COLUMBIA CITY: Jeffrey L. Adkins, 28, died at 9:30 p.m. Friday at Community Hospital of Ottawa, Ill., after an accident on Interstate 80. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He was an ALARA engineer with ??-Daniel of Chicago. Surviving are his parents, Victor and Marjorie Adkins of Columbia City; three brothers, William D. of Fort Wayne, Randall J. of Wilmot, Wis., and Norman T. of Columbia City; four sisters, Cindy Eaton of Hillsdale, Mich., Linda Ward of South Bend, Edna Kindig of Silver Lake, and Sarah Lopez of Columbia City; a grandfather, William Adkins of Columbia City. Services at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, Columbia City. Calling from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Hollingsworth Memorial Chapel, Columbia City and at the church one hour prior to the service. Vigil service at the funeral home at 5 p.m. today. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; December 17, 1989
Contributed by Karin King

Oct. 3, 1936 - June 3, 2008 JERSEYVILLE, Ill. — Former Anderson resident Larry Paul Baker, 71, Jerseyville, died June 3, 2008, in the emergency room of Jersey Community Hospital. He was a quality control engineer at McDonnell-Douglas and Emerson Electric. He also worked at Cincinnati Electronics in Ohio. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Mary Madeline (Harold) Baker; daughters, Becky (Dan) Hoke, Ellen Fay (Jim) Huber and Pauline Hobbs; sons, Larry P. (Jo Anne) Baker, Vernett (Sandy) Baker and Chris (Michell) Baker; a brother, David Baker; 13 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Targhetta and Wooldridge Funeral Home in Brighton, Ill., with the Rev. Mike Southcombe officiating. Burial will be in Brighton Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force. Visitation will be noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/3/2008 - 6/5/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Ridgeville, Ind., June 29 - William H. Barber, 68, died this morning at the home of his son, Chester of Albany, following a lingering illness. The body was removed to the Painter Funeral parlors here. He is survived by the widow, four children, Mrs. Stella Jester and Chester Barber of Albany, r Barber of Mona, Mont and Hugh Barber of Huntington; two brother and 15 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon in the local ME Church of which he was a member. Burial will be at Albany.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

DEATH CLAIMS CLINTON BEARD - Union Township Man Dies Friday Night At County Hospital
Clinton Beard, 56, well known resident of Union township, did at the Adams county memorial hospital Friday evening at 7:45 o'clock. Death was caused by coronary thrombosis, after an illness of only a few days. Born in Ohio, Mr. Beard had lived in Indiana for the past 30 years. He was a member of the Clark's Chapel church in Union township and was superintendent of the Sunday school at the time of his death. Survivors include the widow, Altha; and two daughters, Mrs. Lois Wegmann of Woodburn and Miss Marcele Beard, a student in nurses training at the Methodist hospital in Fort Wayne. The body was removed to the Painter and Marquardt funeral home in Monroeville. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at the residence and at 1:30 o'clock at the Clark's Chapel church, Rev. S.S. Painter officiating. Burial will be in the I. O.O.F. cemetery in Monroeville.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Saturday, Jan. 4, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

ARTHUR BEATY TO BE BURIED ON TUESDAY - Retired Auburn Grocer, Age 80, Passed away at Butler Nursing Home following an Illness of Five Years
Funeral rites for a retired Auburn grocer, William Arthur Beaty, a former resident at 702 East Seventh street, Auburn, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the St. Marks's Lutheran church in Auburn. Mr. Beaty, 80, died at 11:30 p.m. Saturday in the Lowe Nursing home in Butler. His death was attributed to senility and complications following an illness of five years. He entered the nursing home six months ago. At Tuesday's services, the Rev. Allen K. Trout, pastor of the St. Mark's church, will officiate with burial in Woodlawn cemetery. The body, which was removed to the Gerig funeral home in Auburn for burial preparations, will remain until noon Tuesday when it will be taken to the church to lie in state until the hour of services. A native and life long resident of DeKalb county, Mr. Beaty was born Aug. 12, 1870. He worked for many years for the F. J. Nebelung store in Auburn. He was also employed as a grocer at the Swartz Market in Auburn and later operated a grocery at the present location of the City Market and a neighborhood grocery at his home at 702 East Seventh street, Auburn. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mrs. Louise Beaty, who died many years ago. Surviving are his second wife, Mrs. Martha Beaty, a patient at the Lowe Nursing home; a son, Clifton Beaty of San Marino, Calif., and a daughter, Mrs. Edith Diederich of 450 East Creighton street, Fort Wayne; a daughter-in law, Mrs. Myrtle, of 714 East Third street, Auburn; four grandchildren, Robert Diederich stationed with the U. S. marines at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Robert Beaty of 202 ½ North Jackson street, Auburn; and Phillip and Linda Diederich of Fort Wayne; and two sisters Mrs. Alma Garman of Rt. 2 Auburn and Mrs. Orphra Myers of Cedarville, Ind. A son, Merl Beaty, of Auburn, and a brother also preceded him in death. He was a member of the St. Mark's Lutheran church in Auburn.
DeKalb County, Indiana library, Obit Book #7; handwritten 'Buried Feb. 20, 1951'
Contributed by Karin King

William H. Beich [sic] dies at hospital
William H. Beich [sic], 57, of route 1, Ossian, died at 11:30 p.m. Saturday in the Fort Wayne Parkview memorial hospital. He was employed at Wayne Hardware, Fort Wayne, and for the past 18 years he had operated the Ossian Hardware, and he and his wife operated the Ossian license branch from 1954-60 and from 1968 until the present time. He was a past president of the Ossian Lions club and a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, and the Lutheran Laymen's League. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, and one brother, Charles, Fort Wayne. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Elzey funeral home, Ossian, with Rev. A. O. Kaltwasser officiating. Burial will be in Concordia Gardens, Fort Wayne. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Preferred memorials are to the Lutheran Hour.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, Sept., 25, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Shirley Beihold dies at Tipton
Miss Shirley Denise Beihold, 17, a native of Decatur, died at 4 p.m. Monday at her home in Tipton. She had been ill for 16 years. Born in Decatur July 11, 1955, she was a daughter of Rev. and Mrs. T.E. Beihold. Surviving in addition to the parents are four brothers, Fred, James, Paul and Tom Beihold. Friends may call at the Mitchell funeral home in Tipton after 2 p.m. Wednesday. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in Fairview cemetery at Tipton.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Fort Wayne/Allen County - Harvey L. Bell, 69, died at 4:45 p.m. Thursday in Parkview Memorial Hospital. Born in Fort Wayne, he retired in 1982 as superintendent of John Dehner Inc. He was a World War II Army veteran. Surviving is his wife, Betty; two daughters, Patricia Plazek and Iva Mannan, both of Fort Wayne; one son, Barney E., of Goshen; two sisters, Agnes Emerick, of North Muskegon, Mich., and Delores Hayes, of Fort Wayne; and seven grandchildren. Services at 11 a.m. Monday in D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., with calling from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday, with an American Legion service at 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Burial in Huntertown Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Saturday, Dec. 13, 1986, p. 3A, col. 1
Contributed by Karin King

Brother of city resident dies
Ed Bieberich, 85, of Vinita, Oklahoma, brother of Otto Bieberich of Decatur, died Thursday evening at his home. He is survived by his wife, Alva, three children, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Otto, of Decatur, and Clarence of New York; and one sister, Mrs. Bertha Hoffert of Ligonier. Funeral services will be held Saturday at the Luginbill funeral home in Oklahoma.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, Oct. 27, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Feb. 4, 1910 - May 30, 2008
Millie Boards passed away May 30, 2008, at Community Hospital, Anderson. She was born Feb. 4, 1910 to Harry Swan and Floy Ray in Smiths Grove, Ky. She was united in marriage to the late Fountain Boards of which four children were born to that union. She accepted Christ at an early age and was united with Pleasant View Baptist Church in Smiths Grove, Ky. Millie has resided in Anderson over 20 years. The hobbies she loved were sewing, quilting and gardening. She leaves to cherish her memory, a sister, Pauline Swan of Anderson; two daughters, Mary Walker and Virginia Morgan, both of Anderson; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fountain Boards; two sons, Clarence L. and Elwood Boards; a grandson, Nathaniel Walker; a sister, Allie Swan and a brother, George Ray. Services will be noon Wednesday at the L.C. May Funeral Services with Elder Michael Boards officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation is two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the L.C. May Funeral Services Inc.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/3/2008 - 6/5/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

GARRETT - JANET M. BOWMAN, 59, died Thursday at Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Avilla. Born in Garrett, she was a homemaker. Surviving are her husband, Robert; three sons, Terry and Kent, both of Garrett, and Jerry of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Scott Malcolm Jr. and Wayne Malcolm, both of Garrett; four sisters, Virginia Tremmel of California, Leah Brillant of Leo, Sharon Vavity of Garrett and Nancy DeLauder of Auburn; her mother, Hazel Malcolm of Garrett; and five grandchildren. Services at 10 a.m. Saturday at Feller Funeral Home, Waterloo. Calling one hour before services. Burial in Christian Union Cemetery, Garrett. Memorials to Sacred Hart Nursing Home.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Friday, December 6, 1996
Contributed by Karin King

Teacher Dies At Hospital
Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Meeks Mortuary for Howard W. Brandyberry, 58, 1302 Duane, teacher and coach at Roosevelt School, who died Tuesday at Ball Hospital following a brief illness. Rev. B. Willis Gierhart and Rev. Stanley Napier will lead the services. Burial will be in the Elm Ridge Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and before services Friday. Delaware Lodge 46 F&AM Scottish Rite will conduct memorial services at 8 p.m. Friday at the mortuary. Mr. Brandyberry was born in Wells County, graduated from Monroe High School, attended Indiana Central College and received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Indiana University. He did graduate work at the University of Minnesota and Ball State University. He served in the Army during World War II. He was basketball coach at Adams County and Huntertown and taught in Marion County and at New Castle before coming to Muncie 18 years ago. He attended the United Methodist Church, was a member of Delaware Lodge 46, F&AM Scottish Rite, Valley of Fort Wayne; Mizpah Shrine and Murpah Shrine Club of Muncie. He was also a member of American Legion Post ??? at Decatur, Indiana University Varsity Club, National Education Association, Indiana State Teachers Association, Muncie Teachers Association and Indiana Basketball Coaches Association. He is survived by the widow, Pauline; a son, Jim, at home; his mother, Mrs. Floyd Brandyberry, Monroe; two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Anderson, Monroe, and Mrs. Helen Highlen, Decatur; and a brother, Klesson Brandyberry, Decatur.
Muncie Evening Press, Delaware County, Indiana; July 21, 1971
Contributed by Karin King

BRITTAIN SERVICE
The funeral for Velma E. Brittain, retired Whitley County teacher, was Saturday at Hollingsworth Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Ronald Scharfe and John Coules officiating. Mrs. Ronald Scharfe, organist, played "In the Garden," "How Great Thou Art" and "I Like to Tell the Story." Pallbearers were Jim Boggs, Charles Hess, DeVon Jagger, Ron Noyer, Mike Jagger and Gerald Jagger. Burial was at Blue River Community Church Cemetery. Mrs. Brittain died Sept. 28. [buried Blue River Cemetery; Thorncreek Township, Whitley County, Indiana]
Columbia City Post & Mail, Whitley County, Indiana; October 3, 1988
Contributed by Karin King

Father of city resident dies
Bert Burns. 59, of Pine Bluff, Ark., father of Mrs. Ray L. (Marnell) Shepherd of Decatur, died at 12:15 p.m. Sunday at the Veterans hospital in North Little Rock, Ark. Mrs. Shepherd is a teacher in the Northwest elementary school. Also surviving are three sisters. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Ralph Robinson & Sons funeral home in Pine Bluff. [buried Holly Springs Cemetery; Garnett, Lincoln County, Arkansas]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, Oct. 9, 1972
Man who died was brother to city lady
Bert Burns, of Pine Bluff, Ark., who died Sunday at a Veterans hospital in North Little Rock, Ark., was a brother of Mrs. Ray (Marnell) Shepherd of Decatur, not the father, as erroneously reported in the Decatur Daily Democrat Monday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Oct. 10, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Morris Butcher dies unexpectedly
Morris Butcher, 76, a former resident of Decatur, died unexpectedly Sunday while vacationing at Yellowstone National Park. Mr. Butcher had resided in Olmito, Tex., for several years after retiring from the insurance business. He was a son of the late A. C. and Eldora Butcher of Decatur. Surviving are his wife, Inez; five children; two sisters, Mrs. Evaline Roop and Mrs. Hubert Gilpin, both of Decatur; and three brothers, Lewis and Robert Butcher, both of Decatur, Maynard Butcher of Seattle, Wash. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at the Siford funeral home in Wapakoneta, O., with burial in Memorial Park, Lima, O.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, Aug. 21, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Samuel Carr, 94, dies at Van Wert
Samuel D. Carr, 94, of Rockford, O., a retired farmer, died Monday morning at the Manor rest home at Van Wert, O. He was born in Mercer county, O., July 7, 1878, a son of David and Ella Fapp-Carr. His wife, Jessie, is deceased. Surviving are three sons, David Carr of Willshire, O., Kenneth Carr of Fort Wyne, and Robert Carr of Decatur; two daughters, Mrs. Omer (Mary) Merriman of Decatur route 3, and Mrs. Carl (Sarah Ellen) Eicher of Clearwater, Fla.; 14 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) Thursday at the Ketcham-Ripley funeral home in Rockford, with burial in Riverside cemetery at Rockford. Friends may call at the funeral home after 1:30 p.m. (EDT) Wednesday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Aug. 29, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Delia, daughter of Franklin & Emmaline Chapman was born May 1st, 1881, died March 29th, 1904, agged 22 years, 10 months and 29 days. She leaves an aged grandmother, father, mother, three sisters and four brothers, also a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her untimely death. Two brothers, Charles H. and Lew Wallace, and two sisters, Sarah V. and Magnolia, have preceeded her to the spirit world. The deceased united with the Free Methodist church at the age of eighteen, continued in the faith and died in the assurance of eternal blessedness. She was also a member of the fraternal order of Gleaners since freb. 1902, and highly respected by same. For the past eighte months she was a patient sufferer and at last fell a victime of the dread disease, tuberculosis. Her modest and retiring ways won her the respect and admiration of all who knew her.
Unknown newspaper clipping
Mrs. Delia CHAPMAN died on Sunday morning at eleven o'clock at her home at Ossian. The funeral was held at the church today conducted by her pastor, Rev. Combrink. Her only son, Roy Chapman, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, was there to minister to her wants during the closing days of her life. He will return to his home in a few days.
Bluffton Evening News, Wells County, Indiana; May 31, 1904
Delia J. Chapman (May 1, 1881 - March 29, 1904; buried Bass Lake Cemetery, Starke County, Indiana
Contributed by RMCHAPMAN@Prodigy.NET

LOCAL MAN HURT IN FATAL HEAD-ON AUTO COLLISION - Roger Meshberger Injured in Crash That Claims Iowa Woman
Roger Meshberger, 24, of this place, a representative of the Meshbergers Brothers Stone Co. of Linn Grove is a patient in a Columbus , Ind. hospital with several; broken ribs, bad cuts on the face and body sustained in a head on automobile collision late Thursday on U. W. highway No. 31 three mile southeast of Columbus in which a woman was killed. Mr. Meshberger was reported to have rested well last night and his injuries are not believed to be serious as less complications arise. The victim of the crash was Mrs. Anna Closson, 64 years old of Waterloo, Iowa. She was riding in the auto driven by her son, H. K. Closson, 39, Waterloo construction engineer. Closson, his wife and daughter suffered minor injuries. Harry Meshberger, father of the injured man and his son, Leon motored to Columbus last night to be at Roger's bedside. Mr. Meshberger was on a several day business trip and had been accompanied to Columbus by Mrs. Meshberger. She however, was at the Belvedere hotel, while her husband was attending to business at their branch quarry. The accident happened while Meshberger was enroute to town from the quarry. They planned to return to their home here Thursday afternoon. According to a press dispatch, state police were quoted as saying that Meshberger would face charges in connection with the wreck for passing another car in a no-passing zone.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Friday, Jan. 3, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

SPECIAL DISPATCH TO THE ENQUIRER
Wabash, Ind., March 21 - Mrs. Mary Clouse died at Bunker Hill last night, aged 90 years. She was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, and came to Indiana in 1822. She was twice married and bore 12 children, two of whom survive. She leaves 50 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren.
The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati, Ohio; Friday, March 22, 1895, p5, c5
Contributed by Jim Kirk

Princeton, Ind., June 29 - Thomas Coomer, 42, was killed today when he was struck by lightning at his home here during a thunder storm. He is survived by the widow and five children.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

DR. COWAN IS TAKEN BY DEATH - Dr. James C. Cowan, Adams County Native, Died Sunday
Funeral services for Dr. James C. Cowan, 63, prominent Fort Wayne and New Haven surgeon, and native of Adams county, will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Cowan home on the Lincoln highway, east of Fort Wayne. Dr. Cowan's death occurred Saturday night of acute dilation of the heart, preceded by a coronary occlusion. He had been ill six weeks. Burial will be in the I. O. O. F. cemetery at New Haven. Dr. Cowan was born in St. Mary's township, Adams county, the son of J. C. and Amy Cowan. He began the practice of medicine in 1904 at Monroeville, Ind., and Dixon, O., and had been engaged in practice at New Haven and in Fort Wayne for more than 36 years. He was a graduate of Loyola university at Chicago and the late Harry Jones of Berne, a cousin, was a member of the same graduating class. After his graduation from Loyola he was awarded an internship at the Frances Willard hospital by competitive examination. He also taught at the Van Wert county hospital and the Fort Wayne Methodist hospital and volunteered his professional services in the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906. He was one of the oldest members of the Fort Wayne Lutheran hospital staff, was active in the Fort Wayne Medical association, the Booster club of New Haven and a member of the Masonic lodge, F. & A. M., at Monroeville and a thirty-third degree Mason, member of the Fort Wayne chapter Scottish Rite. The body was taken to the Cowan funeral home at Van Wert, O., and was returned to the residence today. Immediate relatives may call at the residence during Wednesday morning. It is suggested friends go to the Grace Methodist church at New Haven Wednesday afternoon from 1:30 to 2:30 o'clock where the body will lie in state. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Julia Cowan; a son, Byron Webster, and four daughters, Marianne, Virginia Lee and Julia Anne, all students at Indiana university, and Patricia Colleen; three brothers, E. H. Cowan of Tacoma, Wash., H. B. Cowan of Van Wert, O., and J. D. Cowan of Willshire, O.; and two sisters, Mrs. Brice McMillen of Decatur and Mrs. D. B. Roop of Los Angeles.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams Co, IN; Monday, March 17, 1941
Funeral Rites On Wednesday For Dr. Cowan - Well-Known Physician And Surgeon Dies Following Extended Illness
Final tribute will be paid to Dr. James C. Cowan, 63, well-known physician of Fort Wayne and New haven, at funeral services Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at Grace Methodist Church in New Haven. Dr. Amon M. Cottingham, pastor of the church, will officiate. Burial in the New Haven IOOF Cemetery. Dr. Cowan died of acute dilatation of the heart Sunday at 11 a.m. at his home on Lincoln Highway East about two miles from Fort Wayne. He had been confined to his home by illness for six weeks and became critically ill with coronary occlusion last Saturday night. Friends may view Dr. Cowan's body at the residence today and Tuesday at the church from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. The family desires that only immediate relatives call at the home Wednesday morning.
Widow, Five Children Survive
Surviving are the widow, Julia; (missing) Lee and Julia Anne, all of whom are students at Indiana University, and Patricia Coleen, at home; a son, Byron Webster, at home; two sisters, Mrs. Brice McMillen, of Decatur, and Mrs. Don. H. Roop, of Los Angeles, and three brothers, E. H. of Tacoma, Wash., H. M., of Van Wert, O., and J. D., of Willshire, O. Dr. Cowan had practiced in New Haven and Fort Wayne many years, and was one of the oldest staff members of the Lutheran Hospital here in point of service. He was a member of the Fort Wayne Medical Association, New haven Booster Club, Monroeville Masonic Lodge and was a thirty-second degree member of Fort Wayne Scottish Rite Consistory.
Born In Adams County
The deceased was born in St. Mary's Township, Adams County, a son of the late C. C. and Amy Cowan. He was valedictorian of his graduating class at the American College of Medicine and Surgery in Chicago (now Loyola University), and was president of his fraternity at the college. Upon graduation from the medical school, Dr. Cowan received an internship at Frances Willard Hospital in Chicago. He taught at the Van Wert County Hospital and volunteered his services in the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1906. Dr. Cowan began practice of medicine with offices in both Monroeville and Dixon, O., in 1904. Within a few years he transferred his practice to Fort Wayne and New Haven. He maintained an office at his residence. Dr. Cowan was in the same graduating class at the American College of Medicine and Surgery as Dr. Harry Jones, of Berne, a cousin, who died a few days ago. The body was returned to the residence today from the Cowan Funeral Home in Van Wert, O.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Monday, March 17, 1941
DR. J. C. COWAN RITES WEDNESDAY - COUSIN OF LATE DR. H. O. JONES
Private funeral services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock for Dr. James C. Cowan, 63, prominent Fort Wayne and New haven surgeon who died at 11 a.m. Sunday of a heart ailment after an illness of six weeks. He was a cousin of Dr. D. D. Jones of this place and of the late Dr. H. O. Jones. The latter and the Dr. Cowan were members of the same graduating class at Loyola university. Dr. Cowan was born in St. Mary's township, Adams county, near Decatur, the son of J. C. and Amy Cowan. He began the practice of medicine in 1904 at Monroeville, Ind., and Dixon, O., and had been engaged in practice at New Haven and in Fort Wayne for more than 36 years. He was one of the oldest members of the Fort Wayne Lutheran hospital and was active in the Fort Wayne medical associating. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Julia Cowan; a son, Byron Webster; and four daughters, Marianne, Virginia Lee and Julia Anne, all students at Indiana university, and Patricia Colleen; three brothers, E. H. Cowan of Tacoma, Wash.; H. B. Cowan of Van Wert O., and J. D. Cowan of Willshire, O.; and two sisters, Mrs. Brice McMillen of Decatur and Mrs. D. B. Roop of Los Angeles.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Monday, March 17, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Celia R. Cox, 81, dies at Van Wert
Mrs. Celia R. Cox, 81, wife of Chancy Cox of Van Wert, O., route 4,died shortly before noon Wednesday at the Van Wert county hospital after an illness of three years. Born April 20, 1891, in Middlebury, O., she was a daughter of Phillip and Barbara Finkhousen-Oechsle. Mrs. Cox was a member of the Convoy United Methodist church. Surviving are her husband; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Lola) Ayers of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Calvin (Agnes) Royer of Van Wert county; a brother, Otto Oechsle of Decatur; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 2 p.m. (EDT) Saturday at the Alspach funeral home in Van Wert, where friends may call after 7 p.m.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Thursday, Sept., 7, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Fairmount, Ind., June 29 - Eli Cox, about 50, is dead at his home in Indianapolis, following an extended illness, according to word received here by relatives Thursday. Mr. Cox, who is survived by the widow and two sons was a former Fairmount resident, being born and reared near this city. Mrs. Porter Atkinson, Fairmount is a sister. The remains will arrive here Saturday for funeral services which will be conducted at 2 o'clock from the Wesleyan Methodist Church with the Rev. FO Spitler in charge. Burial will be at Park Cemetery.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

MARKLE - Theodore L. Cox, 66, died at 9:45 p.m. Wednesday in Miller's Merry Manor Nursing Home, Huntington. His wife, Dorella, died May 29. Surviving are two daughters, two grandchildren, two brothers and a sister. Services at 2 p.m. Sunday in Myers Funeral Home, with calling from 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Memorials to Markle Park Foundation. [buried Pilgrims Rest Cemetery; Huntington, Huntington County, Indiana]
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Friday, June 14, 1985
Contributed by Karin King

Indianapolis, June 29 - The excessive heat today took a toll of five lives in Indiana. A Miami County farmer dropped dead while working in a hay field on his farm south of Peru; an elderly man died at Vincennes; a mill worker succumbed at Crawfordsville; a young college student died in this city while dashing after a street car and an aged merchant died at Redkey. Temperatures throughout the state were again in the 100 degree mark for the third consecutive day but the weather bureau forecast held out some hope for relief. The prediction was for local showers and lower showers and lower temperatures in the northern portion of the state tonight to be followed Saturday by scattered showers and somewhat cooler weather in the central and north portions. The deaths attributed to the heat were those of Herman E. Craig, 81, who died at Vincennes; Victor Mitkus, 60, a mill worker who was overcome at Crawfordsville; Glenn R. Johnson, 25, a Butler University summer school student; Jodson Hoover, 68, who died … (continued on page 9; not found)
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 1
Contributed by Karen Zach

Man, Wife killed in mishap on 27; 4 children hurt
A flurry of fatalities in the hours preceding the start of the labor day holiday weekend in Indiana sent the 1972 death toll skyrocketing today to at least 1,008 compared with 1,023 year ago. An 18-year-old boy was killed in a car-train accident in southeast part of Indianapolis this morning. Another was injured seriously. Three persons were killed in a wreck near Angola Thursday night and two in an accident near Fort Wayne this morning. The accident on U.S. 27 south of Fort Wayne near the Adams County line today killed Jehova Keith, 37, and his wife Patricia, 32, Fort Wayne [both buried Saint Vincent Roman Catholic Cemetery]; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana and critically injured their four children, all of whom were taken to Lutheran Hospital at Fort Wayne. They were Billy, 11, Karla, 10, Frederick, 8, and Michelle. 7. Investigators said Mrs. Keith apparently dozed at the wheel and her car swerved into the path of one driven by James C. Oglesbee, 24, Fort Wayne, who also was injured. Mrs. Mary A. Crommer, 37, Pioneer, Ohio, and her son, Eric 11, were killed Thursday evening on U. S. 20 about five miles east of Angola in Steuben County and Mrs. Crommer's daughter, Melanie, 13, died this morning in Parkview Hospital at Fort Wayne [all buried in Floral Grove Cemetery; Pioneer, Williams County, Ohio]. A car Mrs. Crommer was driving collided with one driven by Elwood L. Neeley, 38, Shipshewana. Police said Neeley's car crossed the center line and struck the Crommer Auto. William T. Green, 53, Sciotoville, Ohio, was killed this morning on U. S. 52 near Foresman in Benton County when he apparently dozed while driving a flatbed truck. The truck careened off the road into a ditch. Green was thrown out and crushed beneath the vehicle. James Howell, 21, Fortville, [buried Gravel Lawn Cemetery; Green Township, Madison County, Indiana] was killed Thursday when his motorcycle was hit by a speeding car whose driver failed to stop on Indiana 32 at the east edge of Noblesville.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, Sept., 1, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

The funeral of Perley Cunningham, 432 of Parker, foundryman who dropped dead of heat prostration Thursday night while working in the forge shop at Warner Gear Plant No 2 will be held at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at Beech Grove Chapel, the Rev. Mr. Simmerman, pastor of the Selma UB Church officiating. Burial will be in Beech Grove Cemetery. Surviving is the widow; a son, Sherman, two daughters, Rosetta and Mollie; his father and mother who reside in West Virginia; six brother and three sisters.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

Joseph Dickerson, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away May 31, 2008, after an extended illness. He was 68. He was born in Alabama and moved to Anderson as a child. He attended Anderson schools and worked for many years at Heckaman Buick and the Milk Barn at Madison and Nichol avenues. He was a member of Mount Pilgrim Church where he served as youth director, usher board and deacon. He and his wife, Mary Anne, who survives, are members of the Mr. and Mrs. Club, a social networking and travel club. They celebrated 46 years of marriage last fall. As an avid sports fan, when he wasn’t watching a sporting event, he was talking about one. He loved the Indianapolis Colts but cheered loudest at events involving his grandchildren. He was known among family and friends for his cooking — especially his barbecue ribs and spicy sauces. It wasn’t unusual for people to attend a church or social gathering just for his ribs. Survivors also include his mother, Ethel Dickerson of Anderson; daughters, Tameka (James) Glenn of Port Orange, Fla., Cynthia (Fred) Coleman, Donna (John) Menifee and Tamara Dickerson, of Anderson, and Tina and Stashia Dickerson, both of Indianapolis; son, Dennis Bennett of Jacksonville, N.C.; stepchildren, Leisa Richardson of Fishers and Keith (Elaine) Richardson of Snellville, Ga.; brother, James (Lori) Dickerson of Indianapolis; sisters, Dorothy (Doug) Wilson of Anderson, Virginia Fuller of Indianapolis and Crystal Ivey of Atlanta, Ga.; 28 grandchildren; 54 great-grandchildren; and cousin, Clara Vickers, Anderson. He was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Dickerson; brother, Johnny Thornton; sister, Brenda Matthews; grandson, Keith Richardson Jr.; and aunt, Emma Montgomery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday at Mount Pilgrim Church, 615 Henry St., Anderson. The funeral immediately follows. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery. Glazebrooks Funeral Service is handling arrangements.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/3/2008 - 6/5/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

March 8, 1926 - June 1, 2008 ALEXANDRIA — Elmer L. Dockery, 82, Alexandria, died June 1, 2008, at the Alexandria Care Center in Alexandria after an extended illness. He was born March 8, 1926, in Morgantown, Ky., the son of Van L. Dockery and Grace (Daugherty) Dockery, and lived in Alexandria most of his lifetime. Elmer served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was in the European-African Theater and was the recipient of two bronze campaign ribbon stars. He worked for National Gypsum, formerly of Alexandria, for 29 years. He retired from Warner-Gear, formerly of Muncie, in 1973. He was baptized at and was a member of Aberdeen Baptist Church in Aberdeen, Ky. Elmer was an avid reader and history buff. Survivors include his wife, Lois (Beeman) Dockery, whom he married April 15, 1944; two daughters, Saundra (Richard) McCord of Dallas, Texas, and Kim Collins of Alexandria; four sons, Leonard (Marilee) Dockery of Dallas, Texas, Steve (Denise) Dockery of Huntsville, Ala., Mike (Brenda) Dockery of Anderson, and Jeff Dockery of Alexandria; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Stella Morphew of Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews, including special nieces, Debbie Smith and Cathy Massey of Elwood. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Evelyn Croy. Services will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Noffze Funeral Home, 501 N. Harrison St., Alexandria, with Craig Patty officiating. Interment will follow in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria with military honors provided by Elwood Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5782. Friends may call at the Noffze Funeral Home after 11 a.m. Wednesday until the hour of services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Resident’s Activity Fund of the Alexandria Care Center through the funeral home.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/3/2008 - 6/5/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Elwood, Ind., June 29 - Funeral services for Wilford Eades, Curtisville resident who was killed Wednesday night by a Pennsylvania train will be conducted at the home of a brother, Joseph Eades of Hemlock at 10 o'clock Saturday morning. Burial will be in the Randolph Cemetery near Hemlock.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 6
Contributed by Karen Zach

Farmer crushed to death
Ernest Erxleben, 60-year-old Allen county farmer, and a former Adams county resident, was crushed to death Tuesday when he was thrown off a bulldozer he was operating and it ran over him. Erxleben, a resident of 3522 Wells street, Fort Wayne, sustained massive internal injuries and was dead at the scene. He was working alone when the accident occurred in a field at 9509 Leesburg road. Allen county police said the victim was hauling out fill dirt some distance from the road. They said the bulldozer appeared to have gone up on a mound of dirt and over the top, throwing Erxelben in front of the machine. He was crushed when the loading arm dropped down on him. The body was discovered about 6:10 p.m. by Erxleben's son-in-law, James Wright, who lives near the scene. The farm victim was born in Indiana Oct. 24, 1911, a son of Henry and Emma Erxleben. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran church. Surviving are his wife, Gertrude; one daughter, Mrs. James (Delores) Wright of Fort Wayne; his mother, Mrs. Emma Erxleben of Decatur; two sisters, Mrs. William Selking and Mrs. Walter Hoffman, both of Decatur route 2; three brothers, Lorenz Erxleben of Decatur route 2, and Albert and Arnold Erxleben, both of Decatur route 1; and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the C.M. Sloan & Sons funeral home in Fort Wayne, with Rev. T. R. Taykowski officiating. Burial will be in Concordia gardens cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Wednesday, Oct. 4, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

July 5, 1954 - June 2, 2008
Donald Charles “Chuck” Eskew II, 53, Anderson, died June 2, 2008, at Saint John’s Medical Center after a sudden illness. He was born July 5, 1954, in Anderson, and lived most of his life in this area. He retired from General Motors after 34 years of service. Survivors include his significant other, Debbie Rich of Anderson; special son, Eric Rich of Anderson; daughter, Heather (husband, Brian) Burke of Anderson; sister, Donita (husband, Scott) Day of Markleville; mother, Demaris Eskew of Markleville; two grandchildren, Joshua Charles Burke and Kaeden Isaac Burke; two nephews, Josh and Chris Day; and two nieces, Katie Day and Dawn Hines. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Charles Eskew in 2005; grandparents, Basil and Ruth Little, and Enos and Mabel Eskew; and beloved dogs, Boxer and Shame. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Robert D. Loose Funeral Home, South Chapel, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson, with Pastor Rob A. McIllwain officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the South Chapel. Post online condolences at www.loosefuneralhomes.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/3/2008 - 6/5/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Mrs. Mary Fisher, 62, widow of George W. Fisher died at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon at her home east of the city. The body was brought to the Moffitt & Plepho Funeral Home where services will be conducted at 4 o'clock this afternoon by the Rev. Clyde Westervelt. Burial will be in Beech Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Fisher is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Pierce Albright of Muncie, Mrs. Riley Barnell of near Yorktown; six grandchildren, a half sister, Mrs. Ella Thompson of Muncie and a half brother, John Swearingen of Muncie.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 3
Contributed by Karen Zach

Loraine Foster, former teacher dies at hospital
Miss Loraine Foster, 78, of 1410 Clara avenue, Fort Wayne, former school teacher at Pleasant Mills, died at 4 p.m. Saturday at Parkview memorial hospital. She served as head of the foreign language department at Fort Wayne North Side for several years. She had also taught at South Side and Forest Park schools in Fort Wayne, and at Leo and Huntertown. Surviving are two sisters and a brother. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at D.O. McComb & Sons funeral hem, with Rev. Phillip Philbrook and Rev. John Carlstrom officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn memorial park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Monday, Oct. 23, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

WALTER FREDE, 76, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., formerly of Fort Wayne, died Wednesday in Cape Girardeau. Mr. Frede, a native of Shawneetown, Mo., lived in Fort Wayne more that 20 years and was an employee of the General Electric Co. He retired from Brase Inc., Cape Girardeau, where he was a shipping clerk, after 19 years. Surviving are his wife, Edna; one sister, Clara Frede, of Fort Wayne; and one brother, Wilmer, of Fort Wayne. Services at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Brinkopf-Howell Funeral Home, Cape Girardeau, with calling there after 4 p.m. today. Burial in Memorial Park Cemetery, Cape Girardeau.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Friday, June 14, 1985
Contributed by Karin King

Helen Louise Fugate, 83, passed away Friday, March 7, 2008, in Columbia City. Born in Roann, Ind., she was employed as a waitress at Azar's for several years, Atz for 15 years, and worked in cafeteria with Aramark Food Services for several years, retiring in 2005. She graduated from Chippewa High School in Wabash. She attended the Church of the Nazarene in Columbia City. She enjoyed NASCAR and was an avid fan. She loved to travel hundreds of miles to attend the Country Music concerts. Survivors include sons, Larry (Dawn) Moyer of Brandon, Fla. and Arnie (Jennifer) Fugate of Port Richey, Fla.; daughter, Karna (Joe) Heck of Columbia City; stepson, Ronnie (Fran) Lowe of Van Wert, Ohio; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; and daughter, Debbie Ann in 1955. Service is 10 a.m. Wednesday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., with calling one hour prior. Thomas Beers officiating. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorials to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana or Riley Children's Hospital.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; March 10, 2008
Contributed by Karin King

Funeral services for Ralph H. Fugate, 58, of Fort Wayne, a native of Monroe, will be held at 2 p.m. today at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home. He died at 7:40 p.m. Friday in Parkview Memorial Hospital. Mr. Fugate was a resident of Fort Wayne 25 years and was a driver for Azar's Commissary the past 7 ½ years. He was also an employee of Wann's Phillips 66 Northcrest Service Station. Surviving are his wife Helen; three sons, Arnold Fugate, Fort Wayne; Ronnie Lowe of Van Wert, O.; and Larry Moyer, also of Fort Wayne; a daughter, Karna Fugate, at home; his father, Clyde Fugate of Auburn; and a sister, Mrs. Paul Post of Auburn. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, December 31, 1973
Contributed by Karin King

DONALD M. GERDES, 78, 40-Year Thorncreek Resident
Donald Minter Gerdes, 78, of R. 4, Columbia City at Karen Kove, died at 3:39 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, 1988, at Whitley County Memorial Hospital. He had been ill for about five years. Mr. Gerdes was born April 22, 1910, in Pekin, Ill., a son of George and Grace Goodwin Gerdes. He attended school in South Whitley and for a time resided in Larwill and Columbia City. He had lived in Thorncreek Township for 40 years. Mr. Gerdes farmed and was employed at Dana Corporation in Churubusco. He retired in 1983. Surviving are a son, George Gerdes of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Mrs. Donald (Mary) Heit of Roanoke and Mrs. David (Emily) Munk of Churubusco; 10 grandchildren, and a brother, Bruce Gerdes of Kokomo. Friends may call at Hollingsworth Memorial Chapel today from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. The service will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the chapel with Father Daniel Durkin of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Roanoke, officiating. Burial will be at Merriam Christian Chapel Cemetery.
Columbia City (IN); Monday, October 3, 1988
Contributed by Karin King

Myrtle Gilbert, 89, dies at Fort Wayne
Mrs. Myrtle A. Gilbert, 89, of Monroeville, died at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Fort Wayne National nursing home, where she had been a patient two years. She was born in Van Wert county, O., but had lived in the Monroeville area most of her life. Mrs. Gilbert was a member of the United Methodist church in Monroeville and the WSCS. Surviving are two sons, Donald Gilbert of Indianapolis, and Keith Gilbert of Monroeville; a brother, Albert Carrier of Dunedin, Fla.; a sister, Mrs. Flossie Anderson of Decatur; one grandchild, and two great-grandchildren. Her husband, James O., died in 1967. Funeral rites will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Marquart funeral home in Monroeville with Rev. Frank Barnes officiating. Burial will be in Monroeville memorial cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, Sept., 1, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Mary A. Gilchrist, age and address unavailable, died at 5:45 a.m. Thursday at Woodview Healthcare Inc. Mrs. Gilchrist was a native of South Bend. Surviving are two daughters, June Pallone, of Fort Wayne, and Ruth Rinard, of Quincy, Mich.; a sister, name unavailable, of Indianapolis; and nine grandchildren. Services at 11 a.m. Saturday in D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., with calling there one hour before services. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Friday, June 14, 1985
Contributed by Karin King

Newcastle, June 29 -- Word has been received here of the death of Ambrose Gohring, 42, a former resident of Newcastle at his home in Rushville. He had been ill several months with heart disease. Besides the widow and three children he is also survived by the mother. Mrs. Minnie Bohring and two sisters of New Castle. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the home in Rushville.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

Father of Decatur lady dies in Fla.
Clifford Gordon, 79, father of Mrs. Luke Majorki of this city, died Saturday at Cooper City, Fla. Mr. Gordon was a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne until moving to Cooper City eight years ago. Surviving are his wife, Blanche; one son, James Gordon of Miami, Fla.; two daughters, Mrs. Virginia Metzger of Argos, and Mrs. Luke (Nancy) Majorki of Decatur; two brothers; 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral rites will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Davie funeral home in Davie, Fla., with burial at Fort Lauderdale, Fla. [buried Lauderdale Memorial Park; Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, Florida]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, Oct., 9, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Rites are held for Hallie Grove
Funeral services were held recently at the First Congregational church in Omaha, Neb., for Mrs. Hallie Leonard-Grove, a former resident of Decatur. She died September 1 in Omaha where she had resided the last several years. Mrs. Grove attended school here. Surviving are her husband, Karl Grove; two daughters, one son; three sisters, Mrs. Muriel Krick of Decatur; Mrs. Mildred Pardonner of Middletown, O., and Mrs. Bee Farneman of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a brother, James Leonard of Fort Wayne; and 11 grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Krick attended the funeral services in Omaha. [buried Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park; Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, September 12, 1972
Contributed by Karin King

Gertrude 'Trudy' Gump, 94 - Nobel County native
Gertrude 'Trudy' Gump, 94, died at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, 1988, at Regency Place, Huntertown. Mrs. Gump was born Oct. 7, 1893, in Noble County, to Phillip and Mary Jane Fogel Gause. Her marriage was to Merle E. Gump on April 25, 1914. Mr. Gump died in 1979. She lived in Eel River Township most of her life and moved to Huntertown in 1979. Mrs. Gump was a member of Eel River Valley Extension Club, Perry Township Home Progress Club and Agape Church of the Brethren. Surviving are a son Elvin 'Andy' of Huntertown; four daughters, Virginia Green of Churubusco, Pauline Crothers of Avilla, LaRue Ostman and Helen Waters, both of Fort Wayne; a brother, George Gause of Kilgore, Texas; 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Two daughters, Mary Jane Fulk and Laura Miller, are both deceased. Friends may call at Sheets Funeral Home in Churubusco from 2 to 9 p.m. today. The service will be Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. John Glick officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, Huntertown. Memorials are to the Agape Church of the Brethren building fund.
Columbia City (IN); Monday, October 3, 1988
Contributed by Karin King

Michigantown, Ind., Sept 1 - A terrific explosion of a natural gas main here caused an upheaval of earth and pipes and Robert Hanna of Lafayette, Ind. was instantly killed and Thomas Wisehart and Joseph Cully narrowly escaped death in the scattering debris. The three men, all employees of the Lafayette Gas Company were engaged in making repairs to the mains. They were adjusting a collar joining two mains when an expansive force of the rushing gas burst the pipes at that point, an extraordinary accident in natural gas operations. The men were not handling fire in their work, molten lead being no longer used in making such repairs for rubber has taken its place. But the danger-lessening innovation did not avert this peculiar accident. At the time of the fracture of the pipe Hanna was standing in a ditch making a disconnection. The force of the upheaval tossed him high in the air and then through a picket fence, his clothing being torn from his body and then he fell a corpse. Wisehart and Cully also went up in a cloud of gravel, the former receiving perhaps an internal injury. Wisehart notwithstanding his injury, went into the ditch where the escaping gas was roaring like thunder and blanketed the leak.
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, Indiana; 4 Sept 1896, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach

June 3, 1923 - June 1, 2008 PENDLETON — Clarence Edward Harless, 84, Pendleton, passed away June 1, 2008, at Community Hospital, Anderson, after an extended illness. He was born June 3, 1923, in Anderson, Indiana, and resided in Pendleton since 1946. He farmed there for 37 years. He retired in 1977 from Delco Remy Division of General Motors after 33 years of service. Clarence served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He spent 27 months time with the Infantry and Air Corps, a portion of which was in the European Theater. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved to fly and had his own private airport. Clarence also loved to travel. He was a musician who especially loved country music.Clarence was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He is survived by his wife, Mary Belle (Whitesel) Harless of Pendleton, whom he married June 28, 1941; children, Luana Harless of Anderson, Denise and husband Steve Downey of Pendleton and Christine and husband Sheldon Swank of Pendleton; son-in-law, Harold Hopper of Melbourne, Fla.; grandchildren, Charles D. and wife Erin Hopper, Edward J. and wife Stacy Hopper, Cynthia and husband James Wallace, Lori Downey, Traci Downey, Seth and wife Ashley Swank, Mark Swank, David Swank and Philip Swank; brother, Theodore and wife Dorothy Harless of Anderson; sister, Lelia and husband Robert Remington; brother-in-law, Darrell and wife Mary Whitesel; sisters-in-law, June and husband Joe Williams and Arlene and husband Leonard Biby; nine great-grandchildren; and seven nieces and nine nephews. Also surviving is special friend, Bob Low. Special thanks to the nurses of Erskine Cancer Center and Community Hospital Quick Trip. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carolyn Sue Hopper; parents, Charles W. and Vada Pearl (Moore) Harless; three sisters; two brothers; and one sister-in-law. Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory, South Chapel, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson, with Pastor Dale Landis officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the South Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to South Madison Community Foundation/ Clarence Harless Memorial Scholarship Fund, 233 S. Main St., Pendleton, IN 46064.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/3/2008 - 6/5/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

DEATH CLAIMS DR. J. W. HARTZOG - Practiced Optometry Here 45 Years
Dr. John W. Hartzog, 83, of 2117 Beacon street, a retired optometrist, died Tuesday night at 6:30 o'clock at St. Joseph's hospital where he had been a patient six days. Death was attributed to a cerebral hemorrhage following a short illness. A graduate of the South bend College of Optics, Dr. Hartzog had practiced optometry in Fort Wayne and Allen county for 45 years until his recent retirement. He was a native of Willshire, O., and received his early education there. Dr. Hartzog was a member of the Forest Park Methodist church and of Sol D. Bayless lodge, F. & A.M. Surviving are the wife, Cora; a daughter, Mrs. Roxanna Walter of Oakland, Calif.; two sons, Walter Hartzog of Oakland, and John T. Hartzog of Fort Wayne; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a brother, Jesse L. Hartzog of Allen county. The body was taken to D. O. McComb & Sons' funeral home and may be viewed there tonight after 6 o'clock.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Wednesday, November 24, 1943
Contributed by Karin King

Taft Heffelfinger, 66, of Huntertown, died at 4:05 a.m. Thursday in St. Joseph's Hospital. Mr. Heffelfinger was a farmer who was a native of DeKalb County. Surviving are his wife, Helen A.; a son, Richard, of Huntertown; a daughter, Shirley Underwood, of Huntertown; a brother, Keith, of Garrett; a sister, Betty Bell, of Fort Wayne; and seven grandchildren. Services at 10 a.m. Saturday in Huntertown United Methodist Church. Calling from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., and one hour before services at the church. Burial in Cedar Chapel Cemetery, DeKalb County. Memorials to the church building fund.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Friday, June 14, 1985, p. 4C, col. 1
Contributed by Karin King

PERLE B. HELBERT, AGE 81, DIES AT GARRETT HOSPITAL
Perle B. Helbert, 81, a retired farmer residing 3 1/2 miles south of Garrett in Butler township, died Wednesday at 11:32 p.m. in the Garrett Community hospital. He had been a patient in the hospital several times and was re-admitted Wednesday at 8 p.m. Chronic leukemia caused his death. Funeral services will be held at the Baidinger & Walter funeral home in Garrett Saturday at 2 p.m. He will be buried in the Leo Memorial cemetery at Leo. Mr. Helbert was born Dec. 26, 1882, in Ashland county, Ohio, the son of the late William and Kathryn Helbert. He had lived in the Garrett area since 1908. Mr. Helbert was married in 1910 to Pearl Moss, who is deceased. He and Inez Thrush were married in October, 1955. Surviving besides the widow are four sons, Glenn of 418 East King street, Garrett, Robert of Rt. 1, St. Joe; Perle Jr., and Guy of Fresno,, Calif.; one daughter, Mrs. Kathryn Taylor of Fresno; four stepsons, Ambrose, Albert and Jack Thrush of Rt. 1, Garrett, and Robert Thrush of Rt. 1, LaOtto; 20 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Esther Lynn of Ashland, O., and Mrs. Faye Weidner of Shelby, O. Mr. Helbert was a member of the Altarstar Methodist church.
DeKalb County, Indiana library, Obit Book #1; no date
Contributed by Karin King

Services are set for Frank Hickman
Funeral services for Frank E. Hickman, 86, of Fort Wayne, stepfather of Jewell Genth of Monroe, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Elzey Home for Funerals, Waynedale. Mr. Hickman died at 7:50 a.m. Saturday at Fort Wayne. Mr. Hickman, a Fort Wayne native, retired from General Electric Co. in 1953 after 41 years of service. Surviving are his wife, Cora; a daughter, Mrs. Clayton Herrick, Fort Wayne; two stepsons, Jewell Genth, Monroe, and Glen Genth, Hoagland; a step-daughter, Mrs. James Harrison of Fort Wayne; and three brothers, Arthur and Howard, both of Fort Wayne, and Ralph of Los Angeles. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, January 24, 1974
Contributed by Karin King

Howard S. High, 84, of Fort Wayne, died Saturday March 8 at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. Mr. High, who was born in Bluffton, was a machinist at Zollner Corp., retiring in 1980. Surviving are his wife, Virginia; two daughters, Susan Bahr of Carmel and Lynda L. High of Fort Wayne; a stepdaughter, Janet A. Markley of Grove City, Ohio; two stepsons, Dr. David P. Lloyd and Steven R. Lloyd, both of Fort Wayne; two grandchildren; seven step grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. His first wife, Jean R., died in 1988. Celebration of life services will be conducted at 11 am Thursday at Forest Park United Methodist Church, 2100 Kentucky Avenue, Fort Wayne with calling there for one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Visitation hours also at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Avenue are today from 7 to 9 pm and Wednesday from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 pm. Masonic Lodge 725 services are today at 7:30 pm at the funeral home. Memorials to Forest Park United Methodist Church or to Celebration Singers or to Festival Choir.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana; March 11, 2003
Contributed by Karin King

Private services for Luella C. Hilgeman, 89, former of 828 Oakdale Drive, will be 1 pm Thursday in Chalfant-Perry-Klaehn Funeral Home. She died Wednesday in the Lutheran Home. Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Robert Enoch and a niece, June Enoch, both of Fort Wayne. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; July 27, 1978
Contributed by Karin King

Lynn, Ind., June 29 - Mrs. Ellen Hinshaw, 87, widow of Meredith Hinshaw, died today at her home, northwest of here. She is survived by three sons, EA Hinshaw of near here, SA Hinshaw, of Harrow, Ontario, Canada and Dr. OW Hinshaw of Winchester, several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at the home at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon in charge of the Rev. Ira Johnson and Rev. Elvin Thornburg. Burial will be in Fountain Park Cemetery at Winchester.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

Aug. 9, 1920 - May 31, 2008
Wanda Lee Hodson, 87, of Anderson, passed away May 31, 2008, at Country Home Health Care in Charlottesville, after a brief illness. She was born Aug. 9, 1920, in Elwood, the daughter of David and Mae (Herkless) Elliott. She lived in Madison County all of her life and was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She is survived by five children, Mary Lee Ready of Atlanta, Ga., Joann Griner, Thomas J. (wife, Cheryl) Hodson and Michael E. (wife, Cindy) Hodson, all of Anderson, and Kathy L. (husband, David) Trussell of Canada; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard J. Hodson; and three sisters. Cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Madison County. Arrangements were made through Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/3/2008 - 6/5/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

WM. HOFSTETTER DIES IN OHIO
William Hofstetter, 62, a resident of Dalton, Ohio, an uncle to Ira Gerber here and an uncle through marriage of Gilbert Gerber, also of this place, died at his home Sunday morning. Death was attributed to undulant fever. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday afternoon at the Kidron Mennonite church. Several relatives and friends from here plan to attend the final rites. [Karin King note: buried in Kidron Mennonite Church Cemetery; Kidron, Wayne County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Monday, March 17, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Distant Relative Of Abe Lincoln Dies Tuesday
Bluffton, Ind., Feb. 12.-(U.P.)-Funeral services will be held tomorrow for James M. Hogston, 90, a distant relative of Abraham Lincoln. Hogston's grandmother reportedly was a sister of Lincoln's mother. A native of Richmond, Va., Hogston worked as a violin and cabinetmaker here for many years.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Wed. 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

BUTLER - Shawn W. Hopkins, 27, died Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in St. Joseph Medical Center, Fort Wayne, from injuries he received in a motorcycle accident 10 years ago in California. Mr. Hopkins was born Aug. 11, 1965, in Hicksville, Ohio. He is survived by his father, Paul C. Hopkins, and his mother and stepfather, Marjorie (Houser) and Arlin Leach of Butler. Other survivors include three brothers, Christopher Hopkins of San Diego, Calif., and Allen Wright and Timothy Hopkins, both of Butler; three sisters, Lana Tye of Sturgis, S.D., Corrine Goodman of Germany, and Lisa Ann Hopkins of Butler; and one great-grandmother, Eva Stell of Butler. One brother, William, preceded him in death. Friends may call Thursday from 4-8 p.m. in Johnson Funeral home, Butler. Services will be Friday at 2 p.m. in the funeral home, with Pastor Paul Patton officiating. Burial will be in Butler Cemetery.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; Handwritten: October 27, 1992
Contributed by Karin King

Aug. 26, 1916 - June 2, 2008
SUMMITVILLE — Roy L. Humphries, 91, Summitville, died June 2, 2008, at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie after a brief illness. He was born Aug. 26, 1916, in Linwood, the son of Charles Humphries and Anna (Hysong) Humphries, and resided in the Alexandria-Summitville area all of his lifetime. On Nov. 14, 1936, he married Bessie Owens in the parsonage of the Lutheran Church of Our Blessed Savior with the Rev. W.L. Hofius officiating. He retired in 1979 from Nicholson File formerly of Anderson after 38 years as an electrician. Roy had been an officer in the Nicholson File Credit Union for several years. He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed working on genealogy and playing solitaire on his computer. Roy will be sadly missed by his wife of 71 years, Bessie Owens Humphries; two sons, Jim (Patty) Humphries of Alexandria, and Velmar Humphries of Summitville; a daughter, Suetta Chafin of Daleville; four grandchildren, Jeff (Robin) Humphries of Windfall, Leigh Ann Humphries of Alexandria, Jodi (Bill) Gilbert of Frankton, and Heidi (Jon) Palmer of Pendleton; four great-grandchildren, Katey Humphries, Haleigh Allen, Trenton Rossiter and Ethan Palmer; brother, Herb Humphries of Bloomington; sister, Lela Naylor of Alexandria; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ira Humphries, J.C. Humphries and Ray Humphries; and sisters, Pearl Mottweiler, Irene Patz, Rosa Kettery and Nancy Barnett. Services will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday at Owens Funeral Home, 412 N. Harrison St., Alexandria, with the Rev. Larry Schimmel officiating. Burial will be in Park View Cemetery in Alexandria. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association through the funeral home. Roy’s family members would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the nursing staff on 3 East at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, for the kind compassion and care. Post online condolences at www.owensmemorialservices.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/3/2008 - 6/5/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Martin Huser Rites Monday Afternoon
Funeral services for Martin Huser, 49, Huntington tobacco distributor, who died Friday will be held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home in that city. The deceased was a nephew of Mrs. Lydia Gerber of this city. A number of other relatives live in this community. [Karin King note: buried in Pilgrim's Rest Cemetery; Huntington County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Sat. Feb. 15, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Elwood, Ind., June 29 - Funeral services for Mrs. Addie Hutcherson, wife of Charles Hutcherson, five miles north and two miles west of the city, who died yesterday noon of injuries sustained in an automobile wreck last Saturday evening will be conducted at the family home at 1:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon with the Rev. Polly Couch Bowman in charge. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 6
Contributed by Karen Zach

Sister of Ed Stahly Dies in California
Mrs. Hugh (Mary Glaus) Johnson, 58, sister of Ed Stahly of Geneva, passed away at her home in Los Angeles, Sunday, according to a telegram received by Mr. Stahly. The decedent was a daughter of Fred and Anna Meshberger Glaus and was born in Hartford township October 5, 1883. She resided in California for many years. There were no children and Mr. Stahly is the only surviving brother. Three brothers and two sisters preceded. [Karin King note: buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale, Los Angeles County, California]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Monday, March 24, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

William Kapps, a printer of Terre Haute, was drowned in the Wabash River while trying to rescue a friend.
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, Indiana; 4 Sept 1896, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach

Cecelia Kuffle taken by death
Mrs. Cecelia Kuffle, 82, of Monroeville, died at 6 p.m. Friday at the Decatur Community Care Center. She was a native of Fort Wayne, but had lived in Monroeville since 1941. Mrs. Kuffle was a member of St. Rose Catholic church in Monroeville. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Phyllis Powelson of Monroeville, and Mrs. William H. Barter of Fort Wayne; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The body was removed to the Marquart funeral home in Monroeville. Funeral arrangements have not been completed.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, Oct. 21, 1972
Rites are held for Mrs. Kuffle
Funeral services for Mrs. Cecelia Kuffle, of Monroeville, who died Friday evening at the Decatur Community Care Center, were held this morning at St. Rose Catholic church in Monroeville. Burial was in Greenlawn memorial park, Fort Wayne.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, Oct. 23, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Feb. 22, 1920 - May 27, 2008
WARSAW — Former Elwood resident Martha M. Lambertson, 88, Warsaw, died May 27, 2008, at Miller’s Merry Manor Health Campus in Warsaw after an extended illness. She was the Madison County recorder for two terms. She formerly worked at Leeson’s Department Store in Elwood and the Elwood Water Co. Survivors include a son, Ron Lambertson; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Her husband of almost 63 years, Harold W. Lambertson, died Oct. 2, 2002. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, June 9, at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, Elwood, with the Rev. Jan Hobbs officiating. Burial will be in Elwood City Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/3/2008 - 6/5/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Sidney C. Lay, 51, Fort Wayne, father of a Monroeville man, died Wednesday in St. Joseph Medical Center, Fort Wayne. The native of Portland was a former professional bowler; he owned AAA Hearing Aid Co. Surviving are his wife, Donna; three sons, including Scott C. Lay, Monroeville; one daughter; two stepdaughters; the parents, Sam and Virginia Lay, Frankfort, Indiana; one grandmother; three sisters; and four grandchildren. Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in Williamson and Spencer Funeral Home, Portland, with cremation to follow. Visiting hours are 7-9 p.m. today. Preferred memorials are to the Jay County Heart Fund.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, March 31, 1989
Contributed by Karin King

Rev. Leubke, 64, father of Decatur lady, dies in Mo. Rev. Daniel Leubke, 64, pastor of the Trinity Lutheran church, Walton, Neb., and father of Miss Paulette Leubke, third and fourth grade teacher at the Lutheran school in Decatur, died unexpectedly Monday morning at Concordia, Mo. Rev. Leubke had been visiting relatives in St. Louis and was taken ill while returning home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Sept., 19, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Aug. 21, 1972 – June 2, 2008 PENDLETON — Trent S. Martin, 35, died June 2, 2008, at Saint John’s Medical Center, Anderson, after being stricken ill suddenly. He was born Aug. 21, 1972, in Anderson, and was a former Anderson resident. He had lived in Pendleton since 1995. Trent was a heavy equipment operator for 20 years the past year with Rhino Construction, Indianapolis. Trent was a gifted mushroom hunter. He was a major NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt Jr. fan. He loved the outdoors, especially the woods. Trent enjoyed sitting around an evening campfire with family. Trent was a hard worker and provided well for his family. His father-in-law states, “He wasn’t my son by blood, but he was my son by heart.” Survivors include his best friend of 18 years and wife of 11 years, Rachael D. (Lay) Martin, whom he married May 24, 1997; three sons, Lance, Michael and Fate; mother, Donna Martin of Pendleton; father Larry Martin Sr.; three brothers, Larry (Dawn) Martin Jr., Michael A. Martin, and Samuel J. Martin, all of Anderson; sister, Brandie (Dave) Fields of Anderson; grandmothers, Betty Martin of Noblesville and Mary Logan of Vero Beach, Fla.; nieces and nephews, Tessa Martin, Ashley Martin, Tyler Martin, Holly Lay, Valerie Lay, Madison Lay and Sammy Martin; several loving aunts, uncles, and cousins including very special cousin, Angie Sue; father and mother-in-law, Stephen W. and Nancy Lay of Pendleton; brother-in-law, Stephen (Sheryl) Lay of Pendleton; best friends, Rodney and Jami Ballard and Dave and Brandie Fields; and many special friends from Rhino Construction. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Herman Martin; uncle, Jim Martin; and aunt, Martha Martin. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service and Crematory, Lahm Chapel, Pendleton with his father-in-law Stephen W. Lay officiating. Burial will follow in Grove Lawn Cemetery, Pendleton. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at Lahm Chapel, Pendleton. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to establish an educational trust fund to benefit Lance, Michael and Fate.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/3/2008 - 6/5/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

WATERLOO - Gladys E. Meyer, 89, died Tuesday at 9:50 a.m. in Courtland Health and Rehabilitation Center, Fort Wayne. She was a homemaker and a former Waterloo resident. Mrs. Meyer was born March 2, 1903, in Boston, Mass. She married Albrecht Meyer on April 30, 1938, in Springfield, Mass., and he died in 1984. Surviving is one daughter, Adrienne Meyer of Fort Wayne. One brother preceded her in death. Friends may call Thursday from 2-5 p.m. in Feller Funeral Home, Waterloo. Private graveside services will be conducted Friday in the Waterloo Cemetery, with Dr. Frank Cramer of the Waterloo United Methodist Church officiating. Memorial donations may be given to the church.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; November 4, 1992
Contributed by Karin King

COLUMBIA CITY - Floyd S. Miller, 89, died at 12:55 a.m. Friday in Whitley County Memorial Hospital. Surviving is his wife, Mildred; one daughter, Marietta Hiscutt, of Franklin, Tenn.; and six grandchildren. Graveside services at 10 a.m. Monday in South Park Cemetery. Calling from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. today and Sunday and calling also at the Miller residence.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Saturday, Dec. 13, 1986
Contributed by Karin King

After an illness of several months Mrs. T. R. Moore died at her home on Ninth street at an early hour Monday morning of tuberculosis of the lungs. The dread disease has been creeping upon her for a long time, but she kept up bravely, her fortitude prolonging life even this long. She was a splendid lady and neighbors and friends loved her sincerely. A few months ago she was taken south thinking that perhaps a change of climate might check the ravages of the disease, but the inevitable could not be warded off. Short funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon after which the remains were taken to Avilla, Ind., her former home, for interment. Hannah Ruth Lemmon was born in Seneca county, O., Dec. 5, 1860 and died at her home in Decatur, Ind., Feb. 17, 1902, aged 41 years, 2 months and 21 days. She was married to Theodore R. Moore Feb. 12, 1890 and moved to Decatur where she lived up to the time of her death. She united with the Presbyterian church in May, 1891, and when the Master called her she was ready to go to her eternal home. She was a charter member of the order of Eastern Star and was ever ready to do her duty as a member and faithful in attendance until within the last year when that dreadful disease, consumption, took hold of her. She leaves a husband, three sisters and two step-children, Charles M. and Hattie E. V. Moore, who have ever felt her tender, motherly care. Her life was one of great gentleness. She was a model wife and christian. [buried Avilla City Cemetery; Avilla, Noble County, Indiana]
Decatur Democrat, Adams County, Indiana (a weekly newspaper); Thursday, February 20, 1902
Contributed by Karin King

Capt. Mathewskis killed in Vietnam
Mrs. Nancy Johnson, of 333 North Eighth street, reports receiving word that her foster son, Capt. Glen Earl Mathewskis, 36, of the Marine Corps. Was killed in action in Vietnam before Labor Day. He was a graduate of Ohio State University. Military rites will be held Sept. 12 at Washington, D.C.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Wednesday, Sept., 6, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

MRS. PHILIP MOSER BURIED TODAY - WIFE OF BERNE NATIVE CLAIMED BY DEATH TUESDAY
Funeral services were conducted this afternoon for Mrs. Philip Moser, 79, who died at her home in Sidney, Ohio, at 10:15 Tuesday night. Her husband is a native of this place and has many relatives and friends residing in Berne and community. Mrs. Moser, a native of Aylmer, Ontario, Canada, was ill five days which started with a severe cold, but had been in failing health for some time. She was born May 28, 1861. Her marriage with Philip Moser, who survives, was solemnized on August 26, 1886, and she came to the United States with him as a bride. Mourning her passing with her husband are a son and daughter, Jesse R. Moser, 16197 Normandy avenue, Detroit, Michigan, and Mrs. Anton Riefstahl (Hazel Moser) of 537 North Main avenue. The grandchildren are Marilyn H. Moser of Detroit, Mich., Charlotte, Ayllegra, and Hugo Riefstahl, of Sidney. One sister, Mrs. James I. Northrup, of Detroit, Mich., completes the survivors. Burial in Graceland cemetery in Sidney. [Shelby County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Friday, Jan. 17, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

JOHN OBER, 59, DIED FROM HEART ATTACK - Well Known Farmer Living Near Auburn will be Buried on Wednesday Afternoon
Funeral services for John Ober, who died suddenly Monday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, while going to a field in a wagon for corn, will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the late home on the Sheffer brick road. Rev. Hubert F. Craven, pastor of the First Presbyterian church, will officiate and burial will be made in Woodlawn cemetery. Mr. Ober died from heart trouble. He and Robert Knott were crossing a bridge when one of the horse's legs went through a plank. Mr. Ober got off the wagon to see what happened and sank to the ground He had been afflicted with heart trouble and dropsy for the last seven years. The deceased was the son of D. S. and Harriett Ditmars Ober, deceased. He was born in Auburn on South Jackson street 59 years ago on December 12th last. He attended the Auburn schools and Fort Wayne business college, and with the exception of the time when he was associated with his father in a saw mill, stave and heading factory on North Indiana venue, had followed the vocation of farming. He was a bachelor. Mr. Ober is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Henry O. Yarian, residing near Auburn Junction and Mrs. Fred W. Knott of 1202 South VanBuren street, Auburn. The body was removed from Dilgard Bros. funeral home to the residence Tuesday afternoon. Dr. Ben O. Shook of Spencerville, who held an inquest, gave heart trouble as the cause of death. [1873-1933]
DeKalb County, Indiana library, Obit Book #7; no date
Contributed by Karin King

Father of Monroe man taken by death
Robert W. Omspach, 54, father of Michael Omspach of Monroe, died at 8:45 a.m. Monday at his home, 7626 Gatherings drive, Fort Wayne. Mr. Omspach was a member of the Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren and an employee of the General Electric Co. Surviving are his wife, Alberta; a daughter, Mrs. Gordon Baumgartner of Fort Wayne; the son, Michael of Monroe; three sisters, Mrs. Leo Mooney of Holiday, Fla., Mrs. Edgar Harmon and Mrs. Fred Cambray, both of Fort Wayne; three brothers, William of Fort Wayne, Charles of Holiday, Fla.; and Bronson of California; and two grandchildren. Funeral rites will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren with Rev. Olden Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the D.O. McComb & Sons funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today, and at the church from 12:30 p.m. Wednesday until time of the services.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Sept. 5, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Vicki Sue Faulkner Osborne, 35, of Carrolton, Texas, formerly of Fort Wayne, died July 3 in Carrolton. Mrs. Osborne lived most of her life in Fort Wayne. Surviving are her husband, Ronald J.; two daughters, Chantel and Kristi, both at home; one son, John, of Fort Wayne; four brothers, Duane and Brian Faulkner, both of Fort Wayne, and Niles and Erin Faulkner, both of Vero Beach, Fla.; and three sisters, Rene Hiatt and Darlene Pollos, both of Fort Wayne, and Carol Kirkpatrick, of Marion. Private services were Friday at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home, 1327 Wells St. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Thursday, July 16, 1985
Contributed by Karin King

HENRY J. OSTERHOLT, 31, a lifelong Allen County resident, died Tuesday at his home. A native of Fort Wayne, he was a construction worker for Hughes Construction and previously worked for Interior Channel Inc., both in Fort Wayne. Surviving are a son, Jessie H. of Fort Wayne; parents, Herman H. and Jeanette of Fort Wayne; brother, Mark G. Sr. of Yoder; three sisters, Catherine J. Searles of Huntington, and Susan Fromm and Marie Perrella, both of Fort Wayne; and step-grandmother, Mary Bergman of Coldwater, Ohio. Services at 10 a.m. today at Saint John Bosco Catholic Church, Churubusco. Burial in Ege Catholic Cemetery, Noble County. Memorials to Masses or Jessie Osterholt Educational Trust Fund. Arrangements by Sheets Funeral Home, Churubusco.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Friday, February 28, 1997
Contributed by Karin King

Elwood, June 29 - Funeral services for Mrs. Mildred Overman, wife of Wayne Overman of South 22nd Street, who died Wednesday evening will be conducted at the Nazarne Church at 3:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon with the Rev. Walter Rees, pastor in charge. Burial will be in the City Cemetery.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 6
Contributed by Karen Zach

Pearl M. Pape dies in Calif.
Mrs. Pearl M. Pape, 77, former resident of near Bryant, and a sister of Mrs. Myrtle Minch of Decatur, died at 3:20 a.m. today at her home in Ontario, Calif. Mrs. Minch returned home Sunday after visiting with her sister. Mrs. Pape was a daughter of William and Sarah Armontraut-Macklin. Surviving in addition to the sister are a son, Roscoe Pape of Ontario,; two granddaughters and one great-grandson. Funeral services and burial will be in California.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Wednesday, Oct. 25, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Plymouth, Ind., Sept 1 - Eli Parker, one of the foremost and best known citizens in northern Indiana died very suddenly of heart disease at his home at Lake Macinkuckee. He was a pioneer resident, having lived here 40 years.
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, Indiana; 4 Sept 1896, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach

Redkey, Ind., June 29 - Charles L. Ralston, 81, died at his home here at 1 o'clock this morning after two days' illness apparently caused by the heat. Mr. Ralston was one of Redkey's oldest business men. He had been engaged in the meat business here about 40 years and while his infirmities prevented his active work in the business he managed to go to the meat shop nearly every day. His son, Calvin Ralston was the active member of the firm. Mr. Ralston is survived by the widow, three daughters, Mrs. Manford Williamson, Mrs. Howard Robbins of Redkey and Mrs. Lydia Yocum of Spokane, Wash. Three sons, David L, Calvin and James, all of Redkey and 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. The funeral service will be conducted at the home at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon with the Rev. EL Jones officiating. Burial will be at Hill Crest Cemetery.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 9
Contributed by Karen Zach

J. LEWIS RATHBUN, 87, COLUMBIA CITY NATIVE
J. Lewis Rathbun, 87, of R. 3, Brown Road, Columbia City, died at 6:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, 1988, at Columbia City Nursing Home where he had resided since Sept. 26. He was born in Columbia City on Sept. 19, 1901, a son of David Curtis and Ida Belle Walker Rathbun. Mr. Rathbun farmed. He had worked at Blue Bell for five years, Whitley County Highway Department for eight years, and American Tractor Company of Churubusco for 11 years. He was a member of the Columbia City Moose Lodge, Legion of the Moose and Eberhard Lutheran Church. He had lived on Brown Road for 22 years, moving there from Secrist Lake. His marriage was on April 28, 1928, near Collamer, to Hazel Marie Kneller. Surviving are his wife Hazel; two sons: Harold Lewis Rathbun of R. 3, Columbia City, and Glen E. Rathbun of Oakdale, Calif.; two daughters: Mrs. John (Grace) Blaugh of Fort Wayne and Mrs. Jack (Ruth) Blaugh of Jackson, Mich. There are eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, 16 step-great-grandchildren and three step-great-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a step-sister, Juanita Detwiler of Goshen, and two half-sisters, Frances Schrock of Goshen and Marjorie Best of Elkhart. A sister, Treva Billing, is deceased. Friends may call at DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 to 9 p.m. The service will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Paul Huntsman of Eberhard Lutheran Church,, officiating. Burial will be at Coesse Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are to Eberhard Lutheran Church.
Columbia City Post & Mail, Whitley County, Indiana; October 3, 1988
Contributed by Karin King

Newcastle, June 29 - Mrs. Fannie Richardson, 40, wife of William Richardson, a former resident of Newcastle, died yesterday at her home in Indianapolis according to word received by her sister, Mrs. Mary Fleetwood. The husband, five children, two sisters and three brothers survive. Funeral services will be held at the home in Indianapolis at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

Leah Victoria Amstutz Roth, 70, died at 10 a.m. Friday at DeKalb Memorial Hospital. She had been a lifetime resident of Cedar Creek Township in Allen County and was a retired nurse. Her husband Roswell J. Roth preceded her in death. Survivors include one sister-in-law, Mrs. Amstutz, Ohio; three nephews and three nieces. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Gerig's Funeral Home with Rev. John Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Leo Cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Sunday.
DeKalb County, Indiana library, Obit Book #1; handwritten: Star; June 28, 1975
Contributed by Karin King

SISTER OF MRS. C. E. STUCKEY EXPIRES - Funeral for Mrs. Lydia Rothaar, 67, Held Today
Mrs. Lydia Rothaar, 67, widow of George Rothaar and sister of Mrs. C. E. Stuckey here, died at about noon Monday at her home in Van Wert, Ohio, after an illness of three weeks with heart disease. She had been ailing in health for about three years. The decedent was born in Chattanooga, Ohio, May 4, 1874, the daughter of Jacob and Caroline Bollenbacher Baker. She was married to George Rothaar many years ago and the couple reside in Chattanooga. The husband died about 12 years ago. She spent most of her life in and near Chattanooga until three years ago when she moved to Van Wert, Ohio. Surviving are four sons, Raymond of Auburn, Clifford of Wapakoneta, Ohio, Ralph of Van Wert, Ohio, and William of St. Petersburg, Florida. One daughter preceded. Five brothers and five sisters survive. They are Charles Baker of Celina, Lewis of Chattanooga, Mrs. C. E. Stuckey of Berne, Mrs. Mary Stuckey, Jacob and Henry, all of Chattanooga, Dewald of Celina, Ohio, Mrs. Huldah Germann of Celina, Mrs. Fredonna Germann of Ohio City, Ohio, and Mrs. Amalia Linn of Celina, Ohio. One sister, Anna, died last April. Many from here attended the final rites which were held at the Chattanooga Methodist church at 1:30 (CST) this afternoon. Burial in the Kessler cemetery.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Gretchen Sasser, native of Decatur, is taken by death
Mrs. Gretchen Kocher-Sasser, 64, a native of Decatur, and wife of James Sasser, died Friday morning at home in Pittsburg, Pa., after a long illness. She was born in Decatur Jan. 31, 1908, a daughter of James and Blanche Robinson-Kocher. She graduated from the Decatur high school in 1926, and attended DePauw University and Purdue University. Mrs. Sasser was a member of Bethel Presbyterian church in Bethel, Pa. Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, Alan and Neal Sasser, both of Pittsburg; six grandchildren; two sisters, Miss Helen Kocher of San Francisco, Calif., and Mrs. Linn Kern of Fort Wayne; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Mildred Robinson of Decatur. One daughter, Carol, and a brother, James Kocher, Jr., preceded her in death. Funeral services were scheduled to be held this afternoon in Bethel Presbyterian church in Bethel, Pa., with burial in Pittsburgh. [burial in Bethel Cemetery; Bethel Park, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, Sept. 9, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Charles H. "Hop" Savieo, 79, of New Haven, died at 8:50 p.m. Friday at Lutheran Hospital. A native of Monroeville, Mr. Savieo was employed for 25 years by the former Wayne Knitting Mills and for 20 years by Dana Corp. Surviving are his wife Emma; a son, Eugene, of Ponstown, Pa.; one daughter, Patricia Daily of Durango, Colo.; three stepsons, Al and Tom Lapp, both of Fort Wayne, and Russell Lapp of San Francisco; one stepdaughter, Beverly Hooper, of Fort Wayne; a brother, Owen of South Bend; two sisters, Lena Bowyer, of Monroeville, and Helen Ervin, of Hemet, Calif.; and 27 grandchildren. Services at 1 p.m. Monday at Marquardt & Jacobs Funeral Home, Monroeville, with calling there from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial in Monroeville Memorial Cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, December 31, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

GRABILL - ROSIE A. SCHWARTZ, 53, died Wednesday at Parkview Memorial Hospital. A lifelong Allen County resident, she was a homemaker. Surviving are her husband, LaVerne V. Schwartz of Grabill; three sons, LaVerne L. Schwartz of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Sam Schwartz and Ezra Schwartz, both of Grabill; three daughters, Mildred Wolfe of Grabill, Brenda Shutes of Kalamazoo, Mich., and Linda Fackler of Leo; four brothers, Amos Miller of Fort Wayne, Noah Miller of Rockford, Ohio, Louis Miller of Neon, Ky., and Ezra Miller of Portland; three sisters, Lydia Martin of Fort Wayne, Ruby Payton of Auburn and Mildred Meade of Neon, Ky.; and 13 grandchildren. Services at 10 a.m. Saturday at South Scipio United Brethren Church, 12009 Scipio Road, Harlan. Calling from 10 a.m. to noon and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the church. Burial in Scipio Cemetery, Harlan.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Friday, December 6, 1996
Contributed by Karin King

Father of city resident dies
Forrest Shannon, 69, of Montpelier route 1, father of Kenneth Shannon of Decatur, died Thursday evening at the Blackford county hospital at Hartford City. He was a farmer and a retired employee of the St. Joe Paper Co. of Hartford City. Born in Blackford county Nov. 23, 1902, he was a son of Arthur and Lucy Jackson-Shannon, and was married to Cloey Harrison May 22, 1926. Surviving in addition to his wife and son are two brothers, Carl Shannon of Montpelier, and Max Shannon of Montpelier route 1; and four sisters, Mrs. Carl Glattli and Mrs. Merle Ramseyer, both of Montpelier route 1, Mrs. Fay Cline of Pennville, and Mrs. Nellie Lightle of Marion route 6. Funeral rites will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Walker funeral home in Montpelier, with burial in Woodlawn cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Saturday, Oct., 14, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Dunkirk, Ind., June 29 -- Perry Shatto, 62, proprietor of a cigar store here died this afternoon at his home on Mt. Auburn Avenue, following a long illness. He is survived by the widow, Anna; one daughter, Mrs. Goldia Hoppes of Auburn, one son, Herschel of Dunkirk and three grandchildren. The funeral will take place at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the home. Burial will be in the IOOF Cemetery.
Muncie Star Press, Delaware County, Indiana; Saturday, 30 June 1934, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

Sister of city resident dies
Mrs. Irene G. Smith, 69, of Fort Wayne, sister of Mrs. William Bowers of Decatur, died at 12:45 a.m. Monday at Parkview memorial hospital, Fort Wayne. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Mungovan & Sons Lakeside chapel, and at 11 a.m. at St. Jude's Catholic Church, Fort Wayne. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today, where a Rosary service will be held at 7:30 p.m. today. She was born in Ege, Ind., and lived in Fort Wayne 40 years, and was a member of St. Jude's Catholic Church and its Rosary society. A graduate of St. Elizabeth's School of Nursing in Danville, Ill., she was on the staff of the Visiting Nurse service until six years ago. She was a member of the Northeast district of Indiana State Nursing Association and the American Nursing Association. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Sharon Ort, Cheshire, Conn.; Mrs. Jean Marie Rilley, Mishawaka, and Mrs. Barbara Pickell and Mrs. Nancy Minnie, both of Fort Wayne; one brother, Patrick Leahy, Fort Wayne; and eight sisters, Mrs. William Bowers, Decatur; Margaret Leahy and Mrs. Hilda Stolte, of Fort Wayne; Genevieve Leahy and Mrs. James Quinlan of Detroit; Mrs. Marie Will, Avilla and Sr. M. Agreda and Sr. M. Chrysantha, both of Joliet, Ill. [buried Catholic Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, Oct., 17, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

Daniel D. Sommers Is Found Dead In Home This Morning
Daniel D. Sommers, a rural route railroad employee, was found dead on the bathroom floor at his home on Winchester street at ?? a.m. today. Death was attributed to a coronary occlusion. When he failed to report for duty as conductor at the local railroad station. W. S. Linberst and Hollis ?? investigated. After forcing themselves into the home, they found Sommers dead. They called police chief ??, who in turn notified Coroner J. Jerome Yager. It was established that death occurred at ??. Mrs. Sommers surviving relatives in Elwood were immediately notified. The deceased was born in Berne ??, 12, 1884, the son of ?? and Anna Gerber-Sommers and was married on November ??, 1919 to Lillian Bailey. She survives. He was a member of the First Presbyterian church here and had resided in Decatur for the past five years. He had been employed by the railroad for 45 years, coming here from Elwood. Surviving, besides the widow, are a stepdaughter, Mrs. Edwin Fettig of Monroeville, and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Magdalena Smith of Toledo, Ohio; Mrs. Rose Lehman of Pandora, Ohio; Mrs. Mary Beany of Findlay (missing) Mrs. Caroline Lewis of Lima, Ohio; Abraham of Beaver Dam, Ohio, Peter C., of Dundee, Michigan; John of Pandora and C. E. Sommers of Findlay. Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Copher and Sesler funeral home in Elwood, with the Rev. George O. Walton of Decatur officiating. Burial will be in Elwood [Madison County, Indiana]. The body has been taken to that city.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Feb. 28, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Charles M. Soule, 84, 406 S. Phillip St., Auburn, died Friday at the Sheehy Rest Home, Butler. He had been ill four years and at the rest home 1 1/2 years. He was born Feb. 13, 1888 to William and Sarah Soule in Leo. He married Mina E. Tonkel, April 16, 1916. She survives. Mr. Soule was a retired farmer and a member of First Methodist Church, Auburn. He had resided in the Leo area until 21 years ago when he moved to South Phillip Street. Surviving besides the wife are three sons, Robert M., Rt. 3, Syracuse, George M. and Frank R., Fort Wayne; a daughter, Mrs. Dolores Kock, 402 S. Lee St., Garrett; a brother, Raymond Soule, Leo; 10 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Three sisters preceded him in death. The Rev. Wallace Deyo will conduct funeral services Sunday at 2:30 p.m. in Gerig Funeral Home, Auburn. Burial will be in Leo Cemetery. Friends may call in the funeral home after 2 p.m. Saturday.
DeKalb County, Indiana library, Obit Book #1, p. 22; handwritten date of May 21 or 31, 1972
Contributed by Karin King

VESTA SNYDER IS DEAD AT AGE OF 84
Widow of Late Lyman H. Snyder of Jackson Township had been Residing in City with Granddaughter Mrs. Vesta A. Snyder, 84, widow of the late Lyman H. Snyder of Jackson township, DeKalb county, died at the Garrett Convalescent home at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday. Mrs. Snyder had been in ill health for several years and entered the home nine months ago. She died from a complication of ailments. The body was removed to the Gerig funeral home in Auburn, where friends may call after 7 p.m. Friday. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Huntertown Methodist church. The Rev. Hershal McCord, pastor of the church, will officiate at the services with burial following in the Leo cemetery. Mrs. Snyder was born Oct. 22, 1881, in Jackson township and resided there practically all her life time. She was the daughter of Ambrose and Margaret Penland. (Line missing)...ried on Jan. 3, 1901. He died in 1944. She was a member of the Huntertown Methodist church. She had been residing with a granddaughter, Mrs. LaVina Ferguson of 218 South Division street in Auburn. Surviving are two other granddaughters, Mrs. Joy Thompson of Fort Wayne and one in the eastern states. Also preceding her in death were a son, Filo Snyder, four brothers and two sisters.
DeKalb County, Indiana library, Obit Book #1; no date
Contributed by Karin King

Huntington - LESTER V. STAHL, 84, died Wednesday at Lutheran Hospital. He was a lifelong Huntington resident. He retired as a maintenance foreman at Triad-Utrad, Huntington, in 1976. He had previously been a welder for the Erie Railroad and a mechanic shop foreman at the former Frank Crews Buick, Huntington. Surviving are his wife, Cathryn; two brothers, Benjamin and Robert, both of Huntington; a sister, Betty Mickley of West Lafayette; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A daughter, Rosalee Bower, preceded him in death. Graveside services at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Lancaster Cemetery. Memorials to Christian Appalachian Project, 322 Crab Orchard Road, Lancaster, KY 40445.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Friday, December 6, 1996
Contributed by Karin King

GARRETT - Shirley Stevens, 62, died at 11:45 p.m. Wednesday in DeKalb Memorial Hospital, Auburn. Surviving is her husband, Mitchell; a son, a brother, and six sisters. Services at 10 a.m. Saturday in McKee-Miles Funeral Home, with calling from 2 to 9 p.m. today.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Friday, June 14, 1985
Contributed by Karin King

Eloise Strickler dies at hospital
Mrs. Eloise M. Strickler, 45, wife of Harold Strickler of Fremont route 2, died at 3:55 p.m. (EDT) Monday at the Van Wert, O., county hospital, following a month's illness. She was born at Venedocia, O., April 5, 1927, a daughter of Byron and Delilah Taylor and was married to Harold Strickler Aug. 3, 1946. The family has resided in the Angola area for the past 10 years. She was formerly employed at the Modern Air Co. in Angola. Mrs. Strickler was a member of the Women of the Moose in Angola. Surviving are her husband; three sons, J. L. Strickler of Coldwater, Mich., Sgt. Larry Strickler, with the Air Force located in Abilene Tex., and Don Strickler, at home; her father, Byron Taylor of Ohio City, O.; her mother, Mrs. Delilah Taylor of Venedocia, O.; one sister, Mrs. Wayne (Anne Lee) Cryer of near Van Wert; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. (EST) Thursday at the Zwick funeral home, with Rev. Howard McCracken officiating. Burial will be in the Venedocia cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today until time of the services.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Tuesday, August 22, 1972
Contributed by Karin King

April 1, 1929 - June 28, 2008
Ernest Symoens Jr., 79, Anderson, died June 28, 2008, at Saint John's Medical Center after a brief illness. He was born April 1, 1929, in Anderson, and resided in Anderson all of his life. Ernest retired as a journeyman from Delco Remy Division of General Motors after 30.4 years of service. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He was a member of the National Rifle Association. Ernest is survived by his daughters, Theresa Shryock of Lapel, Vicky and husband Victor Delaplane of Anderson and Bonnie and husband Richard Gillespie of Fort Wayne; son, Michael and wife Betty Symoens of Anderson, and Greg Symoens and fiancee Cindy Martin of Anderson; grandchildren, Catina Jessup, Brittanie Robey, Jennifer Morgan, Marcus Delaplane, Micala Sparks, Benjamin Sparks, Timothy Gillespie, Michelle Symoens, Sean Symoens, Gregory Joe Symoens and Deja Renee Symoens; and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nondas (Alfrey) Symoens, on Oct. 14, 2004; father, E.A. Symoens; mother, Betty (Rinker) Symoens; and son-in-law, Thomas Shryock. Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Monday at Robert D. Loose Funeral Homes and Crematory, South Chapel, 200 W. 53rd St., Anderson, with the Rev. Gary Klinger officiating. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday at the South Chapel.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/30/2008 - 7/2/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

George W. Tester died at his home at Liberty Center, Ohio, at one o'clock Tuesday morning, after suffering with heart trouble for six months or longer. He was about seventy years old and a pioneer of Ohio. His son Jacob Tester and wife of this city, his daughter, Mrs. Noah Amspaugh, of Berne, and his brother, Jacob Tester and wife of the south part of the county left for Liberty Center yesterday. The funeral services will be held this afternoon. [buried Youngs Cemetery; Liberty Center, Henry County, Ohio]
Decatur Democrat, Adams County, Indiana (a weekly newspaper); Thursday, February 20, 1902
Contributed by Karin King

LOCAL LADY'S MOTHER DIES - Mrs. Jacob Tester Dies Of Infirmities At Home In California
Mrs. Jacob Tester, 84, died at her home in Los Angeles, California, according to word received here by her daughter, Mrs. H. N. Shroll. Death was due to the infirmities of old age and Mrs. Shroll stated that when she visited her mother in that city last fall, she had been failing then. Mr. and Mrs. Tester lived in Decatur for many years and moved to Los Angeles about 16 years ago. The deceased is survived by her husband, a son, L. N. Tester, and a daughter, Mrs. Howard Burdge, both of Los Angeles, as well as by the daughter in Decatur, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Two sons, Floyd and George, preceded her in death. No definite funeral arrangements had been made at the time of Mrs. Shroll's message.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Thurs. Jan. 2, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

FATALLY CRUSHED
An elevator accident at the Furnas Ice Cream Company plant, 453 East Columbia Street, where she was an employee, cost the life, Thursday afternoon, of Mrs. Irene Thompson, 26, 2324 Juliette Street. Her body was wedged between the platform of an ascending elevator and the second floor of the shaft, crushing her chest. She died in St. Joseph's Hospital 15 minutes after the mishap. [buried in Catholic Cemetery; Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1941a Jan-June Scrapbook; Handwritten-Friday, April 18, 1941
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

John Thurman of Greensburg, 73 years old, died yesterday. He had the distinction of being the only colored person in the United States belonging to a white Masonic Lodge.
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, Indiana; 4 Sept 1896, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach

AUBURN RESIDENT DEAD AT AGE OF 68 - Frank Truelove Failed to Survive Stroke of Paralysis Suffered in Cloakroom of Church of Brethren
Funeral services for a retired DeKalb county farmer, Frank L. Truelove, 68, of Auburn, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday. He died at 2:45 a.m. Sunday at his home at 515 South Van Buren street, Auburn. Sunday, Jan. 31, he was stricken with a stroke of paralysis in the cloakroom of the Church of the Brethren in Auburn. Tuesday's rites will be conducted in the Dilgard & Cline funeral home in Auburn. The Rev. Opal Pence, pastor of the Church of the Brethren in Auburn, will officiate with burial in Woodlawn cemetery near Auburn. Mr. Truelove was stricken as he put on his overcoat and prepared to leave the church following Sunday morning services. He was taken home and failed to rally during the following week. For several years, he had been in failing health. A native of west of Auburn, Mr. Truelove was born on a farm six miles west of this city on state road 8 July 25, 1885, son of William and Katie Truelove. He was an only child. On June 2, 1934, he married in Auburn Mrs. Angeline Gimblesparger of near Avilla. The couple moved from the farm to Auburn 19 years ago last fall. Surviving are the widow, an adopted son, George Harkins of Fort Wayne, and six grandchildren. Mr. Truelove was a member of the Auburn Church of the Brethren.
DeKalb County, Indiana library, Obit Book #7; Handwritten: Feb. 9, 1954
Contributed by Karin King

Harold E. VanCamp dies at Fort Wayne
Harold E. VanCamp, 68, of 4838 Woodford Drive, Fort Wayne, died Tuesday morning at the Lutheran hospital. Mr. VanCamp, a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, retired from the General Electric Co. in 1965. Surviving are his wife, Bertha; a son, Terry VanCamp of New Haven; a daughter, Mrs. Bruce Jenks of Leo; a brother, Royal VanCamp of Willshire, O.; a sister, Mrs. Opal Slusher of Decatur; two half-sisters, Mrs. John Fryback of Bluffton, and Mrs. Lloyd Wright of Craigville; and seven grandchildren. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons funeral home, with Rev. Harold Kratzat officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn memorial park. Friends may call at the funeral home until time of services.
SSDI: Harold Vancamp; xxx; Last Residence: 46805 Fort Wayne, Allen, Indiana; Born: 10 Dec 1900; Died: Jun 1969; State (Year) SSN issued: Indiana (Before 1951)
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Wednesday, June 4, 1969
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Mary E. White, wife of Hon. A.H. White of Litchfield, Ind is dead at Carlyle, Ills aged 67.
Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, Montgomery County, Indiana; 4 Sept 1896, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach

Mr. Frank L. Williams, 79 years, 809 N. Euclid, husband of Mrs. Ethel Irene, father of Louise Wilson, city-grandfather of Meredith Wilson, city, great-grandfather of 2, brother of Mrs. Mayme Wilson, city, passed away Friday. Funeral 2 p.m. Tuesday Dorsey-Freeney Mortuary, 3925 New York. Burial Crown Hill Cemetery. Friends may call.
Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Indiana; March 17, 1975
Contributed by Karin King

Irene Fry Williams, 96, Indianapolis, died Saturday. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Feeney Hornak Keystone Mortuary, with calling from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Mrs. Williams was a member of Irvington United Methodist Church, to which memorial contributions may be made. She was the widow of Frank L. Williams. Survivors: daughter Louise Wilson; a grandchild; two great-grandchildren.
Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis Indiana; September 6, 1993
Contributed by Karin King

May 1, 1947 - June 10, 2008
Connie Duane (Sewell) Williamson, 61, Anderson, died June 10, 2008, at her residence after an extended illness. She was born May 1, 1947, in Anderson. She was a 1965 graduate from Anderson High School. She worked at Irwin Mortgage for 13 years before retiring in 2004. Prior to that she worked at Toles Flowers for 26 1/2 years. She attended St. Matthew's United Methodist Church and was a member of Eta Mu Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and coach and board member of Franklin Little League. She loved to watch her grandson in baseball and bowling. Survivors include her husband of nearly 43 years, Robert Charles Williamson, whom she married June 25, 1965; daughter, Kris (Williamson) Robey; son-in-law, David Robey and grandson Matt Robey; mother-in-law, Ruby Haskett; sisters-in-law, Lois Day and Margaret (Jim) Baldwin; several nieces and nephews; and a sister. She was preceded in death by her father, Arnold Sewell in 2003; mother, Betty Jean (Johnson) Sewell in 1999; and a daughter, Kendra Lynette Williamson in 1966. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service with Chaplain Rob Mifflin officiating. Burial will be in East Maplewood Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/12/2008 - 6/14/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

HELEN M. WOODRUFF, 71, of New Haven, formerly of Fort Wayne, died at 6:07 p.m. Wednesday in Parkview Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Woodruff was a native of Monroe, Ind., and had lived in New Haven for 12 years. Surviving are her husband, Burness; four sons, Wesley, of Sarasota, Fla., Lynn, of Baldwin, Calif., Martin, of Covina, Calif., and Larry, of New Haven; two brothers, True Babcock, of Alma, Mich., and Harry Babcock, of Fort Wayne; one sister, Ruth Lee, of Kendallville; and 20 grandchildren. Services at 1 p.m. Saturday in E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, New Haven, with calling there today from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Burial in IOOF Cemetery, New Haven. Memorials to Meals on Wheels.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette; Allen County, Indiana; Friday, June 14, 1985
Contributed by Karin King

July 11, 1924 - June 11, 2008
ALEXANDRIA - Juanita R. Wright, 83, of Alexandria, passed away June 11, 2008, at Meadowbrooke Rehabilitation Centre. She was born July 11, 1924, in Livingston, Tenn., the daughter of William Benton and Mattie Lee (Sanders) Ray. She lived most of her life in Madison County. She retired in 1977 from Delco Remy after 31 years. She attended Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Anderson and House of Prayer in Muncie. She was a member of United Auto Workers Local 662 and enjoyed camping and spending winters in Florida. She is survived by her son, Rick (wife, Sharon) Wright of Alexandria; three grandchildren, Melanie Wright of Yorktown, Melissa (husband, Nelson) Colonis of West Lafayette, and Jennifer (husband, Michael) Messer of Indianapolis; great-grandsons, Brandon and Devon Colonis, both of West Lafayette; sister, Kate Knobloch of Anderson; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Shelby Wright; two brothers; and five sisters. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard True officiating. Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Post online condolences at www.brownbutzdiedring.com or www.theheraldbulletin.com.
Published in The Herald Bulletin, Madison County, Indiana from 6/11/2008 - 6/13/2008
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

James Edward Yaney, 58, of New Smyrna Beach [Volusia Co], Florida, died at 2:30 a.m. Saturday in an automobile accident near his home. Mr. Yaney, a former Adams County resident had moved to Florida 10 years ago. He was a contractor. Born in Nowata [Nowata Co], Oklahoma Aug. 12, 1922, he was the son of Orville and Ida Henschen-Yaney. He graduated from Kirkland High School and served as tail gunner in the United States Airforce during World War II. He was married to Mary Jane Zumbrum of Ft. Wayne. Surviving are his wife, Mary Jane, his mother Mrs. Ida Overholser of Decatur; two daughters, Sarah Yaney at home and Mrs. Susan Kline of Ft. Wayne; two sons, Douglas Yaney of Atlanta, Ga. and John Yaney of Edgewater, Florida; one brother Bill Yaney of Ossian; three sisters, Mrs. Margaret Ross of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Mrs. Evelyn Rutledge of Ossian, Ind., and Mrs. Paul (Georgia) Arnold of Decatur and four grandchildren. The father, two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Settle-Wilder Funeral home in New Smyrna Beach. Local memorial services will be held Wed. at 10 a.m. at the Ossian Nazarene Church, Ossian, Rev. Robert Smith officiating. [buried Edgewater New Smyrna Cemetery; Edgewater, Volusia County, Florida]
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Monday, December 15, 1980
Contributed by Karin King

Florence Young dies at hospital
Mrs. Florence Emma Young, 79, of Van Wert, O., died Thursday afternoon at St. Rita's hospital at Lima, O. Her husband, Arthur Young, preceded her in death. Survivors include two sons, Dr. Edward young of Delphos, Mo., and Gaylord C. Young of Van Wert route 4; and two brothers, Oscar and Albert Feigert, both of Van Wert. Funeral rites will be held at 2 p.m. (Ohio time) Sunday at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, with Rev. Ron Fruth officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery at Van Wert. Friends may call at the Alspach funeral home in Van Wert after 12 noon (Ohio time) Saturday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; Friday, Oct., 20, 1972
Contributed by Janice Vasolovski

HELEN LOUISE YOUNG, 30, died Tuesday at home after being stabbed. Born in Mississippi, she is survived by her husband, Ernest; one daughter, Latonya King, at home; two sons, Ernest King and Taron King, both at home; her mother, Mary Faulkner, of Chicago; her father, David King, of Greenville, Miss.; one sister, Gladys Faulkner, of Chicago; three brothers, James Moore, Otis Moore and Douglas King, all of Chicago. Services at 10 a..m. Monday in Joshua M.B. Church, Chicago. Calling from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in Garfield Memorial Chapel, Chicago. Burial in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Hillside, Ill. Local arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home.
Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Saturday, Dec. 13, 1986
Contributed by Karin King