Harold V. Sell

HAROLD V. SELL, age 92 of Brookville, Ohio since 1995 and formerly of Eaton died Monday, June 23, 2003 at Brookhaven Nursing & Care Center in Brookville, Ohio. Born on April 4, 1911 in Eldorado, Ohio, he was the son of the late H. Blaine and Anna (Locke) Sell. He attended Eldorado School and was a graduate of Monroe Township High School in 1929. Resident of Eldorado from birth until 1951, resident of Eaton 1951 to 1973 and resident of Sarasota, FL 1973-1995. Attended night classes at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana while working for Perfect Circle as supervisor of floor clerks and payroll during WW II. He learned about the printing trade at the New Paris Mirror in New Paris. Publisher and editor of Eldorado Weekly 1931-1945. Associated with Register Herald in 1946, and became co-publisher, editor and manager of the Register Herald 1947-1972. Originated "Observations" column and has written that section for over 50 years, including under Brown Publishing Co., from 1972 to the present. With Co-publisher Clarence (Sparky) Oldfather, developed the Register Herald into the second largest weekly newspaper in Ohio and won many Osman C. Hooper Newspaper Awards at the annual Columbus show over many years. Mr. Sell broadcast daily for many years from the Register Herald office, over WPFB Middletown, 30 minutes of local news at 11:00 a.m. daily. Instituted the Register Herald Cooking School and merchant booths for several years, using the Armory and the Eaton High School gymnasium. The Register Herald started a campaign for the Crystal Lake Project and Publisher Al Meyers of the Register Herald appointed Harold V. Sell and the late Ed Steffen as co-chairmen of the project. They organized the committee and laid the groundwork, Mr. Steffen being responsible for the bulk of solicitated funds. Initiated Talent Show in special tent at Preble County Fair with assistance of city editor Ace Elliott and WPFB of Middletown. Joined WPFB in musical Christmas Gift project for children from area children's homes. Started first Christmas for Seniors at the Preble County Home. Was elected member and secretary of the First Charter Commission for the City of Eaton and wrote the original charter, which was accepted by a vote of the citizens. With the late Ray Webb, formed the first Eaton Chamber of Commerce, being first president, and that year plans were made for the Community Chest. Harold was a Charter member and president of Eldorado Ohio Lions Club 1948-1951. Privileged Member and Past President of the Eaton Lions Club and served as Zone Chairman. Campaign manager for Robert A. Taft for Congress and for Rep. William McCullough of Piqua, both representing Preble County. Was Rep. McCullough's liason in Preble County for seven years. In 1956, Harold Sell served on President Eisenhower's Commission on Government Security, a group of 48 citizens from all walks of life, from all over the USA, which provided information for the National Security Act. Meetings were held in Washington, DC. Was Co-chairman with Robert Barnd, of the Sesquicentennial Celebration for Eaton in 1956. Past member of Newspaper Fraternity, National Newspaper Association (weekly division), Ohio State Newspaper Association. Former member of Elks Club No. 1519 in Sarasota, Florida, Eaton Country Club, Eldorado Evangelical United Brethren Church, St. Paul United Methodist Church in Eaton and Sarasota Trinity Methodist Church. Past member of Board of Directors of the Preble County National Bank. Member of Preble County Historical Society, AARP, American Red Cross and the First United Methodist Church in Brookville, Ohio.

Survivors include Wife of 70 years: Ruth E. (Leach) Sell, Brookville, Ohio. Daughters and Sons-in-law: Ione R. and Allen Hiestand, Eaton, Ohio, Marilyn and L. Jack Moore, New Paris, Ohio. Grandchildren: Michele Hiestand, Laura (Jerry) Emrick, Michael L. (Tracy) Moore, all of Eaton, Ohio, Lisa June (Joseph) Swartsell, New Paris, Ohio, Martin V. Moore, Mesa, Arizona; Great-Grandchildren: Andrew (Liza) Moore, Peoria, Arizona, Kristina (Jonathan) Jackson, Blaine Moore all of Eaton, Ohio, Amy Moore, Stephen Moore and Blake Moore, all of Mesa, Arizona, Bradley Hiestand Emrick and Jared Tyler Emrick both of Eaton, Ohio. Step-great-grandchildren: Kristin Swartsell, New Paris, Ohio, Justin Swartsell, Loraine, Ohio. Great-great grandchildren: Drew and Kylee Moore of Peoria, Arizona; Alex and Dylan Jackson, Eaton, Ohio, Anthony Cooley, New Paris, Ohio.

Graveside Service will be held on Friday, June 27, 2003 - 1:00 P.M. (Ohio Time) at Mound Hill Union Cemetery in Eaton with Rev. Hal Copley & Rev. L. Jack Moore officiating. Family will receive friends on Thursday, June 26, 2003 from 6 - 8 P.M. (Ohio Time) at Barnes Funeral Home - 220 East Main Street - Eaton, Ohio. A memorial service will be held at Brookhaven at a later date. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Preble County Historical Society - 7693 Swartsel Rd. - Eaton, Ohio 45320 or the Independent Living Division of Brookhaven - 1 Country Lane - Brookville, Ohio 45309 or First United Methodist Church - 963 Salem St. - Brookville, Ohio 45309. Condolences may be sent to the family via Guest Book at www.barnesfuneralhome.com