Meet Lowell Dunlap
My Name is Lowell Dunlap. I have been employed with Wakeman
Library for almost two years now transcribing the local history and genealogy.
I would like to share a little about myself and how I came to work with
the library on this exciting project.
I was born and grew up in Hartland township on DeRussey Road, where I currently
reside with my wife, Linda. While growing up, I worked on our family farm
with my father, and later became a truck driver. I also became very interested
in airplanes and visited the Wakeman (Ortner's) airport frequently as a
boy. Mr. Ortner would let me ride with him on occasion. When I was old enough,
I obtained a pilots license and flew when ever I had to opportunity. I drove
semi truck for 25 years hauling about anything - including milk, stone,
steel and propane. I also farmed our 350 acres, growing soybeans, corn and
wheat.
In 1989, I was stricken with meningitis and taken to the emergency room.
I remained in critical condition and in a coma for several weeks. After
a year of intensive physical rehabilitation, I was able to go home. The
illness resulted in paralysis, and would be the beginning of several years
of rehabilitation at home. My doctor referred me during this time to the
State of Ohio's Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, where I would begin
training for a new job. I have always worked hard and would put my entire
being into learning this new career. The State supplied me with all of the
necessary computer equipment and a job coach to learn data entry. We would
work several hours weekly before I finally became independent in typing
the data. I was ready to find a job! A long 3 years of job development successfully
resulted in the job with Wakeman Library. I am responsible for transcribing
local history and genealogy for uploading onto the library's website. To
me, it isn't an ordinary data entry job, but an exciting one that has been
rewarding and interesting. I have located my own family histories in the
materials that I have transcribed and have received letters of acknowledgment
from individuals who have found family histories also. I enjoy contributing
to my community and look forward to continuing my work with the Wakeman
Library.
Thank you for allowing me to share about myself, my recovery and my work.