Orange County Obituaries
SELF, JOHN R. "DICK"
Contributed by, Leslie Dalton
The Daily Times-Mail, Bedford, Indiana (November 12, 1985)
"John R. 'Dick' Self, 77, R. 1, French Lick, died at 4 p.m. Monday at Orange County Hospital in Paoli. Born Oct. 29, 1908, he was the son of Harry F. and Bessie E. Lagenour Self. On Dec. 30, 1953, he married Betty A. Hayes, and she survives. Also surviving are one son, James L. Self, Bloomington; three daughters, Leslie Ann Self, R. 1, French Lick, Mrs. Winona Jean Chambers, Cannelburg, and Mrs. Betty Rose Apostalou, Stanton, Calif.; one brother, Bob Self, R. 1, French Lick; one sister, Mrs. Dale Hall, R. 1, French Lick, and two grandchildren. He was a member of Beechwood Christian Church and had worked at Crane Naval Weapons Support Center. He drove a taxi in French Lick for 35 years and was last employed at French Lick Springs Hotel, retiring in 1978. Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Brosmer-Drabing Funeral Home in French Lick, the Rev. David Clark officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 6:30 p.m. today.
CRECELIUS, Sherman M.
Contributed by, Leslie Dalton
The Springs Valley Herald (June 12, 1980)
"Sherman M. Crecelius, 75, French Lick, died suddenly at 11:45 a.m. Friday, apparently from a heart attack. He was born in Orange County to Thomas and Rebecca McBride Crecelius, April 1, 1905. He was a member of the Red Quarry Christian Church and the French Lick Masonic Lodge. He was formerly employed by the Springs Valley National Bank. He worked 15 years as a kitchen steward at the French Lick Springs Hotel, and was also a carpenter. The funeral services was held Sunday afternoon at the Brosmer-Drabing Funeral Home with Br. George Flemming officiating. Burial was in Ames Chapel Cemetery. The local Masonic Lodge conducted memorial services at the funeral home Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and also held a graveside service. Mr. Crecelius is survived by his wife, the former Dorothy Tolbert; two daughters, Mrs. Winston (Betty) Mayfield, French Lick, and Cindy Crecelius, at home; a son Robert Crecelius of Portage; four stepchildren, Joan Todd and Susan Main, both of Bloomington, Caroline Trinkle of Leavenworth, Kan. and Leroy Allbright of Shoals; a sister, Violet Pinnick of West Baden; two grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
SUGERMAN, DR. BENJAMIN E.
Contributed by, Leslie Dalton
The Springs Valley Herald (June 12, 1980) reported "Dr. Benjamin E. Sugarman died at the age of 73 after 35 years of devoted, unselfish service to the people of Orange County and the surrounding areas. He passed away June 10, 1980 while visiting his family in Fort Wayne. Dr. Sugarman started his career in medicine as a pharmaceutical graduate of Columbia University, practicing for two years at Walgreen's in New York. He enrolled at the University of Louisville and obtained the coveted Dr. of Medicine degree in 1938. His internship was served at Deaconess Hospital in Cincinnati. There Dr. Sugarman's devotion to his profession and tremendous compassion led him into the field of general practice. In 1939 he opened his first practice in Vevay, Ind. One year later he moved to Williamstown, Ky. His sense of duty led him to enlist for a European tour of duty with the U.S. Army Medical Corps in 1942. In 1945 Captain Sugarman was granted an honorable discharge whereupon he re-oponed his practice in the Brown Building in French Lick. In 1946 he moved to his office on Main Street and practiced at that location until 1976 when failing health forced the practice to close. Nevertheless, he continued to see patients in his home until his death. His marriage to Margaret Kellams occurred on May 11, 1939 in Louisville. This was followed by the birth of three children, Judith Ann, now Mrs. Richard Perk of Indianapolis: Donald Raymond, M.D. of Fort Wayne, and Norman David, who preceded him in death in June 1978. Dr. Sugarman was a member of the Orange County Medical Society, an original member of the medical staff of Orange County Hospital and a member of the Indiana State Medical Association and the American Medical Association. He was a founding member and past president of the Sports Car Club of Southern Indiana. He was awarded the Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds Award in 1973. He was a member of American Legion Post 76. He is survived by his wife: daughter: son: six grandchildren: a brother, George Shawe, who resides in Brewster, N.Y., and a sister, Mrs. Abe (Doris) Green, resident of Glen Rock, N.J. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dr. Nathan Sugarman of Kingston, Tenn. Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. B.E. Sugarman Medical Scholarship Fund to be used for a worthy local medical student in care of the Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company.
PARSONS, William Frank
Contributed by, Leslie Dalton
The Springs Valley Herald (June 12, 1980) reported
"It is on occasion such as this that often leads us to realize the uncertainty of life and the certainty of death. Life itself is but little more than a twinkle of a star in God’s universe. We also come to realize the clock of life is wound but once, and that no man has the power to tell just when the clock will stop, at a late or early hour. With these lines we have gathered to pay tribute to William Frank Parsons of Bedford, Ind. He was born Sept. 16, 1919 to Vesta E. and Mary R. Drabing Parsons and departed this life April 10, 1980 at the age of 60 years, six months and 25 days. He was united in marriage with Kathleen Graff, Dec. 23, 1946. To this union were born three children: Rosemary Yother of Bedford, Ind. and Frankie E. and Linda Fischer, both of Huntingburg, Ind. He is also survived by seven grandchildren; five sisters, Hilma Hardin of French Lick, Pauline Marlette of Paoli, Thelma Alspaugh of Monticello, Mary McKinney of New Jersey and Clarice Wortman of Reynolds, and three brothers, Pat Parsons of Martinsville, Joe of Orleans and Lindsey of Burnettesville. Preceding him in death were his parents; a sister, Esta Payne of California, and two brothers, Warren A. and Elsworth E. He was a veteran of World War II. Frank never did have much to say; we don’t know why, but he was just that way. He was born and raised in the good old days, settled, I guess, in his own ways. Although we could not understand when first this sorrow fell, But God saw his needs for He doeth all things well. It’s kind sad and lonesome now since he’s gone from this life; we believe God will reveal the pattern and explain the reason why. For there’s a lot of memories, and the past will slowly grow dim; there’s not a day that passes by but what we think of him."
Card of Thanks:
We wish to express our appreciation to friends, relatives and neighbors, especially to Georgia Marson, Lorene Lagenour and Hattie Jones, for the food they brought and kindness and sympathy which we’ll never forget at the recent loss of our brother, father and grandfather, William Frank Parsons. A special thanks to Raymond and Norma Brosmer and Bennie and Darlene Drabing for their kindness and thoughtfulness at this sorrowful time. Also, thanks for the beautiful flowers; to Br. Charles Crews for his consoling words to us, and to everyone for their acts of kindness at this time. May God bless all of you.
His Children and families and Brother, Sisters and families:
Rosemary Yother
Frankie E. Parsons
Linda K. Fischer
Hilma Hardin
Pauline Alspaugh
Pauline Marlette
Thelma Alspaugh
Clarice Wortman
Mary McKinney
Pat Parsons
Joe Parsons
Lindsey Parsons
Velma Parsons
ELMER HAMPTON
Contributed by, Leslie Dalton
The Springs Valley Herald (August 9, 1979) reported
"Elmer Leroy Hampton, 55, died of an apparent heart attack at his home in West Baden at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 5. Mr. Hampton had gone home after becoming ill at Kimball Piano and Organ Company. Coronor Ray Brosmer determined the cause of death. Mr. Hampton was born Feb. 16, 1924, in Orange County to William H. and Lois Beaty Hampton. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Sherrie Sargent of Loogootee; a brother, Charles Hampton, French Lick; five sisters, Mrs. Charlotte Phillips, Miss Edith Hampton and Mrs. Mary Phillips, all of French Lick; Mrs. Pauline Lambdin of Paoli; and Mrs. Ruby Emmons of Mooresville. An Army veteran of World War II, he was a member of French Lick American Legion Post 76 and had been a Kimball employee for 12 years. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. this afternoon at Brosmer-Drabing Funeral Home in French Lick. Burial will follow at Apples Chapel Cemetery where Post 76 will conduct graveside military rites.
HATTIE MAE COMBS
Contributed by, Leslie Dalton
The Springs Valley Herald (August 9, 1979) reported
"Hattie Mae Combs, age 82, of French Lick, died Monday afternoon, August 6, at Dubois Memorial Hospital in Jasper. Mrs. Combs was born Aug. 22, 1896 in Martin County to George and Synthia Wininger Self. She first married Harry Qualkenbush who died in 1931. She then married Homer Combs who preceded her in death in July 1971. She was a member of Peoples Tabernacle Church. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Ruth Tomlinson and Mrs. Betty Curtis of West Baden; a son, Grant Qualkenbush of French Lick; a brother, Everett Self of French Lick; a sister, Mrs. Ida Reynolds of Waveland; 20 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren. Funeral services took place at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at the Brosmer-Drabing Funeral Home in French Lick with Rev. Menlo Barnett officiating. Burial followed in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery.
HARLEY O. DENNY
Contributed by, Leslie Dalton
The Springs Valley Herald (August 9, 1979) reported "Funeral services for Harley O. Denny, age 81, of French Lick will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Brosmer-Drabing Funeral Home in French Lick. Burial will follow in Ames Chapel Cemetery. Mr. Denny died at 11:38 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Evansville. He was born on January 31, 1898 in Martin County, the son of James and Mae Wilson Denny. On February 12, 1929, he married the former Ruth Pruett, who survives. Also surviving are one son, Harry Lee Denny of Paoli; two sisters, Mrs. Nell Muller, of New York City and Mrs. Myrtle Case of French Lick; and four grandchildren. He was a retired golf pro, having worked in the Green Bay, Wisconsin area. His last employment was with the security department of the French Lick Sheraton Hotel. Freinds may call at the funeral home after 2:30 p.m. on Friday.
ROBERT R. DICKEY
Contributed by, Leslie Dalton
The Springs Valley Herald (April 16, 1986) reported
"Robert R. Dickey, 72, died at 1:00 a.m. Saturday morning, April 12 at his home in West Baden. He was born July 28, 1913 at Trinity Springs to Leonard S. and Josephine Hill Dickey. He married Jessie E. Smith at Petersburg, April 29, 1938, and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Ruth Marshall of West Baden, and Mrs. Roberta Werling, New Haven; a foster daughter, Mrs. Marilyn Hill Qualkenbush of Paoli; three grandchildren; four foster grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren. Mr. Dickey was a prominent saddle horse trainer and horse show judge, and was a member of the United Professional Horsemen. With his family he operated the L.S. Dickey Stables over 40 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday from Brosmer-Drabing Funeral Home, with Rev. Glen Hamer officiating. Burial was in Ames Chapel Cemetery.
GEORGIA BIRD
Contributed by, Leslie Dalton
The News (October 10, 1996) reported "Funeral services are being conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Crystal Community Church for Georgia M. Bird, 66, West Baden, who died at 4 a.m. Tuesday at her home. Rev. Darrell Wineinger is officiating at services and burial will be in the Crystal Cemetery. She was born June 2, 1930 in Dubois County, the daughter of John and Lizzie Noble Kerns. She married Claude Joseph Bird, who preceded her in death on Feb. 3, 1975. She was a graduate of French Lick High School and a member of Springs Valley Church of the Nazarene. Surviving are a daughter, Linda Goughenour of West Baden; five sons, Larry Bird of West Baden, Mike Bird of Boston, Mass., Mark Bird of Terre Haute, and Jeff and Eddie Bird , both of Indianapolis; two brothers, Ed Kerns of West Baden, and Amon Kerns of Indianapolis; four sisters, Mary Lou Walters of French Lick, Bonnie Johnson and Mildred Warner of Shoals, and Virginia Smith of Holland; and nine grandchildren. Arrangements were handled by Brosmer-Drabing Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials take the form of donations to the ALS (Lou Gehrig) Fund at First National Bank of Terre Haute."
Contributed by, Robert E. Lane
The Terre Haute, IN, Tribune-Star (October 13, 1968)
Albert L. Baxter, 86, 2335 Garfield Ave., died at 6:45 p.m. Saturday at St. Anthony Hospital. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Emma Jane Baxter; two sons, A. Lawrence Baxter of Terre Haute and Wilbur Baxter of West Palm Beach, Fla.; two daughters, Mrs. Lucille Johnson of Terre Haute and Mrs. Mary Gift of Beech Grove; eight grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Cross Funeral Home. Burial will be in Scarlett Ridge Cemetery at French Lick.
Contributed by, Robert E. Lane
Terre Haute, IN, Tribune (March 22, 1923)
Daniel Baxter, 65 years old, died yesterday at his residence in Staunton. He is survived by the widow, Mattie; four sons, Amos, Elmer, Lloyd and Daniel Baxter; four daughters, Mrs. James Compton, Mrs. Hattie Hannah, of Brazil, Ind., Mrs. Della McNamer, of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Clara Levin. The funeral will be held at 10 o'clock Friday morning at the residence. Burial will be in Markle Cemetery. [Note: Daniel Blue Baxter spent most of his life in Orange County, IN]
Contributed by, Sheilia Flick
Donald L Seals Vincennes Sun Commercial 5 May, 1993
Donald L Seals, 56, St. Petersburg, Florida, died Friday at the Northside Hospital in St Petersburg.
Born June 6, 1936, in French Lick, he was the son of James Olin and Dorothy Lynch Seals.
He was a salesman for Pittsburgh Plate Glass in Vincennes and moved to St Petersburg in 1971, where he was a salesman for Rolladen Shutters and Sentry Aluminum. A Navy veteran, he was a member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion and AMVETS, all in St. Petersburg.
Surviving are his wife, Doe Seals; a son, William Kelly Seals of St Petersburg; a daughter, Penelope Ann Hoppert of New Port Richey, Florida: a stepson, Allen Bushey of Virginia Beach, Virginia: two stepdaughters, Lynn Bergin of Germany and Karen Marks of St Peterburg: a brother James O Seals of Terre Haute: three sisters, Kathryn Asplin of Dallas, Texas, and Vickie Woolard and Nicolette Hall, both of Vincennes: and 10 grandchildren.
A member service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Anderson-McQueen Feneral Home in St Petersburg, The body will be cremated.
01/21/99
Chastain - Rebecca D. Chastain of Mitchell, IN, died Thursday, January 21, 1999, at her residence. Born on September 25, 1947, in Orange County, IN, she was the daughter of Marian Charles and Anna Frances (Huffines) Tomlinson. She married Larry D. Chastain on August 30, 1969, and he survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Matthew David and Christopher Dean Chastain, both of Mitchell, IN; her mother and step-father, Anna Frances and Donald Dickey of Farmersburg; one sister, Sonja LaNetta of Sullivan, IN; one half-sister, Sandra Kay Denton of Washington; one half-brother, Lance Leonard Tomlinson of Louisiana; one step-sister, Pamela Kay Irvin of Merom, IN; and one grandchild. She was preceded in death by her father.
She was a homemaker and a member of the Woodville Baptist Church. Services for Rebecca Chastain will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 24th, at the Woodville Baptist Church with the Rev. Glenn Hamer officiating. Burial will follow in Mitchell Cemetery. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Saturday at the Chastain Funeral Home and from 12:30 p.m. until the service time on Sunday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodville Baptist Church building fund.
Contributed by, PMcBen@aol.com
Herman L. Grigsby July 22 1924 - Aug 31, 2002
Funeral services were held Tuesday at T. L. Pinnick Mortuary for Herman L. Grigsby, 78, West Baden, who died Saturday at his home.
Born in Orange County on July 22, 1924, he was the son of James and Gertrude Kendall Grigsby. He married Atelene Wilson on June 26, 1946, and she survives.
He was a custodian for the Springs Valley School Corporation and a U.S. Army veteran, having served in W. W. II. He was a well known chanpionship fiddler and played with the Hoosier Playboys and the Hoosier Cornhuskers. He was an entertainer at the the Loogootee Opry House.
Surviving with the wife of West Baden are two daughters, Collene Qualkenbush of West Baden and Brenda Bayer of Huntingburg, two sisters, Susie Oliver of St. Petersburg Fl. and Wynema Nichols of Rhinelander, Wi. three grandchildren, one step-grandchild, four great- grandchildren and seven step great- grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers John, Roy, Floyd and Charlie Grigsby, one sister, Inez Stringer; and one grandson, Jonathan Bayer
Burial will be in Ames Chapel
Contributed by, Jeremy C. Parsons
VESTA E. PARSONS
Today our respect, our sympathy and tears have brought us here to pay tribute to this husband, father, and friend. But our assurance from the words of our Master we can roll aside the clouds of sorrow and vision a new life of joy and eternal rest which has come to Vesta E. Parsons.
Vesta was the son and only child of John A., and Deborah H. Payne Parsons. Born April 22, 1885, near Norton in Orange County.
He entered eternal rest at the Orange County Hospital May 26, 1972, at the age of 87 years, 1 month, and 4 days. On April 16, 1906, he was united in marriage to Mary R. Drabing and to this union was born 12 children. Esta Payne of Lancaster, California; Hilma Hardin of French Lick; Pauline Marlette of Paoli; Thelma Alspaugh of Monticello; Patrick of Albion; Joseph of Crawfordsville; Frank of Royal Center; Lindsey of Burnettesville; Clarice Wortman of Reynolds, and Mary McKinney of West Virginia. Two sons preceded their father in death, Elsworth and Warren. His companion of 43 years passed away August 23, 1949. And in November 1957 he was united in marriage to Sadie Seidl of Bedford, who is a patient at the Orange County Hospital and left to mourn his passing. Also to mourn his passing are 49 grandchildren, 61 great grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren. He was a member of the French Lick Catholic Church. Vesta will always be remembered by the kindness and willing deeds toward others.
May the words of this poem be a tribute to the life Vesta lived.
Home for him was all for livin'
Never cared for dress
Spent his life a-sowen'
Seeds of happiness.
Sweet the memory he has left us,
Though our hearts are sad
Great the blessing that was given
Just to call him Dad.
Six of his precious grandsons
Walked the last few steps with him.
They layed him down by our dear Mother.
They'll be happy again now reunited
For on each side of them lies our two dear brothers, Elsworth and Warren.
Contributed by,Jeremy C. Parsons
JOSEPH PARSONS, The Times-Mail, Bedford, Indiana (Monday, May 11, 1987)
ORLEANS - Joseph B. Parsons, 70, R. 2, Orleans, died at 4:04 a.m. today at Orange County Hospital.
He was born Feb. 2, 1917 in Orange County to Vesta and Mary Drabing Parsons. He married Cleta Cauble Jan. 12, 1946 and she survives.
He was a WWII veteran and retired employee of California Pellet Mill in Crawfordsville. He was a member of Paoli V.F.W. 8302.
Surviving with the wife, are a son: Jerry Parsons, Kankakee, Ill.; two brothers; Pat Parsons, Albion, and Lindsey Parsons, Burnettsville; five sisters: Thelma Alspaugh, Monticello, Clarice Wortman, Reynolds, Mary McKinney, New Jersey, Pauline Marlette, Paoli, and Hilma Hardin, French Lick; four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by a son, Dennis Joe; two brothers: Elza and Frank, and a sister: Esta.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Dillman-Ellis Funeral Home in Paoli. Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery. Friends may call after 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Judge Joseph W. WEEKS
Contributed by Linda Lockhart
Garden City Sentinel Finney County, Kansas 20 March 1897
Judge Joseph W. Weeks died of cancer in a private sanitorium in Kansas City on Monday. He was a pioneer settler of this county. Born in Orange County, Indiana, April 1, 1845, he served in the 19th Iowa Infantry in the Civil War. He was county surveyor in Putnam County, Missouri, and a civil engineer during construction of the Burlington and Kansas City railroad. He first came to this county and filed on his homestead just north of the city May 3, 1878, which in boom times was an addition to the city, but later operated as his farm. He was a member of the G.A.R., the Masons and the A.O.U.W. He is survived by his sons Elmer, Eugene, David and Charles, and a daughter, Olive. The remains were sent to Salem, Iowa to his aged parents. Burial beside two brothers.
Contributed by Sheilia Flick
KOKOMO TRIBUNE ROGER FLICK Nov 23,1918-Sept 4, 2003
Roger E Flick, 84, Kokomo [Indiana], died at 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003, at Waterford Place Health Campus. Born Nov. 23, 1918, in Orange County, Ind., he was the son of Michael Elwood and Minnie Catherine [Byrne] Flick. On Dec. 10, 1943, he married Donnabelle Flick. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II from Oct. 16, 1941 to Feb. 22, 1946. He retired from Delco Electonics in 1978 after 29 years.
He attended Port Charlotte United Methodist Church and was a lifetime member of the American Legion, DAV and United Auto Workers Local 292. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Donnabelle Flick; one son and daughter-in-law, Roger K. and Judy Flick, Kokomo: two daughters, Sharon and husband Mark Cooper, Diana Wheeler and her companion, Rick Lanning, all of Kokomo, a sister and brother-in-law, Marlou and Russell Dickey, Kokomo; a brother, Hiram T Flick, Sharpsville; 10 grandchildren, Renee Young and husband Rob Buttice, Rachelle Quednan and husband Ted Quednan, Regina Suiters and husband Kevin Purvis, Brandon Cooper and fiancee, Jennifer Titus, Brittany Cooper, Jeremy Wheeler, Jacob Wheeler and wife Lisa Maher, Sarah Wheeler, Gayle Wheeler and Kelsey Wheeler; seven great-grandchildren, Tera Young, Jon Flick, Teddy Quednan, Amber Suiters, Morgan Suiters, Trevor Titis and Cameron Cooper; and several nieces and bephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and three brothers.
Services are at 1 p.m. Monday at Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, 3400 S. Webster St., with the Rev. Harold Williams officiating. Burial will be in Middlefork Cemetery [Howard County, Ind.]. Friends may call 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the mortuary.