School navigation

Class Notes

Class of 1978

  • 05/22/2018

    Richard D. Acott JD ’78 passed away on February 18, 2018, at the age of 81.

    Richard was born in Fort Collins, Colorado, April 23, 1936. He earned a BA in political science from Chapman College before he was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer. He received his naval aviator wings in 1957. While stationed in Florida, Richard met the love of his life, Constance, and they were married within a month of their first date.

    During 1966–67, Richard flew 115 combat missions from Chu Lai, Vietnam, in the A4 Skyhawk. His awards and citations included the Distinguished Flying Cross.

    After his Marine Corps experience, Richard worked in the insurance business and was owner/broker of a real estate company. Following law school, he was in private law practice, worked as a deputy district attorney, and was appointed to the county court bench as a magistrate.

    Throughout his life, Richard had an enduring love of art. In 1988 he began studying sculpture at the Loveland Colorado Art Academy. In 1995 he opened a studio in Loveland, changing his career one last time.

    Richard was preceded in death by his son Stephen and grandson Jesse. He is survived by his wife, Constance; his daughter, Lorri; sons Garret and Phillip; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren

  • 07/07/2020

    Thomas (Thom) Henry Gerken JD ’78, of Logan, Ohio, passed away on May 10, 2020. He was 67 years old.

    Thom was born January 14, 1953, in Logan to Richard and Anna (Sellers) Gerken and earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University. He had a distinguished legal career, first serving as a partner in the firm of Gerken, Gerken & Gerken, LPA, followed by nearly 25 years as judge of the General Division of the Vinton and Hocking County Courts of Common Pleas. Thom then worked as of counsel with the firm of Crabbe, Brown & James LLP, and as an attorney with the Office of the Ohio Public Defender before returning to private practice.

    Thom was an accomplished golfer, chef, guitar collector, and jokester, and he adored spending time with his friends and family.

    Thom is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; children Jason, Haley, and Miles; mother, Anna; siblings Jeffrey, Charles, Melinda, and Jerry; and dog, Obie. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard; brother, Richard Jr.; and niece, Elizabeth.

 

Law School Class Notes

Contact Us