Columbus, Ohio USA
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Doo Dah Departed

by Margaret Marten
January/February 2020 Issue

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Tom Coombs

Tom Coombs 1938 - 2019. One of Doo Dah’s greatest fans and dedicated marchers passed away December 4, 2019, at the age of 81. Over the past three decades, Tom Coombs drove nearly 400 miles from Rolling Meadows, Illinois, to Columbus each year to march in the Doo Dah Parade on July Fourth. His exuberance for life and Doo Dah-ism is evident in every photo of him that came to light from the parade.

Deb Roberts (Mz Doo Dah) and her husband Charlie grew close to Tom over the years. He attended their wedding and never forgot an anniversary until recently. “I knew something was really wrong with him this year when the 20th card didn’t arrive,” Deb wrote in her online condolence. He later told her “Make sure you tell everyone at Doo Dah I said Happy Doo Dah and hello!”

W.C. Hemming

W. C. Hemming 1946 - 2019. Another Doo Dah enthusiast died in December. Tavern artist W.C. Hemming departed this earthly realm on December 5, 2019, but not before creating a treasure trove of off-beat paintings for more than half a century, many of which made their way into homes and businesses of Central Ohioans. He was 73 when he passed.

Caricatures of important historical figures in history, literature, art and music, night skies and landscapes filled his canvases, as well as unnamed rogues one might find on the streets or in the bars from Columbus to Paris. In fact, his art hung regularly at the Short North Tavern; years back he was a regular at Dick’s Den in Clintonville. He made his mark as a Doo Dah dabbler creating funny posters for the dis-organization. The influence of Mad Magazine is evident.

Hemming spent part of his professional career working as a social worker for the mentally disabled. He then worked for the Ohio State University – first as a room scheduler, then an appointment secretary and building coordinator for the pyschology department. After retiring, he committed himself to his art. He is survived by his wife Soon Ja; brother, Patrick; sister, Brenda Mellet; and prized pup Mr. Clancy.

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