FOR THE LOVE OF DONKEYS -- PART 1

A TRIBUTE TO FRANK J. BARTHEN

Editor's note:

As Memorial Day nears, we would like to honor one of dearest, kindest  human beings we have ever met in our lives -- Frank J. Barthen. 

Frank passed away in 2010 at age 83. 

This interview, conducted a decade before, is preserved and published in its entirety as a Memorial to a dynamic man who cared very much about his donkeys.

By Steve Wright

Frank J. Barthen has been bucked, bitten, stomped and kicked by donkeys, yet he loves the long-eared, furry and braying creatures.

People from all corners of Ohio and beyond call him donkey man.

He lives on Burro Lane; introduces himself as a Doctor of Jackassology.

For more than half a century, Barthen’s life has revolved around donkeys large and small.

TRIBUTE CONTINUES TOMORROW -- MAY 15