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Dudley P. French, 91, Rock collector and made gem jewelry

Dudley P. French, 91, of Vermilion, died Sunday, September 14, 2003 in Community Health Partners West, Lorain, after a short illness.

He was born June 18, 1912 in Brownhelm, Ohio where he has resided his whole life.

He worked as a farmer on his own farm and also was a carpenter for various construction companies.

Mrs. French was a member of Brownhelm Congregational United Church of Christ, Brownhelm, Lake Erie Gem and Geological Association, and Brownhelm Historical Association. He enjoyed rock collecting, polishing and making gem jewelry, playing cards, and talking with family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Evalyn French (nee Burrows), daughter Diane Chownyk of Fraser, Michigan, 7 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, sister Mary Smith of Vermilion and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Dudley T. and Elizabeth (nee Laylin) French, son John Dudley French, five sisters: Doris Pechaitis (twin), Edith Brill, Phoebe Nuhn, Elizabeth Pippert, and Jeannette Mehnert, and his brother Bill French.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at Brownhelm Cemetery, Vermilion, with the Rev. Sprite Johnson, pastor of Brownhelm Congregational United Church of Christ, officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Brownhelm Congregational United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, 2144 North Ridge Road, Vermilion, Ohio 44089 or Brownhelm Historical Association, P.O. Box 303 Vermilion, Ohio 44089.

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