Alton O. Foutts

Columbiana - Alton O. Foutts, 88, of 316 Blueberry Drive, died at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2011 at his home.

Mr. Foutts was born September 5, 1923 in Akron, a son of William I. and Amelia Buben Foutts and had lived in this area since 1955, coming from Rockford, IL. He was a 1941 graduate of East Liverpool High School and a 1950 graduate of Kent State University.

He served in the U.S. Army during WWII at Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland. Mr. Foutts retired in 1989 as a copy editor for the Youngstown Vindicator where he had been employed for 27 years. He has also worked for newspapers in Rockford, IL and East Liverpool.

Al was a life member of Joe Williams Post #131 American Legion, where he had served as adjutant and was a life member of York Drexler Post #5532 VFW and the Independent Hose Club of Salem. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Leetonia and was a member of the Columbiana Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years, where he had also served as secretary. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and rider for over 60 years and also had been a licensed private pilot.

He is survived by his wife, the former Geraldyne Raynes, whom he married in 1962; a twin sister, Mrs. Alta Wetzel of East Liverpool; one niece and three nephews.

A sister, Eunice Foutts and three brothers, Russell, William, and Miller Foutts are also deceased.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at the Columbiana Cemetery Chapel with the Reverend Carolyn Griffeth of the First Presbyterian Church of Columbiana officiating. There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the Columbiana Fire Department or Hospice of the Valley. Arrangements were made by the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia.