marched in the funeral procession of John F. Kennedy. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Marcia, a CMA bassoonist. He was the devoted father of daughter Shannon of San Francisco, son Jason C. (Kate) of Boulder, Colorado and adoring Gramps of Evan Blalack. Funeral has been held and he is interred at Spring Grove Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Northeast Church of Christ or the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
(from www.legacy.com)
Richard Allen Topper passed away on April 21, 2013 at the age of 88. Richard was a member of the bass section of the CSO from 1947-1993. He started his music career while a student at Altoona High School in Pennsylvania. At age 14 he traveled each weekend to study with Harold Smith, bass teacher at Julliard School of Music in NYC aND member of the NBC Symphony. After graduation he received a full scholarship to study at Julliard. In February of 1943 he left his studies to serve in the Army Air Force and was discharged in October of 1945 as Staff Sergeant 127th Army Air Force Base Unit. Richard then returned to Julliard but was soon after recruited by Thor Johnson to start his career with him at the CSO. Richard married Mary Marusak on the same day he played his first CSO concert. They were married 65 years.
Bud passed away on February 22, 2013 at the age of 85. He had been a member of the CMA for 50 years. Bud was a graduate of Roger Bacon High School and played ‘Big Bands’ under Ray McKinley and Al Cassidy. His career also included playing with Jimmy Jones, Barney Rapp, Burt Farber, Clyde Trask, Bobby Guyer, Cliff Lash, Charlie Kehrer and both Wagner Bands.
Mark passed away February 22, 2013. A Navy veteran, Mark played sax and clarinet since the age of 14 and performed with Frankie Valli and Natalie Cole. He was passionate about jazz and was a lover of books, ideas and sharing his wealth of knowledge.
Jim Sherrick passed away February 20. Jim joined the Blue Wisp Big Band soon after its formation in January of 1980. He played second alto ever since. He will be missed greatly.
Honorary member Robert Gausman passed away on February 12, 2013. He played at the Windjammer on Chester Road with another of our deceased members, pianist Bob Taylor, for a long time. They were a popular club duo for many years. Bob Garry is how he was known, and he sang and played guitar, bass, banjo, & mandolin.
Pierson Peter Dejager passed away on Tuesday, February 5, 2013. One of his many friends, Hank Mautner of Newport, Kentucky wrote this remembrance: “Pierson was a superb musician and an absolutely wonderful human being. In all the years we worked together, I never saw him without a smile, I never heard him complain, and I never ceased marveling at his continuing enthusiasm for – and interest in – all things trumpet. (Of course, it manifested itself in his playing!) RIP, Pierce – Gabriel awaits your tips!!
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