Obituaries

Richard Lee Dilts

January 17, 1951 to April 8, 2022

WINAMAC - Richard Lee Dilts, 71, of Winamac, passed away Friday, April 8.

He was born Jan. 17, 1951 to the late Richard Lewis and Clara Jane Ballard Dilts of Winamac. “Ricky Lee” met the love of his life, Becky Kuszmaul, at the age of 14. He pedaled her home from cheerleading practice between his handlebars, and they never looked back. Through Winamac High School (1969) and Purdue University (1973) the two of them traveled this life together, hand-in-hand. From their marriage as young college juniors in 1971 to their 50th wedding anniversary surrounded by family in 2021 - they had a love for the ages.

Rick Dilts

He is survived by wife, Becky Dilts of Winamac; sons, Jason (Jen) Dilts of Liberty, MO, Jeremy Dilts of Winamac, and Derrick (Emily) Dilts, of West Lafayette, and his many grandchildren. He is also survived by his big sisters, Mary Ann (Daryl) Carey of Plymouth, MI and Carolyn (Larry) Hays of Odessa, FL; sister-in-law Rita (Ken) Layton of LaPorte; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Dilts was active in the community and in his church. He was a 49-year and fourth generation Master Mason and Past Master of Winamac Lodge #262 F&AM. He so dearly loved his brothers in lodge. He was a lifetime member of Winamac First United Methodist Church, where he sang (he would argue not beautifully) in the choir. He also served as a church trustee and in numerous other positions. For 40-plus years, he could be heard playing Taps at the Pulaski County Courthouse on Memorial Day and Veterans Day as well as at countless military graveside services in the surrounding area. He did it because it needed done, and he was able to do it. It is why he did so many things. Through his life he was active in Kiwanis Club, United Way, Pulaski County Historical Society, and other community endeavors. He would tell you he played trumpet for the Purdue Marching Band, followed by sub-par backup trumpet for the Tuxedo Junction, followed by 30 years playing trumpet and percussion for BandOver. Those BandOver Sunday afternoon practices were so very precious to him. Ricky Lee secretly rocked.

Mr. Dilts had different jobs throughout his working life - all done well - but none defining him as a man. His life’s greatest work can be found north of Winamac in a meadow in a small woods. It was there that he spent 35 years, steadily working alongside his wife. Together they turned his vision of a place of joy for future grandkids into reality. What began as a few scrub-filled acres was slowly and methodically transformed into a park, complete with a renovated old migrant shack, then a barn and windmill, relocated and improved piece by piece, and finally with the crown jewel, a handmade log cabin for all to enjoy. Rick Dilts, a man of few words, steadfastly went about creating a kid-kingdom of happiness for his grandchildren (each of whom was loved by their doting Pop). It was important to Poppa Rick that they know they were loved and know it they do. It was at the woods retreat that he watched them play, laugh, and grow. It is his greatest personal legacy, and it very much survives him. It will survive us all.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday, April 10, at Winamac First United Methodist Church and one hour prior to services at the church Monday. Masonic services will be at 3:30 p.m., at the church Sunday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, April 11, at the church with Rev. Michelle White officiating. Burial will take place at a later date at Winamac Cemetery.

Online tributes may be made at www.frainmortuary.com.

Memorial donations may be made to the Winamac First United Methodist Church or by honoring Rick’s memory with kindness to others. Be nice to each other and respect each other - even if you don’t agree with each other. Tolerate your fellow man. Love your spouse, love your kids, then love their kids, and always love your God. It’s the greatest memorial you can pay to a man who embodied all of these things in a life lived so exceedingly well.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Seth M. Hooker

May 17, 1982 to April 8, 2022

WINGATE - Seth Michael Hooker, 39, of Francesville, passed away Friday afternoon, April 8, at Northwest Health Hospital, LaPorte, following a brief illness. 

Seth Hooker

He was born in Winamac, May 17, 1982 to Michael D. Hooker and Renee Anderson Dickinson. He was raised and remained in Francesville, attending West Central High School.  He attended the University of Phoenix online receiving IT training. 

Surviving are  his mother Renee (Roger) Dickinson of Englewood, FL; two brothers Kyle (Stacey) Hooker of Sullivan, Tate (wife Kathleen Gearhart) Hooker of Ft. Bragg, NC, both serving active duty with the U.S. Army; Step-sister Summer Pellegrino of Sullivan and half-sister Madison Hooker of Shelburn. Also surviving are Brandi Hannon with whom he made his home and her children, Arlie, Sadie and Brady; grandmother Lana Anderson of  North Port, FL; step-grandmother Lois Hooker of Fishers; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents Charles ‘Charlie’ Anderson, Ronald and Ruth Hooker.

Mr. Hooker was employed by Johnson’s Legacy Custom Builders. He previously was employed by Fred Gutwein & Sons Seeds, Scott Wuethrich Farms, and BraunAbility. He was a huge fan of the Indianapolis 500. He was known for his ever-present smile, quick wit and ability to laugh at a situation as well as at himself.

Visitation hours are 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, at Meadow Springs Event Hall, 8631 US 421, Francesville. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m., at Meadow Springs with Robert ‘Woody’ Woods officiating.

Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate is assisting Seth’s family. Visit at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to sign the guest book or share a memory.

Bradley W. Kough

September 19, 1990 to April 4, 2022

WINAMAC - Bradley William “Dugg” Kough, 31, of Rochester (formerly of Star City), passed away Monday, April 4, at his home.

He was born Sept. 19, 1990 in Winamac, to William J. Jr. and Rachelle D. Crissinger Kough. He grew up in Star City and attended Winamac schools. He was a member of Pulaski County 4-H Horse and Pony Club (you ain’t no cowboy).

Bradley Kough

He is survived by:
Braylee A. Kough, Greenwood, Daughter
Kingston J. Kough, Star City, Son
Rhyett W. Kough, Knox, Son
Rachelle D. Crissinger Kough Button, Star City, Mother
Dustin R. (Allycia) Kough, Rochester, Brother
Maxwelle A. Button, Star City, Brother
Misty A. Kough, Ora, Sister
William J. “Joey” Kough III, Rochester, Brother
Jennifer K. Kough, Monticello, Sister
6 Nieces and Nephews: Colt, Brando, Tommi Jo, Kadence, Aiden, and Jayden
Nancy K. Garbison, Thornhope, Maternal Grandmother
William J. and Sherry Kough Sr., Ora, Paternal Grandparents
Many Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
William J. Kough Jr., Father
Richard O. Crissinger, Maternal Grandfather
Robert H. Garbison, Step-Maternal Grandfather
Matthew O. Crissinger, Uncle

Mr. Kough was a hard worker and member of Laborers’ Union Local #645. He enjoyed working on cars, riding four-wheelers, hunting, and fishing. He especially enjoyed hanging out with his friends, drinking beer by the fire. More than anything, he loved his babies.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April 9, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m., Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Butch Wildermuth officiating. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Rev. William F. Mathys

October 16, 1932 to April 2, 2022

ANDERSON - Rev. William Fredrick Mathys, 89, of Anderson (formerly of Winamac), passed away Saturday, April 2, at Community Hospital, Anderson.

Rev. William Mathys

He was born Oct. 16, 1932, in Muncie, the son of Wilbur and Agnes Keesaer Mathys.
He graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1950, Ball State University in 1954, and Garrett Biblical Seminary in 1957. He married Joyce Ashman on June 14, 1955. She survives.

He is also survived by children, Beth (Rick) Griner, Bradley Mathys, and Mark (Linda) Mathys; grandchildren, John, William, Natalie, Kendra, Kecia (Justin) and Sofia; and great-granddaughter, Sophie.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Bob Mathys, Mary Daniel, Ann Fuller, Marcella Mathys, and Madeline Clark.

Rev. Mathys was retired from the ministry, but continued his life’s calling until his passing. Locally, he was pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Winamac from 1984 to 2001. He was an active member of the Lions Club, Historical Society, and many other organizations. He officiated hundreds of weddings, funerals, and counseled all walks of life developing deep and lasting friendships.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at the First United Methodist Church, 1215 Jackson Street, Anderson, with the celebration of life ceremony beginning at 11 a.m., with Pastor Corinne Boruff officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rev. Mathy’s memory may be made to the First United Methodist Church.

Jeremy P. Messer

November 3, 1972 to March 31, 2022

MEDARYVILLE - Jeremy P. Messer, 49, of Medaryville, passed away Thursday, March 31.

He was born Nov. 3, 1972 in Rensselaer, to Paul and Amanda Mitchell Messer. He attended West Central Schools.

Jeremy Messer

He survived by:
Eric Messer, Logansport, Son
Paul Messer, Medaryville, Father
Rodney (Rebecca) Messer, Monticello, Brother
Jeffrey Messer, Indianapolis, Brother
Kimberly Messer, Port Charlotte, FL, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
Several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins
Tonya Messer, Former Spouse

Preceded in death by:
Brandon Messer, Son
Amanda Mitchell Messer, Mother

Mr. Messer was a member of Laborers Union Local #81. He enjoyed listening to music, especially rock and roll. He loved his family dearly.

A graveside service will be at 3 p.m., Thursday, April 7, at Independence Cemetery in Medaryville. Burial will follow. A celebration of life event will take place immediately afterward at the American Legion in Medaryville.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.

Donna L. Planck

January 3, 1949 to March 24, 2022

WINAMAC - Donna L. Planck, 73, of Winamac, passed away Thursday, March 24, at her residence.

She was born Jan. 3, 1949 in Winamac, to the late Harold and Lydia Chamness Kennedy.

Donna Planck

She is survived by:
Kelly Bendel, Winamac, Daughter
Denny (Julie) Reed, Medaryville, Son
Grandchildren: Jeremy Reed,  Josh Shidler,  Kyle Rayl, Bryan Rayl, and Shanya (Tim) Senesac.
Great-Grandchildren: Faith Brown, Xander Shidler, and Skyler Senesac.
Ronald (Sue) Kennedy Sr., Brother
Ruth (Joe) Reynolds Sister
Betty ( Jerry ) Knox, Sister
Nancy (Dan) Brandenburg Sister
Marilyn Kennedy Sister
Carolyn Kennedy Sister

Proceeded in death by:
Jeffery D. Reed Son

Mrs. Planck was retired from Winamac Coil Spring in Kewanna. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids. She also enjoyed doing Sudoku puzzles. She loved her horses and teddy bears.

Private visitation and services will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, at a later date with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Burial be at Winamac Cemetery, McKinley Addition in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the Pulaski Animal Center.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.