Obituaries
Douglas M. Wilson
May 10, 1941 to March 5, 2021
FRANCESVILLE - Douglas M. Wilson, 79, passed away Friday, March 5, at his home in Francesville. He had a distinguished career in education, philanthropy and community service.
Surviving are his wife Kathy Kruger Wilson, two daughters, Hilary Mills Wilson Parker and her husband, David, along with their daughters Sadie and Te ss (Bozeman, MT), and Haley Best Wilson McCombs and her husband, Kevin, along with their son, Brady, and daughter, Keira (Madison, AL); a son, Grant Douglas Wilson (Francesville); and mother-in-law Jan Kruger (Francesville). Also surviving are his brothers-in-law Allen (Susan) Kruger of Chesterland, Ohio, and Ron (Janet) Kruger and Gary (Tish) Kruger, both of Francesville, and their families; sister-in-law Jennifer Lawson of Naples, Fla., and her sons Geoff and Brent; and nieces Julie Wilson of Columbia, Tenn., and Cheryl O’Brien of Winnetka, Ill., and their families.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles R. Wilson, his wife Susan Roberson Wilson, her parents Don and Mary Roberson and her brother Don Roberson Jr., his mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Cook Wilson, his brother, James “Jim” D. Wilson, his father-in-law, Kenneth L. Kruger, and brother-in-law Walter M. Lawson III.
Wilson, who retired in 2003, received a bachelor’s degree in 1964 and a master’s degree in history in 1969 from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. He served his alma mater as director of Alumni Affairs and later as vice president for University Relations; was executive director of the University of Oregon Foundation; was vice president of University Relations and External Affairs at Indiana University and later was the founding president of IU’s Advanced Research and Technology Institute. Following retirement at Indiana University, Wilson became the founding president of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, a part-time position.
During 35 years of higher education administration, Wilson also participated in professional activities highlighted by membership on the advisory board of the Fulbright Scholarship Regional Enrichment Center; chair of 1986 Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) National Assembly; chair of CASE’s 1984 Alumni Administration Institute; and served as a faculty member for two other institutes and numerous regional and national conferences. Additional service was as a member of the Foundation Consulting Commission, Association of Governing Boards, 1998-2004, and member of the 1983 Midwest Selection Board, White House Fellows.
Ever present in community service, in Oxford, Ohio Wilson chaired the United Appeal Campaign; was president of the Oxford Rotary Club; chaired the Capital Campaign for the McCullough-Hyde Hospital and served on its board of trustees; was a member of the Bank One of Middletown board of directors; was elected Citizen of the Year in 1986; and was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church. In Eugene, Ore., Wilson raised funds for the Eugene Performing Arts Center and was a member of the Eugene Ballet Company Board of Trustees. In Bloomington, Ind., Wilson was president, Bloomington POPS board of directors; chaired the first annual 4th of July Bloomington POPS concert; co-chaired the Monroe County United Way Campaign; and was president of the University Club; chairman of the board, Greater Monroe County Chamber of Commerce; member of the Mayor’s Round Table; member of the board of directors, Indiana University’s Friends of Music; and president, Bloomington Rotary Club Foundation. In Francesville, Wilson was active in the St. James Salem United Church of Christ, the Winamac Kiwanis Club, and donated his time as a consultant to area organizations.
A member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Wilson served as advisor to the Alpha Chapter at Miami University and became a Province President and then National Alumni Commissioner. His professional organization memberships included Omicron Delta Kappa; Phi Alpha Theta; and Beta Gamma Sigma.
Wilson was the recipient of the A.K. Morris Award from Miami University; the Thomas Hart Benton Medallion from Indiana University; and, upon his retirement, the State of Indiana’s Sagamore of the Wabash Citation from Gov. Frank O’Bannon.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 14, at St. James Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville, with Rev. Nelda Seger officiating. (Guests should arrive between 1:30 and 2 p.m. All guests shall remain in their vehicles and tune their radios to 87.9 FM to hear the funeral services.) Private burial will be at St. James Salem Cemetery in Francesville.
Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Wilson’s name to any of the organizations noted here, or to others chosen by the donor: Miami University Foundation, Indiana University Foundation, Community Foundation of Pulaski County and St. James Salem United Church of Christ.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.
William G. Nicholson
January 31, 1933 to March 5, 2021
WINAMAC - William Gene “Bill” Nicholson, 88, of Winamac, passed away at 8:21 p.m., Friday, March 5, at Franciscan Health Lafayette East in Lafayette.
He was born Jan. 31, 1933 in Arcola, IL to the late William Kenneth and Geneiva Vermillion Nicholson. On Jan. 26, 1952, he married Wilma Jean Archer in Winamac. She died Jan. 25, 2017.
He is survived by:
Alan (Donna) Nicholson, Winamac, Son
Rodney Nicholson, Winamac, Son
Judy (Dan) Murphy, Granddaughter
Michelle “Mo” (Mark) Fox, Granddaughter
Lisa (Dave) Popejoy, Granddaughter
David (Felicia) Nicholson, Grandson
14 Great-Grandchildren
James (Judy) Nicholson, North Brook, IL, Brother
Gretchen Bleicher, Winamac, Sister
Kay Eenshuistra, Winamac, Sister
Preceded in death by:
Robert Nicholson, Grandson
Mr. Nicholson retired from United Telephone Company in 1995. He was a member of the NRA. He enjoyed having breakfast with his friends at McDonalds and having tea and crumpets with his sisters on Sunday.
A private funeral service will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
Jerry L. Jones
August 29, 1938 to March 4, 2021
WINAMAC - Jerry L. Jones, 82, of Winamac, passed away Thursday, March 4.
He was born Aug. 29, 1938 in Grass Creek, to the late Robert “Bob” and Marjorie Spotts Jones. He graduated from Grass Creek High School in 1956, Purdue University in 1960 (bachelor’s), and Indiana State University in 1966 (master’s). On June 3, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Connie Brown. She survives.
He is also survived by:
Jack (Karen) Jones, Winamac, Son
Tom (Carrie) Jones, Star City, Son
Ashley (Ben) Floreancig, Indianapolis, Granddaughter
Chelsey (Cody) Brink, Kalamazoo, MI, Granddaughter
Hailey (Hunter Medbourn) Jones, Winamac, Granddaughter
Dominick (Kylie Little) Intravaia, Terre Haute, Grandson
Alexia Intravaia, Star City, Granddaughter
Cooper Jones, Star City, Grandson
Carly Jones, Star City, Granddaughter
Cady Jones, Star City, Granddaughter
Cecilia Floreancig, Indianapolis, Great-Granddaughter
Christopher Floreancig, Indianapolis, Great-Grandson
Bill (Pat) Jones, Kewanna, Brother
Pam (Terry) Campbell, Greenfield, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
RJ, His Beloved German Shepherd
Preceded in death by:
Lorie Jones Kirkley, Niece
Mr. Jones was a member of the Winamac First United Methodist Church. He was a lifelong educator, retiring in 2001. He taught industrial arts (woods and drafting) for 41 years; with four years at Jefferson Twp. High School near Goshen, and 37 years at Winamac Community High School. He coached high school cross country (31 years) and track (17 years) at Winamac. His teams won numerous invitational, conference, and sectional titles. He had fond memories of all of his teams including the 1999 team that went undefeated (118-0). He was recognized as conference coach of the year many times. In 2015, he was inducted into the Winamac Community High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was part owner of JK&M Builders from 1966-76 along with his teaching buddies, Dave Kroft and Bob March. Their famous slogan was, “We’re slow, but we do good work.” In 1976, he started Jones Nurseries which allowed him to enjoy his second passion until his retirement in 2017. He was able to give many of his students their first summer jobs. Of all his lifelong accomplishments, he was most proud of his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor and tremendous work ethic. He taught us a lot with very few words. Never mind the curmudgeon he was (Google it!), he will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 11, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, March 12, at Winamac First United Methodist Church with Rev. Michelle White and Mr. Jones's brother-in-law, Rev. Terry Campbell (Ret.) officiating. Burial will be at Grass Creek Cemetery in Grass Creek.
Memorial donations may be made to Winamac Community High School Athletic Department (for the cross country or track teams), Pulaski Animal Center, Memorial Swinging Bridge Project, or Winamac First United Methodist Church.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Vaneada A. Brettin
March 10, 1934 to February 28, 2021
KNOX - Vaneada A. Brettin, 86, of Winamac, passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, at Millers Merry Manor in Plymouth.
She was born March 10, 1934 in Hanna (IN) to the late Otto and Leona Spenner Wolters. On Aug. 18, 1951, in Knox, she married James J. Brettin. He preceded her in death.
She is survived by her children, Diane Kreighbaum of Plymouth, and Mark (Pennie) Brettin of DeLand, FL; and a granddaughter, Adrienne Kreighbaum of Bellbrook, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Jean Singleton, and her son-in-law, Dennis Duane Kreighbaum.
Mrs. Brettin was a life member of both the ladies auxiliaries of the Winamac VFW and the Winamac American Legion.
The funeral service will be at 2 p.m. (ET), Saturday, March 6; with visitation two hours prior to services, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. Burial will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery in Knox.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the church.
M.C. Smith Funeral Home, Knox, is handling arrangements.
Monica Stamper
January 31, 1963 to February 27, 2021
WINAMAC - Monica Stamper, 58, of Winamac, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, Feb. 27, at Pulaski Memorial Hospital in Winamac.
She was born Jan. 31, 1963 in Lafayette, to the late Ralph and Dorothy Weaver Baker. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1981. On June 5, 1988, she married Alvin Stamper at the Tippecanoe River State Park in Winamac. He survives.
She is survived by:
Alecia (Francis Czech) Stamper, Winamac, Daughter
Sierra (Morris) Stamper LeNeave, Winamac, Daughter
Mercy (Marcos) Gonzales, Logansport, Daughter
Jacobi and Lillie, Grandchildren
Randy (Brenda) Baker, Winamac, Brother
Kim Baker, Winamac, Brother
Debby (Jody) Stilwell, Winamac, Sister
Many Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins
Mary Baker, Aunt
Mary Pratt, Aunt
Catherine (Ed) Pratt, Aunt
Preceded in death by:
Brenda Baker, Infant Sister
Judy Baker, Sister-in-law
Jesse and Marilyn McClellan Stamper, In-Laws
Mrs. Stamper worked as a direct support professional at PEAK Community Services. She always said that the most important job she had was being a mother. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Winamac and the Twilight Twenty Home Ec Club. She was also a longtime 4-H leader. She operated her own business, Monica’s Crochet Creations. She enjoyed traveling to Florida and combing the beach for shark teeth and shells. She also enjoyed playing Euchre and going shopping. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 4, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, March 5, at the funeral home. Burial will be at St. Peter’s Cemetery in Winamac.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or American Heart Association or American Cancer Society.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Russell S. Franco
February 22, 2021
WINAMAC - Russell S. Franco, 74, of Winamac, passed away Monday, Feb. 22, at his home in Winamac.
No services will be held.
Arrangements entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
Larry J. Edmondson
December 11, 1943 to February 25, 2021
WINAMAC - Larry Joe Edmondson, 77, of Winter Haven, FL (formerly of Star City) passed away peacefully Thursday, Feb. 25, at his home with family by his side.
He was born Dec. 11, 1943 in Linton, IN to the late Carl and Grace Perell Edmondson. He graduated from Jasonville (IN) High School. He married Mary Kathleen Williams on Feb. 17, 1963; they were married for 46 years until she died following a long battle with cancer in 2009. He married Betty Jo Gilbert Webster on Oct. 28, 2015. She survives.
Survivors also include:
Theresa A. (Dennis) Risner, Francesville, Daughter
Tony J. Edmondson, Kokomo, Son
Lisa M. (Brian) Guzman, Greenfield, Daughter
Bryan K. (Amber) Edmondson, Akron, Son
Angela (Tracy) Cress, Hoschton, GA, Step Daughter
Grandchildren: Amanda (Joshua) Rinehart, Ashley (Chad) Conley, Erika (Jake) Bryant, Sarah (fiancé: Zach Shidler) Redweik, Travis Edmondson, Andrea (Josh) Richmond, Destiny Evans, Brock Guzman, Grace Edmondson, Austin Edmondson, Eliseo Edmondson, Mateo Edmondson, and Sunnie Sayers.
Great-Grandchildren: Lincoln Rinehart, Brea Conley, Beau Conley, Delaney Rinehart, Amelia Rinehart, Kinsley Bryant, Ellie Bryant, and Charlotte Rinehart.
Dorothy Dove, Linton, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
He was preceded in death by:
Sarah Hartle, Infant Granddaughter
Emilee Edmondson, Infant Granddaughter
Bob Edmondson, Brother
Jim Edmondson, Brother
Jane Burger, Sister
Marilyn Sluder, Sister
Kenny Edmondson, Brother
Mary Ashcraft, Sister
Mr. Edmondson served as a jet engine mechanic in the U. S. Air Force. He was a hardworking man who dedicated his entire life to his family. He enjoyed singing karaoke, spending weekends at the racetrack with his family, listening to bluegrass and classic country, playing the banjo and guitar, playing golf, and watching his children and grandchildren live their dreams. He loved his sports on and off TV and was very passionate - even when the refs couldn’t see or let the girls stay in the lane for three seconds. His family was his everything. He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan and he cherished every moment he had with them. BR549, call me.
A private graveside service will be held at Buck Cemetery in Star City with Rev. Kevin Marsh officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the American Legion and VFW.
Memorial donations may be made to Buck Cemetery.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac,
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