The Memorial Wall

 The co-owner of Schemengees Bar and Grille in Lewiston has died. David Lebel was 57 years old.

David’s wife, Kathy Lebel, shared the news Tuesday in a Facebook post, saying her husband’s death was unexpected. A post from David’s brother, Tim, says he battled Parkinson’s for more than 15 years. It is not known whether that was a factor in his death. 

The Lebels bought Schemengees more than 25 years ago, fueled by a love of billiards. The couple expanded the restaurant and grew the business at its location on Lincoln Street. 

The bar and restaurant was one of two locations where a gunman opened fire in October, killing 18 people that night and injuring more than a dozen. It has been closed since the shooting. 

The couple also owns the Station Grill down the road from Schemengees.

In the post, Kathy said she and David shared “37 wonderful years together, raising our son and creating a life filled with love.”

Lebel said David was “kind, gentle and loving—a true partner in every sense” adding, “I don’t believe there’s anyone out there who met him and didn’t feel a connection.”

Indeed, by Wednesday night, more than 300 Facebook commenters shared messages of love and grief, a testament to the large and positive shadow Lebel cast on the Lewiston community.

In response to a request for comment from NEWS CENTER Maine, one woman who knew Lebel wrote: “Just call him a pool shark fried chicken master and everyone will laugh.”

According to Kathy Lebel’s post, David leaves behind a son. Lebel writes, “our family will never be the same without you my love. I will love you forever.”

Another veteran actor has said goodbye to the cinema world. Veteran Malayalam actor Mohan Raj, famous for playing the role of villain Kirikkadan Jose in Mohanlal's film 'Kireedam', died at the age of 70. He was battling a serious illness for a long time. Mohan Raj died at his residence on Thursday, October 3. The actor was undergoing treatment at his home in Kanjiramkulam, Kerala. It is significant to note that having worked with several Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam superstars, Mohan Raj made his own identity in the entertainment world.

Malayalam actor Mohan Raj died due to a disease called Parkinson's. For those who don't know, this disease damages the movements of the human body and hollows it from the inside. During this disease, patients have a problem of tremors. The symptoms are usually different for everyone. It often starts from one side of the body and then starts happening on the other side. Due to Mohan Raj's critical condition, his family was getting him treated at home.

After the untimely demise of Mohan Raj, his friends and fans expressed their grief and condolences on their social media handles. Senior actor Mohanlal wrote in Malayalam on his Facebook handle, 'Being called by the name of the character is a blessing that not everyone gets... This blessing is received only by the artist who rules the hearts of the people. Dear Mohan Raj, who played the immortal character of Kirikadan Jose in Kireedam, left us, my dear friend.' Recalling the time when he worked with Mohan Raj in 'Kireedam' released in 1989, Mohanlal further wrote, 'I still feel as if it was yesterday when we met. A tearful farewell to my dear friend, who was a very good actor and human being.'

Mammootty also expressed his condolences on his social media handle and wrote, 'Tribute to Mohan Raj.'

Mohan Raj was known for playing villainous roles in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu cinema. The actor earned fame by playing the role of Kirikadan Jose in 'Kireedam', after which his fans started calling him by the name of his character. He also worked in the television industry sometime before the end of his career. The veteran star started his career with Mohanlal in 1988. Both the actors also worked together in a film named 'Moonam Mura'. Mohan Raj was last seen on-screen in the 2022 film 'Rorschach' alongside Mammootty.

Allen, Norman Paul age 74 of Lake Elmo, MN, passed away from complications of Parkinson's Disease on August 23, 2024 at Prelude Assisted Living. Born on March 8, 1950 in Minneapolis to Alice and Gerhard Allen. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary. Survived by wife, Patricia, sons, Kevin (Ekaterina) and Gregory, three granddaughters (Maggie, Lilia and Rosie), brother Dick (Jean), sister-law, Sharon Bledsoe (Bill) and brother-in-law, Don Welch (Antje) and other relatives and friends. Norm graduated from Cretin High School and U of M Dental School. He worked for Health Partners for 35 years.

Longtime banker, aerospace engineer and East Texas native Laurel Ann Phillips Austin, better known as Sissy, died Thursday at her home after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Austin was 83 years old. 

Known locally for her leadership at Austin Bank, she was awarded the Texas Bankers Association 50 Year Banker award in 2022. Before that, her career started after a visit to NASA Space Center in Houston.

“She noticed that one of the engineers was struggling with a mathematical problem,” according to Austin Bank. “She asked for a pencil, quickly solved the equation, put the pencil down and smiled. This action led to being recruited by NASA where she started in June 1963 as one of the first female aerospace engineers, and later at a private consulting firm, TRW Systems, Houston.”

Her team created equations and programming used in the Apollo projects to track missions. She served the space program for nine years before returning to her hometown of Jacksonville with her husband, Jeff Austin, Jr.

Previously, she had been named Jacksonville Citizen of the Year, served as Chairman of the Board of Stephen F. Austin State University, was the first female president of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Cherokee Country Club, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville, Chairman of the Trinity Mother Frances Hospital System and more.

“Sissy was an approachable and sincere mentor to many,” Austin Bank said in a release announcing her death. “As a trailblazer for progress, she shared her knowledge with fellow bankers and advice seekers. A common phrase around the bank is: ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way Sissy told you.’ These words will always ring true, and many of us will always ask ourselves: ‘What would Sissy do’?”

Actress Barbara 'Babs' Wheelton has died aged 93 following a battle with Parkinson's disease. The beloved star, who was born in London in 1931 and later moved to Australia, appeared in a string of iconic TV shows in the 60s and 70s.

She was known for playing three different characters in Australian drama Prisoner, also known as Prisoner: Cell Block H, which broadcast from 1979 to 1986. She also starred in hits including The Sullivans, Cop Shop and Homicide. Her family confirmed her death in an obituary published in The Age. It read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Barbara (Babs) Wheelton on Sunday 18th August 2024.

"Dearly loved by her family, their spouses, partners and all extended family and dear friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Fight Parkinson's Victoria."

Barbara is survived by children Simon, Stephanie and Paul, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held on Monday, 26 August, in Melbourne, followed by a private cremation.

In a touching tribute, her niece Linda wrote: "In loving memory of my Auntie B and great Auntie to Christian and Ashton. We may have lived far apart but you were always close in my thoughts and heart.

"Our holidays to Melbourne won’t be the same without seeing you. We loved hearing your stories as much as you loved hearing ours. You will be dearly missed but we will hold on tight to the wonderful memories we have of you.

"Deepest Sympathy to Simon, Stephanie and Don, Paul and Angela and families. Until we meet again, Love Linda, Vaughn, Christian and Ashton Favazzo."

Fans also took to social media to pay tribute. One wrote: "She was a great actress in all the tv shows she was in over the years," while another said: "She played some great characters. Funny she got to play Judy’s neighbour in two separate roles. RIP."

Someone else commented: "Rest peacefully," and a fourth added: "I've recently seen her as Mrs. Burke. That's sad. RIP."

"Rip lovely lady," said another, while someone else commented: "God bless." Other comments read: "Such sad news another great gone. Rest in peace Babs," and: "Rest easy my love."

During her career, Barbara worked alongside Australian performers including Charles 'Bud' Tingwell, Michael Caton and Noni Hazlehurst. As well as acting, she also appeared in radio dramas and was a published short story writer.