SPENCERVILLE - Dennis Alan Akey Sr., 40, died Tuesday morning in Spencerville. He was a construction worker. He was born August 27, 1955, in Fort Wayne. Surviving are a son, Dennis Akey Jr. of Spencerville; his father, Glen Akey of Spencerville; his mother and stepfather, Lois (Kimes) and William Shull of Butler; a brother, Brent Akey of Spencerville; a sister Lona Eichel of Auburn; and a grandson, Trey Akey of Spencerville; Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Kimes Sr., of Auburn; one stepbrother, Scott Shull of Wolcottville, and two stepsisters, Sandra Kinzer of Auburn and Shannon Koch of Butler. Friends may call Friday from 3-9 p.m. in Baidinger & Walter Funeral Home, Spencerville. Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home, with the Rev. Leonard Shaffer officiating. Burial will be in Leo Memorial Park Cemetery, Leo.
The Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; Thursday, March 21, 1996
Contributed by Karin King

C. Forrest Allen, 55, a former composing room employe of Fort Wayne Newspapers, Ind., agent for the The Journal-Gazette, died of a heart attack Wednesday in San Jose, Calif., where he had lived nine years. He was a native of Bluffton and worked for Fort Wayne Newspapers from 1948 to 1958. While in Fort Wayne his home was at 4406 South Wayne Ave. Surviving are his wife, Peg; a stepson, James Croxton of Fort Wayne, and a sister in Fort Worth, Tex. Services and burial will be in Santa Fe, N.M.
[buried Santa Fe National Cemetery; Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Friday, November 17, 1967
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services for Nota Florence Anderson, 89, Rt 1, Baxter were held July 16 at the New Home Baptist Church. Bro. Robert S. Markham was the officiating minister. Burial was in Smellage Cemetery. Mrs. Anderson died July 14, 1973 at her home after an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late Pleas Kinniard and Margaret Lowe. Survivors include six sons; Carson Anderson, St. Petersburg, Florida; Borden Anderson, Oak Ridge, Tenn; Durrell Anderson, Cookeville; James Anderson, Boma, Tenn; Hara Lee Anderson, Cookeville; LM Anderson, Warren, Michigan; 3 daughters, Ora Mae Brown, Boma, Tenn; Mary Nell Brown, Boma; Nuava Maynard, Boma; 4 sisters, Bezzie Vaughn, Detroit, Michigan; Pearl Roberts, Silver Point; Cordova Bartlett, Silver Point, Bettie martin, Old Hickory, Tenn; 39 grandchilren and 41 great grandchildren. Baxter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Unknown newspaper clipping; 1973
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Wanda L. Anderson, 51, was found dead at her residence, 1018 W. Washington Blvd., late yesterday morning. Born in Allen County, she had lived in Fort Wayne since 1946 and was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ. Miss Anderson was a retired employ of General Electric Co. Surviving are her mother, Mrs. Gladys Anderson, Huntington; three sisters, Mrs. Maxine McDonald and Mrs. Cathryn Rivir, Warren, and Mrs. Dorothy Ferguson, Marion; and several nieces and nephews. The body will be sent by Klaehn Funeral Home to Bailey Mortuary, Huntington, where friends may call after 4 p.m. today. Services will be there at 2 p.m. Wednesday, the Rev. Harold Kratzat officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Huntington.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Tuesday, September 9, 1969
Contributed by Karin King

Man Dies of Heart Attack Near Blast
Frank R. Archbold, 66, of 1333 Home Ave., was dead on arrival at about 11:15 a.m. yesterday at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne and had been employed 40 years by the General Electric Co., retiring two years ago. He was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, the GE Quarter Century Club, Summit City Lodge 170, F & AM, and Scottish Rite. Surviving are his wife, Wilmetta; a son, Thomas F., Seattle, Wash.; a daughter, Mrs. Joyce Raudabaugh, Celina, Ohio; and five grandchildren. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in the Klaehn Funeral Home, Rev. James E. Baldwin officiating. Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. today. Summit City Lodge 170 will conduct services at 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. According to reports, Mr. Archbold walked to the site of the gas explosion in the 3100 block of Broadway and was returning to his home when he suffered a heart attack. He was found in the alley in the rear of the 2900 block of Broadway.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Friday, February 4, 1966
Contributed by Karin King

Alva H. Arnett, 69, of 5204 S. Harrison St., died at 2:15 p.m. yesterday at his home after an illness of six months. Born in Greenville, Ohio, he had resided here 41 years. A member of the Gospel Temple, he retired three years ago from the American Hoist Co. Surviving are his wife, Dolly; two sons, Robert and Wilford, both of Fort Wayne; a brother, Clifford of LaGrange and three sisters, Mrs. Daisy Nelson, Mrs. Fern Parnin and Mrs. Mina Birt, all of Fort Wayne. The body is at Mungovan & Sons Mortuary where friends may call after 7 p.m. today. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. (cut off)
[burial Greenlawn Memorial Park; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Sunday, 17 February 1963
Contributed by Karin King

Final rites for Howard James Baker, 65, of 3125 Mounds Rd, have been arranged for 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Baker Brother Funeral Home. The Rev. John Zuber of the Meadowbrook Baptist Church will be the minister in charge. Interment will be in the Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery [Madison County, Indiana]. Friends may call at the Baker Mortuary after 7 p.m. today and on Sunday from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. The Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge will conduct memorial rites at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Unknown newspaper clipping; 1968
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Clarence R. Beaty, 83, died Wednesday at Parkview Memorial Hospital. Born in Altoona, Pa., he lived in Fort Wayne most of his life. He was a truck driver for Montgomery Ward Co. His wife, Lena A., died in 1991. Surviving are a daughter, Jacqueline Litchfield of Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Services at 10 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1020 Capitol Ave. Calling from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at Tom Mungovan Funeral Home, 2221 South Calhoun St., with a rosary service at 3:30 p.m. Calling also a half-hour before services at the church. Burial in Catholic Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, IN; Saturday, May 15, 1993
Contributed by Karin King

Rev. Bleeke, 66, is taken by death
Rev. August Bleeke, 66, retired Lutheran minister of Spirit Lake Ia.; died unexpectedly of a heart attack Thursday afternoon at his home. He was born in Adams county, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Bleeke, and had devoted all his pastoral assignments to Lutheran churches in Iowa. Surviving are his wife, Helen; three children, Donald, Robert and Joyce; eight grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Martin (Laura) Krueckeberg of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Gustav (Selma) Krueckeberg and Miss Martha Bleeke, both of Decatur; and four brothers, Simon, Walter and Herman Bleeke, all of Decatur, and Alfred Bleeke of Fort Wayne. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at the Lutheran church in Spirit Lake, Ia.
[buried Lakeview Cemetery; Spirit Lake, Dickinson County, Iowa]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, June 23, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

CHURUBUSCO - Lavone Bockelman, 81, died Monday at Parkview Memorial Hospital, Fort Wayne. She was employed at Kmart North, Fort Wayne, for five years and retired in 1975. Her husband, Bert "Red," died in 1992. Surviving are two daughters, Phyllis George of Clarksville, Ohio, and Jennifer Garvin of Fort Wayne; a son, Patrick of Liberty, Mo.; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Services at 10 a.m. Thursday at Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Calling from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Burial in Riverview Cemetery, Allen County. Memorials to the American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, March 2, 1993
Contributed by Karin King

Charles W(illiam) Bontrager, Sr, 91, of North Ridgeville, passed away Tuesday Sept 21, 2010 at Wesleyan Village, OH following a short illness. Born in Middlebury, Indiana he had been a resident of North Ridgeville since 2000, moving from Sturgis, Michigan where he had lived for most of his life. Mr. Bontrager served in the US Army during WWII. He worked as a carpenter by Land of Lakes Lumber Company in St. Joseph Michigan for over 40 years, retiring in 1986. Charles was a member of the Sturgis Wesleyan Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and building things with his hands. Survivors include sons, Charles Jr of North Ridgeville; James of Grass Lake, Michigan five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, sisters Delsi Barrett of Tucson, Arizona; Elizabeth Weldy of Indianapolis, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Irene; infant daughter; parents William and Estella Bontrager, brothers, LeRoy, Vernon, Benjamin, Maurice and Willis Bontrager and a sister, Wilma Rink. Friends may call at the David Bogner Family Funeral Home, 28825 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville Thursday, September 23, 2010 from 6-8 p.m. Additional services will take place at the Rosenberg-Schipper Funeral Home, 105 South Lakeview, Sturgis, Michigan. Memorial donations to the American Diabetes Association, 4500 Rockside Rd, Suite 440, Independence OH 44131 would be appreciated by the family.
Unknown newspaper clipping; 2010
Memorial for Charles W. Bontrager, Sr. Born in Middlebury, IN on Mar. 4, 1919 Departed on Sep. 21, 2010 and resided in North Ridgeville, OH. Visitation: Friday, Sep. 24, 2010 & Saturday, Sep. 25, 2010 Service: Saturday, Sep. 25, 2010 Cemetery: Oak Lawn Cemetery Charles W. Bontrager, Sr, age 91, of North Ridgeville, OH passed away Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Wesleyan Village, Elyria, OH following a short illness. He was born March 4, 1919 in Middlebury, IN a son to the late William and Estella (Snyder) Bontrager. He had been a resident of Sturgis, MI most of his life, moving to North Ridgeville in 2000. Charles was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during WWII and earning the rank of Corporal. He had been employed as a carpenter for Land of Lakes Lumber Company in St. Joseph, MI for over 40 years, retiring in 1986. He was a member of the Sturgis Wesleyan Church and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and building things with his hands. Surviving are sons: Charles, Jr. of North Ridgeville, OH and James of Grass Lake, MI; 5 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters: Delsi Barrett of Tucson, AZ and Elizabeth Weldy of Indianapolis, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Carol Irene; infant daughter; brothers: Leroy, Vernon, Benjamin, Maurice, and Willis Bontrager; sister: Wilma Rink. The family will receive friends and relatives from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M, Friday, and from 9:00 - 11:00 A.M, Saturday, at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes - Rosenberg Chapel, 807 E. Chicago Rd, Sturgis, MI 49091. Funeral Services celebrating the life of Charles W. Bontrager, Sr. will be held at 11:00 A.M, Saturday, at the funeral home with The Rev. Steve Bean, Sturgis Wesleyan Church, officiating. Interment and graveside services will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery with full military rites conferred by the U.S. Army Honor Guard and the Capt. John J. Kelley V.F.W. Post #1355. The family suggest memorial donations be directed to the American Diabetes Association, 4500 Rockside Rd, Suite 440, Independence, OH 44131. His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
Ancestry.com
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Bontrager - Estella Mae, only daughter of Henry and Hannah Nusbaum Snyder, was born at Collum, Ill. Dec 31, 1887. When 12 years old the family moved to Jackson, Minn. At the age of 15 she was converted and united with the Mennonite Church at Alpha and she always tried to be true to her baptismal vows. On Jan 22, 1911 she was united in marriage to Wm. M. Bontrager of Middlebury, Ind with whom she shared the joys and cares of a busy life till she passed to the life eternal on June 19, 1930; aged 42 y 5 m 19 d. She leaves her husband, d6 sons, 3 daughters, her parents, 3 brother and a host of other relatives and friends. She was of a kind and affectionate disposition always patient in trials and always willing to bear her share of the burdens and cares of life. Funeral services were held on June 22 at the Clinton Brick Church with Bros. DJ Johns, John Garber and Silas Yoder in charge. Burial in the church cemetery. "Oh the peace and rest in heaven, Oh the bliss of loved ones there; Love divine now bears us upward All their blessedness to share!"
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1930
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Aug 22, 1931 - Jan 28, 2008
Elkhart - Irene Louise (Brooks) Bontrager, 76, of 1001 W. Hively Ave, died at 4:30 p.m. Monday (Jan 28, 2008) in Golden Living Center. She was born Aug 22, 1931 in Osceola to George E. and Gladys (Brandon) Brooks. Ms. Bontrager is survived by two daughters, Louise F. Timmins of Limestone, Tenn and Nancy K. Schumacher of Middlebury; two sons, Richard L. Bontrager of Elbart, Colo. And Gary L. Bontrager of Elkhart; five grandchildren; three great grandchildren; four sisters, Patricia (John) Simpson of Calvin Center, Mich; Sandy (Jack) Shaffer of Bristol; Joyce (Allen) Wait of Edwardsburg, Mich and Mary (Tom) Boyland of Sunland, Calif; and one brother, George "Bud" (Cathy Brooks, Jr. of South Bend. She was preceded in death by one son, Leo W. Bontrager and one sister, Betty Shaffer. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and one hour prior to Friday's 11 a.m. funeral service at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 700 E. Jackson Blvd. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Ms. Bontrager enjoyed cooking, bowling and swimming. She was formerly employed at Elkhart General Hospital, Turtle Creek Nursing Home and Elkhart Community Schools. Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Diabetes Association.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 2008
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Lethan Leroy Bontrager was born June 30, 1920 to William M. and Stella Snyder Bontrager near Middlebury. He died Feb 5, 2005 at Americare Living Center where he had been a resident for 9 months. His age was 84 years 7 months 6 days. Leroy attended Forest Grove School. During WWII he was a conscientious objector and served four years in Civilian Peace Service as a landscaper and caregiver in a mental hospital. On March 12, 1955, Leroy married Marie Mishler at Shore Mennonite Church. To their home were born three children. They lived in the Middlebury area most of their married life. For 25 years Leroy was employed at Star Tank and Boat (later Universal Coop) and for 10 years at Essenhaus Restaurant. He accepted Christ in his youth and was baptized into Clinton Brick Mennonite Church where he served as usher for many years and remained a faithful member until his death. He is survived by his wife, Marie; Janet and her husband Steve Lantz of Goshen and Jane and her husband Michael Bontrager, Middlebury; one son Dennis and his wife Susan Bontrager, Goshen; two sisters, Delsie Barnet, Phoenix, Arizona; Elizabeth Weldy, Indianapolis, Indiana; three brothers, Charles Bontrager, Cleveland, Ohio; Benjamin Bontrager of Phoenix, Arizona and Maurice Bontrager, Donna, Texas; 7 grandchildren and one step-grandchild. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Minnie May Bontrager and Wilma Rink and three brothers, Wilbur Bontrager, Willis Bontrager and Vernon Bontrager. Although short in physical stature, Leroy stood tall as a humble servant of Jesus Christ. He was often seen reading his Bible. He was kind, gentle, sensitive with a ready willingness to help. As a husband, father and grandfather, he expressed his love in faithful companionship and providing. He was an example of hospitality and integrity. Thank you, Lord for blessing us with your servant Leroy.
Funeral Memorial Sheet - 2005
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Mayme M. Bontrager, 71, Greencroft Nursing Center, Goshen, died at 7:30 p.m. Monday (July 31, 1989) at the nursing center where she had been a patient for seven years. She was born Jan 8, 1918, in LaGrange County. As Mayme M. Frey, she married J. Willis Bontrager on Nov 28, 1940 in Goshen. He died Nov 19, 1966. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Gordon (Iva Jean) Kauffman, Middlebury; Mrs. Norman (Vera) Swartzentruber, Goshen; Rebecca, Anchorage, Alaska and Mrs. Steve (Sandra) Mikel, Wakarusa; three sons, Jerry L. Bontrager, Greensboro, NC; John R, Goshen and F. Douglas, Sturgis; two sisters, Susannah Colagrossi, Elkhart and Mrs. Titus (Darlene) Martin, Goshen; three brothers, Edward S. Frey, Bristol; Owen Frey, Goshen and Vernon Frey, Wolcottville; 21 grandchildren; one great grandson and four step grandchildren. Two brothers, Irvin and Harley are deceased. Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. today and 5-9 p.m. Wednesday at Rieth, Rohrer & Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen where services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. John Blosser of Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Grove Cemetery, Middlebury. Mrs. Bontrager was a member of Brenneman Memorial Missionary Church. She worked in the sewing division at Goshen Cushion Inc for 18 years and also worked at Wieland Design, Goshen. Memorials may be given to Alzheimer's Disease and Research Foundation.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1989
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

April 25, 1924 - July 13, 2002
Elkhart - Vernon H. Bontrager, 78 of 140 S. Wildwood, died at 10 a.m. Saturday (July 13, 2002) at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. Bontrager ,the son of the late William M. and Stella Mae (Snyder) Bontrager was born April 25, 1924 in Middlebury. He is survived by two daughters, Louise E. Timmins of Greenville, Tenn and Mrs William (Nancy K) Schumacher of Elbert, Colo; two sons, Gary L. of Elkhart and Richard L. of Elbert; five grandchildren, one great grandson; four brothers, Charles of Burr Oak, Mich; LeRoy of Middlebury, Maurice of Elkhart and Frank of Phoenix, Arizona and three sisters, Wilma Rink of Milford, Delsie Barnett of Tuscon, Ariz; and Elizabeth "Betty" Weldy of Indianapolis. A son, Leo, two brothers and one sister are deceased. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Thursday and two hours before the service held at 11 a.m. Friday all at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Mr. Bontrager retired in 1998 from RE Jackson Co where he worked for 12 years. Prior to that, he was employed for 31 years at Adams & Westlake Ltd. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society of American Diabetes Association.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 2002
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Mary Bowen, nee McQueen, was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania December 22, 1821; died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Cully, northeast of in Van Wert County, December 19, 1906, aged 84 years, 11 months 27days. In early childhood moved with family to Crawford County, Ohio, and in 1837 came to Van Wert County. Married to Cyrus Bowen in 1841. Had eleven children, three of whom with the father preceded her in death. Funeral Services were held at Radical United Brethren Church in Wren. Interment in Wren Cemetery. Survivors: eight children--Charles, Thomas, Samuel and Joseph Bowen of Willshire, Mrs. Andrew Roop of Syracuse, Indiana, Mrs. J K Wagers of South Salem, Indiana, Mrs. William Cully of Willshire, and Mrs. John Bailey of Wren. Also surviving are 31 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.
Andrew Roop and Mrs. Matthews of Milford, IN, attended the funeral of Mrs. Mary Bowan last Sat.
Willshire Herald, Van Wert County, Ohio; 27 Dec 1906
MRS. MARY BOWEN IS DEAD - Was Eighty-six Years Old and a Pioneer of This County - Funeral Saturday
Mrs. Mary Bowen, aged eighty-six years, died Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. William Cully, three miles northeast of Willshire, at six thirty o'clock, after an illness of several weeks, death resulting from old age and a complication of diseases. The deceased was one of the oldest residents in that section of the county and had resided in the same homestead for years, settling there when that section was but a wilderness. She had been ailing for several weeks, but yesterday appeared to be some better, and last evening ate a hearty supper. In a short time she retired and it was then she took a sudden turn for the worse and in a few minutes expired. The funeral services will be held Saturday morning at the U. B. church at Wren, the funeral cortege leaving the house at ten o'clock and interment will be made in the Wren cemetery. She leaves eight children to mourn their loss. The grandsons will act in the capacity of pall-bearers.
Decatur Democrat, Adams County, Indiana (a weekly newspaper); Thursday, December 27, 1906
Contributed by Karin King

Charlene (Roberts) Breeland, 59, 1715 Nichol Ave, died Thursday evening [9/26/1974] at a local nursing home after an extended illness. A native of Sparta, Tenn, she lived with her sister, Mrs. Maymie Denman for the past 8 years. She was a clerk at the Roselyn Bakery and Bargainland USA in Anderson. She was a member of the Baptist Church in Doyle, Tenn. She is survived by three sisters: Mrs. Maymie Denman, Mrs. Anna Lee Gillentine and Mrs. Jean Thornburg, all of Anderson and three brothers, William B. Roberts, Anderson; Elwood and James Roberts, Sparta, Tenn and several nieces and nephews. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Baker Brothers Funeral Home with the Rev. William P. Sortenga officiating. Burial will follow in the Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. Saturday and after 3 p.m. Sunday.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1974
Services for Mrs. Ralph (Charlene) Breeland, 59, a clerk at Roselyn Bakers, Monday 10:30 a.m. Baker Brothers Funeral Home.
Indianapolis News, Marion County, Indiana; Saturday, 28 Sept 1974, p 18
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

MARKLEVILLE--Mrs. Ella Bridges, 88, widow of William Otto Bridges, died at 7:30 p.m. Monday at her home on RR. 1, Markleville. Mrs. Bridges was born Jan. 13, 1872, in Jennings Co., and was the daughter of Elijah and Mary A. (Nugent) Lynam. She married Mr. Bridges on May 8, 1897. Mrs. Bridges was a member of the Zion Chapel Church and the Women's Society of Christian Service of the church. Surviving are: a daughter, Mrs. Collins, RR 1, Markleville; a son, Avery Bridges, RR 2, Knightstown; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Charles Lynam, Indianapolis. Another daughter, Mrs. Zelma Davis, died in Nov. 1925 and another son, Kenneth A. Bridges died in July 1899. Friends will be received after 10 a.m. Wed. at the Condo and Son Funeral Home in Wilkinson. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Glen Cove Cemetery at Knightstown.
Anderson Daily Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana; Tuesday, 17 January 1961, pg 5
Contributed by Brandy Reader

William Otto Bridges, 83, life-long resident of his community and a retired farmer, was discovered dead in a field near his home Friday afternoon. The deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Bridges and was a farmer his entire life. He was a member of the Zion Chapel Church. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Ella Bridges; two children, Mrs. Carl Collins, Markleville, Avery Bridges, Knightstown; four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. The body was taken to Condo and Son Funeral home where friends will be received and where rites will be held Monday at 2 p. m. Burial will follow at Glencove Cemetery at Knightstown.
Anderson Daily Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana; Sunday, 13 November 1955, pg 2
Contributed by Brandy Reader

Rev. Joshua Bright Is Taken By Death
The Rev. Joshua F. Bright, 73, of Leesburg route 2, and a native of Adams county, died Friday at the Lutheran hospital in Fort Wayne, where he had been a patient since May 5. Rev. Bright, a retired minister of the Evangelical United Brethren church, was active in the state-wide mental health association and Kosciusko county, four-county mental health association. He was a former pastor at Waterloo, retiring several years ago. Surviving his wife, Hulda; three sons, Donovan and Joshua, Jr., both of Fort Wayne, and John of Muncie; seven daughters, Mrs. Peary (Marjorie) Nichols of Fostoria, O., Mrs. Harold (Clover) Drage of Ossian, Mrs. A. L. (Helen) Quicksall of Cheyenne, Wyo., Mrs. Gale (Betty) Creighton and Mrs. Charles (Mary) Huffman, both of Warsaw, Mrs. James (Barbara) Mallinger of Nappanee, and Mrs. Devon (Nancy) Ogden of Laketon; 26 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral rites will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Warsaw E. U. B. church, with burial in Oakwood cemetery at Warsaw. Friends may call at the McHatton funeral home in Warsaw after 7 p.m. Saturday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, May 15, 1965
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral Held for Portland Man Killed in Light Plant Accident
PORTLAND, Dec. 24 - Funeral services for Lee McKinley Burk, assistant engineer at the Portland Light and Power Plant, who was accidentally killed Saturday afternoon while at work, were held this afternoon at one o'clock a the Friends Church. The Rev. M. ??? officiated and burial was in the Buena Vista Cemetery, ?? County. The accident occurred about 3 p.m. Saturday when Mr. Burk, who had been employed by the city for 18 years fell into a large coal hopper to a boiler and was sucked down into the feeder pipe by the moving coal. Harson Fifer, another employee, and Burk were engaged, at the time, in loosening coal with poles. It is thought Burk lost his balance when he struck a spot with an air pocket. Fifer attempted to get hold of him but could not keep his grip against the weight of the coal closing over Burk. It was two hours before Burk could be extricated. Dr. Donald E. Spahr, coroner, returned a verdict of death by suffocation. Survivors include the widow, Ethel; two daughters, Mrs. Wilma Ann Gayl, of Galion, O.; Lt. Ruth C. Burk, Army nurse stationed in Manila; two sons, Pvt. Robert D. Burk a marine serving in China, Joseph D. Burk, here; five sisters, two brothers, and a granddaughter.
[buried Buena Vista Cemetery; Winchester, Randolph County, Indiana; Died Dec. 22, 1945]
1945a Adams County, Indiana Historical Society Scrapbook, no handwritten date
Transcribed by Janice Vasilovski

Calley's dad dies
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (UPI)- William L. Calley, the father of Lt. William Calley Jr., died Thursday night just hours after his son was granted special permission to visit him. Lt. Calley, who is serving a 20-year sentence for massacres at My Lai in South Vietnam spent about a half-hour with his father Thursday morning. Calley returned to his detention quarters in Ft. Benning, Ga., the same afternoon. A Veterans Hospital spokesman said the elder Calley died from complications of a long bout with diabetes and respiratory ailment. He was 57.
[Buried Southern Memorial Park; North Miami, Miami-Dade County, Florida]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, July 14, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Mrs. Rachel Carrier, 64, died at 9:30 o'clock Monday morning at her home six miles southeast of Monroeville. Her death was caused by carcinoma. Surviving are the husband, Preston Carrier, two sons, William H. Carrier of Fort Wayne, and Floyd C. Carrier of Dixon, O.; a step-daughter, Mrs. Walter Need of Monroe township; and 13 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock (DST) at the Dixon M. E. church. Rev. S.F. Painter officiating. Burial in Flatrock Cemetery.
[Rachel Rice born Sept. 12, 1865, Adams Co., Ind; died May 11, 1931; buried Flat Rock Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery; East Liberty, Allen County, Indiana]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; no date listed
Event Type: Marriage Registration; Event Date: 22 Mar 1888; Event Place: Allen, Indiana, United States; Marriage License Date: 16 Mar 1888; Marriage Place: Allen, Indiana; Officiator's Name: O W Bowen
Name: Preston Carrier; Gender: Male; Spouse's Name: Rachel Rice; Spouse's Gender: Female; Additional Person's Name: George W Loag
Number of Images: 1; Page: 482; GS Film Number: 002111521; Digital Folder Number: 004168621; Image Number: 00936
"Indiana Marriages, 1811-2007," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVR2-CQM7 : 10 February 2018), George W Loag in entry for Preston Carrier and Rachel Rice, 22 Mar 1888; citing Allen, Indiana, United States, Marriage Registration, Indiana Commission on Public Records, Indianapolis; FHL microfilm 004168621.
Contributed by Karin King

George C. Clark, 81, who resided with a daughter, Mrs. Dorothy DePoy, 2318 South Wayne Ave., the last four years, died at 8 a.m. yesterday in the Lutheran Nursing Home. Prior to moving to Fort Wayne, Mr. Clark resided in Huntington. Before his retirement because of illness, he was employed by the Erie Railroad and the Spot Restaurant, Huntington.
[buried Mount Hope Cemetery; Huntington, Huntington County, Indiana]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Monday, October 31, 1966, p. 2A, col. 2
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services for Mrs. Bessie L. Conner, 81, who died Tuesday noon [12/31/1968] at the Turtle Creek Convalescent Center after a four-month illness, have been arranged for 10:30 a.m. Friday at the First Friends Church. The Rev. AW Langley will officiate and interment will take place in the Lutheran Cemetery at New Columbus. Friends are being received at the Brown & Butz Funeral Home.
[buried Mount Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Madison County, Indiana]
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1968
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Services for Claude B. Connor, 78, Greensburg, who served as Decatur County sheriff from 1954 until 1958 will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home at Greensburg. Burial will be in South Park Cemetery at Greensburg. Mr. Connor died Monday [8/16/1973] in West 10th Street Veterans Administration Hospital. He was a veteran of WWI and WWII. He had worked as a Greensburg city sewer inspector, Decatur Circuit Court bailiff and had been a member of the Greensburg City-County Parks Recreation board. Survivors include the widow, Mary K. Conner.
[buried Mount Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Madison County, Indiana]
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1973
Contributed by Kacie Weldy
Claude B. Connor, 78, former Decatur County sheriff and widely known citizen of Greensburg, died at 6:30 p.m. Monday n West Tenth Street Veterans Hospital at Indianapolis. He had been in declining health the past three years and seriously ill for several months. Born at Zenas in Jennings County Sept. 6, 1894, he was the son of Lawrence and Sarah Wood Connor. At the age of 16 he joined the J. S. Coast Guard, subsequently transferring to the U. S. Army, of which he was a 30-year veteran with overseas service in both World Wars I and II. He held the permanent rank of master sergeant and the wartime rank of major. He made eight crossings of the Atlantic escorting troops during World War II and his military service included tours of duty in England, Hawaii, Panama and Canada. Locating in Greensburg following his discharge from the service Jan. 31, 1947, Mr. Connor was appointed as deputy sheriff in 1959 and after four years in this post he was elected sheriff on the Republican ticket, serving a four-year term from 1954 to 1958. Subsequently he served briefly as a city sewer inspector and as temporary bailiff of Decatur Circuit Court. He also served for several years on Republican precinct election boards.
Unknown source - 1973
Contributed by Mike Porter

Oct 8, 1927 - Feb 19, 2011
Roy B. Connor, 83 of Greensburg, IN passed away Saturday Feb 19, 2011 at his home. He was born Oct 8 1927 at Ft. Eustis, VA. He was the son of Claude B. and Mary K. (Bussberg) Connor. He graduated Greensburg HS in 1945. He had served in the US Army for 44 months. He had worked for over 40 years for the former Rodefeld Auto Parts Company retiring in May 1992. For the past 19 years he has been with the Decatur County Parks and Recreation Department on a part time basis. He was a member of the American Legion Post #129 and was a volunteer drive for the Greensburg Meals on Wheels and also served on the Board of Directors for the Decatur County Historical Society. He was an avid football fan of the Greensburg Pirates and Cleveland Browns. He enjoyed many years of auto racing, primarily Indianapolis 500, having attended 50 races and numerous USAC Spring Car events. He married Joleen (Strasburger) Connor on Sept 6, 1953 and she preceded him in death Aug 30, 2006. He is survived by one son: Michael (Maryellen) Connor Greensburg, IN; one daughter Janet (Dan) Penrod of Russiaville, IN; six grandchildren Lorelei (Corey) Cleary of Beech Grove, IN; Rachel (John) Nelson of Bloomington, IN; Lucas Connor of Greensburg, IN; Joseph, Sarah and Rebecca Penrod all of Russiaville, IN;; four great grandchildren: Brenna, Abram and Elizabeth Cleary of Beech Grove, IN and William Nelson of Bloomington, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joleen and two brothers, Raymond W and Claude B. Connor, Jr. Friends may call at the Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home on Tuesday Feb 22, 2011 from 3-7 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday Feb 23, 2011 at the Gilliland-How Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Decatur County Hospice, American Cancer Society or to the Greensburg Meals on Wheels.
www.gilliland-howe.com website
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Anderson - Robert Cornwell, 60, Delco Remy employee. Services 10:30 a.m. tomorrow in Copher & Fesler Funeral Home, Elwood. Survivors include daughters Cyrilyn Sigler; Ivonda Conner; Alice Eriksen, Monica; son Farrell.
Indianapolis News, Marion County, Indiana; Thursday, 17 Nov 1983, p. 49
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

LEONA M. CRAWFORD, 95, died Monday at The Village of Heritage in Monroeville. Born in New Haven, she was a buyer for Madigan's in Chicago for 35 years. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Szink. Surviving are a daughter, Doris Van Meter of New Haven; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandchild. Graveside services at 1 p.m. today in St. John Catholic Cemetery, New Haven. No calling. Memorial service at a later date. Memorials to Boys & Girls Club of South Bend or donor's choice. Arrangements by E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 Indiana 930 E., New Haven.
[buried Saint Johns Catholic Cemetery; New Haven, Allen County, Indiana]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, September 26, 2000
Contributed by Karin King

Frank B. Cromer, 53, 2705 E. Six St., died Thursday morning at the Veteran Administration Hospital in Indianapolis. A resident of Anderson since 1956, he was a native of Sawyer, Kansas born there to John and Pearl Crouse Cromer. He was married in 1939 to Wilma Alexander of Cimarron, Kansas and came here from Eureka, Kansas. A disabled veteran of WWII, he was injured in 1945 in Germany. Before entering the service he had owned and operated an implement and trucking company in St. John, Kansas. He was a member of the East Side Church of God here, the Daleville Gun Club and Disabled American Veterans Chapter 12 here. Surviving are the widow; two daughters, Mrs. Richard (Vivian Kay) Poore, West Lafayette and Miss Iona Mae Cromer at home; two sisters, Mrs. Roy Beckett, Tyrone, Okla; and Mrs. Eugene Millerk, Salinas, Calif; a brother, Robert Cromer, Greensburg, Kansas. Funeral services will be at the East Side Church of God with Rev. Dwight Dye officiating Monday at 10 .m. Interment will be in East Maplewood Cemetery. Friends may call at the Harold E. Rozelle Funeral Home from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday and the body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to services. The family has requested memorial contributions be made to the Disabled Veterans, Anderson Chapter 12.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1971
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Luella Delph, 69, member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church. Services 1 p.m. tomorrow in Robert D. Loose Funeral Home. Survivors include son Dennis.
Indianapolis News, Marion County, Indiana; Thursday, 17 Nov 1983, p. 49
Luella O'Connor Delph, 69, of Anderson, died unexpectedly Tuesday at her residence. She was a native and lifelong resident of Anderson. She was a member of St. Matthew Unit Methodist Church, Ruth Circle, Bethany Brotherhood and Sisterhood and World Life. She is survived by a son, Dennis K. Delph of Anderson; a brother, Walter E. O'Connor of Clarksville; three sisters, Mrs. Lloyd (Annabell) McCullum of Medway, Ohio; Mrs. Robert (Martha Jane) Cook of Anderson and Mrs. Keith (Edna Mae) Fuller of Columbus, Ohio; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at Robert D. Loose Funeral Home.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1983
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Norman E. Delph, 75, 3106 Pitt St., died early Sunday morning after being stricken suddenly at his home. Born in Culver, he had resided most of his life in this community and had been employed 46 years at Delco Remy Division before his retirement in 1969. He was a member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church, IOOF Lodge 746, Killbuck Retirees and Bethany Brotherhood. He is survived by his wife, Luella; a son, Dennis of Anderson; and two brothers, Howard and Russell, both of Anderson. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Robert D. Loose Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard Gongwer officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2-9 p.m. today. The IOOF Lodge will conduct memorial services at 7 p.m. today at the funeral home. [Note: Born 11 Sept 1904 died 6 Jan 1980]
Anderson Herald, Madison County, Indiana; 8 Jan 1980
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Margaret T. Dodane, 87, died at 6 a.m. Wednesday at St. Anne Home. She was a homemaker. Her husband, Joseph L., died in 1968. Surviving are two daughters, Joyce Richey of New Haven and Carol Lepper of Ossian; three sons, Darrel of New Haven, and Edward and Joseph, both of Fort Wayne; 12 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. Services at 10:15 a.m. Saturday at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 U.S. 30, New Haven, and at 11 a.m. at St. Louis Catholic Church-Besscon, 15535 Lincoln Highway East. Calling from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with vigil services 7:30 p.m. Burial in the church cemetery. Memorials are Masses or Heart Fund or Allen County Cancer Society.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Thursday, September 6, 1990, p. 2C
Contributed by Karin King

YOUNTVILLE - William Drube, 79, died at California Veterans Home Holderman Hospital Friday. A native of Hanover, Germany, he came to the local home some time ago from San Diego. He is survived by a devoted friend, Sam Marcell of San Diego. Mr. Drube was a veteran of World War II where he served as a U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeant. Funeral services will be held at the Chapel of the Veterans Home Monday at 10 a.m. under the direction of Napa Valley Memorial Gardens Mortuary. He will be buried in Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego beside his late wife, Ina L. Drube.
The Register, Napa County, California; Saturday, June 21, 1969
Contributed by Karin King

The following obituary is being republished to correct information provided to The Journal Gazette.
Lela M. Dunten, 100, a longtime resident of Fort Wayne and former resident of Huntertown, died Sunday at Parkview Memorial Hospital. A native of Noble County, she retired as a school teacher in Fort Wayne after 35 years. She was a past matron and 75-year member of the Churubusco Chapter 136, Order of the Eastern Star. Surviving are several nieces and nephews. Services at 10 a.m. Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road. Calling from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today. Burial in Huntertown Cemetery, Huntertown. Memorials to Huntertown United Methodist Church.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, IN; February 27, 1997
Contributed by Karin King

Clifford Ember, 22, of 1704 Goshen Ave., was dead on arrival at St. Joseph's Hospital where he was taken after suffering a heart attack at his residence. A native of Brooklyn, N. Y., he resided in Fort Wayne most of his life and was material handler at Wayne Pump Co. He graduated from Central Catholic (cut off)
[buried Catholic Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Monday, February 1, 1965
Contributed by Karin King

Richard Fleischman, 92, died Sunday in Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, he retired in 1960 as captain of the Fort Wayne Police Department after 22 years. He was also the former chief investigator for the public defender's office and a protection manager at Montgomery Ward. His wife, Dorothy, died in 1996. Surviving are a son, John of Mount Dora, Fla.; a daughter, Suzanne Jehl of Angola; eight grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and a great-great grandchild. Catholic Services at 7 p.m. Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, with calling three hours before services. Burial in Catholic Cemetery. Memorials to Police Athletic League or Visiting Nurse Service Hospice Home of Northeast Indiana.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, September 26, 2000, p. 2C
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Cathryn Fogel, 53, of R. R. 2, Churubusco, died at 3:10 p.m. yesterday in the Whitley County Hospital, Columbia City, where she had been a patient since Oct. 22. She was a native of DeKalb County and lived on the family farm near Ari, Allen County since 1939. Surviving are her husband, George; five sisters: Mrs. Iva Potter, Auburn; Mrs. Vonell Gump, Huntertown; Mrs. Merle Amstutz and Mrs. Harvey Bell, both of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. George Lucas, Phoenix, Ariz; two brothers, Taft Haffelfinger (sic), Huntertown, and Keith Heffelfinger, Garrett. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Sonday and Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Huntertown. Friends may call after 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Monday, October 31, 1966, p. 2A, col. 2
Contributed by Karin King

The beating death of an 18-year-old Anderson youth whose body was found last week near South Lake Tahoe, Calif., is still under investigation by California authorities. Police attributed the death of Gary O. Garrett, son of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Garrett, 1507 Frankton Road, to a fractured skull. Authorities told Anderson police detective Sgt. Tom Joyce that young Garrett's body was found by four bikers from Oregon last Wednesday. The youth had been tied to a tree and gagged in a heavily wooded area which had been the location of a hippie camp, police said. A small quantity of marijuana was reportedly found at the scene. Garrett had been dead four days when his body was discovered. According to Joyce, Garrett and Garley Gordon, 19 of 1312 Drexel Drive, had been traveling through the west, hitchhiking when possible. Garrett had recently gone to Amarillo, Tex., with an aunt and met Gordon in Boulder, Colo. They separated May 20 in San Francisco, intending to meet later in Colorado, according to police in California. Joyce said this morning that Gordon is being held in Boulder, Colorado for questioning. Garrett's body will be brought to Baker Brothers Funeral Home where arrangements are pending. He was born Jan 18, 1952, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William C. Garrett, 1507 Frankton Rd. Final rites for Garrett will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Baker Brothers Funeral Home here, Rev. LeRoy Hines of the Wesleyan Church at Chesterfield officiating. Following the Wednesday evening service, young Garrett's body will be removed to the Speck & Hyder Funeral Home in Livingston, Tenn. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Campground Cemetery in Hilham, Tenn. Friends will be received at the Baker Brothers Funeral Home here after 11 a.m. Wednesday.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1970
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Mrs. Martha Jane Garrett, 81, 1507 Frankfort Rd., died at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday [7/21/1970] at the Gobel Nursing Home where she had resided for the past two months. She had been ill for some time. A native of Hilham, Tenn. she was born Dec 23, 1888, the daughter of William C. and Bell Upton Hawkins and came here from Tennessee two years ago. Her husband, Grover Randy Garrett died in 1969. Surviving are five children: William C. Garrett and Mrs. Kay (Marie) Ellis of Anderson; Mrs. Byron (Inell) Swinford of Chesterfield; Mrs. Vesta Bilyeu of Livingston, Tenn and Mrs. Al (Gladys) Lyon of Amarillo, Tex.; a brother, Charles Hawkins of Hermitage, Tenn.; five sisters: Mrs. Delta Young of Moulton, Ala.; Mrs. Beulah Ogletree, Mrs. MC Gore and Mrs. Alle Lacy of Livingston, Tenn. and Mrs. Boyd of HIlham, Tex.; 20 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. The body was removed from the Baker Brothers Funeral Home to the Speck and Hyder Mortuary in Livingston, Tenn. Funeral services will be held Friday at the Camp Ground Presbyterian Church in Hilham, Tenn. of which she was a member. Rev HS Brown will officiate and interment will follow in the Camp Ground Cemetery at Hilman.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1970
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Miss Sophia Gerke, 78, 4008 Fairfield Ave., died at 9 a.m. today at the Lutheran Hospital where she had been a patient since Saturday. She had been in ill health for the past six months. A native of Allen County, she had lived in Fort Wayne for 34 years and was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Suburban Church. Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Louise Fruechtenicht, Fort Wayne, and Miss Minnie Gerke, at home; and a brother, Theodore, at home. Services will be at 3 p.m. Sat- (cut off)
[buried Concordia Lutheran Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
News Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; Thursday, January 19, 1961
Contributed by Karin King

VIET NAM SOLDIER FUNERAL SATURDAY
Services for Sp. 4 Donald Gribler, 22, who was killed in the crash of a C-123 airplane Jan. 25 in Viet Nam will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in ?? McComb & Sons Funeral Home, Rev. Carl Amelung officiating. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted. Gribler was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gribler of 711 Begue St. Friends may call at the funeral home after ? today.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Friday, February 4, 1966
Contributed by Karin King

NARCISO GUZMAN, 83, of Fort Wayne, died Sunday, June 15, 2003, at Lutheran Home. He was born March 9, 1920, in Edinburg, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, Odilia Guzman. Service is private. Burial at Covington Memorial Gardens. Arrangements by Covington Memorial Funeral Home.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Contributed by Karin King

Frank J. Hahn, 62, of 3413 Felician St., died at 4:40 p.m. yesterday in Lutheran Hospital shortly after being admitted. He was employed as a guard at the Dana Corp., and was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the Travelers Protective Association. Surviving are his wife, Doris M.; a daughter, Mrs. Diane L. Weitzel, Detroit, Mich.; a brother, George, Louisville, and three sisters, Mrs. Robert Kaninberg, New Albany, Mrs. Louise Oeswein, Louisville, and Mrs. Adele Peters, Cincinnati, Ohio. The body was taken to D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home.
[buried Catholic Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Friday, October 21, 1966, p. 2A, col. 2
Contributed by Karin King

Raymond R. Hakes, 72, died Monday at VA Medical Center. Born in Fort Wayne, he was a truck driver for Plastiwall Co. for eight years. Surviving are his wife, Gloria; two daughters, two stepdaughters, and two stepsons. Services at 1 p.m. Thursday at C.M. Sloan and Sons Funeral Home, 1327 Wells St. Calling from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today. Burial in IOOF Cemetery, New Haven.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Wednesday, November 6, 1996, p. 5C
Contributed by Karin King

DONALD E. HALL, 69, died Saturday, June 14, 2003, at Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne. Born in Seattle, Wash., he was Vice-President Head of Sales, Icon; involved with international Brotherhood of Magicians Worldwide; and past member, Board of Directors of Washington House. Survivors include his wife, Marguerite Hall of Fort Wayne; daughter, Kathy Jo Hall of Chicago, Ill.; sons, Daniel Hall of Fort Wayne, John Hall of Indianapolis; four grandchildren; brother, John Myres of Sacramento, Calif. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Peggy Hall-Richardson in 1990 (?). Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Jude Catholic Church, E. State at Randallia Dr., with calling one hour prior. Calling is also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons, Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens. Memorials to Leukemia/Lymphoma society, Women's Cancer Center, Lutheran Hosp. or Camp Jense, Adult Cancer Camp, P.O. Box 11166, Fort Wayne, IN 46859.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Ona Hanes, 70, 147 Alliance Rd, died at 8:30 p.m. Monday at St. John's Hospital after an illness of three weeks. Mrs. Hanes was born Aug 16, 1890 at Belmont, Ill and was the daughter of Harmon and Rose Joachim. She was a member of the Belmont Christian Church and came to Anderson three years ago. Surviving are the mother, Mrs. Rose Joachim, Anderson; two sons, Homer E. Scott, Anderson with whom she made her home; and Carl E. Scott, Anderson; two daughter, Mrs. Pat Huddath, Los Angeles, Calif. and Mrs. Lola Muecke, Jacksonville, Fla., a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Faye Scott, Anderson and six grandchildren. The body was taken to the Baker Brothers Funeral Home where friends will be received after 7 p.m. today. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. George A. Harris, pastor of the East Lyne Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Anderson Daily Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana; Tuesday, November 29, 1960, p. 5
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Mrs. Myrtle J. Harshbarger, 63, of 2122 Nelson St., died at 11:30 a.m. yesterday in Parkview Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient since Oct. 3. Surviving are her husband, Charles A.; one daughter, Mrs. Hubert Howell, Fairmount; three brothers, James, Roy and Taylor Holt, all of Greenville, Tenn.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, Rev. Robert L. Crabtree officiating. Burial will be in Eel River Cemetery. Friends may call after 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Monday, October 31, 1966
Contributed by Karin King

MISS GRACE A. HAUCK DIES AT FORT WAYNE
Miss Grace A. Hauck, 84, a native of Decatur, died Sunday afternoon at Fort Wayne after a long illness. She was born in Decatur and had lived in Los Angeles before moving to Fort Wayne in 1946. She was a retired millinery designer. Miss Hauck was a member of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception, the Rosary society and the Legion of Mary. Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Thomas G. Moorhead of Fort Wayne, and a brother, E. B. Hauck of Delray Beach, Fla. Funeral services will be held at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Tom Mungovan funeral home, and at 9 a.m. in the Cathedral. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas L. Durkin will officiate. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be in the Fort Wayne Catholic cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, March 27, 1961
Contributed by Karin King

MADISON MARIE HEARN, 7 months old, died Sunday at Riley Hospital for Children, Indianapolis. She was born in Fort Wayne. Surviving are her parents, Crane L. and Lisa M. Hearn; a brother, Reggie at home; and her grandparents, Joyce and Ned Byrer, Pearlie Hearn and James Hearn, all of Fort Wayne. Services at 11 a.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Foster Park Funeral Home, 6301 Fairfield Ave. Calling from 3 to 6 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials to Riley Children's Hospital, to Ronald McDonald House (cut off)
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Wednesday, November 6, 1996
Contributed by Karin King

Services will be held Friday at 1:30 p.m. in the Ulrey-Sedgwick funeral home in Ligonier for Melvin L. Heeter, 64, who resided six miles northwest of Ligonier. Mr. Heeter, who formerly resided in Warsaw and Goshen, died in the Fort Wayne Veterans hospital Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. of an ulcer. He had been ill for the past four weeks. He was born May 3, 1896 in LaGrange. He is survived by his wife, Nettie; three sons, Jack, at home; James and Ronald, both of Warsaw; four daughters, Mrs. Helen Singleton of Bradenton, Fla., Miss Doris Heeter and Mrs. Norma Jean Tackett, both of Warsaw, and Mrs. Margaret Goodman of Mentone; two brothers, Arthur of Warsaw and Frederick of Mishawaka; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Delk of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Florence Jones of Mentone and Mrs. James Warner of Warsaw. Burial will be in Oak Park cemetery in Ligonier. Friends may call at the funeral home.
Warsaw Times-Union, Kosciusko County, Indiana; Thursday, February 16, 1961, p. 2, col. 3-4
Contributed by Karin King

DROWNING VICTIM'S RITES FRIDAY
Services for John Richard Hetfield, 16, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Hetfield of 4420 Spatz Ave., will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Chalfant-Perry-Klaehn Funeral Home, Rev. Henry A. Blanke officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The boy drowned Tuesday morning in Lake Texoma near Sherman, Tex., where he and his parents stopped while en route back to Fort Wayne (cut off)
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Thursday, July 21, 1966
Contributed by Karin King

Services for James A. Hilgemann, 50, of 4406 South Wayne Ave., will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Mungovan & Sons Mortuary, the Rev. W. M. Schoedel officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Mr. Hilgemann died at 1:05 a.m. yesterday in Lutheran Hospital several hours after admittance. He was born in Wabash and resided in Fort Wayne most of his life. He was a former employee of the Indiana Department of Weights and Measures and a World War II Army veteran. Mr. Hilgemann was also a former outstanding softball pitcher in this area. Surviving are a son, James C., Fort Wayne; two daughters, Mrs. Joellyn Krauskopf of Austin, Tex., and Miss Sarah Ann Hilgemann of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Joseph K. Cox and Raymond Hilgemann of Fort Wayne; a sister, Mrs. Edith Varner of Fort Wayne; his mother, Mrs. Mable Hilgemann of Fort Wayne; and a grandson, Michael M. Krauskopf of Austin, Tex. Friends may call at the mortuary today from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, August 29, 1967
Contributed by Karin King

HIVELY, Charles - Services at 2 p.m. today in the Smith Funeral Home, Columbia City, Rev. E. H. Colpitts officiating. Burial in Columbia City.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Tuesday, February 26, 1963
Contributed by Karin King

HODGE, Mrs. Sarah J. - Services at 8:30 a.m. today in D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home and at 9 a.m. in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Msgr. Joseph R. Crowley officiating. Burial in Catholic Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Saturday, February 17, 1968
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services for Edward M. Honan of 1302 W. Jefferson St. will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday in the Mungovan & Sons Mortuary. Mr. Honan died at 11:20 p.m. Friday in the Veterans Administration Hospital where he had been a patient one month. He had been ill 12 years. Born in Rensselaer, he moved to Fort Wayne in 1933 and was employed as a salesman for Midwest Life Insurance Co. until illness forced his retirement. He served in the Army during World War I. Survivors include his wife, Florence (Didier); a daughter, Mrs. Matilda Bird, McKean, Va., and four grandchildren. Friends may call after 2 p.m. today at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Sunday, February 17, 1963
Contributed by Karin King

Ezriah Hursh, 87, Hurshtown, a lifelong resident of Allen Co, died at 5:30 a.m. today at the Sheehy Nursing Home, Butler, where he had been a patient for four months. A member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church of Spencerville, he was a retired merchant, having operated a store in Hurshtown for many years. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Frances Doll, Mrs. Helen Kock, and Mrs. Dorothy Vendrely, all of Spencerville, and Mrs. Catherine Dean, Fort Wayne; two sons, Ralph, Los Angeles, Calif., and Woodrow, Leo; a step-daughter, Mrs. Fred Fillman, Grabill; a sister, Mrs. Jane Rolff, Jackson, Mich.; 12 grandchildren and 14 grandchildren. Friends may call at the Baldinger and Walter Funeral Home at Spencerville after 6 p.m. Friday. Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, the Rev. Ivan Miller officiating with burial in the Leo Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Thursday, January 19, 1961
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday for George S. Hursh, 80, Huntertown, Rev. Robert G. Jackson will officiate at the services at D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home. Burial will be in Huntertown Cemetery. Mr. Hursh was dead on arrival at 10:30 a.m. yesterday at Parkview Memorial Hospital. He had been under treatment for a heart condition. A lifelong resident of Allen County, Mr. Hursh retired 10 years ago from farming. He attended Huntertown Methodist Church. Surviving are a brother, Bert H., Fort Wayne, and several nephews and nieces. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. today.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Wednesday, April 11, 1962, p. 13
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home for Mrs. Myrtle Hursh, 77, who died Saturday in Punta Gorda, Fla., where she had been residing two and one-half years. Rev. Robert G. Jackson will officiate, with burial in Huntertown Cemetery. Born and raised in Allen County, Mrs. Hursh resided in the Fort Wayne area until 1961. Survivors include two sons, Glenn C. and Wayne M., both of Punta Gorda, and a brother, Rennie J. Corbin, Columbia City. Friends may call at the funeral home from 9 a.m. Thursday until the time of services.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, April 2, 1963, p. 2A
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Rose May Joachim, 90, who resided with a grandson, Harmon Scott at 147 Alliance Rd, died at the Shipley Nursing Home at 4 o'clock this morning after an illness of two years. She was born in Belmont, Ill May 8, 1871, and moved to Anderson four years ago from W. Salem, Ill. She was a charter member of the First Christian Church at Belmont. Surviving are four grandchildren, Harmon and Carl Scott, Anderson; Mrs. Lola Muechi, Jacksonville, Fla and Mrs. Lucille Haddatch, Los Angeles, Calif and six great grandchildren. The body was taken to the Baker Brothers Funeral Home where services will be held Friday by the Rev. Monroe G. Schuster of the Central Christian Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. Thursday.
Anderson Daily Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana; Wednesday, 30 August 1961, p. 6
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Mrs. John Judge, age 78 years, died at her home three miles northwest of Knightstown at 6:30 o'clock Wed. morning, following a paralytic stroke which came upon her Friday morning at 5 o'clock. The entire left side was effected by the stroke and she was rendered entirely helpless. Mrs. Judge had lived in the vicinity many years and was well known in the community. IN recent months her youngest daughter, Mrs. Earl Moffitt and husband lived with her on the farm and cared for her wants. Surviving are seven children--two sons and five daughters. Her husband, who was a prosperous farmer, died about twenty years ago. Funeral services for Mrs. Judge will be held from her late home at one o'clock Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Maurice Barrett, of Upland. Interment will be at Glencove cemetery.
The Knightstown Banner, Henry County, Indiana; Friday, January. 13, 1922
Contributed by Brandy Reader

Graveside services were yesterday afternoon in Christ Lutheran Cemetery, Woodburn, for Scott Keller, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Keller, Woodburn, who was stillborn about 10 p.m. Wednesday at Parkview Memorial Hospital. The parents are members of Christ Lutheran Church, Woodburn, and the father is employed by Keller Grain Co., Tillman. Also surviving are two brothers, Tom and Danny, and two sisters, Ann and Kim, all at home; and the grandmothers, Mrs. Ida Hetrick, Leo, and Mrs. Amanda Messman, Woodburn. Arrangements were by the Dilgard & Cline Funeral Home, Auburn.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; December 6, 1968
Contributed by Karin King

DOROTHY JANE KIMMELL, of Vincennes, died Sunday at Good Samaritan Hospital. She was born in Vincennes. Her husband, Curtis V., died in 1995. Survivors include a son, Joseph W. II of Fort Wayne. Services at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Gardner-Brockman Funeral Home, Vincennes. Calling from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday. Private burial in Memorial Park Cemetery, Vincennes. Memorials to the Bettye J. McCormick Senior Center or the American Cancer Society.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, September 26, 2000
Contributed by Karin King

MRS. FRED KNIPSTINE IS DEAD - Stroke of Paralysis Three Weeks Ago Proved Fatal
Mrs. Fred Knipstine, aged fifty-nine years, died Sunday morning at ten o'clock at her home, two and one-half miles east of Hoagland, after an illness of several months, death resulting from heart trouble due to a stroke of paralysis, which she suffered three weeks ago. She was a well known woman and was popular in the community in which she resided. The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at one o'clock at the Flat Rock church, and interment will be made in the Flat Rock cemetery. She leaves a husband, four sons and three daughters to mourn their loss.
Decatur Democrat, Adams County, Indiana (a weekly newspaper); Thursday, December 6, 1906
Contributed by Karin King

Oliver L. Krauss, 73, of Wren, Ohio, and formerly of 518 Anderson St., died at 6:04 p.m. yesterday in the Lutheran Hospital where he had been a patient since Jan. 19. A retired automobile dealer, he was a veteran of World War I and attended Crescent Avenue Evangelical United Brethren Church. Survivors include his wife, Madeline, a daughter, Mrs. Robert (Marilyn) Ladig of Fort Wayne; a brother, Lloyd of Fort Wayne, and a sister, Mrs. Nellie Hilsmeier of Ossian. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Klaehn Funeral Home. Friends may call after 7 p.m. today. Rev. A. Hunter Colpitts will officiate, with burial in Leo Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, February 26, 1963
Contributed by Karin King

NEW HAVEN - RICHARD J. LADIG, 59, died Sunday at Parkview Memorial Hospital. Born in Fort Wayne, he was a New Haven resident most of his life. He retired in 1988 as a machinist for Tokheim Corp., after 22 years. Surviving are his wife, Cecile; two daughters, JoAnn Ladig of Butler and Rebecca Krauter of Woodburn; three sons, Sgt/1c Edwin John of Germany, Frank W. of New Haven and Andrew J. of Zephyrhills, Fla.; his parents, John and Catherine Ladig of New Haven; and 12 grandchildren. Services at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, 740 U.S. 30 E., New Haven. Calling from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery, New Haven. Memorials to Masses or to the Heart Fund.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, April 9, 1996
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Myrtle Alma Low, 74, wife of John Low of Westport, died at 11 p.m. Wednesday at Luther Nursing Home here. She had been in ill health since November and in serious condition the past five months. Daughter of Wendell and Robyler Baker, she was born in the Kingston community in Decatur County Sept 9, 1891. She was married to Mr. Low at Vernon Feb 18, 1911. Mr. Low was a member of the Waynesburg Christian Church and the Ladies aid of the church. She and Mr. Low lived in Jackson Township about 40 years and were engaged in farming. They lived on Westport Route 2 the past 12 years. Surviving with the husband are two daughters, Mrs. Glen Williams of 2329 Newton street and Mrs. William Bower of Greensburg; a sister, Mrs. Hazel O'Connor of Anderson; a brother, Cecil Baker of Greensburg and two grandsons. She was preceded in death by a son Lester in 1929 and an infant brother. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Bass Funeral Home in Westport by the Rev. Ralph Martin. Burial will be at Westport cemetery. Persons may call after 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Columbus Herald, Bartholomew County, Indiana; Friday, 17 June 1966, p. 5
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

A 65-year resident of Anderson Mrs. Ollie M. Luther, 90, 606 Central Ave. died Tuesday morning [9/25/1973] at her home. She had been ill 10 days. A native of New Albany, she came here in 1908. She attended the South Meridian Church of God. Surviving are two children, Mrs. Don (Louise) Dailey and Howard W. Luther, both of Anderson; a sister, Mrs. Martha Bleiler of Warren; three brothers, Edgar S. Moore of New Albany; A. Wayne Moore of Anderson and Nelson I. Moore of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The family will receive friends at the Baker Brothers Funeral Home after 3 p.m. today. Funeral services have been set for 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home and burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1973
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

April 14, 1924 - Sept 16, 1995
Levi Y. Mast, 71, 57848 Quebec, Elkhart, died at 8:47 a.m. Saturday, Sept 16, 1995. He was born April 14, 1924 and married Lydia A. Kaser May 26, 1955. Mr. Mast was a veteran of the US Army Medical Corps and retired in 1989 from Dexter Axle/Phillips Industries, Elkhart. Mrs. Mast survives with a daughter, Mrs. Tom (Barbara) Kulesia, Bristol; three sons, Edward, Leroy and Johnny, all of Elkhart; and three grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday Sept 19 in Westbrook, Metz & Clouse Funeral Home with Rev. Jeff Cooper, Christ Church, Elkhart, officiating. Burial was in Prairie Street Cemetery.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1995
Elkhart - Levi Y. Mast, 71 of 57848 Quebec, died at 8:47 a.m. Saturday in Healthwin Hospital, South Bend after an illness. Mr. Mast had been a truck driver for Dexter Axel-Phillips Industries, retiring in 1989 after 24 years. He was born April 14, 1924 in Yoder, Kan. On May 26, 1955, in Stugart, Germany, he married Lydia A. Kaser. She survives with a daughter, Barbara Kulesia of Bristol; three sons, Edward, Leroy and Johnny, all of Elkhart; and three grandchildren. He was in the Army Medial Corps from 1944 - 1956 and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 985 Goshen. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Westbrook Metz & Clouse Funeral Home. Burial will be in Prairie Street Cemetery where military graveside services will be conducted by VFW members. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Monday in the funeral home.
South Bend Tribune, St. Joseph County, Indiana; Sunday, 17 Sept 1995
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Velma M. McCoy dies at hospital
Mrs. Velma M. McCoy, 65, wife of James F. McCoy, 103 West North street, Monroeville, died at 11 a.m. Thursday, shortly after admittance to the Adams county memorial hospital. She was a native of Monroeville and a member of Jehovah's Witnesses. Surviving are her husband; a son, Daniel McCoy, of Monroeville; a daughter, Mrs. Norma Witte of Monroeville; a brother, Willard D. Fuelling of Monroeville; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Marquart funeral home in Monroeville, with Clyde Steele officiating. Burial will be in the Monroeville memorial cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, July 7, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Mrs. Pearl M. Miller, 80, of 605 LaSalle St., died at 5:50 p.m. yesterday in a local nursing home where she had been a patient one week. She was a native of Decatur, but had resided here most of her life. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Velma Pence, Fort Wayne; two sisters, Mrs. O. T. Vance and Mrs. Elmer Pettit, both of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Jess Johnson, Fort Wayne, and Otto Johnson, Decatur, and several grandchildren. The body was taken to the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Thursday, 21 July 1966
Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011
Name: Pearl Mae Miller [Pearl Mae Johnson]
Gender: Female; Race: Wh; Age: 80; Marital status: Divorced
Birth Date: 14 Feb 1886 [sic]; Birth Place: Indiana; Death Date: 20 Jul 1966; Death Place: Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana, USA
Father: Lewis Johnson; Mother: Not Available; Informant: Velma Pence; daughter; Fort Wayne, Indiana
Burial: July 22, 1966; Greenlawn; Fort Wayne, Indiana
Contributed by Karin King

Brother of city resident dies
Howard L. Mills, 59, of 2430 Elyetta street, Fort Wayne, brother of Raymond Mills of Decatur, died at 11:59 p.m. Monday at Lutheran hospital in that city. Mr. Mills, a machinist for Simplex tool division of Tut hill Pump Co., earlier had worked 25 years for Ice Delivery, Inc. Surviving are his wife, Mary; four sons, Richard and Lavern Mills of Fort Wayne, James R. Mills of Roanoke, and Danny Mills of Ossian; two daughters, Mrs. Deloris Patton of Yoder, and Mrs. Bonnie Green of Monroeville; three brothers, Wilmer Mills of Cree Lake, Richard Mills of Fort Wayne, and Raymond Mills of Decatur; a sister, Mrs. Nina Spillner of Big Long Lake; and 16 grandchildren. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at D.O. McComb &Sons funeral home, with Rev. Paul Henry officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn memorial park. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Wednesday, June 28, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

FRED W. MOELLERING DIES LAST EVENING
Fred W. Moellering, 75, oldest brother of county surveyor Herman Moellering of Preble township, died suddenly at 5:10 p.m. at the Lutheran hospital in Fort Wayne Monday following a heart attack. The former owner of the Moellering Mill on Fairfield avenue, and a lifelong resident of Allen county, suffered a heart attack during the afternoon, and a physician visited him at his home, and suggested that he go to the hospital for tests; he died at the hospital before tests could be taken. Born Dec. 8, 1886 in Allen county, Mr. Moellering is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Conrad Thiele and Mrs. Edward Sonday, of Fort Wayne, and two brothers, Herman, Preble and William C., Fort Wayne. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran church on the Decatur road. Friends may call at Wellman's funeral home between 7 p.m. today and 11 a.m. Thursday, when the body will be taken to Trinity church, where friends may call from noon until 1:30 p.m., time of service. Rev. L. J. Fuchs will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery.
[Buried Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, July 10, 1962
Contributed by Karin King

Clarence L. Mohr suffocates Friday
The body of Clarence L. Mohr, 60, Monroeville, was found at 10:45 a.m. Friday in a crib of shelled corn on the Donald A. Powelson farm on Fort Wayne route 2. Allen county police said Mohr, employed by Powelson as a farm laborer, apparently had fallen head first into the second story crib and suffocated before help arrived. Dr. Richard Bower, Allen county coroner, also investigated. Surviving are a son, Norman Mohr, of Woodburn route 1; a daughter, Mrs. Donnie Donahue of Morehead, Ky.; and seven grandchildren. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the Marquart funeral home in Monroeville, with burial in the Monroeville Memorial cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Sunday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, July 8, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

DIED EARLY THIS MORNING -Had Been Ill For Months With Tuberculosis - Services Held This Afternoon
Miss Hattie Elizabeth Moore, aged twenty-eight years, nine months, and 13 days, died Tuesday morning at four o'clock at the home of her father, T. R. Moore, after an illness dating back several months, death resulting from tuberculosis of the bowels. Miss Moore was one of the city's brightest young ladies, being a graduate of the Decatur High school and being held in the high esteem of all who knew her. She contracted the dread disease that brought about her death, months ago and at the first symptoms of the same, her father sent her west in hope that the climate would kill the germ that had taken a hold on her system, but the trip gave no beneficial results and several months ago Mr. Moore was forced to go west and bring her home. After her return home, she, at times would appear much better and then again would taken sudden turns for the worse. This kept up until several weeks ago, when she took to her bed and after that time she never rallied. Her sufferings at times were intense, but she never complained. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and was a devoted Christian and an earnest church worker and at all times lived in the fear of her God. She was the only daughter of Mr. Moore and was greatly loved by him and her death has left him grief stricken. Services were held this afternoon at the home on South Ninth street at three o'clock, Rev. Alfred Fowler officiating, and the remains will be taken Wednesday morning to Avilla for interment. The Eastern Star, of which she was a member, attended the funeral in a body and held appropriate services.
Miss Hattie E. V. Moore, only daughter of Theo R. Moore, was born February 14, 1878, died Nov. 27, 1906, aged 28 years, 9 months and 13 days. Her mother departed this life when Hattie was only seven years old. For the next seven years she lived with her grandparents, or until she was 14 years old, when she came to Decatur and has since lived with her father, except for about one year, which she spent with her only brother at Phoenix, Arizona. She united with the Presbyterian church of this city under the pastorate of Rev. Alexander, and has always been a faithful and consistent member. During her stay in the west, she contracted tuberculosis and was brought home by her father since which time her decline has been steady until death relieved her from her suffering. She was a member of the O. E. S. Surviving her is her father and an only brother, Charles, who resides at Phoenix, Arizona. The funeral was conducted from the home at 3 o'clock this afternoon, Rev. Fowler of the Presbyterian church in charge. Burial at Avilla, Ind., tomorrow.
[buried Avilla Cemeterey; Avilla, Noble County, Indiana]
Decatur Democrat, Adams County, Indiana (a weekly newspaper); Thursday, November 29, 1906
IN MEMORIUM (Prayer)
On November twenty-seventh, at 4 a.m., our sister, Hattie E. V. Moore, fell asleep after months of patient suffering. Hattie Moore was born February 14, 1878, and has made Decatur her home, with the exception of one year, which she spent at Phoenix, Ariz., with her brother. She was initiated into the Chapter November 23, 1899, was a regular attendance and served as Martha from 1901 to 1904. Decatur Chapter O.E.S. conducted services at the house and the Avilla Chapter met the funeral party at the train and escorted them to the cemetery, where the body was tenderly laid to rest beside that of her mother. To the one especially bereaved, our tender loving sympathy is given. "Yet a little of sojourn here and then heavens morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee." Letta Ernst, Maggie Teeple, Monna A. Hensley, committee
Decatur Democrat, Adams County, Indiana (a weekly newspaper); Thursday, December 6, 1906
Contributed by Karin King

Max W. Moser, 51, dies at hospital
Max W. Moser, 51, of 11 Flora Drive, Peru, a former resident of Decatur, died at 8 a.m. Thursday at the Howard community hospital in Kokomo after an illness of six weeks. Born at Wren, O., he was a son of Curtis and Carrie Daniels-Moser, and was married to Betty Hisey Jan. 5, 1947. Mr. Moser, commissary officer at Grissom Air Force base, was a member of the Decatur Masonic lodge and the Parkview United Methodist church at Peru. Surviving are his wife; two sons, Lt. Douglas Moser at Castle Air Force base, Calif., and Lynn Moser, at home; one sister, Mrs. Martha Maddox of Columbia, Md., and one brother, Ned Moser of Laramie, Wyo. Funeral rites will be held at 2 pm. Saturday at the Eikenberry Eddy funeral home at Peru, with Rev. Robert Clark officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. today.
[Buried Mount Hope Cemetery; Peru, Miami County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, July 7, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Interstate 70 Crash Injures Man Here
A semi-trailer truck and car collided on Interstate 70 just east of the US 81 interchange, at 1:10 pm. Thursday injuring the car driver. The driver Albert S. Myers, Pawnee Rock, was taken to St John's hospital by ambulance. The driver of the truck, owned by Transportation Inc., Lawrence, was Arnold C. Hauck., 49, Marquette. Hauck said he was traveling east on I-70 on the inside lane when the car ahead of him made a left turn from the outside lane. "I honked my horn and tried to stop but he swung right in front of me. I even tried to swing off the road but I hit him broadside," Hauck said. The left side of the car was battered in by the impact. The car was knocked 66 feet. The front of the semi-truck was heavily damaged. Hauck escaped injury. He said he had just loaded his truck at Marquette and was enroute to Clay Center when the accident occurred.
Salina Journal, Saline County, Kansas; Thursday, 14 October 1965
Albert Simpson Myers
The funeral for Albert Simpson Myers, 66, Pawnee Rock, will be at 2:30 pm Wednesday at the Bryant-Fryberger mortuary, Great Bend. Burial will be in the Pawnee Rock Cemetery. Mr. Meyers (sic) died Monday at St. John's hospital from injuries received five days earlier in a car-truck crash north of Salina on Interstate 70. He was on his way to a county officials' meeting in Salina. Mr. Myers was an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican governorship nomination in 1954. The Rush Smith funeral home was in charge of Salina arrangements.
Salina Journal, Saline County, Kansas; Tuesday, 19 October 1965
PAWNEE ROCK-A.S. Myers, 68, died Monday morning at St. John's Hospital, Salina, following a car-truck accident Friday at Salina. Born Nov. 18 1896 at Galatia, he had lived at Pawnee Rock 30 years where he was co-owner of Myers Brothers Pipe Co. Survivors include the widow Madge; sons Sim, New York City, Walter, El Paso, Tex., and Richard, Larned; daughters Mrs. Ruth Ann Karl, Hicksville, N.Y. and Mrs. Barbara Jayne Wright, Las Cruces, N.M.; a sister, Mrs. Flora Stedman, Great Bend; brothers, Richard, Napa, Ida., Alfred and Allen both of Great Bend; 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Bryant and Fryberger Chapel, with the Rev. C.A. Kemp officiating. Burial will be in the Pawnee Rock Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Tuesday at the mortuary. Casket will not be opened following the service. He organized Kansas National Guard units at Great Bend for Barton County. Myers was a Mason, a member of the American Legion, the Barton County Barracks, Veterans of World War I and the Christian Church. In 1964 he was a candidate for nomination to the governorship of Kansas.
Great Bend Tribune, Barton County, Kansas; Tuesday, 19 October 1965
Contributed by Karin King

County Treasurer "Leedy" Myers Died Thursday
Barton County Treasurer Alfred L. (Leedy) Myers died at Central Kansas Medical Center Thursday after where he had been a patient a short time. He had been in ill health for about a year. He was completing his first term as treasurer of the county and will be succeeded by his wife Belle in October who was elected to the position in November. He was born in Galatia, Nov. 18, 1896, a son of Jacob and Regina Myers. The family moved to Great Bend when he was 12. He attended the schools here, enlisting after graduation from Great Bend High School and serving in World War I in France with the 116th Engineers. He married Belle Barricklow on June 18, 1919. After he mustered out of the service he owned and operated a theatre in Slater, Mo., and then returned to Great Bend where he served as undersheriff and managed his own water well service until retiring in 1957. He disposed of his business in order to travel with his wife who was serving as national president of the Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW and their travels took them to every state in the union. Leedy never knew a stranger and was interested in all community projects. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Cambridge Lodge AF and AM of Slater Mo., a 32nd degree Mason, member of Isis Temple, Salina and the Sunflower Shrine Club. Surviving are his widow, Belle; a son, Buddy Lee Myers of Dallas, Texas; four grandchildren, Donald Lee in Marines in San Diego, Richard Lynn, Debra Joy and Krista Kay of Dallas. He was one of the triplets and is survived by one of his brothers, Allen of Great Bend, Richard Myers of Middleton, Idaho; a sister Flora Stedman of Great Bend. The other triplet, Sim, preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Presbyterian Church with Rev. Davis Cecil officiating. Burial will be in Great Bend Cemetery with military honors in charge of the VFW. Friends may call at the Bryant-Fryberger Mortuary after 9 a.m. Saturday.
Great Bend Tribune, Barton County, Kansas; Friday, 21 April 1967
Contributed by Karin King

Pfc. Alva Myers Is Killed In Germany - Adams County Youth Is Killed In Action
Another Adams county soldier has been killed on the battlefield in Germany. Pfc. Alva Myers, 19-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Adrian Myers of Decatur route six, near Pleasant Mills, was killed in action in Germany on March 3, the war department notified the parents last evening. The young infantryman was inducted into the army a year ago and went overseas last September. He was awarded the combat infantry man's badge. He had attended the Pleasant Mills high school and was employed at the Decatur Casting company just prior to joining the armed forces. The boy's father is employed at the above plant. Besides the parents, Pfc. Myers is survived by the following brothers and sisters, Georgia, Edna, Minnie, John, David and Judith. He was the oldest member of the family.
[memorial in Willshire Cemetery, Van Wert County, Ohio]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; March 16, 1945
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

5-YEAR-OLD GIRL DIES WHILE PLAYING
Lisa Marie Nahrwold, 5, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chester E. Nahrwold, 3711 Inwood Drive, was dead on arrival at 6:35 p.m. yesterday at Parkview Memorial Hospital. (cut off)
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Thursday, July 21, 1966
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Esther Neuhouser, 54, Grabill, died at 7:15 p.m. yesterday in Parkview Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient three weeks. Mrs. Neuhouser was a member of Cedar Creek Township Farm Bureau. She was graduated from Fort Wayne Bible College and was a former employe of Bowser, Inc. Surviving are three brothers, Harry McCartney, R. R. 1, Avilla, Albert, R. R. 1, Ossian, and Charles, R. R. 1, Grabill; two stepdaughters, Mrs. Wanda Moore, Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Marna Jo Worman, R. R. 2, Garrett; six step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild. Friends may call from 7 p.m. today until noon Saturday at Baldinger & Walter Funeral Home, Spencerville. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Leo Methodist Church, Rev. Richard J. Chrispell officiating. Burial will be in Leo Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Thursday, 13 April 1967
Contributed by Karin King

VICTIMS RITES TUESDAY - Four Victims Of Friday Morning Crash To Be Buried Tuesday
The last chapter in Adams county's worst traffic disaster will be written Tuesday morning when funeral services will be held for the four who gave up their lives in the crash. The four who died in the wreck will be buried Tuesday, two in this city, one in Angola and one in Iowa City, Iowa. Services In Iowa - At the same hour of the Gase funeral here, rites will be held in Iowa City, Iowa, for Detlef Petersen, Fort Wayne United Press bureau manager and occupant of the other car involved in the crash. Burial will be made in Miles, Iowa, the birthplace of Petersen. On Tuesday afternoon services will be held for Linda Niehaus, of Angola, whose life was the fourth to be claimed by the wreck. Services for Miss Niehaus, who died Saturday morning in the local hospital, will be held at 1:30 (CST) o'clock at the First Christian church in that city. The Rev. James J. Whitehouse will officiate and burial will be made in the Circle Hill cemetery there. Inquest This Week - Meanwhile in this city, authorities are continuing their investigation into circumstances surrounding the crash in an effort to learn the cause of the accident, which injured four others. Coroner Robert Zwick stated this morning that a formal inquest will be conducted before the end of the week. A reported improvement in the condition of Joseph Gaskill, of Kendallville, who was badly hurt, will undoubtedly permit him to be questioned regarding the accident. The conditions of James Wemhoff, Joan Colchin, and Vincent Tanvas, the other victims, were also reported improved, so they will be questioned also. Deputy Coroner Robert Freeby, who aided in the investigation at the time of the wreck and helped bring in the victims, will work with the coroner. Mr. Zwick stated that a verdict will be returned by the first of next week in all probability. Sheriff Dallas Brown, who was called to the wreck, is also expected to take part in the inquest. Coroner Zwick stated that he would go to Kendallville to question Gaskill, while the others will be interviewed here. As yet no light could be shed on the wreck that would lead to conclusively establishing its cause.
1938Mar-Jan1939 Adams County, Indiana Historical Society Scrapbook, handwritten date - Monday, August 15, 1938
Transcribed by Janice Vasilovski

Native of county dies in Florida
Mrs. Letitia Noffsinger, 62, wife of Clyde Noffsinger of Panama City, Fla., and a native of Adams county, died at 9 a.m. Sunday at Panama City, after suffering a stroke and a coronary last Tuesday. She was born in Adams county June 26, 1906, a daughter of Joshua and Eva Brandyberry-Burkhead. She lived in Bluffton for many years after her marriage to Clyde Noffsinger. The family moved to Florida a few years ago. Surviving in addition to her husband are a daughter, Mrs. Dean (Carol) Decker of Richmond, Va.; two granddaughters; a brother, Joshua N. Burkhead of Panama City; and three sisters, Mrs. Thelma Hendricks Lore of Panama City, Mrs. Violet Johnson of Jackson, Mich., and Mrs. Kenneth Nyffleler of Decatur route 5. One son died in infancy, and a half-brother, Loren Burkhead, is also deceased. Interment will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Evergreen cemetery near Panama City. The body is at the Smith funeral home in Panama City.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, 2 June 1969
Contributed by Karin King

Harvey W. Noll, 6?, of 4122 E. Hanna St., was dead on arrival at Parkview Memorial Hospital at 4:15 p.m. yesterday. He retired from the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1953 as a freight conductor after 45 years of service. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen, the Maumee Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite. Surviving are his wife, Thelma A.; a daughter, Mrs. Marcia R. Pollock, Fort Wayne; two brothers, Sherman and Eugene, Fort Wayne; a sister, Mrs. Marie Doyle, Bakersfield, Calif.; and two grandsons. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday in D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, the Rev. Donald Messenger officiating. Burial will be in the New Haven IOOF Cemetery. Friends may call after 7 p.m. Saturday.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; December 6, 1968, p. 2A
Contributed by Karin King

Norman Oaks, 90, Peru, passed away at 5:17 a.m. Thursday Sept 27, 2012 at Adena Hospital in Chillicothe, Ohio. He was born in Baxter, Tennessee July 28, 1922 to Alvin Whitehead and Maude (Oaks) Jarred. He married Martha (Sutton) Oaks in 1942 and she survives. Norman was in the Army and also worked at Chrysler. He is survived by sons Roy Oaks and wife Wanda of Ohio; Carl Oaks and wife, Bonnie, Texas; Ray Oaks and wife Sharon, Peru; Gary Oaks, Arizona; Alan Oaks and wife, Jennifer, Chillicothe, Ohio; Don Oaks, Florida; Danny Oaks, Peru; daughters June Star and husband, Alan, Peru and Rita Schelonk and husband, Richard, Indiana; brother El Oaks, Ohio and sister Zeda Winchester, Baxter, Tennessee, 19 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He was raised by his grandparents Earl and Fronnie Oaks and they preceded him in death. Norman was also preceded in death by both parents, one brother and one sister. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 W. Third St, Peru. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru. Friends may call from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Military Rites will be provided by the Miami County Rites team.
Peru Tribune, Miami County, Indiana; Saturday, September 20, 2012
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Pendleton, Ind. - Clara A. Madden O'Connor, 83, died Thursday in St. John's Hospital, Anderson. Mrs. O'Connor was an assembler for Delco in Anderson 16 years, retiring in 1963. She was a member of the Worldwide Church of God. She was the widow of Henry O'Connor. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Wilson-St. Pierre Bright Chapel, Pendleton, with calling from 2-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Survivors: daughter Mary Trueblood; brothers Frank, John, Charles Madden; sisters Cora Brisben; Bertha Henry; five grandchildren; seven great grandchildren.
Indianapolis News, Marion County, Indiana; Saturday, 12 Nov 1988, p. 20
Pendleton - Clara A. (Madden) O'Connor, 83, Rt. 2 Pendleton, died Thursday at St. John's Medical Center. She was born in Jennings County and had lived in Pendleton for the past 33 years. She was a member of World Wide Church of God and had been employed by Delco Remy for 16 years, retiring in 1963. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry O'Connor, in 1969. She is survived by a daughter, Mary E. Trueblood of Pendleton, three brothers: Frank Madden of Spokane, Wash; John Madden and Charles Madden, both of Scipio; two sisters, Clara Brisben of Columbus and Bertha Henry of Scipio; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at Wilson St. Pierre Bright Chapel, 211 E. State St, Pendleton, with Richard Baumgartner officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1988
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

The body of Pfc. Floyd C. O'Connor, son of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert O'Connor 1631 West Sixth Street, will arrive at the Pennsylvania Station this afternoon at 1 o'clock and will be escorted to the Brown and Eckenberg Funeral Home by honor guards from the Calabria American Legion posts and the city police. The remains will be removed later to the home of the parents where friends will be received after 7 o'clock tomorrow night until Saturday morning when they will be returned to the funeral establishment for rites at 11 o'clock by the Rev. WB Greek, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in East Maplewood. Military honors will be conducted by the Calabria American Legion Post. Pfc. O'Connor who was a member of the 161st Infantry, 25th Division was killed by sniper fire on Luzon, PI Jan 24, 1945. He was 19 years of age at the time of his death. His father is an elevator operator in the Delco-Remy office.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1945
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

A retired farmer and resident of this area most of his life, Frank O'Conner, died Monday afternoon in St. John's Hospital after an illness of three days. He was 89 years old. Born in Jennings County, he was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Flora O'Conner. His wife Minnie O'Conner died in 1969. Surviving are 7 children: Mrs. Lloyd (Annabell) McCullom of Midway, Ohio, Mrs. Keith (Edna) Fuller of Columbs, Ohio; Mrs. Robert (Martha) Cook and Mrs. Norman (Lovella) Delph, both of Anderson; Donald T of San Antonio, Texas, Paul and Walter O'Conner, both of Indianapolis; a brother, Claude O'Conner of Greensburg; 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. Arrangements are pending at Baker Brothers Funeral Home.
Unknown newspaper clipping - no date
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

George Franklin O'Conner, 37, of 323 Norris Drive died at 1:20 a.m. Sunday [11/13/1960] in St. John's Hospital. He was born July 1, 1923 in Decatur County, a son of Herbert G. and Hazel Baker O'Conner, and came with his parents when three years old to Anderson where he attended elementary and high schools. He was with Delco-Remy Department 408. Survivors include the widow, Loraine with the Emge Packing Company here, his mother, Mrs. Herbert G. O'Conner (sic); one brother, Gerald W., a niece, Nancy Lynn O'Conner and nephew, Gary O'Conner, both of Anderson. Friends are being received in the Brown and Butz Funeral Home. Services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. today in the funeral home by the Rev. John Wood of Mounds Baptist Church and the Rev. Robert Boyette of Arrow Heights Church of God. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Unknown newspaper clipping - 1960
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

Gerald Wendell O'Connor, 79, Anderson, died Oct 7, 2001 in St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Hospital in Carmel after an extended illness. He was born Oct 12, 1921 in Decatur County and was a resident of Anderson most of his life. He was an inspector and worked in production at Delco Remy for 37 years, retiring in 1979. He was a member of South Meridian Church of God, served in the US Navy during WWII and was a 1940 graduate of Anderson HS. He was a member of United Auto Workers Local 662, Killbuck Retirees Club, Delco Remy Fellowship Club, South Meridian Church of God Rise-N-Shine retirees club, former Boy Scout leader of Troop 322 and an avid bowler. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Etta Dean (Whitehead) O'Connor of Anderson; they were married June 12, 1948 in Anderson; daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Michael Hadley of Indianapolis; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Sue O'Connor of Brownsburg; granddaughter, Kacie and Michael Weldy of Brownsburg; and great granddaughter, Katherine Weldy of Brownsburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Hazel (Baker) O'Connor and two brothers, George and Floyd O'Connor. Services will be 10:30 a.m. today at Rozelle-Johnson. Funeral Service with the Rev. Tony Lambert officiating. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sakima District Boy Scouts or the Children Center.
Anderson Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana; Wednesday, 10 October 2001
Contributed by Kacie Weldy

JERRY PEPPLE LAID TO REST IN INDIANA
A retired railroadman, Jerry Pepple, 79, of 230 Oak Avenue, died April 3, following a short illness. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Huntertown, Ind. Warren Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Mr. Pepple was born in Noble County, Ind., and came to Sebring 10 years ago from Corunna, Ind. He was a member of the Church of the Brethren, and Sebring Tourist Club. He is survived by an adopted son, Harold Pepple of Corunna.
The Sebring News, Sebring, Highlands County, Florida; April 10, 1969, page 2A
Contributed by Karin King

COLUMBIA CITY - Charlie Claude Poe, 91, died Tuesday in The Oaks Living Center in Columbia City. He was born Sept. 18, 1904, in Tullahoma, Tenn., to Charlie L. and Hattie (Stafford) Poe. On Aug. 6, 1929, he married Lela J. Nail. She survives. Mr. Poe grew up in Tennessee and graduated from high school there. He then moved to Indiana where he resided in Fort Wayne, Salamonie and Churubusco. In 1954 he moved to Smith Township, Whitley County. He was a General Electric retiree with 30 years of service. He was a member of Churubusco United Methodist Church. Surviving with his wife are six daughters, Carol Frazier of LaPorte, Doris Johns of Spring Lake, Mich., Vera Gross of Churubusco, Marilyn Gross of LaOtto, Elaine Zolman of Fort Wayne, and Sue Claxton of Fort Wayne; a son, Richard Poe of Angola; 23 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ethel Stewart of New Haven and Verna Long of Portland; and two half-sisters, Rubye Riddle of Tullahoma, and Ruth Hileyard of Orlando, Fla. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday in Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with the Rev. Dennis Shock and the Rev. Darrell Taggart officiating. Burial will be in New Haven IOOF Cemetery. Visitation is from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Churubusco United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.
The Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; Thursday, March 21, 1996
Contributed by Karin King

MILDRED L. RATHERT, 80, died Saturday, June 14, 2003, at home in Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, she was Head Teller at Lincoln National Bank for 27 years and retired in 1978. Survivors include her nephews, Jerry W. Seitz and Thomas Arnold, and niece, Jeanne L. Schwalm, all of Fort Wayne. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank C., in 1983; two sisters, Eileen Arnold and Bettie Seitz; and a nephew, Richard Seitz. No services or calling. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Grace O. Ream, 81, of R. R. 1, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edna Amstutz, at 10:55 a.m. here yesterday. She was a member of the Robinson Chapel Church and the Woman's Society of Christian Service. In addition to her daughter, she is survived by a son, Morris, Grabill; a sister, Mrs. Lola Johnson; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. The body was taken to D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Leo Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen Co, Indiana; Friday, 17 November 1967, p. 2A, col. 4
Contributed by Karin King

THE LIFE OF JAMES ROGERS - As Was Told By A Neighbor and Friend
By request of Mrs. Rogers, formerly Mrs. John King, of this city, we publish the following story of Mr. Roger's life, as written by one of his neighbors and published in the Paragould (Ark.) Democrat on November 30th:
"James Calvin Rogers came with his wife to Paragould, in 1904. They moved from Decatur, Indiana. He had built for himself and wife a nice home for which he took great pride. He was a good Christian and gentleman of the old school, and it was a pleasure to converse with him. He was a scholar of rare ability and his leisure moments were spent in reading and meditating upon the Bible. He never read any papers or books on the Sabbath day except the Bible. He was taken sick on the 2nd day of June and departed this life November 9th. Mr. Rogers was born in North Liberty county, Pa., in the year 1833 and was 73 years of age at the time of his death. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and was a regular attendant until he was taken sick. He was an ancient member of the I. O. O. F. During his sickness he had the careful attention of an affectionate wife who was faithful and did all she could for him. His neighbors only know how he suffered and with not a complaint. He said that, "where the Lord calls, I will go." Mr. Rogers leaves a wife, brother and sister to mourn for him. It was the pleasure of the writer to visit him daily and God only knew his suffering, and when the last moment came, death was calm and without pain.
Decatur Democrat, Adams County, Indiana (a weekly newspaper); Thursday, December 13, 1906
Contributed by Karin King

Services will be Thursday morning for John Schleinkofer, who died early yesterday in the Veterans Administration Hospital at Marion, following an extended illness. Msgr. John A. Bapst will officiate at the 8:30 a.m. services at D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home and at 9 a.m. at St. Peter's (cut off)
[buried Catholic Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Wednesday, April 11, 1962
Contributed by Karin King

Chris E. Scheiwe dies at hospital
Chris E. Scheiwe, 75, of route 1, Parent road, New Haven, died at 4 a.m. Sunday at Parkview memorial hospital, Fort Wayne, where he had been a patient since June 6. He retired in 1965 after 22 years at Fruehauf Trailer Co. Mr. Scheiwe was a member of Christ Lutheran church at Woodburn and the Lutheran Laymen's league. Surviving are his wife, Flora; a son, Ralph Scheiwe of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Mrs. Melvin Krueckeberg of New Haven, whose husband is a former Decatur resident; eight grandchildren; and two brothers, Theodore Scheiwe of Frankenmuth, Mich., and William Scheiwe of Chicago. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Christ Lutheran church at Woodburn with Rev. Wayne Rutz officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call at the E. Harper & Son funeral home in New Haven from 7 p.m. today until 11 a.m. Wednesday and at the church from noon Wednesday until time of service. Preferred memorials are to the Christ Lutheran church or the Lutheran Hour radio program.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, IN , Monday, June 19, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Barry D. Shady, 10, son of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shady, 3401 Vesey Ave., died at 3:05 p.m. yesterday in Lutheran Hospital where he had been a patient since Thursday. The boy was born in Shreveport, La., and had lived here eight years. Surviving besides the parents are a brother, Rex; a sister, Jacquelyn, both at home; a grandmother, Mrs. Gaynell Shady of Fort Wayne; and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Ramsey Sr., of Fort Wayne. (cut off)
[buried Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, August 24, 1967
Contributed by Karin King

Services for Mrs. Etta C. Simon, 56, of South Bend, formerly of Fort Wayne, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, the Rev. Forest Howell officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Simon died at 6 p.m. Sunday in her residence. She was a native of Angola and resided in Fort Wayne before moving to South Bend 15 years ago. She was a member of Grace Methodist Church in South Bend and Psi Iota Xi Sorority, in South Bend and Bluffton. Surviving are her husband, Galen; two sons, Wayne, Grand Rapids, Mich., and DeVon, Elkhart; a brother, Edmound Mooney, San Diego, Calif.; a sister, Mrs. Clyde Parnell, Fort Wayne; and five grandchildren. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. today.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, August 24, 1967
Contributed by Karin King

Rose M. Speith Dies at hospital
Mrs. Rose M. Speith, 66, of 1820 Lombard street, Fort Wayne, died at 8:30 p.m. Monday at St. Joseph's hospital, where she had been a patient for 10 days. Mrs. Speith was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic church, its Rosary society and the Legion of Mary. Surviving are her husband, John F. Speith, Sr.; five sons, John, Jr., of Hoagland, William A. of New Haven, Charles and David of M. of Fort Wayne, and Anthony of Convoy, O.; four daughters, Mrs. Loretta Blum and Mrs. Shirley Weldon of Fort Wayne, Mrs. Helen Tatman of Torrance, Calif., and Mrs. Beverly Scott of Saratoga, N.Y. ; five brothers. Ralph and Leonard Gerardot of Monroeville, Clarence of Woodburn, Julian of Fort Wayne, and Francis of Auburn; four sisters, Mrs. Anna Bowers and Mrs. Bernadette Hugenard of New Haven, Mrs. Marcella Speith of Woodburn, and Mrs. Agnes Speith of Monroeville; 31 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. Friends may call at the Mungovan & Sons South chapel from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.
[buried Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, June 19, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Lester L. Stanley dies in Montana
Lester L. Stanley, 77, a native and former resident of Decatur died recently at St. Peter's hospital in Helena, Mont., where he had resided for more than 50 years. Mr. Stanley, an early day radio pioneer in Helena, joined Western Union as a messenger boy in Decatur in 1919, and after graduating from high school became night manager of the Fort Wayne Western Union office. He had been a Morse operator for the company in Helena since 1918 until retiring. He transmitted radio program from a hill near Helena in 1919, the first time radio was heard in Montana. Surviving are his wife, Grace; four daughters and two sons, all residing in western states; two sisters, Miss Laura Stanley and Mrs. Helen Liechty, both of Decatur; two brothers, Sherman Stanley of Maryland and Harry Stanley of Wisconsin; 20 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services and burial were held in Helena last Saturday.
[buried Forestvale Cemetery; Helena, Lewis and Clark County, Montana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, July 1, 1972
Contributed by Karin King

Miss Carrie Stoops, eldest daughter of Rev. and Mrs. J. E. Stoops, died of typhoid fever Monday afternoon, at the parsonage on East Crawford street, aged twenty-six years. Miss Stoops came home ill several weeks ago, from St. Louis, where she had been canvassing for a publishing house, and was quite sick from the first. Memorial services were held at the First Evangelical church, this morning at nine o'clock, attended by all the pastors of the city. The remains were taken to Bobo, Ind., where a funeral service was held this afternoon, and the burial occurred.
The Van Wert Daily Bulletin, Van Wert County, Ohio; Wednesday, December 26, 1906
MISS CARRIE STOOPS DEAD
Word was received Tuesday from Van Wert, O., announcing that Miss Carrie Stoops, aged twenty-five and a daughter of Rev. J. E. Stoops and wife, who were former residents of this city, had died Monday of spinal trouble after an illness of short duration. The announcement came as a surprise to her many friends here who were not aware that she had been sick. The funeral services were held yesterday at the Mt. Tabor church and interment was made in the Mt. Tabor cemetery. Rev. Stoops and family will be well remembered by the citizens of this city, as Mr. Stoops was formerly engaged as pastor of the Evangelical church and served in that capacity for a number of years.
Note: obits say burial was in Mt. Tabor Cemetery, but stone appears in Woodland Union Cemetery in Van Wert County, Ohio
Decatur Democrat, Adams County, Indiana (a weekly newspaper); Thursday, December 27, 1906
Contributed by Karin King

David W. Tonkel, 44, died Sunday at William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Mich. Born in Fort Wayne, he lived in Richmond before moving to Southfield, Mich., four years ago. He was manager of Engineering at Elactro-Wire Products, Dearborn, Mich., and worked at International Harvester for 18 years. Surviving are his wife, Karen; a son, Jeffrey David, at home; a daughter, Kristin Eden, at home; is parents, Harry and Phyllis Tonkel of Fort Wayne; a brother, Daniel of Chicago; and two sisters, Deanna Porsch of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Darlene Kyler of Columbia City. Services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Ascension of Christ Lutheran Church, Beverly Hills, Mich. Calling from 3 to 9 p.m. today at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, Clawson, Mich. Chapel service at noon Thursday at Concordia Cemetery Gardens, 5300 Lake Ave. Burial in Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Memorials to the church building fund or David W. Tonkel Childrens Trust Fund.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, March 2, 1993, p. 3C
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Tucker Dies At Home in Huntertown
Mrs. Frances Marie Tucker, 67 died at 10:15 p.m. Saturday at her residence in Huntertown. She was the wife of Conrad (Cooney) Tucker, veteran Allen County deputy sheriff and chief of the Huntertown Volunteer Fire Department. Mrs. Tucker was a member of the Huntertown Methodist Church and the Order of Eastern Star in Huntertown. Surviving are her husband; three daughters, Mrs. Emily Wallace, Muncie; Mrs. Phyllis Hartnett, Grandview, Mo.; and Mrs. Bonnie Kinsey, Wallen; six sisters, Mrs. Stanley Potter, Auburn; Mrs. Forest Gump, Huntertown; Mrs. Merle Amstutz, R. R. 2, Fort Wayne; Mrs. George Lucas, Phoenix, Ariz.; Mrs. George Fogle, Churubusco; and Mrs. Harvey Bell, Fort Wayne; two brothers, Taft Heffelfinger, Huntertown, and Keith Heffelfinger, Garrett; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home, Rev. Howard Western officiating, assisted by Rev. Herschel McCord. Burial will be in the Huntertown Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Monday, February 1, 1965, p. 2A, col. 5
Contributed by Karin King

Wren man killed
Paul E. Twiggs, 52, of Wren, O., a former resident of Fort Wayne, was pronounced dead on arrival at 11:15 p.m. (EDT) Saturday at the Mercy hospital in Tiffin, O., following a collision of two semitrailers on U. S. highway 224, east of Tiffin A former driver for North American Van Lines, he had worked for Transport Motor Express for the past three years. No details of the fatal accident have been received here. Mr. Twiggs, a World War II veteran, was a member of Teamsters Union Local 414, Fort Wayne. He was born in New York City, N. Y., Feb. 18, 1920, to Paul and Gertrude Deammer-Twiggs, and was married to Gladys Lorene Allread April 23, 1966. Surviving are his wife; one son, Gregory Twiggs of Little Ferry N. J.; a stepdaughter, Mrs. David (Jacqueline) Bland of Richmond; a sister, Mrs. Dolly Carroll of Port Malabar, Fla.; and six grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. (Indiana time) Wednesday at the Winteregg Linn funeral home in this city, with Dr. Benjamin Antle and Rev. Paul Uphole officiating. Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m. (Indiana time) Wednesday at West Lawn cemetery at Hagerstown. Friends may call at the funeral home after 6 p.m. (Indiana time) today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, June 19, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

WALDA, Edward G. - Services at 1:30 p.m. today in C. M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, the Rev. Walter M. Schoendel officiating. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Saturday, February 17, 1968
Contributed by Karin King

Oscar H. Walters, 81, of 4405 Warsaw St., died at 6:30 p.m. yesterday in a local nursing home. He was a native of Willshire, Ohio, and had resided in Fort Wayne 40 years. He was a retired carpenter. He was a member of the South Side Church of the Nazarene. Surviving are three sons, Basil (cut off)
[buried Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Sunday, December 19, 1965
Contributed by Karin King

WALTER L. WEAVER, 84, died Monday, June 16, 2003, at Riverbend Health Care Center in Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, he worked for Fort Wayne Developmental Center and was a U.S. WWII Amy Veteran, involved with Women's Christian Temperance Union, AARP, and was a member of Calvary Third Presbyterian Church. Survivors include son, David L. Weaver of Fort Wayne; and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence L. Weaver, in 1996. Service is 2 p.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Calling is from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorials to Calvary Third Presbyterian Church of American Heart Association.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Tuesday, June 17, 2003
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Whitehead, Syracuse, Dies
Mrs. Bert (Hazel) Whitehead, 72, of Route 2, Syracuse, died in the Goshen hospital at 8:30 a.m. today. Mrs. Whitehead, wife of a former Syracuse postmaster, had been in the hospital for the past six weeks. She had been in failing health two years. She was born near Dewart lake June 13, 1888, the daughter of John and Rebecca (Stuard) Dewart. She married Bert Whitehead April 30, 1910. He survives. Also surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Donald (Martha) Scearce of Fort Wayne; a brother, Lloyd of Dewart lake, and two grandchildren. Services are in charge of the Harris funeral home in Syracuse but are incomplete at this time.
[buried Salem Cemetery, Kosciusko County, Indiana]
Warsaw Times-Union, Kosciusko County, Indiana; Thursday, February 16, 1961, p. 2, col. 3-4
Contributed by Karin King

CARL C. ZION, 78, died at 6:40 p.m. Tuesday at Willow Ridge Living Center. A lifelong Fort Wayne resident, he retired from General Electric Co. in 1973 after 29 years. Surviving are his wife, Violet V.; a son, William C. of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Nancy A. Stoller of Fort Wayne; a stepson, Frank Walker of Monticello; three stepdaughters, Ilene Kiefer of Fort Wayne, Martha Imler of Hoagland, and Cheryl Stone of North Charleston, S.C.; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Services at 10 a.m. Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons Foster Park Funeral Home, 6301 Fairfield Ave. Calling from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial in Riverview Cemetery, Allen County. Memorials to Bethany Presbyterian Church, 1616 W. Main St., or Boy Scouts of America.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Thursday, September 6, 1990
Contributed by Karin King