Phi Delta Theta - DePauw University

p. 2 The DePauw Phi Chapter Grand Charles V. "Chic" Bailey '39 entered Chapter Grand on January 14 at the age of 98. He was a WWII veteran with the U.S. Army, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. Chic was co-owner of the Dee Bailey School of Music, and together he and his wife, Dee, sponsored the Dee Bailey music recitals at the Red Lion Hotel for 30 years. His loving memory will be remembered fondly by family, friends, and Indiana Zeta brothers. Robert Thoe '40 entered Chapter Grand on September 1, 2015, as a resident of Livermore, Calif. As an engineer, he worked with the Navy, Rocketdyne, and Lycoming. He was an agent and estate planner with New York Life Insurance Company and retired in Paradise Pines with his wife, Amanda. Robert is survived by his three sons, Bob, Scott, and John; daughter, Annie; two sisters, Margaret and Jean; brother, Dale; four grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. William Mette Jr. '51 entered Chapter Grand on May 9 in Lake Forest, Ill., at the age of 86. He was a well-respected investment banker and is survived by his wife. James Rohm '52 entered Chapter Grand at the age of 87. He lived in Madison, Ind., and worked in sales for Arvin Industries. B eing in a Fraternity opens you up to a side of life and a sense of camaraderie that you didn't know existed. It's the sort of brotherhood that you never forget and look back at with fondness and sense of nostalgia. "I was impressed by Phi Delta Theta from the beginning, and the Fraternity men seemed mature and confident," Merritt Alcorn '71 says. "I joined the Chapter during the Vietnam War. Coming of age at a time of social unrest created close friendships and many shared common experiences. Because of the times, events, and my stage of development as a person, my fraternal experience was amplified." Not only did Merritt have a rewarding experience in Indiana Zeta, but he also had the unique opportunity to share the fraternal bond with his biological brother, George Alcorn '74. "George joined Indiana Zeta as a freshman when I was a senior—he and I have always had a very close relationship. It was gratifying to pass down the legacy to George and watch him excel in all aspects of the Fraternity," he says. Merritt's family legacy didn't end with his brother George, however, as Merritt's nephew, John Alcorn '03, followed in their footsteps more than 25 years later. It's hard to conceptualize just how meaningful Indiana Zeta connections are, but to see firsthand how these traditions transcend generations was a feeling that has resonated with Merritt ever since. For this reason, Merritt makes staying connected to his fraternal roots a high priority. "I've come to find that no matter what hardships or obstacles life throws at me, it is my brothers who have remained a constant. For many us, Indiana Zeta has made a profound impact on the success we've cultivated over the years. Brotherhood isn't only four years; it is for life." As an alumnus, maintaining friendships with Indiana Zeta brothers is routine in Merritt's life. He stays connected with Craig McGaughey '71, John Gee '71, Peter Eberbach '71, Steve Hazilrigg '74, and Mark Smith '72, and enjoys attending concerts or Reds baseball games with brothers. In his professional career, Merritt works as a partner with Alcorn Sage Schwartz and Magrath LLP in Madison, Indiana, and is a founding member of the law firm. He is in his 41st year of law practice in southeastern Indiana and northern Kentucky, and is also the prosecutor of the fifth judicial circuit of Indiana for 12 years. Merritt has tried nearly 125 jury trials in Indiana and Kentucky. When he is not hard at work, you'll likely find Merritt golfing, reading, or exercising. He and his wife, Carolyn, have six children: Christopher, David, Bryan, Megan, Maureen, and Erin. "My children are my proudest achievement. It has been a pleasure watching them grow and become successful; I feel fulfilled." You can contact Merritt at alcorn@advocatelawoffices.com. Merritt Alcorn '71 Leaves a Legacy of Friendship and Support (Continued on page 4) ALUMNI UPDATE Truman Fox '53 entered Chapter Grand on April 3, 2015, as a resident of Highlands Ranch, Colo. He was a teacher in art, art history, and photography in K-12 education for 60 years, in both public and private schools in Illinois and Colorado. He was most recently an art teacher at St. Mary's High School in Colorado Springs, retiring in May 2000. Truman is survived by his wife, Marianna; son, Douglas; daughter, Rachel; grandsons, Steven and Alan; and three great-grandchildren. Peter Granzeau '57 entered Chapter Grand on March 6 in Newport News, Va., at the age of 80. He took great pride in being a computer specialist and was an excellent musician. Peter was preceded in death by his wife. David Bard '59 entered Chapter Grand on April 22 in Harrisburg, Ill., at the age of 79. He was a beloved radio news and sports reporter and director who was preceded in death by his wife. Richard "Dick" Parker '63 entered Chapter Grand on February 27 as a resident of Grand Marais, Minn. Dick was a very active volunteer in the community and received numerous awards, including Cook County Citizen of the Year in 2009, the Dolly Johnson Emergency Services Award, ATV Instructor of the Year for the State of Minnesota in 2009, and the Dick Parker Outstanding Volunteer Award, which was created in 2016 to recognize outstanding volunteers of the Gunflint Mail Run Dogsled Race. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughters, Angela and Jenny; four grandchildren, Megan, Will, Abby, and Miranda; brother, Theodore; and several nieces and nephews. Alumni News John E. Olcott '47 celebrated 67 years of marriage with his wife, Lucille, who passed away shortly after due to a spinal sarcoma. "Since that time, my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have been spoiling me rotten," he says. At age 90, John reports that he is healthy and stays active by working out in a physical therapy location three times a week, attending church, and volunteering in Pennsville, N.J. E-mail: johnolcott@snip.net William "Bill" Mette '51 stays busy with four children, several grandchildren, and six great- grandchildren. His son, Mike, passed away in 2015 at the age of 60. Bill is semi-retired and works in his home office in Lake Forest, Ill. He served as CEO of Grant Thornton CPA Firm for eight years. E-mail: wrmette@comcast.net Gerald L. Ward '56 looks forward to attending the 60th reunion for the class of '56 and checking out the renovated Chapter House. "Congrats to all of you for your very impressive accomplishments," he says. E-mail: gailandjerryward@gmail.com Robert "Bob" Pierce '64 proudly served as chapter advisor for the Michigan Epsilon Chapter at Northwood University in Midland, Mich., for seven years and as province president of Phi Delta Theta for three years. He and his wife, Annetee, spend winters

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