Mayor recalls Roux’s devotionSFlb

By Sean Barron

The McDonald law director died last Tuesday.

MCDONALD — He fought vigorously for the best interests of the village and could always be counted on to provide sound, sensible advice to council and other co-workers.

That was one of the ways Mayor Glenn W. Holmes remembered Atty. William Roux, who served 23 years as village law director and who died suddenly last Tuesday at the Cleveland Clinic after battling pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive disease characterized by scarring of the lung sacs. He was 52.

“He had those unique qualities that made McDonald, McDonald,” the mayor said. “He gave a lot back to the community and others.”

Holmes said he and Roux had worked jointly on a variety of economic and other projects while helping Holmes market the village as a viable location for retail establishments and economic development.

“He was a good man, a good father and a good friend,” said Superintendent Michael Wasser, who had grown up with Roux.

School board president Robert Jones Jr. said Roux was one of the few people who loved the schools, the village and his family, and was a “lifeline” for them.

Roux earned his law degree in 1983 from the University of Akron.

He also served 25 years as a member of the McDonald school board, having last fall earned the Ohio School Board Member of the Year award for his work and longevity. He was one of five board members in the state to win the honor.

He served as attorney for the Weathersfield Township trustees, and had law offices in Youngstown and Warren.

Roux also was the primary caretaker of his 95-year-old grandmother, Martha Kelly, of McDonald.

Roux leaves his wife, Atty. Lisa K. Robinson-Roux, and their four children, James, 7; Tommy, 9; Ellie, 11; and Annie, 14.

Two funds have been set up for contributions in Roux’ memory. The first is at Huntington Bank for the benefit of his children. Called the Roux Memorial Fund, checks should be made out to Lisa Robinson-Roux and mailed to: Roux Memorial Fund, Care of P.O. Box 129, Canfield, OH 44406.

Contributions also can be made with checks payable to and sent to: The Rich Center for Autism, Ohio University Plaza, Fedor Hall, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, 44555. Their son James attends the center.

XCONTRIBUTOR: Vindicator correspondent Mary Smith