Stanley B. Dezarn

Stanley B. Dezarn, age 81 of Hamilton, went home to be with his Lord at Westover Retirement Center, on Friday January 17, 2004. He was born April 15, 1922 in a log cabin in Clay County, KY, the son of Alfred and Maxie (Baker) Dezarn. Stanley began his career as a school teacher in 1946 in Clay County, KY, where he taught all eight grades in a one-room school. There he met Icea "Bug" Cornett, who was also a teacher, and they were married in Corbin, Ky. on September 2, 1947. After moving to Hamilton in 1955, he taught at Liberty Township and George Washington Elementary schools. He also taught classes at Dakota Wesleyan University and Pikeville College. Stanley was an elementary school principal for 28 years in Lebanon and Fairfield, OH, retiring from Fairfield North Elementary in 1980. His love of history, people, travel, and culture inspired him to start his own bus tour company, Stanley Dezarn Bluegrass Tours, in 1979. He conducted tours all over the United States for many years, entertaining thousands of children and adults with his own unique style of "wit and wisdom." He truly was a man who never met a stranger. Stanley was widely recognized as an expert in the history of Kentucky, helping to write several books. His collection of historical audio and videotapes is being maintained at Berea College in Kentucky. The log cabin in which he was born and raised was moved from Crane Creek to the college, where it is now a museum. Stanley served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hamilton where he was a former Moderator and Sunday School Teacher. Stanley was the Founder of the O'Tucks Organization in 1959, which was an endeavor to blend the Ohio and Kentucky cultures and was born out of a desire to promote appreciation for the Kentucky heritage. His involvement in the O'Tucks was one of the great joys of his life, and his energy and enthusiasm inspired the same in others. Other memberships include: Kentucky Colonels; High Twelve Club; the Ambassador's Club; and the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. There is no way to measure how much Mr. Dezarn did for people, especially children. However, one thing is obvious -- he devoted his life to helping others. At the age of 24, he adopted the words of this poem to help guide him throughout his journey here on earth: "I shall pass through this world but once. Any good, therefore, that I can do Or any kindness that I can show To any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it for I shall not pass this way again." This philosophy earned Stanley much respect and love by all that knew him. We believe his hope today would be that every person would adopt a similar philosophy, allowing others to enjoy the same fruits of life as he did. Stanley is survived by his daughters Tanya (Dan) Acton and Deanna Barker; brother, Raleigh Dezarn; sisters, Delphia Lindsay, Annabell Cupp and Jessie Koch; grandchildren, Jamey (Amy) Gray, Danny Acton, and Tyler Shepard; great-grandchildren, Carter and Hayden Gray; many nieces and nephews; and dear friend, Eula Bowling. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Icea (Cornett) Dezarn; brothers, Walter and Earl Dezarn; and sisters, Sofie McCollum, Lillie Roberts and America Grills. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff of Westover Retirement Community for all of their care and support. A Celebration of Stanley's Life will be 7 p.m., Thursday January 22, 2004 at the First Baptist Church of Hamilton, 1501 Hamilton-Cleves Rd., Hamilton. Officiants will include: Dr. M. Douglas Willey; Dr. Dennis Metzger; Dr. Jack Early; and Jack Young. Visitation will also be Thursday at the Church from 3 p.m. - until the time of Celebration. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. The Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, Fairfield is serving the family. Memorials may be sent to the O'Tucks Scholarship Fund, c/o Joyce Thall, 1740 Cleveland Ave., Hamilton, OH 45013. The family will accept condolences at www.avancefuneralhome.com

Visitation

3 p.m Thursday January 22, 2004 at the First Baptist Church of Hamilton, 1501 Hamilton-Cleves Rd., Hamilton

Service

7 p.m Thursday January 22, 2004 at the First Baptist Church of Hamilton, 1501 Hamilton-Cleves Rd., Hamilton

---