LIMA — When Allen County Democrats go to the polls to cast their ballots in the March 2020 primary election, they’ll find a familiar name missing.
Glenn Derryberry is ready to hang up his robe at the end of 2020 after 13 years on the bench. Derryberry previously spent 18 years as the chief magistrate at the court.
The reason behind Derryberry’s decision not to seek another six-year term is simple, the 69-year-old judge said.
“I decided I didn’t want to be working when I was 75½ years old,” the judge said late last week.
“My decision isn’t about an election, it’s really a matter of my age and my family. If I was elected, I’d feel obligated to serve the entire six years, which would make me over 75 when the term ended,” Derryberry said.
No Democrats filed to appear on the March 17 ballot. He will, barring the late entry of an independent candidate in the race, turn the reins of the courts over next year to longtime court magistrate Todd Kohlrieser, a Republican and the lone candidate for the office to date.
Derryberry did not hesitate to cross party lines to endorse Kohlrieser as his successor.
“Todd has been my chief magistrate for several years, and I think he’ll do a fine job.”
Derryberry was appointed to the role in November 2007 by then-Gov. Ted Strickland, replacing former Judge David Kinworthy, who retired after 33 years on the bench.
Derryberry said he’s looking forward to the free time that will come with retirement.
“I have kids in Florida and in Boston, and I hope to spend more time in Florida and Boston,” he said.
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