Republicans honor trio who served Holmes County faithfully

While members of the Holmes County Republican Party gathered at Carlisle Inn at Walnut Creek to celebrate its annual Lincoln Day Dinner on Feb. 12, they heard from many different party members including six of the seven people running for the two open Holmes County commissioner seats, a trio of judges and many other state representatives.

In addition, they heard from keynote speaker Sen. Matt Huffman, who is in his second term with the Ohio State Senate and also is serving as the Senate president for the 134th General Assembly.

However, one of the highlights was recognizing and honoring a trio of local officials who have served the people of Holmes County and surrounding areas diligently during their respective tenures.

The trio included retiring Ohio State Rep. Darrell Kick, who has termed out; retiring Holmes County commissioner Ray Eyler, who will not seek reelection; and the late Robert Anthony, MD, former Holmes County coroner.

Holmes County commissioner Dave Hall honored Kick, who came to the podium along with his wife Erin. Hall said the wife of someone serving in that capacity is an integral part of the success that comes with the effort.

Hall praised Kick for his dedication and effort to serve the people of Holmes County in his tenure with the Ohio House and applauded him for never losing sight of why he was elected into office.

Prior to serving in the Ohio House, Kick was a longtime farmer and served as the Holmes County Farm Bureau president before he went on to work under former U.S. Congressman Bob Gibbs.

“Darrell has built a legacy of working and serving us all,” Hall said. “When he replaced me at the Statehouse, many people recognized Darrell’s experience was going to be vital, and I always heard great reports.”

He then turned his attention to Erin Kick.

“You are part of this team,” Hall told Erin Kick. “Seeing you both up here, it does take teamwork when you have a family and you’re adjusting and doing things, and it isn’t just about who goes to Columbus, but also who stays at home.”

Kick said he was honored to serve all people and thanked his wife, who has a law practice while juggling five children and fostering others.

“She’s been very supportive, and it is very important to have family behind you,” Kick said.

Holmes County Republican Party President Rob Hovis said few people have devoted as much time and effort into serving their county and its people as Eyler.

Holmes County commissioner Joe Miller spoke glowingly about his longtime friend and partner in the commissioner office, but due to health issues, Eyler was unable to attend. Thus Holmes County planning commissioner Arnie Oliver accepted the honor on his behalf.

“For the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with commissioner Ray Eyler,” Miller said. “Hands down, Ray is the kindest, friendliest and most committed person to follow the teachings of Jesus I have ever worked with.”

Eyler is a military veteran with the U.S. Navy, a former firefighter and chief, and a longtime employee of Holmes-Wayne Electric Cooperative. He also served many years on the West Holmes School Board.

“Throughout my years of serving with Ray, it was apparent that if something wasn’t good for Holmes County, he wanted no part of it,” Miller said. “Ray’s experience and wisdom will always be a valuable asset, not just on the board of commissioners, but for everyone in Holmes County.”

Oliver accepted a plaque on Eyler’s behalf and provided some poignant words.

“Ray’s spirit and dedication to our community resonates strongly,” Oliver said. “His impact extends far beyond the Holmes County Commissioner’s Office. He is a cornerstone and a guy known for his generosity, kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need.”

Anthony, who served Holmes County as coroner for many years, passed away Oct. 16, 2023. His wife Janet Anthony was on hand to accept the honor, which was presented by Hovis.

Hovis praised the former coroner as a relentless and dedicated county employee who always did his job professionally.

“Our county was well served for many years by the late Bob Anthony,” Hovis said, noting Anthony was a medical doctor, an anesthesiologist and a dedicated family man.

Janet Anthony accepted the honor, saying of her husband, “He did love his job, even though it wasn’t a glamorous job. He met a lot of wonderful people and was dedicated. He would have to get up a lot in the middle of the night. He really enjoyed working with the paramedics and sheriff’s department and police department members.”

She said even on his last day of life, he was sharing stories with local members from each group, who share their personal remembrances of the coroner.