Gerald Aspy dies at 70
Gerald M. Aspy, 70, of Hoagland, was pronounced dead on arrival at 4:34 p.m. Tuesday at the Lutheran Hospital. Death was unexpected. A native of Geneva, he had worked at the General Electric Co. in Fort Wayne for 45 years and was a member of the GE quarter-century club. Mr. Aspy was a member of the Antioch Lutheran Church, Hoagland. He was born in Geneva on Oct. 19, 1903, the son of Marshall and Iva Custer-Aspy, and was married on March 20, 1943, to Mearle Corville. Survivors are his wife, Mearle; five sons, James, Hoagland; Ron, Decatur; Robert, Budd Lake, N.J., Rich, Arlington Heights, Ill., Lyle Stults, Encinitas, Calif.; daughter, Mrs. Bill (Judy) Jackson, Ladysmith, Wis., and 16 grandchildren. Three sisters preceded him in death. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Antioch Lutheran Church, Hoagland. Friends may call after 7 p.m. today and until 11 a.m. Friday at the Zwick Funeral Home, and after 12 noon at the church. Burial will be in Antioch cemetery, Hoagland. Rev. Robert Whitenack will officiate at the services.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, September 18, 1974
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Francis E. "Frank" Baker, 85, died Wednesday in Parkview Memorial Hospital. The Wadsworth, Ohio, native retired in 1968 from Peter Eckrich & Sons Inc. He was a member of Coburn Corners Church of Christ, and the DeKalb County Worthwhile Grange 2414. Surviving are his wife, Alpha N.; a son, Ivan of Wooster, Ohio; a stepdaughter, Carolyn Longsworth of Chesapeake, Va.; a sister, Bulah M. Rohrer of Wooster; and two stepgrandchildren. Services are 10 a.m. Monday in D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., where calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Nine Mile Cemetery. Preferred memorials are gifts to the church.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; September 7, 1990
Contributed by JC

Handwritten-Wed. May 22, 1957
May 10 Accident Takes Third Life - Six-Year-Old Girl Dies Of Injuries
Injuries obtained in an automobile accident on May 10, resulted in the death of Margaret Baker, 6, of New Castle. The little girl died Monday at the Parkview Memorial Hospital in Fort Wayne, where she was taken after receiving emergency treatment at the Adams County Memorial Hospital. Anthony Laker, 22, of Route 2, Monroeville, and the child's grandmother, Mrs. Mary Powell Runyon, a resident of New Castle were fatally injured in the head-on crash which occurred that morning on U. S. Highway, on the curve one mile east of Decatur. Laker was the driver of one of the automobiles, and Mrs. Runyon and the Baker child were passengers in a station wagon driven by Cordie Baker, son-in-law of Mrs. Runyon, and father of the deceased girl. He remains in critical condition at the Parkview Hospital, suffering from shock and severe injuries to his entire left side, including deep multiple lacerations to his leg, a broken wrist and internal injuries. Sheriff Merle Affolder, one of the investigating officers, at the time of the accident, stated today that authorities are still unable to question Baker to determine the cause of the accident. The latest death from the accident marks the fifth traffic death for this year in Adams county. The body of the girl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jess Baker, New Castle was taken to the New Castle Funeral Home. [buried South Mound Cemetery, New Castle, Henry County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 102
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Paoli - Samuel R. Barker, 79 years old, Orange County school teacher for 47 years, died at his home here. During that period, Mr. Barker taught more than 1,500 pupils, 140 of whom later graduated from Paoli HS. Over a period of 61 years Mr. Barker missed attending the annual Orange County Teacher's Institute only once. He was a member of the IOOF Lodge. He was graduated from Paoli schools in 1883 and later attended Bryant Stratton Business College at Louisville and was an expert accountant. A daughter is the only survivors.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Sunday, 11 Aug 1940, p. 5
Contributed by Karen Zach

Funeral services for Lewis C Bearman, 56, who died at 2:10 am Wednesday at the Lutheran Hospital, will be conducted at 2 pm Saturday at the residence on the Tillman Road in Jefferson Township and at 2:30 o'clock at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest, the Rev WH Bowman officiating. Burial will be in the Soest Cemetery. Mr. Bearman was a lifelong resident of Allen County and a member of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Soest and of its Men's Club and choir. He is survived by his wife, Caroline; three daughters, Mrs. Irma Dressler, RR7 and Dorothy Louena and Hildegarde at home; three sons, Arthur, RR1 Hoagland, Howard and Ervin at home; three brothers, Henry and August, RR7 and Fred, Bluffton Road; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Koehlinger, Huntington, Mrs. Minnie Kroeger RR7 and Mrs. Clara Sprague, Fort Wayne and three grandchildren. The body was taken to the Harper Funeral Home, New Haven where friends may call until 4 pm today when it will be returned to the residence.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; August 29, 1946
Contributed by JC

John H. Bergan, 85 years old, a retired machinist, died yesterday at his home, 1518 Ringgold Avenue. A native of Germany, Mr. Bergan had lived in Indianapolis 71 years. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the GH Herrmann Funeral Home, with burial at Crown Hill Cemetery. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Elsa C. Garrison; a son, Frederick W. Bergan, and a granddaughter, all of Indianapolis.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Wednesday, 13 Jan 1960, p. 16
Contributed by Karen Zach

HENRY BOHNKE DIES TUESDAY
Henry W. Bohnke, 71, of route 2, Monroeville, died at 10 a.m. Tuesday in Parkview Memorial Hospital where he had been a patient for about three weeks. He had been ill for seven years. A native of Monroeville, he was a retired farmer. Surviving are his wife, Edna; a son, Keith, Monroeville; a daughter, Mrs. Lois Cenko, Monroeville; a sister, Mrs. Esther Herman, Fort Wayne, and two brothers, Joe, Monroeville and Albert, Wolcottville. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday in the Marquart Funeral Home, Monroeville, and at 2 p.m. in St. John's Lutheran Church, Flatrock. Friends may call after 7 p.m. today and on Thursday afternoon and evening. Burial will be in St. John's Lutheran Church Cemetery. Preferred memorials are donations to the church.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, September 18, 1974
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Mrs. Luella Booker, 70 years old, 1127 North Miley Street died yesterday morning in her home. She was born in Paducah, KY and lived here 23 years. Mrs. Booker was a member of Christ Temple Apostolic Church. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday in Stuart Mortuary. Burial will be in New Crown Cemetery. Survivors include the husband, Thomas Booker.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Wednesday, 13 Jan 1960, p. 16
Contributed by Karen Zach

INDIANAPOLIS - Martha Louise (Jones) Bradfield, 61, died Thursday at St. Vincent's Hospital. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday at Calvary-Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis. Friends may call at Flanner and Buchanan-Broad Ripple Mortuary in Indianapolis from 4 to 9 p.m. tonight and from 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Mrs. Bradfield was born in Indianapolis. Her husband, Rev. Landis A. Bradfield survives her. They spent most of their lives traveling around Indiana pastoring churches. Rev. Bradfield currently pastors at Evanston Avenue Wesleyan Church in Indianapolis. Surviving besides her husband are a son, Landis A. Jr., Petersburg; three daughters, Mrs. Marcia S. Pavey, Albany, Georgia; Mrs. Sheila J. Kirkpatrick, and Ms. Gayla Bradfield, both of Indianapolis.
No source provided, Hamilton County, Indiana; Saturday, March 10, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

Handwritten-Tues. April 16, 1957
Three High School Girls Are Drowned - Auto Plunges Into River, One Escapes
LIBERTY MILLS, Ind. (UP) - Three high school girls were drowned Monday night when an automobile plunged over an embankment into the Eel River of Wabash County Road near here. Dead were Rosalie Rhinehart, 17, R. R. 2, North Manchester, and Nancy Clevenger, 17, and Geraldine Bradley, 16, both of Liberty Mills. A fourth girl, Janie Robinson 17, Liberty Mills, swam to safety. Miss Robinson and Miss Bradley climbed out of the car and swam to a tree about 450 feet away. Miss Robinson was able to hold on despite the swift current, but she said Miss Bradley was washed away. A passing motorist heard the screams of Miss Robinson. Bystanders held a rope which was fastened around the motorist's waist and he swam out to rescue the girl. Miss Rhinehart was driving car when it went over the embankment. The bodies of Miss Rhinehart and Miss Clevenger were recovered from the submerged car. Miss Bradley's body had not been found hours after the accident. Miss Robinson was taken to Wabash County Hospital for treatment for shock and exposure.
Adams County Historical Museum, Adams County, Indiana, March 1955 - April 1958 Scrapbook
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Matthew J. Brady, 75 years old, 918 West 32d Street, died Thursday in his home. Mr. Brady was a member of the Bricklayers', Masons' and Tile Setters' Union, Local No 3 for 52 years. He received an honorary gold medal in 1938 and was widely known among contractors of Indianapolis. Survivors are the widow, Mrs. Caroline Weber Brady; a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Wilkins of Milwaukee, Wis; two sons, Jerome E. Brady and Robert M. Brady, both of Indianapolis; two sisters, Mrs. Jennie O. Rogers and Mrs. Daniel T. Doyle; three brothers, Thomas W. Brady, John P. Brady and Edward L. Brady, and four grandchildren, all of Indianapolis. Funeral services were held yesterday. Burial was in Crown Hill Cemetery.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Sunday, 11 Aug 1940, p. 5
Contributed by Karen Zach

William E. Brown, 76, of 2203 N. 22nd St., died at 9:45 a.m. today in St. Elizabeth Hospital where he had been a patient since July 4. He had been in ill health six months. Born and reared in Lafayette, Mr. Brown was employed at Dean Milk Co. many years and retired in 1961. In 1918 at Lafayette, he married Anna McCabe and she survives. Mr. Brown was a member of Trinity United Methodists Church, past master of Transitville Masonic Lodge 425 at Buck Creek, member of Hope Chapter 5 OES, Scottish Rite at South Bend, Lafayette Chapter 3 of RAM, Tippecanoe Council 68, R&SM, Lafayette Commandry 3, Knights Templar, Past Masters Association of Tippecanoe County and honorary life member of the Past Masters Association at Elkhart. Surviving besides the widow are two sisters, Elma L. Petty and Mrs. Carl (Edna May) Gable, both of Lafayette, and a brother, Roy E. of Lafayette.
Journal and Courier, Tippecanoe County, Indiana, July 10, 1972
Contributed by Karin King

Handwritten-Mon. May 6, 1957
Homer V. Buchanan Is Taken By Death - Funeral Services Tuesday Morning
Homer V. Buchanan, 76, who resided in Blackcreek Township, Mercer County, O., two and one-half miles north of Chattanooga, died at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Jay County Hospital at Portland. He had been in failing health for two years and critical for the past three weeks. Mr. Buchanan, prominent retired farmer, formerly operated the Buchanan Hatchery at his farm. He was a member of the Willshire Board of Education for 12 years. He was born at Willshire Oct. 9, 1880, a son of Stephen and Rosanna Fairchild-Buchanan, and was married to Christina Sipe April 1, 1906. Mr. Buchanan was a member of the Willshire Methodist Church. Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Claude Buchanan of Willshire, and Ralph L. Buchanan of Columbus, O.; two daughters, Mrs. Martha Nyffeler of Kokomo, and Mrs. Nora Bollenbacher of near Willshire; 17 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two brothers, Claude E. and James. S. Buchanan of Willshire, and two sisters, Mrs. Daisy Hileman and Lulu Scott, both of Willshire. One son, one sister and one grandson are deceased. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Zwick Funeral Home and at 10:30 a.m. at the Willshire Methodist Church, the Rev. James Hipkins officiating. Burial will be in the Willshire Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home until time of the services.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 103
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Tues. July 16, 1957
Heart Attack Fatal To Howard C. Burdg - Man Stricken While Driving On Highway
Howard C. Burdg, 73, of San Gabriel, Calif., suffered a fatal heart attack at approximately 10 a.m. today, as he was driving form Fort Wayne to Decatur, on U. S. 27 County workmen were removing a dead elm tree just south of the Hoagland Road, and were in the process of flagging down oncoming cars until the tree could be removed from the highway. When the Burdg car momentarily stopped, workmen said the man fell over the steering wheel. A passer-by drove to the Schmitt Packing Co. near Decatur to summon ambulance, but the highway workers saw that the man's live was in danger, and rushed him to the Adams County Memorial Hospital before the ambulance arrived. He was pronounced dead upon arrival. It is believed that Burdg, who had been visiting a sister in Fort Wayne, was on his way to Decatur to visit his sisters-in-law, Mrs. Harve Shroll and Mrs. Edith Tester. Mr. Burdg was born in Berne, March 18, 1884. He was married to the former Carrie Tester, who died of a similar attack while visiting here in Decatur last August. Until his retirement several years ago, he was a salesman in California. Surviving besides the sisters-in-law in Decatur, are a son Floyd, of San Gabriel, Calif., and the sister in Fort Wayne. The body is at the Zwick Funeral Home, but funeral arrangements are incomplete, pending the location of the son, who is presently vacationing in California. [Buried Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 108-109
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Native of Willshire dies at 79
Clyde W. Byer, 79, a native of Willshire, O., and brother of Otis Byer and Mrs. Goldie Parker of that city, died at Marion General Hospital, Marion, where he had been a patient three days. A retired employee of Bell Fibre Co., and World War I veteran, he had resided in Marion for 50 years. Surviving are three daughters; Mrs. Thelma Shaneyfelt, Hartford City, Mrs. Huldah Stevens, Jonesboro; and Mrs. Ruby Sloderbeck, Marion; a son, Max Byer, Marion; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. today at the Devine Colonial Mortuary, Marion, the Rev. Arthur Jennings officiating. Burial was in the IOOF cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, September 28, 1974
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

ODON - L. John Carpenter, 68, died at 8 a.m. today at the Daviess County Hospital. He had been ill several months and seriously ill a few weeks. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Walnut Hill Cemetery. He was born Oct. 1, 1915 in Greene County to William and Cora McFarren Carpenter. He married Mary E. Keck June 28, 1938. He was a retired maintenance supervisor for the North Daviess School System and was a member of the Odon First Christian Church. Surviving besides his wife are two daughters and one son, Mrs. Charles (Sheila) Buhneigh, Beech Grove, Johnni Carpenter, Odon, Terry E. Carpenter, Elnora; five grandchildren; five sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Ernal Twombly, Mrs. Nina Barker and Mrs. Marcella Sakalauski, all of Odon, Mrs. Omer (Vivian) Barker and Mrs. Pauline Hasler, both of Newberry, Leroy Carpenter, Gifford, Ill., and Wendell Carpenter, Bloomfield. Two brothers have died.
Unknown source; March 19, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

FORMER LOCAL TEACHER DIES
Mrs. Effie Patton Carson, 83, a former school teacher in Decatur, died at 10:30 p.m. Monday at the Franklin United Methodist Home, Franklin, In. She was a member of the High St. United Methodist Church, Muncie. She was born in Ligonier on Aug. 14, 1890, and was married to Rev. H. R. Carson who died in 1967. Surviving is one stepson, John Carson of Fort Wayne. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Methodist Home, with burial in the Maplewood Cemetery, Anderson.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; June 25, 1974
Contributed by Karin King

FORMER CITY RESIDENT DIES
A resident of Decatur from 1952-1962, Bernard N. Clark, 47, died Tuesday morning in Visalia, Calif. after an extended illness. He was a native of Minnesota and was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Clark. Survivors include his wife, Laura; two daughters, Jackie and Paula; a son, David; two brothers, Harold of Minnesota and Wilfred of California; and two sisters, Lela and Elsie, both of Minnesota. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Hadley Funeral Chapel in Visalia.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; May 29, 1974
Contributed by Karin King

REUBEN COATS DIES
Garrett, IN, Nov 29 - Reuben Coats, father of Adam Coats, of Garrett, died at a sanitarium at Galipolis, Ohio, aged 61 years, 7 months and 21 days. He was brought here on train No. 9 and taken to the Iler undertaking parlors and was later removed to the home of Adam Coats on South Porter street, from which place the funeral was held Wed. at 1 O'clock. Rev Charles Tinkham, of the Methodist church, officiated, burial at the Union cemetery.
Fort Wayne News and Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; November 29, 1918
Contributed by JC

Charles Colvin died in Bellflower, Calif. at 1:30 a.m. today. He was a former resident of Harrison Township. Funeral arrangements are pending at Ed Lee Mortuary.
Unknown source, Daviess County, Indiana, March 8, 1984
Contributed by JC

Washington - Funeral services for Silas J. Conley, 73, who died at his home here will be held Monday morning at St. Simon's Church. Surviving are the widow, three children and one sister.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Sunday, 11 Aug 1940, p. 5
Contributed by Karen Zach

Vincennes - Don Costello, 58, yard foreman for the B&O Railroad here 28 years, died at h8is home here last night. The widow, a son and two daughters survive.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Sunday, 11 Aug 1940, p. 5
Contributed by Karen Zach

PETERSBURG - Elvin G. Cox, 66, died at 5:36 p.m.Thursday at Vincennes Good Samaritan Hospital. Funeral arrangements are pending at the Harris Funeral Home in Petersburg. Cox was born Aug. 16, 1917 in Orange County, the son of Clinton and Dessie Sutton Cox. He married Florence (Dina) Rice on June 4, 1946 and she survives. He was a farmer and a member of the Christian Church in Petersburg. Surviving besides his wife are two daughters, Carol Fair, Princeton, and Janice McClellan, Evansville. Also surviving are four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. One brother preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Harris Funeral Home in Petersburg with Rev. John Mangles officiating and burial in Walnut Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 p.m. Saturday.
Unknown source, Pike County, Indiana; March 2, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

LOOGOOTEE - The funeral of Leslie Austin Crowder was at 11 a.m. today at St. Martin's Catholic Church, Whitfield, with burial in the church cemetery. Msgr. Carl Schuler and Father Carl Roos were the con-celebrants. Bearers were John Preston, Bill Preston, Mark Chamness, Tony Barmes, Eric Barmes, Mike Snyder, Bill Sample and Danny Taylor. Crowder, 63, died at Jasper Memorial Hospital at 5:35 a.m. Saturday following an illness of one week. He was born Aug. 6, 1920 at French Lick to Everett and Pearl Freeman Crowder. He married Regina Norris Sept. 7, 1940 and she survives. Crowder was retired from RCA of Bloomington after 27 years and was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and was in the Air Force during World War II serving in India, Burma and China. He leaves his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Mary E. Barmes, Wheatland; one son, Earl Ray Crowder, Loogootee; six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter; three brothers, Forrest Crowder, French Lick, and Clyde and Ray Dean Crowder, both of Shoals, and four sisters, Mrs. George (Evelyn) Traylor and Mrs. Arthur (Audrey) Noble, both of French Lick, Mrs. William (Colleen) Sample, Kokomo, and Mrs. Carl (Mona Lea) Rose, Indianapolis. Two brothers and one sister have died.
Times Herald, Martin County, Indiana; January 3, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

George W. Cruse, 87 of Montpelier, Indiana and a retired farmer died Wednesday, Christmas Day in the Cooper Rest Home. Born March 27, 1897 in Wells County, he was a son of Samuel and Eve Banter Cruse. His marriage to Ida Ruth Futrell, who died May 19, 1940, took place in 1917. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Lawrence (Elnor) Fleming of Montpelier; two sisters, Mrs. Elsie Woodard of Van Buren and Mrs. Nora Butler of Marion; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Services will be Saturday at the H. Brown and Sons Funeral Home in Warren with Rev. Garth Irey officiating; burial in Red Men's Cemetery.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana; December 25, 1974
Contributed by JC

William Edwin Culver, 89, died instantly Sunday at his home, 314 West Central Avenue, Bluffton of a massive hemorrhage. Born May 7, 1882 in August, Texas, he was a son of William E. and Mary Spangler Culver. He was married two years ago to Verna Wroe, who surviving. Also surviving is a son, Edward M. Culver of Nashville, Tennessee; two stepsons, Eddie and Arthur Bingham, both of Chicago and two grandchildren. Private memorial services were held today at the Goodwin Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Elliott officiating.
Bluffton News-Banner, Wells County, Indiana, May 23, 1971
Contributed by JC

Handwritten-Mon. June 24, 1957
J. M. Cummings Is Killed Sunday By Erie Train - Pedestrian Killed By Erie Freight At Crossing Near Home
James Muir Cummings, 78, met instant death at 12:44 a.m. Sunday, where he was struck by a southbound Erie freight train, at the Mercer Avenue crossing. The tragedy occurred as the well-known Decatur man was returning to the Simmerman Trailer Court on Mercer, where he resided with a daughter, Mrs. Ann Grandstaff Lehman. Mr. Cummings had spent the evening playing cards at the Eagles Lodge on South Second Street, and after declining a ride home, proceeded to walk home, on the east side of the street. At the narrow railroad crossing Mr. Cummings, who used a cane apparently fell when he stepped into a hole nearly a foot deep. Two Decatur youths, Fred Schott, of 1015 Monroe Street, and Glen Strickler, of 427 Stratton Way, en route home, passed over the crossing, sighting what they at first believed was a dog, lying on the tracks. They immediately turned their car around, and as the safety gates were down by this time, went around in time to see the body of a man, lying on the east side of the track, on the crosswalk. They stated that because of the bright headlight of the oncoming train, they were able to see the man lying there with his hands thrown up in front of his face, as if to ward off the train. The train was rapidly approaching, and the shocked youths were unable to rescue the man as he lay helpless between the rails. The crew of the freight was unaware of the disaster that had occurred. The witnesses rushed to the police station to report the incident. Upon investigation, officers found parts of the man's body strewn 92 feet down the track. His watch, stopped at 12:44 o'clock, was found several feet from the point of impact, as were several dollar bills and some change. Elmer Winteregg, Jr., Adams County Coroner, has stated that he will probably return a verdict of accidental death, but the report is being held up pending further investigation. Mr. Cummings was born in Larckhall, Lanarkshire, Scotland, September 24, 1878. He emigrated to the United States from Plean, Scotland in 1907, and settled in Linton, where he was a coal miner, as he had been in Scotland. When his wife died in 1937, Mr. Cummings moved to a farm near Monroe, where he resided until 1946. From that time on, he lived with his daughter, Mrs. Lehman. He and his daughter returned April 29 from his first visit to his former home in Scotland. Mr. Cummings was a member of the Monroe Methodist Church, the Eagles and Elks Lodges of Decatur, and the Linton Masonic Lodge. Surviving in addition to the daughter with whom he resided, are a stepdaughter, Mrs. Oka Gaiser, Poneto; two brothers, Hugh and Levi Cummings, of Lanarkshire, Scotland; three sisters, Mrs. Janet Docerty, Mid Lothian, Scotland, Mrs. Jean Jamison of Lanarkshire, Scotland, and Mrs. Agnes Hays, of Long Beach, Calif.; two granddaughters, Mrs. Fred Isch and Mrs. Robert Strickler, and four great-grandchildren, all of Decatur. His wife, the former Mary Logan, whom he married November 30, 1900, died March 23, 1937. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Zwick Funeral Home, where friends may call. The Rev. William C. Feller will officiate, with burial in the Morris Chapel Cemetery, at Linton [Greene County, Indiana]. The casket will not be opened.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 110-111
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

FATHER OF AREA RESIDENT DIES
Raymond Joseph Currie, 77, of Gibson City, Ill., father of Everett Currie of route 6, Decatur, died Tuesday, it was learned today. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at Roberts, Ill.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, June 5, 1974
Contributed by Karin King

Anderson, Ind Sept 18 - Revenge by some person whose enmity he might have incurred in business dealings was seen by Madison County authorities today as a possible motive for the baffling murder of Alton B. Custer, Orestes grocer. Despite statements by his relatives that Custer had no known enemies, Sheriff Bernard Bradley said circumstances pointed strongly to a revenge motive. Custer was slain as he entered the rear porch of his home Saturday night. Sheriff Bradley said he did not believe robbery could have been the intent of the killer, since $18.50 was found in the slain man's pockets. A robber, Sheriff Bradley believed, probably would not have lain in wait in the porch, but likely would have chosen a spot near the garage to attack as Custer stored his car for the night. Sheriff Bradley theorized also that Custer saw his assailant before the shot was fired, basing his belief on the fact that a member of the Custer family heard a package of groceries the man carried drop to the floor just before the report of the weapon. As funeral services for the slain man were held today, Mrs. Custer, ill at the time of the murder was in a critical condition from the added shock of the tragedy. Authorities saw in the Custer slaying a parallel of the murder a year ago of Loren Creagmile, Elwood grocer, still unsolved.
Richmond Palladium-Item, Wayne County, Indiana; Tuesday, 18 Sept 1934, p.10
Contributed by Karen Zach

Handwritten-Thurs. Aug. 15, 1957
Mrs. Mary Delagrange, 74, died at 1 a.m. today in her home in St. Joseph Township after an extended illness. She became seriously ill Sunday when she suffered a stroke. Born in Springfield Township, Mrs. Delagrange had lived her entire life in Allen County. She was a member of Cuba Mennonite Church. Her husband, Joseph R., died in 1950. Surviving are two daughters, Miss Anne Delagrange, at home, and Mrs. Menno Delagrange, R. R. 1, Woodburn; two sons, Joseph, Jr., and Ben, R. R. 2, Grabill; two sisters, Mrs. Fanny Miller and Miss Sarah Lengacher, R. R. 2, Grabill, and 16 grandchildren. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday in the residence and at 2 p.m. in Cuba Church, the Rev. Edwin Albrecht and the Rev. John Yoder officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. [Buried Yaggy Cemetery; Grabill, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 113
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

AUBURN - Mrs. Alverda M. DePew, 79, wife of Isaiah DePew, Rt. 2, Auburn, died at DeKalb Memorial Hospital here at 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Mrs. DePew was hospitalized for just one day when she died. The body is at the Dilgard & Cline Funeral Home, Auburn, where friends may call now. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home at 2 p.m. Tuesday with the Rev. Everett Haines, pastor of the Maple Grove United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Cedar Chapel Cemetery. Mrs. DePew was born Oct. 21, 1890, near Auburn and was a lifelong resident of this area. She was the daughter of Oliver and Anna Krueger Funk. Her late home is located five and one-half miles southeast of the city. She and Mr. DePew were married in 1912. Surviving in addition to her husband are two daughters, Mrs. Howard Oberlin, Mooresville, and Mrs. Jonas Relyea, Rt. 2, Butler; a son, William C. DePew, Rt. 1, Auburn; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Albert Funk in Oregon and Harry Funk, Lawen, Ore., and two sisters, Mrs. Della Hawk, Sturgis, Mich., and Mary Eaton, Rapids, Mich.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; January 12, 1970
Provided by Scott Bowmar

Robert Derrow Victim of Train at Corunna - Same Old Story of Man Who Went to Sleep on Track - Fell Forty Feet; Lit on Head.
(Special to the News.) Kendallville, Ind., July 31 - Robert Derrow, an employee of the Lake Shore railroad, at Corunna, was struck and instantly killed by a fast train while asleep on the tracks. He leaves a widow and one child, several brothers and sisters. The body was hurled over 100 feet and when found a half hour later by Joe Lindsey, night engineer at the pumping station, was jammed up against a post which had undoubtedly stopped its flight. The head was mashed, both legs and one arm broken and the body covered with cuts and bruises.
Fort Wayne News, Allen County, Indiana, July 31, 1913
Contributed by JC

Huntington - Relatives here have received word of the death of William A. Draper, Huntington County native, at his home in Tulsa, Okkla. Mr. Draper went to Elwood as a young man to work in the tin plate mills and went west from there. Surviving are the widow, a daughter and two sisters.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Sunday, 11 Aug 1940, p. 5
Contributed by Karen Zach

ROBERT D. ELDER DIES AT HOSPITAL
Robert D. Elder, 52, of route 1, Roanoke, a salary and wage administrator at For Wayne General Electric Co., where he had been employed 28 years, and a member of the Decatur Elks Lodge, died Monday in Lutheran Hospital after suffering a heart attack. Born in Van Wert County, O., he is survived by his wife, Mary; a daughter, Cyndia Lynn Clark, Fort Bragg, N.C.; a stepson, Michael Kauffman, and a stepdaughter, Karol A. Adams, both of Fort Wayne, and three sisters, Fern M. Gadakunst, Delphos, O., Jesse L. Keller, Fort Wayne, and Evelyn M. Archibald, Ossian. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the Elzey Home for Funerals in Waynedale. Preferred memorials are gifts to the Heart Research Foundation. Mr. Elder, an Air Corps veteran of World War II, attended Zion Lutheran Church, Nine Mile, and was a member of the G. E. Quarter Century Club; G. E. Supervisors Club; G. P. M. Club; the Elks Lodge, Decatur; Grover Sheets American Legion Post, Bluffton, and the 40 and 8 Organization, Fort Wayne.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; May 19, 1974
Contributed by Karin King

Elizabeth O. Fee, 94, 315 E. Seventh St., Auburn, died Friday at 9/58 a.m. in DeKalb Memorial Hospital. She had been ill for three weeks. Mrs. Fee was a 23-year resident of Auburn and lived in the Capin Apartments. She was the widow of Worden B. Fee, who preceded her in death in 1945. They had been married Jan. 3, 1902 in Auburn. She was born in Garrett on Nov. 4, 1882, to the late Fred and Minnie (Steffer) Cloy. Her survivors include two sons, Fred and Edward, both of Hamilton; nine grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. One daughter preceded her in death. Her funeral will be Monday at 2 p.m. in Dilgard & Cline Funeral Home. Rev. Carl O. Wirey, pastor emeritus of the First United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Hamilton Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Sunday. Memorials to DeKalb Memorial Hospital are preferred.
Evening Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; July 2, 1977
Provided by Scott Bowmar

Clinton Fitzgerald, 822, died at 8:22 a.m. Tuesday at Vincennes Good Samaritan Hospital. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday at First Christian Church with Bro. Cliff Woodrum officiating and burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Thursday, IOOF memorial services will be 6:30 Thursday night. The casket will be taken to the church at noon Friday. Fitzgerald was born April 14, 1901 in Daviess County, the son of Milton and Mary Wise Fitzgerald. He married Inez Purcell June 9, 1923. She preceded him in death Dec. 5, 1983. He was employed by the B & O Railroad as a carman and inspector for 40 years before retiring. He was a member of First Christian Church for 60 years and an Elder of the church for 33 years, he was the past Noble Grand and financial secretary of IOOF Lodge and a past trustee of Oak Grove Cemetery. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Virginia Arthur, Marrietta, Ga., Mrs. James (Betty) Doty, Missouri Valley, Iowa; Mrs. Harold (Judy) Williams, Odon, Mrs. Lionel (Ruth Ellen) Potter, city; five [sic]sons, Harold (Bud), Lamar, Dean, Joseph, William, all of city, and Kenny Fitzgerald of rural Washington. Also 20 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, five sisters and a brother.
No source, Daviess County, Indiana; March 7, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

Everette C. Fox, 75, of 1610 W. Cook Road, died early Friday morning in Veterans Administration Hospital. Mr. Fox was retired barber and was last employed in a shop at Spring Stree and Sherman Boulevard. He was a World War II veteran. Surviving are his brother, Al V., Fort Wayne, and two sisters, Mrs. Otto Fechner, Garrett, and Mrs. Edward Bosman, Middlebury, Conn. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday in Mungovan & Sons South Chapel and 11 a.m. in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Friends may call after 7 p.m. today and all day Sunday at the funeral home where Rosary services will be at 7; 30 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Catholic Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; November 1, 1975
Provided by Scott Bowmar

Mrs. Dovie M. Franklin, 82, 111 Jamestown Square, Washington, died at 9:30 p.m. Sunday at the Washington Nursing Center. She had been in failing health one year and was seriously ill one month. The funeral will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Poindexter Funeral Home, Odon Chapel, with Bro. Raldo Cook officiating. Burial will be in Walnut Hills Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Tuesday. She was born Aug. 1, 1901 in Greene County to Mallie Kennedy and Sarah Ellen Ham Christy. Franklin was a retired Licensed Practical Nurse and was a member of the First Christian Church in Odon, American Legion of Washington, Moose Lodge in Washington and RSVP of Daviess County. She leaves three sons and one daughter, Cletus Franklin, Banning, Calif.; James Franklin, Washington; Raymond Franklin, Hillsdale; Roxie Ford, Plainfield; 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, one brother and one sister, Lieber Christy of Columbus, and Lola Shields, St. Petersburg, Fla. Four brothers, three sisters and one grandchild have died. [buried Walnut Hill Cemetery; Odon, Daviess County, Indiana]
Unknown source, March 5, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

W.W. Fuller for some time manager of the Western Union Telegraph Office at Columbus died yesterday afternoon of consumption.
Indianapolis Journal, Marion County, Indiana; Tuesday, 10 Dec 1889, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

Handwritten-Wed. June 19, 1957
Dr. Leroy Geiger Killed In Accident - EUB Superintendent Is Killed Tuesday
Dr. Leroy Geiger, 66, of South Bend, district superintendent of the Indiana Conference North of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, was fatally injured at 3:15 p.m. Tuesday in a traffic accident on U.S. Highway 6, three miles west of Walkerton, LaPorte County. Dr. Geiger died of his injuries after being taken to the Holy Name Hospital in LaPorte. Dr. Geiger, former pastor of the Crescent Avenue Evangelical United Brethren Church in Fort Wayne, was well known in Decatur, having spoken here on numerous occasions. He was a passenger in the auto driven by the Rev. S. P. O'Reilly, pastor of the South Wayne E. U.B. Church in Fort Wane, who was seriously injured. Passengers in the second car involved, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Musial, of Pennsylvania, were also killed in the accident. Witnesses said Rev. O'Reilly, eastbound on U.S. 6, was attempting to pass another car on the wet pavement and his auto collided head on with the Musial car. Surviving Dr. Geiger are the wife, Violet; two daughters, Nancy, at home, and Mrs. Felix Price of Beloit, Wis.; two brothers, William Geiger of Syracuse and Harve C. Geiger, president of North Central College at Naperville, Ill., and one sister, Mrs. Emma Lentz of Milford. Friends may call at the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home in Fort Wayne after 4 p.m. Thursday. The body will be moved to the Crescent Ave. E.U.B. Church at 10 a.m. Friday to lie in state until time of services at 1 p.m. Friday. (Handwritten-Rev. O'Rilley died too, later.) [Dr. Geiger buried Leesburg Cemetery, Leesburg, Kosciusko County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 105-106
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

COLDWATER - Albert J. Griffin, 71, of 180 S. Sprague St., died Wednesday in the Branch County Community Health Center, where he had been a patient two weeks. He had been ill two years. He was born in Auburn, Ind., and moved to Coldwater 30 years ago from Garrett, Ind. He was a self-employed painter and decorator. Surviving are his wife, the former Florence Mason; sons, Larry J., Joe J. and Richard Griffin, all of Coldwater, and Glenn of Glendale, Ariz.; a stepson, Bernard Cosier of Coldwater; daughters, Mrs. Floyd (Ellen) Butler and Mrs. Clair (Bonnie) Musgrove, both of Coldwater, and Mrs. Albert (Betty) Lewis of All; 16 grandchildren; a brother, James Griffin of Garrett; and a sister, Mrs. Mary Swain of Auburn. Services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friday at Putnam Funeral Home.
Battle Creek Enquirer, Michigan; February 5, 1981
Provided by Scott Bowmar

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 26, 1957
Mrs. Heemstra Dies At Fort Wayne - Former Local Woman Ill Several Years
Mrs. Garnet H. Heemstra, 55, of Fort Wayne, a former resident of this city and well-known in this community, died at 7:10 a.m. today t the Clinic Hospital in Bluffton. She had been ill for several years and became critical a week ago. Born Dec. 6, 1901, in Carmel, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Serepta Daubenspeck-Hussey. She was married March 23, 1926, to Simon Heemstra who survives. Mrs. Heemstra was graduated from Zionsville High School in 1919 and from Butler University in 1923 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She taught school in Noblesville and Dowagiac, Mich., for total of four years. She was active in community and church affairs and was a member of Tri-Kappa Sorority, the Presbyterian Women's Association, Eastern Star, Butler University Alumni Association and the Fort Wayne Women's Club. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Wayne. Her husband is in charge of the advertising and sales promotion department of the Central Soya Company in Fort Wayne. The Heemstras resided in this community for several years. Surviving in addition to her husband are a daughter, Mrs. Hayes P. Yeager of Columbus, O.; a son, Theodore Heemstra of Metuchen, N.J.; one brother, Lewis Hussey of Indianapolis; four sisters, Mrs. Anna Goodnight of Bethany, W. Va.; Mrs. Arthur Robinson of Indianapolis; Mrs. Charles H. Boden of Noblesville, and Mrs. Ralph Harvey of Plainfield; and one grandchild, Karen Faye Yeager. Two sisters and two brothers preceded her in death. The body has been brought to the Zwick Funeral Home where friends may call after 7 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Dr. John M. Meister of Fort Wayne and the Rev. Ray J. Walther officiating. Burial will be in the Williams Creek Cemetery near Indianapolis where graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday. [buried Old Maplewood Cemetery, Reading, Hillsdale County, Michigan]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 114
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 26, 1957
WOMAN STRICKEN IN CAR, SUCCUMBS HERE - MRS. MINNIE HELLER, 73, DIES ON WAY TO BERNE NURSING HOME
Mrs. Minnie Heller, 73, widow of Rev. P. A. Heller who was a minister in the Mennonite Church for many years, died unexpectedly shortly after 1 p.m. today as she was being taken from her resident to the Berne Nursing Home. Death occurred in the car driven by her son, Rev. Max Heller of Elkton, Michigan. He was accompanied by his wife, the former Martha Amstutz of this place. Mrs. Heller resided in Cedarville, in Allen County, and was to be admitted to the Berne Nursing Home today. A few miles north of Berne she was stricken, apparently with a heart attack. Rev. Heller drove the car to the office of a local doctor but she was dead on arrival here. Mrs. Heller had ailed for some time but her condition was not thought alarming. She is survived by three sons and a daughter. Rev. Max Heller is pastor of the Missionary Church at Elkton. Mrs. Heller spent most of her life in Allen County. (rest is missing) [buried Leo Memorial Park; Leo-Cedarville, Allen County, IN]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 114
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

At Fort Wayne on last week Wednesday Gerhard Harber fell off from a wagon, struck his head and died within 10 minutes.
Fort Wayne News, Allen County, Indiana; March 14, 1882
Contributed by JC

BICKNELL - Mrs. Edith Mae Higgins, 81, died at 5:19 a.m. today at the Good Samaritan Hospital, Vincennes. She had been in failing health for several years. The funeral will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the Wampler-Shaw Chapel, Bicknell, with interment in the Bicknell IOOF Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m.m Thursday. She was born Nov. 12, 1902 in Indiana to Emmit and Ethel Elgan and was married Aug. 24, 1918 at Bloomfield to Landis Higgins. He died June 4, 1976. Higgins was a member of the General Baptist Church. She leaves three sons and three daughters, Landis Higgins Jr., Orange, Texas, Bernard Higgins, Bicknell, and Capt. David Higgins, Vincennes; Mrs. Jack (Betty) Porter, Oaktown and Mrs. Jess (Catherine) Acton and Mrs. Frank (Nancy) Richards, both of Vincennes; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Eunice King, Bloomington, Mrs. Elta Wonders, Linton, Estel Elgan, Linton, and Edgar Elgan, Mt. Vernon. Three sons, one daughter, two brothers and two sisters have died.
Times-Herald, Daviess County, Indiana; January 3, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

Washington - Funeral services for Mrs. Hazel Irene Jackman, who died Thursday in Breese, Ill will be held at the First Methodist Church here tomorrow afternoon. Surviving ar the mother, the husband and several brothers and sisters.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Sunday, 11 Aug 1940, p. 5
Contributed by Karen Zach

Mrs. Priscillia Jackson, 85, died last night of chronic nephritis at a local hospital where she had been a patient for eight years. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Luther McBride, Eel River township; one son, Charles M. Jackson, near Roanoke; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Jane Hursh, Prairie township, and Mrs. Cora Shambaugh, Fort Wayne, and three brothers, Frank Gump of Nebraska City, Neb., Madison Gump of Auburn and George C. Gump of Prairie township. The body was removed to the Krider funeral home at Churubusco and will be taken to the residence of the daughter today. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Pleasant Hill church of Eel River township and burial will be at Huntertown.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; April 7, 1939
Contributed by Karin King

HAMMOND - William Henry Jacobs, 64, died Wednesday at St. Margaret's Hospital in Hammond. Funeral services will be 9 a.m. Saturday at Huber Funeral Home in Hammond. Graveside services will be 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Oak Grove Cemetery in Washington. Jacobs was born Feb. 9, 1920 in Indiana. He married Norma Jean Harigan and she survives. He was the owner of Carrier Electric Co. and a member of McKinley Lodge No. 712, F & AM in Hammond. Surviving besides his wife are two daughters, Mrs. Linda Kritsch, Augusta, Ga., and Mrs. Tracy Doyle, Crown Point; a son, William Henry Jr., Matteson, Ill.; seven grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Mamie Chase, Lafayette; three brothers, Raleigh, Munster, Harold, Rancho Cordoum, Calif., and Dick, Crawfordsville.
Unknown source; March 16, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

James A. Johnson, 70, of R. R. 3, Grabill died Tuesday evening in Parkview Memorial Hospital where he had been a patient the last six months. He had been a farmer most of his life. Surviving are his wife, Evelyn; three daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Smiles, Blair, Wis., Mrs. Catherine Gustin, Grabill, and Miss Alvina Johnson, Kendallville; a son, Gilbert, Grabill, three sisters, Mrs. Alice Andersen and Mrs. Nina Jensen, both of Grabill, and Mrs. Cleo McNabb, Fowlerville, Mich.; and a brother, Edward, Spencerville. Services will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Holy Trinity Church, Harlan. Friends may call from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at Baldinger-Walter Funeral Home, Spencerville, and after noon Friday in the church. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, St. Joe.
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; February 6, 1975
Provided by Scott Bowmar

Word has been received of the death of Howard M. Judd, 62, former resident of Fort Wayne, who died at his home in Elkhart Monday night. He was the husband of the former Adeline Kiefer, formerly of this city, and had been retired. Survivors other than the wife are two daughters, Miriam and Mary Jane and three sons, John, Tom and Lee, all at home. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday in Elkhart.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; December 3, 1947
Contributed by Karin King

JOHN P. KELLEY DIES RECENTLY
John P. Kelley, 47, of 1060 High Vista Trail, Webster, New York, a former Decatur resident, died Thursday, June 6. He had been suffering from cancer and seriously ill the last twenty months. Private family services were held June 8 with interment at Webster Union Cemetery, immediately following. Memorial services will be held June 16 at 3 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Webster. Survivors include his wife, Jean Strahm Kelley; children, Eric of Rochester, New York; Janice, graduate school of Nazareth College; William; Laura, Wells College senior; and Madeline, Cornell University junior, all at hoe; two brothers, Herbert of Richmond, Indiana, and Howard of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; two sisters, Ruby Miller of Casa Mesa, California, and Helen Kurstin of Fountain Valley, California; the step-mother, Bertha Kelley, of Winchester, Indiana; the father and mother-in-law Mr. and Mrs. William Strahm, and a sister-in-law Mrs. Paul, (Lois) Johnson of Decatur. Contributions to his memory may be made to the Webster United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or to Cancer Research, c/o Miss Lois Adams, Building 260, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York 14620. A personal friend of John's is conducting this project at the University and he was always very interested in his work. Mr. Kelley was employed at R. F. Communications until the time of major surgery in October of 1972. Both the kelley's are graduates of Decatur High School and former members of St. Mark's United Methodist Church.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, June 15, 1974
Contributed by Karin King

Former local resident dies in Ft. Wayne
Mrs. Alice Klepper, 62, a former Decatur resident, died Tuesday night at 11:45 at her home on E. Superior St. in Fort Wayne. She was born May 24, 1912, in Montpelier, Ind., the daughter of Harvey and Ida Crumbly James, and later resided in Decatur before moving to Fort Wayne a number of years ago. Surviving, in addition to her husband, Charles J. Klepper, are two sons, Fred Evans of route 4, Decatur; and Jim Barrett of Fort Wayne; two daughters, Mrs. Carl Lehrman of Monroeville, and Mrs. Pat Byers of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and two stepdaughters, Mrs. June Ann Beghtel of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Mary Ann Jacobs of Fort Wayne; and 12 grandchildren. A sister, Mrs. Fred Evans of Decatur, also survives. A brother, Lloyd James, is deceased. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, and burial will be in the Greenlawn Memorial Gardens there. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 to 9 tonight and prior to Friday services.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, October 17, 1974
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Services for Mrs. Hilda M. Kreigh, 73, of 9007 Bluffton Road, will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Elzey Home for Funerals, Waynedale, the Rev. A. L. Keller officiating. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Mrs. Kreigh died at 2:15 a.m. yesterday in Parkview Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient three weeks. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church. Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Gene Long, Mrs. Gustave Auserdan, Mrs. William Ertell, and Mrs. Paul Stuck, Fort Wayne; a brother, Ed Sperr, Fort Wayne; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; October 12, 1969
Contributed by Karin King

FOWLER - Candy Krick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Krick of Fowler, was stillborn Saturday at George Ade Memorial Hospital, Brook. Surviving with the parents are a brother, Chad, and a sister, Crystal, both at home.
Journal and Carrier, Benton County, Indiana; July 10, 1972
Contributed by Karin King

KRUECKEBERG INFANT DIES
The infant son [William Dan] of Mr. and Mrs. Dan Krueckeberg, of Bloomington, Ill., died this week, it was learned today. The grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Herman H. Krueckeberg, of Decatur, were leaving today to attend the funeral services. Other survivors include one sister, Suzanne, and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sahr of Chicago.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; June 29, 1974
Contributed by Karin King

Handwritten-Wed. June 26, 1957
Farmer Suffers Heart Attack Making Hay - Hugo Walter Kuhn, 51, Dies Tuesday Near Chattanooga; Rites Fri.
Hugo Walter Kuhn, 51, a Mercer County farmer, died suddenly at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at his home a mile south of Chattanooga, Ohio, when he was stricken with a heart attack. At the time of the attack, Mr. Kuhn was helping his brother, Clarence unload hay from a wagon in the barn. Mr. Kuhn had been in the usual health until the moment of his seizure, and died immediately. Mr. Kuhn was a native of the Chattanooga community and lived there all his life and was engaged in farming. He was not married. He was a son of Fredrick T. and Maria Linn Kuhn and was born on July 30, 1906. Surviving are the following brother and sisters, Clarence R. Kuhn of Rockford, O. Rural Route 1; Mrs. Marshall (Bertha) Buechly, Mrs. Folger (Edith) Holloway both of Dayton, Ohio and Mrs. Joseph (Laura) Kuhn of Medway, Ohio. The body was brought to the Yager Funeral Home where friends may call after 7 o'clock this evening. The deceased was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chattanooga where services will be held Friday morning at 10 o'clock, with Rev. Waldo Byers officiating. Burial will be in Kessler Cemetery [Mercer County, Ohio].
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 107
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Handwritten-Fri. May 10, 1957
Station Wagon, Automobile In Head-On Crash - Union Tp. Man, New Castle Woman, 84, Are Victims; Two Hurt
Two persons, one of them a resident of Union Township, were killed in a head-on crash of a station wagon and an automobile at 6:25 a.m. today a mile east of Decatur on U. S. Highway 224. Two other persons were hurt critically in the crash. Dead are Anthony Lawrence Laker, 22, Monroeville R. R. 2, and Mrs. Walter Runyon, 84, of 415 S. 21st Street, New Castle. Mr. Laker was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Valentine Laker, who resided in the northern part of Union Township. He is survived by the parents and three sisters. One of the sisters, Miss Doris, is employed in the Adam s County Farm Bureau Insurance office in Monroe. Critically injured were Cordie Baker, 42, of 909 20th Street, New Castle, who is the son-in-law of Mrs. Runyon, and Mr. Baker's six-year-old daughter, Margaret Elizabeth. Baker has a broken left arm, broken left leg, broken left jaw, and broken ribs and severe facial laceration. His daughter has both legs broken in the pelvic region. She also has severe lacerations and other injuries. The two injured persons were admitted to the Adams County Memorial Hospital at Decatur then transferred to Parkview Hospital at Fort Wayne. Laker and Mrs. Runyon died at the scene and were believed killed instantly. Laker had a crushed chest, fractured skull and other injuries and Mrs. Runyon had a crushed chest and was almost pulverized through the middle of her body, according to police. When police reached the scene the little girl was pinned between the lifeless body of Mrs. Runyon and the dash board of the vehicle. Baker was driving a 1957 Plymouth station wagon and was accompanied by Mrs. Runyon and his daughter. The three were eastbound. Laker, traveling west, was alone in his car. The collision occurred in a curve where there is a yellow line but authorities were unable to describe what happened. They may have been a third vehicle involved, or then it is likely that one of the drivers lost control in the curve, Sheriff Affolder said. The crash occurred in the right lane of traffic. The mishap was investigated by Sheriff Merle Affolder, Deputy Charles Myers and Bob Myers and State Trooper Gene Rash. They said both vehicles were demolished. The officers described the wreck as a gruesome scene. No one was thrown out. One of the vehicles was carrying paint and groceries and they were strewn over the premises. Laker was en route to Decatur, having been employed at the Bag Service in that city. The body was taken to the Marquart Funeral Home. He was not married.(Rest is missing) [Mr. Laker buried Saint Rose de Lima Roman Catholic Cemetery, Monroeville, Allen County, Indiana; Mary Runyon buried in South Mound Cemetery, New Castle, Henry County, Indiana]

Handwritten-Mon. May 13, 1957
LAKER FUNERAL IS HELD THIS MORNING - SERVICE FOR WRECK VICTIM, 22, HELD AT DECATUR
Funeral services for Anthony Lawrence Laker, 22, of Monroeville route two, who was killed in a traffic accident Friday morning, was conducted today at 1 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Decatur. The Very Rev. Msgr. J. J. Seimetz, pastor of St. Mary's Church officiated at the funeral services. Burial was in St. Rose Catholic Cemetery at Monroeville. Laker was a resident of Union Township in this county. He was graduated from Decatur Catholic High School in 1952 and was a member of St. Mary's Church. Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Val Laker of Monroeville Route two; and five sisters, Doris, Eleanor and Myrna Laker, all at home; Mrs. Bernice LaTurner of Huntertown, and Mrs. Jane Ross of Rushville. The body of Mrs. Mary Powell Runyon, 84, of New Castle, killed in the same accident, was removed Friday from Zwick Funeral Home in Decatur to Main and Sons Funeral Home in New Castle. Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 102
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

ROBERT E. LEE, 62, of Montpelier, died Saturday, March 24, 2007. Funeral service is 11 a.m. Thursday at Glancy Funeral Homes-Walker Chapel, Montpelier. Visitation is from 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/26/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Henry Leidolf, aged 77 years for 20 years a resident of this city, died at his home, 2015 Washington Boulevard East at 2 o'clock this morning of pneumonia, following an illness of one week. The deceased was born in Clark, O., and had lived on a farm near Fort Wayne until he retired. He was a member of the Concordia Lutheran Church. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Anna Leidolf; three children, Mrs. J. Waldschmidt, and Fred Leidolf of this city, and Mrs. Ed Pratt of Chicago; one sister, Mrs. Henry Doctor; also five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; January 12, 1921
Contributed by JC

Handwritten-Mon. May 13, 1957
WILLIAM LENGACHER, 7, DIES FROM BURNS
William Lengacher, 7, Roth Road, northeast of Grabill, died at 2:30 a.m. Sunday in the Parkview Memorial Hospital form second and third degree burns suffered from a mishap May 4 when a grease and gasoline mixture his father was working with accidentally ignited near his watching son. Mr. Lengacher, who was also severely burned is reported to be in critical condition at the (rest is missing) [buried Yaggy Cemetery, Grabill, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 102
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

STERLING LEWIS, 47, of Bluffton, died Saturday, March 24, 2007. Arrangements by Thoma/Rich, Hewitt & Chaney Funeral Home, 308 W. Washington St., Bluffton.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/26/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

LaPorte, Ind,, Aug 10 - Harrison J. Link, 51 years old, power company employee here died today of electric burns suffered in the utility plant. The city had no electric service for several minutes after the accident.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Sunday, 11 Aug 1940, p. 5
Contributed by Karen Zach

Rushville - Joseph William Littrell, 88, pioneer Rush County resident is dead at his home here. A son, Chase Littrell; a daughter, Mrs. Bertha Casey of Kentucky and sister, Mrs. Julia Carr of Indianapolis survive.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Sunday, 11 Aug 1940, p. 5
Contributed by Karen Zach

JOHN B. LORTIE, 90, of New Haven, died Sunday, March 25, 2007, 5:03 a.m., at Parkview Hospital. He married Celeste C. Coonrod on April 30, 1938, in St. Louis Catholic Church-Besancon. They would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary next month. He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church-Besancon. He retired in 1981 from Hardware Wholesalers with 22 years of service and farmed for over 20 years. Surviving are wife, Celeste C. Lortie of New Haven; sons, David B. (Judy) Lortie of Columbia City, Thomas L. (Linda Sue) Lortie of Woodburn and Patrick M. (Terri) Lortie of Antwerp, Ohio; daughters, Linda E. (Phillip) Lee of South Whitley and Janine C. (Daniel) Foellinger or Fort Wayne; brother, Dominic C. Lortie of Butler and Paul E. Lortie of Monroeville; sister, Mary Ann Kreger of Churubusco; 23 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, John Francis Lortie; one daughter, Victoria M. Kumfer; three brothers, Adrian, Dallas and Earl Lortie; and one sister, Shirley Kamp. Prayer service is 9:20 a.m. Thursday at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Jacobs Chapel, Monroeville. Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church, New Haven. Father Stephen Colchin officiating. Visitation is from 1 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Rosary service at 8 p.m. Burial in St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church Cemetery, New Haven. Preferred memorials to Masses to St. Louis Besancon Catholic Church or St. Louis Academy. For complete obituary information and to sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/26/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Bloomington, Ind., Sept 18 - Harry Marshall, about 47 years old, died suddenly of heart disease early Tuesday morning while unloading coal from a wagon at his home. Death occurred shortly after 6:30 a.m. The widow survives.
Richmond Palladium-Item, Wayne County, Indiana; Tuesday, 18 Sept 1934, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach

Handwritten-Mon. Aug. 5, 1957
Local Man's Mother Dies At Huntington - Mrs. McClenahan, 94, Is Taken By Death
Mrs. Elizabeth Jane Doughtery McClenahan, 94, of Union Township, Huntington County, died Saturday at a Huntington nursing home, where she was taken two weeks ago. She was born in Wells County March 4, 1863, a daughter of Christopher and Jane Dailey Doughtery, and was married in 1892 to George P. McClenahan, who died in 1931. Mrs. McClenahan was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the Rosary Society at Huntington. Surviving are five sons, Thomas M. of Casper, Wyo., Hubert R. McClenahan, Decatur, and Francis G., James R. and Bernard J. McClenahan, all of Huntington. Four sisters and five brothers preceded (rest is missing) [buried Mount Calvary Cemetery, Huntington, Huntington County, Ind.]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 114
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Charles J. Merica, 56, of Fort Wayne, died Monday morning at 7:55 o'clock at the Veterans' hospital at Marion where he had been a patient 18 months. He served 13 years in the U. S. Navy and at the time of his retirement held the rank of chief petty officer. He was a member of the American Legion post no. 47 and of the Eagles lodge of Lundlington, Mich. Surviving are five brothers, Roy of Fort Wayne; Ernest of Monroeville; Lester of Columbus, O., Walter of California and Clifford of Michigan and two sisters, Mrs. Amy Rupp of Fort Wayne and Mrs. Blanche Springer of Kalamazoo, Mich. The body was taken to the Van Buskirk funeral home at Monroeville where it may be viewed this morning. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. Louis Westerbarger officiating. Burial will be in the I. O. O. F. Cemetery.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; June 30, 1942
Contributed by Karin King

LAURABELLE J. MILLER, 71, of Fort Wayne died Monday in Lutheran Hospital. The Fort Wayne native retired in 1977 as a bus driver for Fort Wayne Community Schools and also assisted her husband, the Rev. Oscar Miller, at Bible Missionary Church several years. He died in 1983. Surviving are daughters, Linda Sanders of Fort Wayne, Anita Hurt of Lafayette and Janet Miller of Bozeman, Mont.; son, John R. of Fort Wayne; brother, Richard Cryderman of Marquette, Mich.; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Services are 10 a.m. tomorrow in D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., where calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. Preferred memorials are gifts to the American Heart Association.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; January 26, 1994
Contributed by JC

Linton, Ind., Sept 18 - An infection which developed from a scratch on her arm has caused the death of Faye Mitchener, 14 years old. The girl's left arm, where the infection started was swollen almost twice the normal size. She is survived by her parents and four brothers and a sister.
Richmond Palladium-Item, Wayne County, Indiana; Tuesday, 18 Sept 1934, p. 10
Contributed by Karen Zach

EDWARDSPORT - Melville A. Mix, 87, died at 8 p.m. Thursday at Vincennes Good Samaritan Hospital. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Edwardsport Baptist Church with Revs. Eugene Parker and Jack Ranard officiating and burial in Edwardsport Town Cemetery. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Saturday at the McClure Funeral Home in Bicknell. Mix was born Aug. 29, 1896, in Westphalis, the son of Henry and Lydia Begeman Mix. He married Ruby Boyer March 17, 1917 and she preceded him in death in 1976. He was retired from PSI after 41 years of service. Mix was a member of Edwardsport Baptist Church and Masonic Lodge No. 429, F & AM. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Robert (Ruth) Carnahan, Edwardsport; two sons, Rex, Terre Haute, and Melville, (Bill) Lyons; nine grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Mrs. Corlena Hancock, Linton and Mrs. Henrietta Everett, Wheatland. Four sisters and two brothers preceded him in death.
Unknown source; March 16, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

R.L. MORGAN, 72, of North Webster, died Saturday, March 24, 2007. Arrangements by Mishler-Eastlund Funeral Home, Harris Chapel, 7458 E. 1000 N., Syracuse.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/26/2007
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

HAROLD T. MORTHORST, 84, of Fort Wayne, died Friday, March 23, 2007, at Lutheran Hospital. Born Jan. 20, 1923, in Fort Wayne, he was a World War II Army Air Corp 385th veteran. He was a 1941 graduate of Central Catholic High School and member of St. Vincent dePaul Society, Knights of Columbus, American Legion Post 82, and National Catholic High School Basketball Champions 1940. He was a general contractor at Morthorst Builders for 50 years, retiring in 1995. Surviving are his wife, Marilyn A. (Aurentz) Morthorst; daughter, Ann Koontz of Fort Wayne; sons, Thomas Morthorst of Third Lake, Ill., Joseph Morthorst of Elkhart and Andrew Morthorst of Plainfield, Ill.; daughter-in-law, Heidi Harriett of Columbia City; sisters, Luveda Smith and Rita Martin, both of Fort Wayne; and 11 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Jerry Morthorst, in 1993; and sister, Marie Hollis, in 1995. Mass of Christian Burial is 10 a.m. today at St. Mary's Catholic Church at Jefferson and Lafayette. Fr. Robert Schulte and Fr. William Neidhart officiating. Burial in Catholic Cemetery. Preferred memorials to St. Mary's Soup Kitchen. Arrangements by Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Winchester Road Chapel, 6424 Winchester Road.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) from 3/26/2007 - 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Hettie B. Moser, 76, of R. R. 5, Angola, a former resident of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday in Angola. A former employe of General Electric Co., she lived in Fort Wayne 42 years before moving to Angola in 1964. She is survived by one son, Oscar L. in Louisiana; and three sisters, Mrs. Avis Rodermund, Angola, Lavada Schlup, Columbia City, and Glennis Adams, Fort Wayne. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, where services will be at 2 p.m. Friday. Burial will be in Greenlawn Park.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; September 29, 1977
Contributed by Karin King

WILHELMINE MOYER, 86, of Decatur, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Arrangements by Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, Ohio.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

CLETIES MURPHY JR., 83, of rural Kimmell, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Surviving relatives include two brothers, Charles (Vivian) Murphy of Pierceton and Roy (Alice) Murphy of Coldwater, Mich.; three sisters, Annie Mae (Carl) Till of New Haven, Rosellyn McGinnis of Fort Wayne, and Carol (Ron) Harris of LaOtto; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife of 60 years, Betty (Baker) Murphy, he was preceded in death by three infant children, Noreen and twins, Perry and Jerry; a brother, Garrad Murphy; and three sisters, Elizabeth Simon and Alice Gaff and Bessie Stabler. Service is 10:30 a.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with Pastor Kenneth Christy of First Pilgrim Holiness Church officiating. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial in Sparta Cemetery, Kimmell. Memorials to First Pilgrim Holiness Church. Condolences to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

HOMER "SMOKIE" A. MYERS, 55, of Dunkirk, Ind., died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Arrangements by Williamson & Spencer Funeral Home, Portland Chapel.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

IMANUAL NASELARIS, of Fort Wayne, died Sunday March 11, 2007, at Parkview Hospital. He was born on Dec. 23,1970, in California. He is survived my his mother, Jennifer Naselaris; father, Orestis Naselaris; brother, Paul (Zoey) Naselaris; sister, Xrisanthi; two sons, Stephan and Imanual; daughter, Mia Naselaris; and grandmother, Agapi Naselaris. "Imanual was a wonderful generous person with a huge heart. He will be missed by everyone who loved him. We know Imanual is at peace with his Lord, and we look forward to one day seeing him again." Services were in California. The family requests memorials to the children's trust fund, which has been set up at any 1st Source Bank.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Vincennes - Herman Noblack, 66, Wheatland merchant died at the breakfast table at his home this morning following a heart attack. Surviving are the widow, a son, a daughter, two brothers and four sisters.
Indianapolis Star, Marion County, Indiana; Sunday, 11 Aug 1940, p. 5
Contributed by Karen Zach

Handwritten-Fri. June 21, 1957
SISTER OF AMOS NEUENSCHWANDER DIES - NATIVE OF COMMUNITY IS HEART ATTACK VICTIM
Amos A. Neuenschwander of southwest of Berne, received word on Thursday morning of the death of his sister, Mrs. Simon (Sarah) Nussbaum, 59, of Orrville, Ohio, Rural Route. Her death was attributed to a heart attack which occurred on Sunday, and after being in a hospital for four days in an oxygen tent. She had made satisfactory progress, but passed suddenly at 4:00 a.m. yesterday morning. Mrs. Nussbaum was a native of this community and was born on September 7, 1897, a daughter of Abraham and Miriam Moser Neuenschwander. At the age of 19, she moved from here with her parents to Wayne County, Ohio. Surviving in addition to her husband are three sons and four daughters and two grandchildren. Two sons died in infancy. Three brothers, Jacob and Sam of Wayne County, Ohio, and Amos of Berne; two sisters, Mrs. Amos (Katie) Steiner and Mrs. Levi (Lydia) Steiner, of Orrville and Dalton respectively, survive. Four sisters and four brothers preceded her. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Desvoignes Funeral Home at Mt .Eaton, Ohio. [Buried Westlawn Cemetery, Mount Eaton, Wayne County, Ohio]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 105-106
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Sister Odelia dies Friday
Sister M. Odelia, CSA, died Friday at Nazareths Heights, Fond du Lac, Wisc. She had been in ill health for a number of years and seriously ill the past week. She is survived by four sisters, Agnes, Christine, Rose and Anna Nesswald; one niece, Mrs. Milton Brooks, of Fort Wayne; and four grandnieces and a nephew. Sister M. Odelia was born March 26, 1899 to Godfrey and Anna Appelman Nesswald, and was professed into the Order of the Sisters of St. Agnes on August 15, 1930. Burial will be Monday morning at 10 o'clock at Fond du Lac.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, October 19, 1974
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

H. N. Omlor dies Sunday
Herman N. Omlor, 71, of Fostoria, O., a native of Washington township, died at 8 p.m. Sunday night following lung surgery. He had been hospitalized two weeks. A former Decatur businessman, he was a partner in the M&O ice cream parlor, where Litchfields Pioneer restaurant is now located. He move away from Decatur in 1935. The son of Jacob and Mary Hain Omlor, he was born Oct. 27, 1902 on the Omlor farm in section 22 of Washington township. His grandparents had been pioneer residents, and among the first contributors to the building of the St. Mary's Catholic Church here. He was married to the former Alice Nye, who survives, together with a daughter, Sue Ann Holdtz, and a granddaughter, Jennifer. Two brothers, Ed and Hubert Omlor, of Decatur, and two sisters, Celeste Steigmeyer and Frances Ulman of Decatur also survive. He has many cousins here and in the area, including the Right Rev. Msgr. Simeon Schmitt, who will have the service, and the Right Rev. Msgr. Thomas J. Durkin, of Fort Wayne, who will assist at the St. Wendelin church in Fostoria, O., at 1 p.m. Ohio time, on Wednesday. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; September 16, 1974
Contributed by JC

Washington (special to the Journal) Dec. 9 - Joshua Orender, aged 56 years, and a native of Knox County was found dead, lying by the side of the O&M Railroad track, two miles east of this city yesterday morning. He was drunk here Saturday night and wandered out on the railroad track to meet his death by being struck by an east-bound train. He leaves a wife and several grown children.
Indianapolis Journal, Marion County, Indiana; Tuesday, 10 Dec 1889, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

JUDITH M. PARKER, 76, died Saturday, March 24, 2007, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. Born in New York, N.Y., she was a facilitator with the State Developmental Center for 21 years, retiring in 1998. She attended Forest Park United Methodist Church, was a foster mother for 84 children, volunteered and participated in the Special Olympics. She also volunteered at the Red Cross, and was a den mother and Girl Scout leader for many years. She enjoyed camping and canoeing with family and friends. Survivors include sons, Colin, William and Jason Parker, all of Fort Wayne; daughter, Judith Ann Butler of Blanchard, Idaho; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and longtime friend, Henry Dermigny of Jamesport, N.Y. She was preceded in death by her husband, George A. Parker. Memorial calling is from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Memorials to Special Olympics of Indiana.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

SHARON L. PERNA, 68, of Garland, Texas, died Thursday, March 22, 2007, at her sister's residence in Fort Wayne. Born Feb. 6, 1939, in Hamilton, she was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, Dallas, Texas. Surviving are her husband, Theodore P.; daughters, Leslie (Mike) Kell of Austin, Texas and Deborah (Kent) Gladen of Lake Dallas, Texas; son, Jeff (Carolyn) Perna of Oak Cliff, Texas; seven grandchildren; sister, Linda (Bill) Lindeman of Fort Wayne; and brother, Jim Lemmon of Indiana. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lucie Wildoxson; and brother, Louie Lemmon. Memorial service was Monday, March 26, 2007, at Bethel Lutheran Church, Dallas, Texas. Burial in DFW National Cemetery, Dallas, Texas. Preferred memorials to American Cancer Society. Local arrangements by Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Mabel Harriett Pershing, 82, died at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Gill Chapel with Rev. Lyle Rasmussen officiating and burial in Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Friday. The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Christ Church Memorial Fund. Pershing was born March 10, 1901 in Daviess County, the daughter of William and Jennie Elmore Morris. She married John Pershing Dec. 26, 1920. He preceded her in death in 1979. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church and the Clios Class of the church. Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. William (Dorothy) Allison, Washington, Mrs. Robert (June) Harshberger, Cameron, W. Va., Mrs. Donald (Helen) Wiesler, Bloomington, Mrs. Ruth Sauer, Detroit, Mich., Mrs. Larry (Mary Ann) Pearson, Anderson; four sons, Wilbur, city, Donald, Fowler, Dr. Roscoe, Moline, Ill., and Stephen, New Albany. Also, 31 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren survive. She was preceded in death by a son, a sister and a brother.
Unknown source, Daviess County, Indiana; March 8, 1984
Contributed by JC

BICKNELL - Stanley W. Phillippe, 97, died at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Wabash General Hospital in Mt. Carmel, Ill. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at McClure Funeral Home in Bicknell with Rev. Orien Stephens officiating and burial in Asbury Chapel Cemetery [Knox County, IN]. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. today. Phillippe was born Nov. 8, 1886 in Bicknell to Peter and Catherine Phillippe. He married Nellie Wampler Nov. 29, 1911. She preceded him in death in 1982. He was a retired farmer and moved to Mt. Carmel in 1982 to live with his nephew, William (Jack) McCarty. Surviving is his nephew, Jack, and another nephew, Holman House, Atlanta, Ga. Two sisters preceded him in death.
Unknown source; March 16, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

PEARL E. PIKE, 87, of Fort Wayne died Tuesday in Sunny Crest Nursing Home, Dysart, Iowa. The Williams County, Ohio, native retired in 1967 from Lutheran Hospital after 13 years, was a member of Peace United Church of Christ, Monticello, Iowa, and widow of Nelson, who died in 1954. Surviving are a son, Don of Henderson, Nev.; a sister, Ruby Huber of Holiday, Fla.; a brother, Rex Richard of Buford, S.C.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Services are 1 p.m. Saturday in D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave., where calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, and noon to 1 p.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Memorials are to Grace St. John United Church of Christ, Fort Wayne, or Peace United Church of Christ, Monticello, Iowa.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana, February 20, 1997
Contributed by JC

PHYLLIS ANN PREBLE, 77, of Fort Wayne, died Monday, March 26, 2007, at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Born July 8, 1929, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of the late John Nicklaus and Hilda (Brausch) Madden. She was a homemaker and member of Forest Park United Methodist Church. "She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother. She will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her." Surviving are her son, Nelson (Tammy) Preble of Huntertown; grandson, John (Genevieve) Preble of Fort Wayne; granddaughter, Alyse Preble of Louisville, Ky., and great-grandson, Elijah Preble of Fort Wayne. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles F. Preble. Private funeral service. Arrangements by Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, Wayne Street Chapel, 420 W. Wayne St. Burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Preferred memorials to Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

RUTH I. PURVIS, 72, of Fort Wayne died Wednesday in Parkview Memorial Hospital. The Essex, Ontario, native formerly worked in Dan Purvis Drugstore, owned by her husband until 1995, and was a member of WONARD pharmaceutical auxiliary, This n' That Antique Club and Emanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven. Surviving are her husband, Dan E. Sr.; sons, Dan E. Jr. of Fort Wayne, David of Dallas and John of New Haven; sisters, Hazel Neuhaus and Dorothy Hartmann, both of Fort Wayne; and four grandchildren. Services are 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the church, with entombment in Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Calling is 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday in E. Harper & Son Funeral Home, New Haven, and 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the church. Memorials are to the church building fund.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; January 9, 1997
Contributed by JC

Handwritten-Mon. Oct. 14, 1957
Raudenbush Infant Dies At Hospital
Merle Lynn Raudenbush, infant son of Jackie D. and Myrna Foor-Raudenbush, of Route 1, Willshire, O., died at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Adams County Memorial Hospital, where he was born Oct. 8. Surviving in addition to the parents are a sister, Angela Elaine; the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Merle Foor of Monroe Route 1; the great-grandparents, Mrs. Lulu Raudenbush of near Salem, Mr. and Mrs. George M. Foor of Pleasant Mills, and Monroe Byer of Decatur Route 6, and a great-great-grandmother, Mrs. ??? Graveside services conducted by the Zwick Funeral Home, were held Sunday afternoon at the Willshire Cemetery, the Rev. Earl Patrick officiating.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 107
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

PLAINVILLE - Infant Cassie Jo Ray died shortly after birth Tuesday morning at Daviess County Hospital. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Plainville Cemetery with Rev. Paula Mayberry officiating and Greene and Harrell Mortuary of Bloomington in charge of arrangements. She was the daughter of David and Connie Dyer Ray and they survive. Also surviving are a brother, Christopher and a sister, Carrie, both at home; maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Dyer, Plainville, and paternal grandmother, Mrs. W. R. Ray, Odon.
Unknown source, Daviess County, Indiana; March 7, 1984
Contributed by JC

ADELINE REEDY, 81, of Rome City, died Sunday, March 25, 2007, at Parkview Noble Hospital, in Kendallville. Born Aug. 20, 1925, in South Bend, she was the daughter of the late Stanley and Cecilia (Zelasko) Golichowski. She graduated from Washington High School in South Bend in 1943 and married Lawrence J. Reedy on July 21, 1945, in Elkhart; he preceded her death in May of 1997. She was employed with Durakool, Inc., Elkhart for 36 years. Survivors include her son, Richard Reedy of Ann Arbor, Mich; daughters, Pamela (George) Miller of Fort Wayne and Donna (Craig) Anderson of Elkhart; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Henrietta (Joseph) Grohowski of South Bend; and brother, Stanley Golichowski of Portage, Mich. Funeral service is 1 p.m. Friday at New Hope Christian Center, Waterloo. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hite Funeral Home, Kendallville. Burial in Lake View Cemetery, Kendallville. View a video tribute (by Wednesday) or send condolences to the family at www.hitefuneralhome.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

JIMMIE REFFITT, 92, of Warsaw, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Arrangements by McHatton-Sadler Funeral Home, Warsaw.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

BROTHER OF LOCAL LADY DIES SUNDAY Thomas P. Rice, 59, of Chicago, Ill., brother of Mrs. Don (Jean) Reidenbach of Decatur, died at 8 p.m. Sunday after suffering a fatal heart attack. Death was unexpected. Mr. Rice, who visited Decatur on many occasions, was a disabled veteran of World War II. Survivors include his mother, Mrs. Harriet Rice of Chicago; one sister, Mrs. Don (Jean) Reidenbach of Decatur, four brothers and four grandchildren. Friends may call at the Vitucci Chapel, 1339 West Grand St., Chicago, on Tuesday. Services are pending.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; September 16, 1974
Contributed by Karin King

Mrs. Orrell S. Rider, 94, Garrett, died Thursday at 9:15 a.m. in Alfran Nursing Home, Warsaw, where she had resided the past week. Mrs. Rider had resided in Garrett since 1901. She was born Oct. 4, 1877. Her husband, John W. Rider, preceded her in death. She was a member of Garrett Presbyterian Church and the GIA of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. Survivors include a daughter, Madoline Updyke, San Diego, Calif.; a son, Merrill, 216 E. King St., Garrett; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. The Rev. Allen T. Reed will conduct funeral services Saturday at 2 p.m. in Baidinger and Walter Funeral Home, Garrett. Burial will be in Christian Union Cemetery. Friends may call in the funeral home after 7 p.m. Friday.
DeKalb County Star, DeKalb County, Indiana; May 19, 1972
Contributed by Karin King

Handwritten-Sat. July 6, 1957
Funeral Rites Tuesday For Former Resident
Last rites will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday for Mrs. Ada E. Ringenberg, 60, formerly of Fort Wayne, who died at 10:05 a.m. Friday in her home at Cleveland. The services will be in Grabill Missionary Church. The Rev. J. S. Gerig, president of the Missionary Church Association, assisted by the Rev. Vernon Petersen, will officiate and burial will be in the church cemetery. Before becoming ill about one year ago, Mrs. Ringenberg served with her husband, the Rev. Jonas A. Ringenberg, as a missionary for the Missionary Church Association in Jamaica, British West Indies. In addition to the husband, survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Lois Laymon, Grabill, and Mrs. Don Rohrs, Fort Wayne; two sons, Morris, Grabill, and Jesse, Fort Wayne; two sisters, Mrs. John Liechty and Mrs. Mike O'Connell, Brinsmead, N.D.; her twin brother, Adam, and six grandchildren. The body will be brought to the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home following services at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Brooklyn Missionary Church, Cleveland. It will lie in state at the Grabill Missionary Church from noon Tuesday until time of the services. [buried Old Leo Cemetery; Leo-Cedarville, Allen County, Indiana]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 110-111
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

A mass was celebrated at St. Simon's Church at 9:30 a.m. Saturday for the funeral of Mary Agnes Riney. The Rev. Robert Bultman was the celebrant and interment was in St. John's Cemetery. Pallbearers were Lawrence McGee, Russell Smith, Lowell Smith, Daniel McGee, Tony Van Lue and Anthony Potts.
Unknown source; March 5, 1984
Contributed by Karin King

Handwritten-Thurs. Aug. 1, 1957
Carl W. Rose, Jeweler, Dies Unexpectedly - Operated Own Shop Here for 37 Years
Carl W. Rose, 64-year-old Fort Wayne jeweler, died unexpectedly at 4 p.m. Wednesday in his home at 437 Edgewood Court. Mr. Rose owned and operated the Carl Rose Jewelry store at 826 South Calhoun St. In the jewelry business 41 years, he had owned his own establishment 37 years. He was a veteran of World War I and a member of Trinity English Lutheran Church, UTC Chamber of Commerce, Fraternal Order of Police and American Legion Post 47. Survivors are the widow, Gertrude; one son, Calvin, Fort Wayne; two brothers, Martin New Haven and Erv, Fort Wayne; two sisters, Mrs. Dora Nahrwold, Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Martha Foster, Chicago, and two grandchildren. The body is at the Klaehn Funeral Home. [buried Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Ind.]
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 114
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

EUNICE ROUTSONG, 91, of Ligonier, formerly of Mongo, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Arrangements by Frurip-May Funeral Home, LaGrange.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

JEAN I. SMALLEY, 84, of Paulding, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Arrangements by Den Herder Funeral Home, 1000 W. Wayne St., Paulding, Ohio.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

JAMES BENJAMIN SMOAK JR., 89, of Indianapolis, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. He was born on Nov. 23, 1917, in Denmark, S.C. He moved from Denmark to Fort Wayne, in 1933. He was a manager of Cress' Market the first supermarket in Fort Wayne; a salesman for National Biscuit Co.; supervisor with Maloley's supermarket chain; and salesman for Dilgard Foods from which he retired in 1984. He was a 1937 graduate of South Side High School, Fort Wayne and member of Grace St. John UCC, Fort Wayne. Surviving are his wife Eileen (Gemmer) Smoak; sons, Steve (Vickie) Smoak and James (June) Smoak; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral service is 1 p.m. Wednesday in the main chapel at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 6600 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, where friends may call from 11:30 a.m. until time of service. Arrangements by Hendryx Mortuary, New Palestine Chapel. Online condolences may be sent to condolences@hendryxmortuary.com.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Handwritten-Fri. May 7, 1957
WIDOW OF JACOB SPRUNGER DIES AT 85 - FUNERAL SATURDAY AT FORT WAYNE FOR BERNE NATIVE
Mrs. Rachel Wittwer Sprunger, 1916 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, died at 11:50 a.m. Wednesday at her residence. She had been ill the past two years and her condition had been serious the last six weeks. Mrs. Sprunger had lived in Fort Wayne the past 20 years. She was a member of the EUB Church at Geneva and was a native of this community. Surviving are one son, Arnold, Miami, Fla.; six daughters, Mrs. Preston Pyle, Geneva; Mrs. John Laymon, Mrs. Edgar Nomina, Mrs. George Wall, Mrs. Dale Butler, all of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Dano Harris, New Haven; three brothers, William and Sam Wittwer, both of Berne, and Hiram, Monroe; one sister, Mrs. Rosina Neukom, Decatur; 24 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. The body was removed to the D. O. McComb & Sons Funeral Home where friends may call. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home, the Rev. J. A. Weeks officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Adams County (IN) Historical Museum 1955 March-April 1958 Scrapbook, image 103
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

TY RICHARD SUTAPHONG, 2, of Fort Wayne died Monday in Lutheran Hospital. The Fort Wayne native is survived by his parents, Lynne and Chanchai Sutaphong; brother, Ted of Harlan; and grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kierstead of Fort Wayne, and Mr. & Mrs. Pier S. Sutaphong of Bangkok, Thailand. Services are 1 p.m. Friday in D.O. McComb & Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, where calling is 6 to 9 p.m. tomorrow. Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery Gardens.
News-Sentinel, Allen County, Indiana; January 26, 1994
Contributed by JC

Martinsville, Dec 9 - The trial of John H. Taylor for murdering his wife Julia, three of four miles west of Indianapolis last summer came up for trial in the Circuit Court here today. About 100 witnesses have been summoned and the trial will consume most of the week. The best legal talent is employed on both sides. Mrs. Taylor was a daughter of Samuel Hawk of this city.
Indianapolis Journal, Marion County, Indiana; Tuesday, 10 Dec 1889, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

TAYLOR, THOMAS A.: Funeral service is 10:30 a.m. today at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Convoy, with visitation one hour prior. Arrangements by Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) from 3/27/2007 - 3/28/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

LARRY TEMPLETON, 70, of Lagro, died Monday, March 26, 2007. Arrangements by McDonald Funeral Home, Eddingfield Chapel, 231 Falls Ave., Wabash.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

BERNIECE THOMPSON, 87, of Albion, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Arrangements by Brazzell Funeral Home, Albion Chapel.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Former resident dies on Tuesday
Word has been received by Mrs. Gordon Black, route 6, Decatur, of the death of her stepmother, Mrs. Anna Miller Thon of New Philadelphia, O. and a former Decatur resident. Mrs. Thon died last Monday in New Philadelphia and funeral services were held on Wednesday. Graveside services and interment were Thursday at IOOF cemetery in Marion, Ind.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, October 11, 1974
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

Dora B. Tonkel, 86, died at 7:33 p.m. Friday in University Park Nursing Center. Mrs. Tonkel, a Marion native, lived in Fort Wayne since 1925. She formerly worked in the food service department at Byron Health Center. Surviving are two sons, Larry, of Lexington, Ky., and Winfred Smith, of New Haven; two daughters, Mary Dever and Louise Deck, both of Fort Wayne; a stepson, Ernest, of Grand Rapids, Mich.; a stepdaughter, Dorothy Hubbard, of Champaign, Ill.; a brother, Jim Moriarity, of Huntington; two sisters, Louise Boots, of Pine River, Minn., and Berneice Brockus, of Montpelier; and 14 grandchildren. Services at 1 p.m. Monday in Union Chapel United Brethren Church, 12628 Coldwater Road, with calling one hour before services. Calling also from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. today in D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Burial in Huntertown Cemetery, Huntertown. Memorials to the church.
Journal-Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; May 10, 1987
Contributed by Karin King

FREDERICK C. TOWNSEND, 84, RETIRED ACCOUNTANT
Frederick C. Townsend, 84, of West Lafayette died at 2:20 a.m. Wednesday, March 31, in Heritage Healthcare Center. Mr. Townsend was a service station accountant for Schurman-Lange and Service Soft in Middletown and Remington, retiring in 1970. Born April 20, 1908, in Attica, he attended Attica schools and came to Lafayette in 1927. He lived in Remington from 1960 until 1974, when he returned to Lafayette. He married Venitta Emond on Nov. 18, 1934, in Lafayette and she died March 9, 1990. Mr. Townsend was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in West Lafayette and Catholic Order of Foresters. Surviving is a son,, Edward E. Townsend of Boise, Idaho.
Journal and Carrier, Jasper County, Indiana; April 1, 1993
Contributed by Karin King

Terre Haute, Dec. 9 - A week ago Pleasant VanCreasy, a farmer west of the city was found dead by the roadside, as reported in the Journal at the time. He had been on a spree in the city and the coroner arrived at the opinion that his death resulted from exposure. Later it was reported there had been foul play. The body was exhumed and a post mortem examination showed his skull had been fractured, causing death. Today Horace Summers, a young farmer, testified that he was with Sam Ramsay when the latter knocked VanCreasy down and kicked him. Ramsay lives over the line in Illinois. A warren was issued for him and he will be brought here to stand trial for murder. He is reported to be a tough character. His father is now serving a term in the penitentiary for a murder committed in Illinois.
Indianapolis Journal, Marion County, Indiana; Tuesday, 10 Dec 1889, p. 2
Contributed by Karen Zach

Wertzberger funeral mass on Saturday
Brother Maurice Wertzberger, C.S.C. 68, a native of Decatur, died unexpectedly early Monday evening at the St. Joseph hospital in South Bend where he had been a patient one week. He was born in Decatur on Dec. 13, 1905, the son of Bernard and Clara Runschlag-Wertzberger. He joined the Brothers of the Holy Cross in July of 1928 and for the past 20 years has been stationed at the Gilmour Academy for boys at Cleveland, O. Survivors include one brother, Richard Wertzberger of Decatur, and two sisters, Mrs. Joseph (Mary) Murphy of Decatur, and Mrs. Robert (Margaret) Coffee of Highland, Ind. Also surviving are five nephews and seven nieces. The body will be taken to Gilmour Wednesday and a memorial mass will be celebrated there Thursday morning. The body will then be taken to the Holy Cross Brothers Center at Notre Dame. Friends may call there after 3 p.m. Friday. The funeral mass will be held there Saturday morning at 10 o'clock, with burial in the Brothers cemetery at Notre Dame.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, October 8, 1974
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

HENRY H. WILLIAMSON SR., 75, of Spencerville, died Sunday, March 25, 2007, at his home. Born in Garland City, Ark., he was a tool grinder with Zollner Corporation for 30 years, retiring in 1987. He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran, member of Cornerstone Church and the Zollner Quarter Century Club. He enjoyed bingo, was an avid hunter and fisher, and loved nature. Survivors include sons, Henry H. Williamson Jr. of Spencerville and Rickie L. Williamson Sr., Auburn; daughters, Debra A. Koch of St. Joe, Konnie S. Prentice of Butler and Tina L. Pepe of Ossian; 25 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy M.; brothers, James T. and John W. Williamson; and sister, Agnes Hickman. Service is 11 a.m. Friday at McComb, Dilgard & Cline, 502 N. Main St., Auburn, with calling one hour prior. Pastor H. Dean Woolard officiating. Calling also from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday and from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Auburn. Memorials to Cornerstone Church.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

NELLWYN WILSON, 82, of Van Wert, died Sunday, March 25, 2007. Arrangements by Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Van Wert.
Published in the Fort Wayne Newspapers (Allen County, Indiana) on 3/27/2007.
Contributed by Rick Berkheiser

Former county man dies in auto mishap
Lewis J. Wolfe, 54, of Urbana, Ind., a former Adams county resident, died at 3:40 a.m. Sunday at Wabash county hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a head-on auto accident one mile west of Wabash on U.S. 24 Saturday night that also took the life of Donald T. Stevens, 37, of Wabash. Wolfe, who once was employed by the Yost Construction Co. was traveling… He was a veteran of World War II, and was a member of the VFW and the Eagles, both in Decatur. He was born in Van Wert, O., on October 30, 1919, the son of Luther Martin and Dot Kerr-Wolfe, and was married in Ohio City, O., in 1949 to Anna Lou Switzer, who died April 10, 1970. Surviving are four children, Bruce of Urbana; Mrs. Max (Vickie Lynn) Rhodes of Fort Wayne; Mrs. Robert (Kaye) Stone of Longview, Tex.; Miss Beth Ann of East Mountain, Tex.; one brother, Eugene of Fort Wayne, and one grandchild.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana, September 16, 1974
Contributed by Karin King

Max T. York dies at Wren
Max T. York, 58,of Wren, O., employed at Yost Construction for six years, and at the Penn Central railroad for 32 years, died at 7:30 a.m. today at his home. He was a member of the Jehovah Witnesses of Van Wert, O. Born in Rockville, Ind., on May 20, 1916, he was the son of Everett and Violet Miller-York, and was married on Feb. 11, 1938, to Anna M. Aubrey, who survives. Also surviving are four children, Max. F. of Decatur; Charles Ray of Van Wert; Keith L. of Delphos, O.; Mrs. Marion (Wanda) Vibbert of Convoy, O.; one stepson, Franklin Sandford of California; six brothers, Duward, Indianapolis, Hubert, Von Jesse, Burnard, Doyle, all of Greencastle; two sisters, Mrs. Audrey May and Mrs. Rita Runnells, both of Geencastle; and 18 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Stainfield funeral home, with Brother William Perry officiating. Burial will be in the Forest Hills cemetery, Greencastle. Friends may call at the Convoy funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; September 16, 1974
Contributed by Janice Vasilovski

WAYNEDALE MAN, FOUND HANGED AT HOME; RITES TUESDAY
Fremont Young, 58, 730 ? Trail Rd., was found hanging from a clothesline rope in his garage yesterday afternoon by his son, Donald, a student at International College here. Although the Allen County Coroner, Dr. Edgar N. Mendenhall, was not available for statement, sheriff's deputies said death was probably a suicide stating that Donald Young said his father had been despondent for over a week and had previously threatened to take his own life. The son and his wife left the residence about 9:45 a.m. yesterday to attend church services. When they returned after that they searched the house and failing to find the father went into the garage where they discovered the body. Mr. Young had lived in Allen County most of his life and was employed as an interior decorator. He was a member of Saint Mark's Lutheran Church (cut off).
Journal Gazette, Allen County, Indiana; Monday, April 22, 1957
Contributed by Karin King

Jessie Zonker Dies - Popular Corunna Girl Passed Away Monday Evening
(Special to the Press) CORUNNA, July 3 - The funeral of Miss Jessie Zonker will be held from the U. B. church, Friday afternoon at two o'clock, the Rev. Emery Hartman, of the M. E. church officiating. The deceased passed away at the home of her mother, at 9:45 o'clock Monday evening, after several weeks illness from peritoritis. She had been engaged as a clerk in a store at Delta Ohio, where she was stricken ill and as soon as she was able, returned home. It was thought that she was recovering but last Saturday, being the Fourth the noise and excitement seemed to cause her to relapse and she gradually sank away. She passed her twenty-first birthday last December and was one of the most popular young ladies in Corunna.
Waterloo Press, DeKalb County, Indiana; July 9, 1914
Contributed by JC

EDGAR C. ZWICK DIES SUDDENLY
Edgar C. Zwick, 57, of Fort Wayne, a former resident of Adams County, was dead on arrival at the St. Joseph Hospital at 2:10 p.m. Monday. He suffered a heart attack at Tokheim, where he was employed over 20 years and death was unexpected. He was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, and was custodian of the church for several years. Mr. Zwick, a veteran of World War II and stationed in Alaska, was a member of the American Legion, Adams Post 43, Decatur. Born in Adams County on Oct. 9, 1916, he was the son of Edward and Anna Trier-Zwick, and was married on May 29, 1947, to Leona Scheumann. Survivors include his mother of Fort Wayne (a former resident of route 1, Decatur); his wife; four children, Galen C., with the U. S. Army in Germany; Kevin E., Vivian and Warren, all at home, and a number of relatives in Adams County. Two brothers, Louis and Gerhard, preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. at the Peace Lutheran Church, with Rev. Luther Strassen officiating. Burial will be in the Covington Memorial Gardens. The Zwick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, Indiana; July 2, 1974
Contributed by JC