Beta Phi Omega Fraternity Inc.
Alpha Chapter
Wright State's First Tradition and Oldest Fraternity
If you know of a passed member and would like their remembrances included here, pleae fill out our Chapter Eternal Memories Submission Form.
Birth/Death: d. 21 March 2000 Pledged Greg Taylor
Nickname(s): Frenchie
Big Brother: John Turpen
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: B 5/30/1960 D 11/5/2021
Pledged: Alpha Beta Fall 1983
Nickname(s): Fuzzey Jr.
Big Brother: John Goodridge
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: B 10/31/1960 D 11/5/2021
Pledged: Delta Fall 1980
Nickname(s): Diamond Dave
Big Brother: Paul Ryan
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: d. 21 March 2000 b 9/8/1952
Pledged: Delta 1970
Nickname(s): The Horse
Big Brother: John Turpen
Little Brother(s):
by: Maxie Lynch
Zeeb and Tise couldn't have been more different in their personalities together, Tise and I usually were off cracking jokes, drinking a lot of beer and cutting classes while making vain attempts to chase the the FISH sisters. Tise got hooked bad there. Zeeb on the other hand was from my hometown, Springfield, always nicely dressed for a kid in college in the 70s, stylish you know. He was He was more refined than most. That's probably the hook for me to have both as my best of friends, Zeeb kept me in line and Tise took me near the edge.
One year, don't remember which, the frat organized a houseboat venture on Lake Cumberland in Ky. We drove in a caravan, I drove with Zeeb and Jerry Heckman {sp}. Zeeb kept pointing out to me to let the others speed ahead if they want to drive fast, that I shouldn't let them drive me, we'd all get there the same time. Zeeb reprimanded me like a parent in many ways many times. Zeeb's big brother was Robert Bailey. During voting night, I was on the phone to Zeeb from my house to his, most of the evening, always asking "have you heard anything yet?". We both were voted in. I, however, had some more opposition than others I soon learned, my big brother, Fred Cramer, has to go to bat for me several times against Bobby Buls and Pat Moran and a few other, I seem to have collected more than the necessary number of "black balls", but Farkle twisted their arms in my favor.
Tise and I found one another early in the pledge process, since we both liked the same thing, attention, drinking and girls, we were shadows of one another. They'd say "find one and the others close by" and they were right. That was in 70 and 71. Tise went into the Army with Vest in 72, I think. He was fairly heart broken over Cathy Fish and never really got her out of his mind. Tise came from a military family and the army was nothing new to him. He wanted to join up, he had a .01 in school anyway, either dropped or flunked everything cept one class I believe and got a D in that even. Tise just didn't care and cut all his classes, he had to do something, the army was it. He almost had me ready to go, although we all had 2S at the time. He had me as far as going down for the physical before I said no, then he laid into Vest and they went together. Tise told me he wanted to be a warrant officer in Nam as he just MASH 11 times, he ended up guarding the Berlin Wall.
During 73', we all lost track of one another, Tise was coming back from the army, but he had changed, more sullen and serious. Zeeb had disappeared for parts unknown and I didn't know what happened to him until the late 80s when he died in New York., not sure of the cause, then Tise died last year, by accident.
Two of my great friends are gone. I don't remember anyone else like I do those two guys. I never got close to anyone else and partied and talked and argued and made plans with like I did them. The rest of the guys in the frat were really just that, guys in the frat.
Birth/Death: B 9/25/1963
Pledged: Alpha Beta Fall 1983
Nickname(s): Antman
Big Brother: Kenneth Hodges
Little Brother(s): Kim Clements, Chaide Mason
Birth/Death: b 6/11/1989, d 12/23/2014
Pledged:
Nickname(s):
Big Brother:
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: b 8/17/1982, d 8/29/2004
Pledged: Beta Iota Fall 2001
Nickname(s): Sir Crypwalk The DoubleDdope Show
Big Brother: Mike Neighbors
Little Brother(s): William Taylor, Jonathan Bates, Orlando Welborn
Birth/Death: b 11/30/1982, d 7/2/2016
Pledged:
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Greg Saul
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: b 10/7/1947
Pledged: Beta 1968
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Bob Ayesman
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged:
Nickname(s):
Big Brother:
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Alpha Mu Fall 1990
Nickname(s): Smiles
Big Brother: Tracy Brown
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Gamma Fall 1969
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Robert Bailey
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: b 8/21/1952
Pledged: Delta 1970
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Fred Cramer
Little Brother(s): Julius Roberts
Birth/Death: b 7/24/1961
Pledged: Delta 1970
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Ron Mehl
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: b 5/3/1953
Pledged: Eta Fall 1972
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Mike Shank
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Beta 1968
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Dick Boss
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Eta Fall 1972
Nickname(s): Pearl
Big Brother: Dennis Madden
Little Brother(s): James Belcher
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Beta Gamma Fall 1998
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Spencer Hamilton
Little Brother(s): John Butsky
Birth/Death: b 1/15/1970
Pledged: Mu Fall 1988
Nickname(s): Raisin
Big Brother: Terry Wintrow
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged:
Nickname(s):
Big Brother:
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Theta 1975
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Jack Davis
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: b 5/18/1958
Pledged: Sigma Winter 1980
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Paul Ryan
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Founding Father
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Founding Father
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Upsilon Fall 1980
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Tim Crace
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Epsilon Spring 1971
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Jim Brawly
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Alpha Iota Fall 1988
Nickname(s): Sir Scooter Lighting Bolt
Big Brother: Grant Petersen
Little Brother(s): Fred Wadsworth
Birth/Death: B 10/2/1961
Pledged: Tau Spring 1980
Nickname(s): Poo
Big Brother:
Little Brother(s): Lucretia Garcia, Sherrie McCoppin-Avent
Birth/Death:
Pledged:
Nickname(s):
Big Brother:
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Delta 1970
Nickname(s): Tide
Big Brother: Mike Hanes
Little Brother(s): Daniel Davis, Richard Lapthorn, Greg Taylor
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Beta Gamma Fall 1998
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Jon Kuhns
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged: Alpha Kappa Spring 1989
Nickname(s): Cutter John
Big Brother: Thomas Marcellino
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: B 11/5/1968 D 1/12/2009
Pledged: Alpha Iota Fall 1988
Nickname(s): Sex On Wheels (Hondo)
Big Brother: Todd Nutson
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death:
Pledged:
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Mike Hanes
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: B 1/7/1953
Pledged: Nu AKA Tau Fall 1976
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Tom Hentrich
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: B 10/7/1951 D 4/26/2021
Pledged: Delta 1970
Nickname(s): Louie
Big Brother: Tim Vest
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: B 12/11/1961 D 1/13/2020
Pledged: Upsilon Fall 1980
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Robert Bailey
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: B 2/28/1979 D 5/6/2016
Pledged: Beta Epsilon Fall 1999
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Jason Scarberry
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: B 4/25/1935 D 5/4/2018
Pledged: Alpha
Nickname(s):
Big Brother: Mark Leethy
Little Brother(s):
Birth/Death: B 5/25/1950
Pledged: Beta 1968
Nickname(s): Diamond Dave
Big Brother: Gary Pope
Little Brother(s):
Bruce S. Etterling
May 30, 1960 ~ November 5, 2021
Bruce was born on May 30, 1960 in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late John and Shirley (Schomburg) Etterling. He married Patricia Gigandet and she survives in Toledo. Also surviving are his children Kristy (Keith) Nelson of Findlay, Ohio and Corey (Mandy) Etterling of Sylvania, Ohio; grandchildren Jenna and Jacob Nelson; and siblings Susan Merry and Mark and John Etterling. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jason and Jeffrey Etterling.
Bruce earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science from Shawnee State University and worked for over 30 years as a network administrator for the La-Z-Boy headquarters. Bruce enjoyed playing basketball and was a huge Notre Dame football fan. He was a lover of spicy food and was known as a jokester. Bruce was also interested in geneology and was a member of the St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Toledo.
Dana Lorelei (Clason) Kalal
Dana was a loving mother, an enthusiastic tennis player, and always willing to try new things. She will be deeply missed.
Dana is survived by her two sons, Alex and Mick, and her partner Alan Sarver.
Andrew D. Etchison
September 25, 1963- July 15, 2008.
Andy was a 1981 graduate of Trotwood High School, a 1986 graduate of Wright State University and was working on his Master degree from the University of Dayton in special education. He enjoyed officiating baseball and basketball in the Dayton area.
Cameron Dolansky
Beloved son of John M. and Kimberly F. Dolansky; and loving brother of Marisa (Brian) Partin; dear fiance of Abigail Kusserow; also numerous loving aunts, uncles and cousins; grandson of the late William and Grace Feiertag and Michael and Mary Dolansky. Cameron was a 2007 graduate of Chartiers Valley High School and a student at Wright State University where he was President of Beta Phi Omega
David Wernersbach
Dear son of Mary Lynn Crawford and Alan Wernersbach, step son of Peg Wernersbach, brother of Carrie Wernersbach, uncle of Keirlynn Wernersbach, grandson of Clyde and the late Beatrice Crawford, step grandson of Norma Crawford, Albert and Elaine Wernersbach. David was a graduate of Princeton High School and was a music major at Wright State University.
Rev. Dr. Ernest Eugene Graves
October 7, 1947- November 27, 2013
He was a graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar class of 1965. He was Pastor of The Tabernacle Baptist Church, and previously served as Chaplain at The Dayton Correctional Institution and The Children's Medical Center.
Kevin Scott Kight
September 24, 1970 - March 27. 2005
He began his law enforcement career in the Traffic Enforcement Division in April of 1995 when he went to work for the Lawrenceville Police Department, In Lawrenceville Ohio. He worked there until August of 1995 when he was hired by German Township Police Department in Springfield, Ohio. Starting there as a patrol officer, he worked his way up in the Department to the rank of Sergeant and a Road Supervisor. He left there in June of 1998 when he relocated his family to Panama City Beach, Florida. Kevin completed his Florida law enforcement standards in July of 1998 and was hired by the Panama City Beach Police Department as a patrol officer on October 15, 1998. He began his career at the Panama City Beach Police in the Patrol Division. He later transferred to the Investigative Division where he received several letters of commendations and attained the rank of Sergeant. In August of 2004 Kevin requested and was returned to the Patrol Division as a shift supervisor until his death.
Michael Ashurst
Mike passed July 28, 2014. He was a member of Fairmont West Class of 1979 and attended Wright State University where he was a member of Beta Phi Omega. He was a toolmaker as a member of Local IUE 755 at GM MCS.
Michael Glenn Ayers
Mike passed November 3, 2015
Mike attended Belmont High School and Wright State University and is a member of Beta Phi Omega fraternity. He faithfully supported the university as a member of their Alumni Association, Heritage Societies, and proud contributor to Wright State Athletics. Mike had many interests and talents but dedicated his life to building and nurturing his company, Applied Mechanical Systems, Inc., his employees, and their families as President and CEO. Mike was past president of Associated Builders and Contractors and was very accomplished and well respected in the local construction industry family. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Lake Lorelei Property Owners Association. He supported Ducks Unlimited and enjoyed spending his time outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman. Mike will be deeply missed as an incredibly generous and loyal friend, loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Michael Colmar 22
September 1949 - 13 April 2013
Michael was born in Sidney, Ohio and mainly grew up in Cincinnati and Dayton.
Michael graduated from Fairmont West High School, Kettering Ohio in 1967. He attended Wright State University, but before graduating, he found the love of horses and completed the Al-Marah Horse Training Apprenticeship in Barnesville, Maryland. He owned and managed Canterbury Farm horse boarding and lessons stable in Franklin, Ohio for the past 20 years. Michael's second love was preparing food, and for several years was a chef at Christoff's restaurant in Glendale. He also served several years in the United States Army. Michael was a selfless and gentle person, who went through life helping others, a true gentleman and friend to everyone.
Michael A. Kern
September 6, 1953 - February 1, 2010
Mike grew up in Dayton and graduated from John H. Patterson High School and Wright State University, where he was a founding member of Beta Phi Omega fraternity. He was founder and CEO of MK & Associates, a highly successful Marketing and Client Services Firm with business assignments throughout the USA and Europe and as far reaching as Russia. He was a committed Parrothead and a lifelong guitar player and rock and roller with several bands including his beloved Chixie Dicks, who performed monthly at Nortons. Mike loved the concept of getting the party involved with the fun from his annual Jimmy Buffett concert soirees which filled a bus (what happens on the bus stays on the bus) to parties at the house - he loved people, starting with his family. A great dad and loving husband he always had time for his children, coaching and supporting all their activities, while offering the guiding hand and motivation to launch them in life. Often described as the "glue that holds us all together" he had a gift for inspiring others in work and at play.
Mourad Noor elHady Elfarnawany
July 14, 1980 - June 25, 2016
He married Katie Patterson in Atlanta, Georgia, on Oct. 11, 2012. He owned and operated the Nifty Neighbor Retail Store in Atlanta, Georgia.
Raissa Marie Hall
Raissa passed April 23, 2015
She enjoyed reading, collecting antiques, gardening and photography.
Richard Daniel Matteoli
MATTEOLI, Richard Daniel "Ric" Age 41, of Xenia, passed away Dec. 18, 2017.
Richard Y. Sato
June 22, 2017
He graduated Colonel White HS in 1969 and attended Wright State. He lived in Columbus and San Francisco.
Richard Charles Kitchen
May 18, 1958 – December 22, 2017
Rick was an avid runner and cyclist who also enjoyed tennis, fishing, swimming and family time. His passion for fishing began as a child during trips to the upper peninsula of Michigan with his father and grandfather. Rick attended Wright State University, graduating from the College of Business and was a member of the Beta Phi Omega Fraternity. While attending Wright State University, he met and married his wife Candace. During his time in college he worked for the Springfield Fire Division and specialized in hazmat containment and as a medic. For the past 20 years Rick worked for Med Pass Inc., a subsidiary of Reynolds and Reynolds, as a sales manager. In his personal time, Rick afficiated for wrestling and swimming. He particularly enjoyed watching his daughter, Logan, perform vocally as well as compete in swimming, and also his son, Ryan, participate in karate and the Springboro High School JROTC.
Robert John Ayrsman, Jr.
Robert passed away Saturday, April 29th,
Scott Clausen
Clausen passed away Dec. 21, 2016.
Shawn M. Warden
Shawn was born on November 10, 1969 and passed away on Friday, January 29, 2016.
Steven Pleasant
Steven passed away Thursday, February 12th, 2015
Steven served as the Director of Dietary Services at the Carlyle House Assisted Living Community since it was established in 2013. He was previously the Head Chef at the Amber Rose Restaurant for 15 years and worked at several other restaurants in Dayton. Steven was very passionate about his work. He also loved to cook for family and friends. He used his cooking talents along with his quick wit and warm personality as a way to bring people together. He was a longtime member and Lector at St. Henry’s Parish,
Thomas Hentrich
Tom set a record for being the longest active member of the Beta Phi Omega Fraternity at Wright State University.
Jon Patrick Gleason
Jon passed away on Monday, January 12, 2009
Jon graduated from Margaretta High School in Castalia, OH and from Wright State University with a bachelor’s degree in 1996.
Jennings Lovins
December 24th 1954 April 10, 2022
Jennings graduated from Wright State University in 1975 with a Bachelor’s in Political Science and went on to earn a Master’s in Public Administration, and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Dayton. Jennings was an accomplished Major in the United States Army. Among many honors, he completed Airborne and Ranger school, and served in the Persian Gulf War in 1991. Above all Jennings was a strong and faithful Christian dedicated to God and his family, whom he loved with all his heart.
Jennings was a generous and kind man, who was willing to go out of his way for the one’s he loved and cared for. He was a disciplined, serious-minded and courageous man, who could also be light-hearted and funny.
Lewis D. Bernard, Jr.
Lewis attended and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts degree at Wright State University. For many years, he worked in shipping and receiving at Rex Warehouse. Lewis was also a member of the Northside Christian Church for 12 years. He was a secretary and chairman for the Dayton Powerboat Association. In his free time, Lewis loved photography and spending time with his family.
Steven James Donahue
Steve was devoted to his family and enjoyed his friends. He was active in supporting his daughter in soccer and both children in FIRST robotics.
Michael Thomas Schrimpf '74
May 1, 1953 - November 19, 2017
Mike was a patient, kind and outgoing man who never met a stranger. He was a lover of people, always ready to help whenever he could. Mike was a wonderful husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, loving son and a loyal friend.
