Belmont High School Memorial Page

Class of 1978

Charla Hobbs class of 1978 passed November 15th 2025 born August 12th 1960 to Charles and Betsey Hobbs of Dayton lovingly remembered by her husband of 45 years Frank Bush her son Andrew and her sister Tonda and brother Joe who were both Belmont high school graduates.

I have received reports and some obituaries are tagging people regarding sales of an alumni T-shirt. I can’t seem to delete them. Also, when I go onto my Admin page, they aren’t there. I’m sorry if you are tagged and request you do not purchase a shirt. Thanks!

Class of 1969

Gary Michael Cooper, distinguished Atlanta trial attorney, lover of baseball, and beloved family patriarch, was born July 31, 1951, in Dayton, Ohio, to Willow Dean and James Glynn Cooper. Born six years later, his sister April, known to him as Sis, became a partner in mischief with whom he shared a lifetime of memories. The Coopers put down roots in the Belmont community of Dayton.

Belmont exemplified the best of post-WWII middle-class neighborhoods allowing Gary a childhood with extended family nearby, days spent riding bikes and playing until dark, shortcuts to the local library, and walks to school, the movies, the bowling alley, and most importantly, the ballpark. It was there, in those unhurried Dayton summers, that his cousin, Jimmy Cooper, taught him how to throw a curveball, and where local sportswriters first took notice of the young player, following his career from those early days all the way through his time as a professional.

At Belmont High School, Gary, an elite multi-sport athlete, lettered in baseball, basketball, and football, and as he was known to remind folks, graduated as the top male student academically in the class of 1969. He went on to Miami of Ohio University, where he became the school's first All-American baseball player, and later was inducted into the Miami Athletic Hall of Fame. As proud as he was of those honors, it was the lifelong friendships forged with his 1973 Mac-championship teammates that he cherished most. Gary possessed a phenomenal memory for nearly every play, relishing the memories created by those years of competition with this unique brotherhood.

Gary graduated with honors from Miami of Ohio with a B.S. in Business, then signed with the Texas Ranger organization, playing several seasons before retiring from the game and attending Georgetown Law School. Upon making law review and graduating in 1978, Gary began his legal career in Atlanta with the firm of Powell Goldstein. It was there he met the golf partners who would remain constants in his life until his last round with them in 2021. He later partnered with Tom Harper in Cobb County, developing a law practice of integrity and courtroom skill that defined him for decades.

In 1985, Gary met Jo Bell and fell in love with her and her two sons, Matthew and Garrett. He made a commitment to Christ in 1986 and was baptized alongside Matthew and Garrett the same day. Gary and Jo married on November 21, 1987; he adopted the boys, and their family life began in Duluth, Georgia, in Sweet Bottom Plantation, where they would live for thirty-three years. The confirmed bachelor became the father of four with the births of daughter, Abby, in 1988 and son, Casey in 1990. A new level of joy began.

The years that followed were full ones. Gary established his own law firm in Gwinnett County, tried hundreds of cases across metro Atlanta, coached his kids, and showed up for every game and every event. What set him apart, beyond his courtroom prowess, was his instinct to share what he knew. He gave freely of his time and legal expertise to attorneys in need, because he genuinely believed that understanding a legal concept and having knowledge that may be helpful meant you had an obligation to pass it on.

Gary believed his children could accomplish anything they set their minds to and encouraged them to follow their hearts. He cherished his time with them riding roller coasters, playing video and board games, working puzzles, and being, without apology, the biggest kid in the room. To this day not one of his children can pass up the opportunity to emulate their father's talent to misuse lyrics of 60's and 70's hits to make cringe-worthy puns or points of imaginary wisdom.

On the last day of 2020, Gary and Jo moved to beautiful Thomasville, Georgia. In his final years, he found joy through the ministry of First Baptist of Thomasville, quiet pleasure in birdwatching, enchantment in Jo's garden, and happiness in visits from family and friends. He especially cherished giving Abby in marriage to Andrew Gayman, and dancing with her at her wedding.

Gary passed away peacefully at home May 25, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

At his request, there will be no public memorial, but if you knew Gary, he'd want you to share your favorite story about your kids, your life, or baseball. In doing so, you'll be honoring him exactly as he wished.

Class of 1986

Delbert Sams III, 58, of Davie, Florida was granted peace, mercy, and eternal rest by God on Sunday, May 17, 2026.

Delbert was born on April 24, 1968, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He graduated from Belmont High School in 1986. He was a valued member of Yellow Cab of Broward County for over 38 years as a communications manager. His passion was his family including his extended family at Yellow Cab. He was admired by all who knew him for his kindhearted nature, patience, expertise, and ability to calmly resolve any situation with grace and wisdom.

Delbert was a fun loving, kind, devoted son, brother, uncle, cousin, and a loyal friend. Delbert is joined by his mother, Lois Dean Huddleston Sams, his father, Delbert Sams Junior, and his nephew, Jacob Andrew Turner in Heaven and will be kept in prayer by his sisters, Robin Sams Mesa of Davie, Florida, Lisa and Sylvain Shank of Greenville, Ohio; his brothers Anthony and Tracie Sams of Trotwood, Ohio; Kevin and Tracy Sams of Vandalia, Ohio, and Shawn and Kelly Sams of Houston, Texas; nieces and nephews Anthony Mesa, Ashley Mesa, Alexander Mesa, James and Jessica Turner, Lily Preston, Madison Preston, Aquila and Nathan Blackwell, Joshua and Ashley Sams, Dominique Sams, Jasmine Sams, Zenyatta Sams, Rachel and Jordan Moore, Jessica and Joshua Rinderle, Caleb Sams, Ethan Sams; and many great nieces and nephews.

With love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, family and friends will gather on Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 3:00-7:00 PM. at Baird-Case Jordan-Fannin Funeral Home
located at 4343 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308.

On Monday, June 1, 2026, funeral services will take place to celebrate Delbert’s memory starting at 11:00 AM at Baird-Case Jordan-Fannin Funeral Home. Following the funeral service, Delbert will be peacefully laid to rest in the mausoleum at Lauderdale Memorial Park at 2001 SW 4th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33315.

Your prayers, kindness, and cherished memories are deeply appreciated.

Class of 1994

Mark Dwane Grimes, a man whose heart and spirit touched all who knew him, passed away on May 18, 2026, in his beloved hometown of Dayton, Ohio. Born on February 23, 1976, Mark’s journey was one filled with love, laughter, and a fierce determination that defined his character until the very end.

Mark graduated from Belmont High School in 1994, embarking on a career as a dedicated sales representative for Tri State Juice. Though health issues eventually forced him into retirement, his hardworking nature never waned. Known for his stubborn resolve and fighter’s spirit, Mark confronted his challenges with a bravery that inspired those around him.

His personality was a beautiful mosaic of qualities: loving and caring, yet delightfully stubborn; clean and particular — never allowing anyone to walk on his carpet with shoes; endlessly friendly and outgoing, with a laugh that could brighten the darkest room. He never met a stranger, always welcoming new faces with warmth and genuine interest.

Mark’s passions were as vibrant as his personality. He found joy in fishing, indulged his love for sports—especially cheering for The Ohio State Buckeyes and The Cincinnati Bengals—and delighted in cooking for his family and friends. Perhaps some of his happiest moments were spent playing slots and BINGO, particularly alongside his cherished mother-in-law, sharing joyful competition and laughter.

At the heart of Mark’s pride and happiness was his family. Husband to his loving wife of 26 years, Christina, Mark treasured their bond deeply. Together, they nurtured a beautiful family, including daughter Caitlin Grimes and sons Chris Tucker and Aaron Tucker. Mark’s greatest joy was found in the presence of his eight grandchildren—Paisley, Lillian, Camden, Raelynn, Lincoln, Isaiah, Ivory, and Isaac—each one a shining light in his life. Mark is also survived by his aunt, Katina (David) Flora.

He is survived by his step mother Lisa Grimes; siblings Missy Jergens, Damon Grimes, Dwane Grimes, Jamie Hild, Sean Grimes, and Brittany Reynolds, who remember a brother full of warmth and strength. Mark was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lewis Grimes and Cheryl Newton, whose memories he carried with him always.

Family was Mark’s proudest accomplishment; through all of life’s ups and downs, he remained a steadfast pillar of love and encouragement to all who knew him. His legacy—built on laughter, kindness, and unwavering devotion—will continue to inspire and comfort those who hold him dear.

A visitation will be held at Newcomer Funeral Home, Beavercreek, located at 3380 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek, OH 45432, on May 29, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This will be followed by a funeral service at the same location at 1:00 p.m.

He will be laid to rest next to his Dad at Mt. Zion Park Cemetery.

Please consider making a donation to Mark's family to help assist with his funeral expenses.

Mark Dwane Grimes may have left this world, but his spirit remains in every smile shared, every fishing trip remembered, every cheer for the Buckeyes, and in the hearts of his family who loved him so dearly. He lived with a beautiful intensity and left behind a legacy of love that will forever be cherished.

Class of 1969

Kathy Lee Steberl passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026 in Beavercreek, Ohio at the age of 75. Born on January, 25, 1951, in Dayton, Ohio, Kathy was the eldest of three daughters born to Oscar and Berdina (Lester) Steberl. She graduated from Belmont High School in 1969 and then attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a major in Vocal Music Education in 1973.
Kathy’s life was devoted to nurturing and caring for others. After college she taught vocal music to elementary and middle school students in the Trenton, Ohio school system. She was praised by many people for the excellent performances of the school choirs and for the exemplary preparation that the students received in vocal music before moving on to high school.
After teaching for several years, Kathy returned to school to pursue a career in nursing and received her Nursing Diploma from Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1980. She was a dedicated nurse in several settings throughout her career, including as a private duty nurse, a cardiac nurse at Miami Valley Hospital, and as a nurse in an allergist’s office. After retiring from nursing, Kathy gave piano lessons to children and adolescents and she was her mother’s caregiver during her mother’s final years.
In addition to teaching music Kathy enjoyed sharing her own vocal talents. She spent the summer of 1974 participating in the Savoy Dinner Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio where she performed in several Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. She sang for friends’ weddings, in church choirs, and in community choirs.
Kathy loved children and in addition to her school teaching and piano lessons she also volunteered her time to direct the children’s choir and to organize and direct the children’s Christmas pageant at one of her churches for several years. She would take her piano students to nursing homes/retirement communities to present a concert for the residents. She also loved to help plan children’s birthday parties for special friends. She greatly looked forward to visits from out of state family and cherished the time that she got to spend with her nephew and niece during these visits. For a number of years she enjoyed filling several shoeboxes with small gifts of toys and school supplies for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child project.
Kathy had a big heart and a caring soul. She sympathized deeply for the plight of people around her, family, friends, and strangers alike. She would oftentimes try to do what she could to help people that she knew were going through trying times.
When Kathy’s health began to decline in her latter years and she was no longer able to participate fully in social activities, she adopted a puppy. Zoey became her devoted companion and brought her much joy and comfort.
In addition to leaving behind her beloved dog, Zoey, Kathy is lovingly remembered by her sisters Jean Swiontek and husband Richard, and Carol Steberl and wife Susan Koontz; her nephew Christopher Swiontek; and her niece Rebecca Marcotte and husband Matthew. She was predeceased by her parents Oscar and Berdina Steberl.
The family would like to extend a special “thank you” to Care 360 Hospice for all of their love, compassion, care, and support that they gave to Kathy and her family during this difficult time.
A visitation will be held for Kathy on Friday, June 5, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church located at 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, OH 45459.
The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Kathy’s memory to one of the following charities:
Save the Children - visit the Save the Children Make a Memorial Donation page, check the “Dedicate my donation” box below the donation amount in order to enter Kathy’s name at the bottom of the form.
Samaritan’s Purse - visit the Samaritan’s Purse Memorial Giving page. Click on “Donate on a Memorial Page”, then click on “Give in Memory Through Our Gift Catalog”. Select where you want your gift to go. After entering an amount and clicking on “Add”, you will be given an option to “Add a Card” where you can enter Kathy’s name.
Shelter Box - visit the Shelter Box USA Donation page, near the bottom of the page, check the box to “Dedicate this gift” in order to enter Kathy’s name.

Teacher
Mayer, Judith Ann age 85, formerly of Kettering passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025. She was a graduate of Fairmont High School in 1957 and received her B.S. form the University of Dayton in 1961. She was a math teacher and assistant athletic director at Wilbur Wright and Belmont High Schools. After being an educator, she worked at Graduate Service for 28 years. She was inducted into the Wilbur Wright Distinguished Service and Achievement Hall of Fame in 2021. She loved sports and was an avid follower of University of Dayton basketball and Cincinnati Reds. She was a member of College Women's Club. Preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Cora Mayer, a brother, Jack and sister, Lois Jean. She is survived by her cherished nephew, Jeff (Kathy) and Brad Mayer, along with her great-nieces, great-nephews and their families. She treasured the time spent with her family and friends and was grateful for the love and happiness they brought into her life. The family will receive friends from 11:00am-12pm on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at St. Albert the Great, 3033 Far Hills Avenue, Kettering. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may make contributions to Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Class of 1980

Class of 1966

David Louis Baker, age 78 of Kettering, OH, unexpectedly passed away at home on March 8, 2026. Dave was the first son of seven siblings born and raised in Dayton, OH by his loving parents, Richard and Mary Baker. He attended Belmont High School and enlisted in the US Army in 1966, serving two tours in Vietnam. He resided in Florida, driving for the Shell Oil Company where he met his wife, Valerie and relocated to Carl Junction, MO. He was a collector of model cars (Hot Rods) and anything Shell Oil. Following Valerie's death, Dave returned home to be close to family and friends. He will always be missed but never forgotten.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Valerie, daughter Shawntrel (Shawn 4-8-71 - 7-21-2010), parents Richard and Mary Baker, brother, Jimmy Baker, sister-in-law Vivian Baker and nephew, Highlayn Jenkins. Survivors include sisters Vicki (Terry) Brown, Linda (Ed) Palmer and brothers Steven Baker and Mark (Joanie) Baker and Tom Baker. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and special aunt, Barb (Baker) Boudinet and family.

David requested to be cremated and entombed with honors at the Dayton National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to either the American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association. Arrangements are in care of Tobias Funeral Home Belmont Chapel.

Class of 1964

William Michael McDonough, age 80, passed away at home on March 12, 2026, from esophageal cancer.

Mike was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio. He led an adventurous life. At age 16 he obtained his pilot and driver's license. He came to love the state of Maine where he spent two summers working as a camp counselor. All of "Mr. Mike's" kiddos survived climbing Mount Katahdin.

Following graduation from Miami University (Ohio), Mike was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. After four years, he returned to Ohio and worked for county agencies. He was an organic farmer on the side. For many years Mike worked as a grant writer for the city of Dayton and Montgomery County.

In 1991, Mike and his beloved wife, Jayne, quit their jobs, sold their house and began a 17-month tent camping journey in all 50 states. After their USA trip, they settled in Campbell County, Tennessee, where Mike fed the birds, deer and turkeys on their Norris Lake property. He worked as a reporter/photographer for the LaFollette Press. Mike and Jayne moved to downtown Knoxville in 2016. Mike frequented the WDVX Blue Plate Specials and worked as a doorman and van driver for the Holiday Inn. He said this was his favorite job. Mike would entertain family and friends with stories about hotel guests he came to know. Five years ago, Mike and Jayne purchased a home in Knox County. Mike spent many happy hours transforming the lot into a beautiful yard with a pond, trees, shrubs, plants and flowers.

When he wasn't working outdoors or telling stories, Mike gave downtown Knoxville walking tours to Friendship Force Knoxville visitors. For many years he chaired the pecan fundraiser for the West Knox Lions Club. He and Jayne hiked several years in the Smokies with the Thursday Hikers. Mike's most recent project was researching the life of Knoxville's namesake, Henry Knox. That resulted in his book Why Is My City Called Knoxville?

Mike was a long-time member of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. He was kind and generous with a sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, John McDonough and Polly King McDonough. Mike is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jayne Raparelli, daughter, Brittany Byrd (Trever); brothers, Pete McDonough (Vicki) and Marty McDonough (Tammy O'Dell); nieces and nephews, Shaun, Amber, Brandon, Tara, Kyle and Neal and cousins, Roger and Kim.

Donations in Mike's memory may be made to the Tennessee Unitarian Universalist Church Endowment Fund TVUUC, PO Box 11763, Knoxville, TN 37939-1763 or the Young-Williams Animal Shelter, 3201 Division St., Knoxville, TN 37919. Arrangements by Cremation Options, Inc. (865)6WE-CARE (693-2273) www.cremationoptionsinc.com.