Obituaries

Joseph D. Harris

February 22, 1946 to March 2, 2012

MEDARYVILLE - Joseph D. Harris, 66, of Bailey's Corner, passed away at 9:35 a.m., Friday, March 2, at his home.

He was born Feb. 22, 1946, in Bartley, WV, to John and Mintie Wallen Harris.

Survivors include:
Becky (Tim) Ballard, Francesville,  Daughter
Stacie (Jim Knebel) Manion, Winamac, Daughter
Joe Harris, Reynolds, Son
Jerry Harris, Francesville, IN   Son
Brittany (Pat) Baker, Francesville, Granddaughter
Katie Manion, Angola, Granddaughter
Chelsey Ballard, Francesville,  Granddaughter
Moriah Beckner, Francesville,  Granddaughter
Jean (Lynn) Brownlee, Walkerton,  Sister
Eliza (Junior) Hopkins, Francesville,  Sister
Jeanette (Jack) Voyles, Dahloniga, GA, Sister
Emily (Pete) Hopkins, Rensselaer,  Sister
Several Nieces, Nephews & Cousins
Katherine Shepherd, Rensselaer,  Special Friend.

Preceded in death by:
Mintie Wallen Harris Hill, Mother
John Harris, Father
Bobby Harris, Brother
John "Harry" Harris, Brother

Mr. Harris had worked at Gehring Farms, Talbert Manufacturing, and Monon Trailer. He attended Bailey's Corner Church. He liked playing his guitar. He also enjoyed gardening & hunting. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday, at Bailey's Corner Church. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Tuesday, March 6), at the church, with Johnny Miller officiating. Burial will be in White Post Cemeter in Medaryville.

Memorial donations may be made to the family.

Melvin L. Dust

November 14, 1932 to February 29, 2012

WINAMAC - Melvin Lee Dust, 79, Wheatfield, passed away at 3:30 a.m., Wedneday, Feb. 29. at his residence.

He was born Nov. 14, 1932, in San Pierre. to the late Emil and Ada McFarland Dust. He married Esther R. Bleicher on Nov. 3, 1956, in Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Knox, She passed away on Dec. 17, 1999. He then married Christine B. Korem Clarke on March 31, 2001, in Calvary Tabernacle, Munster. She survives.

Also surviving are:
Robin (Joseph) Munsey, Trabuco Canyon, CA, Daughter
Joni (Sam) Frain, Winamac, Daughter
John Dust, Highland, Son
Paul (Lori) Dust, Gurnee, IL, Son
Todd Dust, Highland, Son
Michelle (Bill) Doup, Gary, Step Daughter
Kimberly (Brian) Robinson, DeMotte, Step Daughter
April (Wayne) Kinker, Hammond, Step Daughter
Don (Annie) Korem, Wheatfield, Step Son
13 Grandchildren
2 Great Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
Jedediah Mathis Munsey, Great Grandson
Robert Dust, Brother
Marvin Dust, Brother
Devonia Baker, Sister

Mr. Dust was a former resident of Knox and graduated from Knox High School in 1952. He was a former resident of Hammond and Highland, moving to Wheatfield in 2003. He retired from LTV Steel in 2001, following 46 years of employment where he worked as a maintenance supervisor. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Hammond. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, and camping. He also enjoyed traveling in his motorhome. He loved to tinker with just about everything.

Friends may call from 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m., Sunday (March 4), at the funeral home, with Pastor James Williams Sr. officiating. A graveside service and burial will take place at 11 a.m. (CST), Monday, in the Concordia Cemetery, Hammond.

Anna C. Koleszar

March 3, 1922 to February 28, 2012

WINAMAC - Anna Carol Koleszar, 89, of Monticello, passed away at 9:08 a.m., Tuesday, Feb 28, at IU Health White Memorial Hospital in Monticello.

She was born March 3, 1922, in North Judson, to the late Samuel H. and Eunice C. Umphrey Heward. She married Andrew Koleszar on July 13, 1946 in her parent's home in North Judson. He died March 4, 2005.

Survivors include:
Linda S. (Robert) Overman, Delphi, Daughter
Roger A. (Jean) Koleszar, Winamac, Son
William A. (Elizabeth) Koleszar, Seymour, Son
Barbara J. (Gary) Stevens, Culver, Daughter
Judith A. Cook, Monticello, Daughter
Donald P.(Shelley Kerkhoff) Koleszar, Monticello, Son

13 Grandchildren: Melanie (Jimmy) Logan, Lafayette, Lori Ross, Delphi, Bobby Overman, Anchorage, AK, Kris (Chad) Baer, Monticello, Daniel (Stacey) Koleszar, Indianapolis, Douglas (Theresa) Koleszar, Lebanon, Joshua Koleszar, Omaha, NE, Jill (Shawn) Roser, Carol Stream, IL, Matt Stevens, Punta Gorda, FL, Jordon (Candace) Cook, Atlanta, GA, Hannah Cook, Monticello, Stacy (Chris) Parisi, Noblesville, Todd (Wendi) Koleszar, Dallas, TX,

19 Great Grandchildren: Darren Klawinksi, Clermont, FL, Amanda Klawinski, Clermont, FL, Tyler Klawinksi, Clermont, FL, Ryan Klawinksi, Clermont, FL, Emily Ross, Delphi, Ethan Ross, Delphi, Lauren Ross, Delphi,  Lindsey Ross, Delphi, Alyssa Ross, Delphi, Erika Ross, Delphi, Cole Baer, Monticello, Cade Baer, Monticello,
Bailey Baer, Monticello, Andrew Koleszar, Indianapolis, Eli Koleszar, Indianapolis, Amelia Roser, Carol Stream, IL, Callista Roser, Carol Stream, IL, Gabriella Parisi, Noblesville, Samuel Parisi, Noblesville.

Preceded in death by:
Garnette Koleszar,  Sister

Mrs. Koleszar was a member of the American Legion Auxillary in Monticello. She enjoyed gardening, reading and working crossword puzzles.She also enjoyed working on geneology projects, watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, and going to the senior center in Monticello and playing Bingo there. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday (March 2), at the funeral home with Pastor Jeff Messer officiating. Burial will be in Old Star City Cemetery in Star City.

Memorial donations may be given to the White County Council on Aging Senior Center or White County Community Foundation Fund for the IU White Memorial Hospital.

Lawrence E. Parish

May 22, 1934 to February 28, 2012

MEDARYVILLE - Lawrence E. "Sam" Parish, 77, of Medaryville, passed away at 4:55 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 28, at St. Elizabeth Central in Lafayette.

He was born May 22, 1934, in Tompkinsville, KY, to the late Herman Eddie and Thelma J. Strode Parish.  On Oct. 1, 1960, he married Elaine C. Burger at St. John's United Church of Christ in Medaryville. She survives.

Also surviving are:
Michele (Steve) Mitchell, West Lafayette, Daughter
Brenda (Mike) Sheetz, Valparaiso,  Daughter
Denise (Keith) Kirts, Lafayette, Daughter
Megan Mitchell,  Granddaughter
Parker Mitchell, Grandson
Taylor Kirts,  Grandson
Madalyn Kirts,  Granddaughter
Wilma Miller, League City, TX,  Sister
Mitchell (Jean) Parish, Francesville, Brother
Olene (John) Dahler, Logansport,  Sister
Herman (Janet) Parish, Monticello,  Brother
Alvin (Rana) Parish, Winamac, Brother
Nancy (James) Aldridge, Lafayette,  Sister
Dennis Burger, Hammond,  Brother-in-law
Several Nieces & Nephews

Mr. Parish was a member of the Medaryville Lions Club, Medaryville Potato Fest, St. John's United Church of Christ, and a former member of the Medaryville Volunteer Fire Department. He served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1963. He was a retired farmer and a retired rural letter carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. He was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award from the Lions Club International Foundation and the H. J. Halleck Community Service Award from the Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce. He was an avid fisherman and card player. He volunteered many hours for the Medaryville Community. He also loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Medaryville; and one hour prior to services at the church Saturday. A Lions Memorial will be held at 8 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday (March 3), at St. John's United Church of Christ, Medaryville, with Pastor Bill McNabney officiating. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Medaryville.  Military graveside services will be conducted by the American Legion.

Memorial donations may be given to the Medaryville Potato Fest & St. John's United Church of Christ.

Billy R. Gupton

March 20, 1932 to February 26, 2012

KEWANNA - Billy Robert “Bill” Gupton, 79 of Winamac, formerly of Kewanna, passed away at 11:09 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 26, at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Born March 20, 1932 in Hickory Point, Tenn., he was the son of the late Russell H. and Effie (Dyce) Gupton. On April 3, 1989, he married Vicki Vice Heath. She survives.

Also surviving are a son, Bill R. Gupton, Jr. and wife, Ursula of Ulm, Germany; daughter, Deborah R. Serbousek and husband, Steve of Iron River, Wis.; step son, Philip R. Heath and wife, Christy of Hurst, Texas and sister, Betty Jean Ross of Clarksville, Tenn. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was also survived by his beloved dog, Cody.

He was also preceded in death by infant daughter, Barbara Jean Gupton and sisters, Mildred Collette Gupton and Rosemary Hodges.

Mr. Gupton was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving in the Korean War. Hel was a retired construction worker and former truck driver and he also formerly worked for Leiters Ford State Bank. He enjoyed fishing, playing guitar and listening to bluegrass music. He was a lifetime member of V.F.W. Post #1728 in Winamac, a member of the American Legion of Texarkana, Texas, AmVets of Monticello and a life member of the Disabled American Veterans. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union and the Laborers and Hod Carriers Union.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday (March 8), at Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home, Kewanna Chapel with Pastor Thomas Woodley officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. A graveside services and military rites will follow at 2 p.m., Thursday, at Marion National Cemetery in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lutheran Ministries to the Armed Forces.

Ruby P. Heck

August 5, 1920 to February 22, 2012

WINAMAC - Ruby P. Heck, 91, of Winamac, passed away at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Pulaski Health Care Center, Winamac.

She was born Aug. 5, 1920, in Terre Haute, to the late Cale and Rachel Stevens Price. She was first married to William (Bud) Pugh who passed away in 1969. She was then married to Raymond Heck who passed away in 2002.

Survivors include:
William A. (Marie) Pugh Jr., Winamac, Son
Kristina M. (Robert) Smith, Fort Wayne, Granddaughter
Rebecca L. (Philip) Juday, Muncie, Granddaughter
Kyle A. Pugh, Muncie, Grandson
Corey A. (Joanne) Pugh, Indianapolis, Grandson
Dana L. (Angie Keller) Pugh, Muncie, Granddaughter
Andrea Sanders, Brazil, IN, Granddaughter
Whitney Wiley, Terre Haute, Granddaughter
Great-grandchildren Lucas C. Smith, Bloomington; Wesley R. Smith, Findlay, OH; Hannelore M. Smith, Fort Wayne; Erin K. (Phillip) Parsons, Ringgold, GA; Elysia J. Juday, Muncie; Emily G. Juday, Muncie; Elizabeth H. Juday, Muncie; Shane A. Pugh, Indianapolis; Tyler Pugh, Indianapolis; Devin Pugh, Valrico, FL;  Malachi Parsons, Ringgold, GA.
Special friends Barbara Reeves, Winamac, Vaunda Johnson, Seelyville, Marc and Kathy Wiley, Brazil, IN, Marius and Amanda Storm, Netherlands, Marna Fretters, Netherlands, Estie Storm, Netherlands, Johan Storm, Netherlands, Abigaile Fretters, Netherlands.

Preceded in death by:
Wilmetta Arlene Pugh, Daughter
Sisters Tressie Price, Gracie Price, Opal Gess, Betty Little.
Brothers Lewis Price, Arthur Price, Jim Price, Floyd Price.

Mrs. Heck was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church of Brazil and the Rebekkah Lodge. She was a fan of Countr-and-Western music, and became fond of 40s and 50s music. She enjoyed square dancing in her youth. She love to crochet afghans for her grandchildren.

She was employed as a department manager for Montgomery Wards, stock control supervisor for Shure Electronics, and office manger for Dewitt's Hatchery. She was a former resident of Brazil, IN, Charlotte, MI, Cadillac, MI, Phoeniz, AZ; and Winamac, for the past three years.

Friends may call after 1 p.m., Saturday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 4 p.m., (Saturday, Feb. 25), at the funeral home with Rev. Matt Landry officiating. An additional serviceswill be held at the French Funeral Home, Brazil, IN. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Terre Haute.

Memorial donations may be given to Bethel United Methodist Church, Brazil, IN.