Obituaries

C. Edwin Witt Sr.

February 1, 1942 to September 2, 2016

DENVER - C. Edwin Witt Sr., 74, passed away Friday, Sept. 2, in his beloved Colorado.

He was born Feb. 1, 1942, in Michigan to the late Clarence Arthur and Elsie Emma Elizabeth Smallfelt Witt.

He is survived by his sons, C. Edwin, Jr. and Jeffrey Blaine, sisters Athella Cherry and Donna Dolezal, grandchildren Kate, Anthony, John, Calvin and Vincent, and his second wife, Lorraine Osborn Witt.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Lou (Wacker) Witt.

Mr. Witt grew up in Medaryville. The first of his family to receive a college degree (1963, Purdue, physics), he earned his masters and Ph.D. from Carnegie-Mellon University. He retired in 2004 from NREL (formerly SERI) in the photovoltaic industry, allowing him to spend more time on his passions - fishing, golfing and traveling. He began fly fishing when he and his family moved to Pueblo, Colo. in 1971. The Arkansas and Green Rivers were favorite haunts, but many rivers, streams and creeks across America were host to his flies, to the chagrin of many trout. He coached in the Alameda little league, sharing his love for the game of baseball and passing that on to his sons and many others. He also cultivated a large and diverse orchid collection over the last 35 years, bringing beauty and life into his home even as his was ending. In the latter part of life, he enjoyed traveling the world with his first wife, Mary Lou, and after her death with Lorraine. He provided the foundation for his sons to be successful in life. We are the richer for his part in our lives. We love you, Dad, you will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to your local little league or youth baseball association in Ed's name.

Wanda L. Stout

August 23, 1969 to October 29, 2016

ROYAL CENTER - Wanda Lee Stout, 47, of Winamac passed away at 12:31 p.m., Saturday, October 29, at her residence.

Born on Aug. 23, 1969 in Winamac, she was the daughter of Thomas and Betty (Wallen) Osborn.

Survivors include her children, Ashley Stout of Star City, Alisha Cline (Scott) of Columbus, Briget Stout of Columbus and Adam Stout (Shelby) of Panama City, Fla., mother, Betty Osborn of Star City, brothers, Mark Osborn (Diane) of Elkhart and Daniel Osborn (Alisha) of Brookston, grandchildren, Dominic Stout, Adilynn Cline and Reece Clemons and her former husband, Leroy Stout, Jr. of Star City.

She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas C. Osborn, sister, Catherine Whitehead and two infant twin brothers.

Mrs. Stout was a 1987 Winamac High School graduate. She formerly worked in the cafeteria at the Winamac elementary school for several years. She enjoyed cooking, gardening and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Church of the Heartland, Winamac with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Heath Hiatt will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harrison-Metzger-Rans Funeral Home, Royal Center Chapel. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

 

Dick E. Conner

April 2, 1941 to October 29, 2016

WINAMAC - Dick E. Conner, 75, of Star City, passed away at 7:10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, at Regency Hospital, Portage.

He was born April 2, 1941in Winamac, to the late Marion G. and Violet M. Rinebarger Conner. He was a 1959 graduate of Winamac High School. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. On April 4, 1970, he married Ruth Ann Lutes in Royal Center. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Kimberly Conner-Back, Allen, OK, Daughter
Bryan (Marla) Conner, Star City, Son
Andy Conner, Star City, Son
10 Grandchildren: Robbie, Devin, Tiffany, Kaiti, Dakota, Brandon, Beau, Drew, Jade, and Samantha
5 Great Grandchildren: Jada, Aureah, Brantley, Justice, and Caleb
Howard J. (Janice) Conner, Winamac, Brother
Ruth Lutes, Star City, Mother-in-law
Judy (Gary) Klaklamp, Logansport, Sister-in-law

Preceded in death by:
James B. Lutes, Father-in-law

Mr. Conner was born, raised, and lived his entire life at the family home place in rural Star City. He was lifelong farmer and also was a parts driver for Rife Heavy Duty. He enjoyed helping with the county fair, especially the tractor pull. He also enjoyed gardening. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, Winamac. He loved his family very much, especially spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was looking forward to the birth of his sixth great-grandchild.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 3, at the funeral home with Rev. Laura Bailey officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter's Cemetery, Winamac with Rev. Bert Woolson officiating. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to Pulaski County 4-H Fair Board.

Evelyn M. Powers

December 7, 1933 to October 30, 2016

WINAMAC - Evelyn Marie Powers (nee Goble), 82, of Winamac passed away Sunday, Oct. 30.

She was born Dec. 7, 1933 in Beaver Township to Lester and Ruby Goble (nee Ross).

She is survived by children Sandra Hakos of Hudson, WI; Linda (Michael) Michalski of Hammond, and Robert (Patricia) Powers of Midlothian, IL; and grandchildren William (Kara) Hakos and Stephanie (Robert) Gordon, William and Melinda Michalski and Sarah, Philip and Abigail Powers.

Preceded in death by her husband, John; her brothers, Robert (Ann) Goble and Donald (Jean) Goble; her sisters, Lucille (Orville) Rife and Alma (Philip) Lemeron; brother-in-law Thomas Powers; and nephew, Steven Lemeron.

Mrs. Powers graduated from Hammond High School. She worked at Erie Lackawanna Railroad where she met her future husband, John Powers. He passed away in 2004. They lived in Cedar Lake where they were blessed with three children. They raised their children in Hammond. As an active member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, Evelyn enjoyed teaching Sunday school and VBS. She worked briefly at Alexander Book store in Munster. A job opportunity in the early 80s took the pair to Beulah, ND. They retired to Winamac to be near Evelyn's sisters. She attended the Nazarene Church. She enjoyed traveling, crocheting, reading and spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved her dog, Allie. She was a proud aunt and loved all of her nieces and nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Rush Hospital and to the Hospice of the Calumet Region at the WJ Riley Residence for their support in her final days.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov 5, at the funeral home with Rev. Sam Polito officiating. Burial will follow at Paul's Chapel Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Paul's Chapel Cemetery or Hospice of the Calumet Region.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

 

 

Violet L. Wilson

March 19, 1925 to October 27, 2016

WINAMAC - Violet L. Wilson 91, of Francesville, formerly Winamac, passed away at 6:55 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 27, In Francesville.

She was born on March 19, 1925 in Bruce Station, IN to the late George and Hallie Guise Bitterling.

She is survived by:
Joyce ( William) Robison , Winamac, Daughter
William "Wes" (Linda) Wilson, Winamac, Son
Luke A. (Connie Smith) Wilson, Winamac, Son
Brian (Pattie) Robison, Grandchild
Kathy ( Curt) Jackson, Grandchild
John Walker, Great-grandson
Brandon Robison, Great-grandson
3 Great-great grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
John "Jr" Wison, Husband
Daniel Gene Wilson, Son
2 Brothers and 1 Sister

Mrs. Wilson was a member of the St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac. She was a member of the Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for many years. She was a farm wife. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed eating out and going to yard sales. She loved spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed watching baseball and Gunsmoke on TV.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac; and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to the American Heart Association.

Virgil R. Myers

June 21, 1917 to October 28, 2016

FRANCESVILLE - Virgil R. "Bud" Myers, 99, of Francesville, passed away at 2:27 p.m., Friday, Oct. 28, at White Oak Health Campus, Monticello.

He was born on June 21, 1917 in Francesville to the late Roy Jacob and Edith Anna Grock Myers. On July 15, 1941, he married Rachel Bosse in Winamac. She preceded him in death on Aug. 23, 2011.

Survivors include:
Jennifer (Neil) Anderson, West Lafayette, Daughter
Kathleen Woodworth, Angola, Daughter
Laurel Myers, Francesville, Daughter
Kristin (Brad) Chesterman, Granddaughter
Brian (Diana) Anderson, Grandson
Jessica Anderson, Granddaughter
James (Heidi) Woodworth, Grandson
Anthony Woodworth, Grandson
Jenna Chesterman, Great Granddaughter
Ty Chesterman, Great Grandson
Cole Anderson, Great Grandson
Kade Anderson, Great Grandson
Drew Woodworth, Great Grandson
Maudelene Allyn, San Antonio, TX, Sister
Jeanne Hawn, Lakewood, CO, Sister
Norma Hammel, Angola, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death:
Stanley Myers, Infant Brother
Ruth Leibert, Sister
Alyce Onken, Sister
Gertrude Godbout, Sister
Mabel Brown, Sister

Mr. Myers graduated from Francesville High School in 1935. Following graduation, he went to work at Myers Garage in Francesville. As one of the "Greatest Generation", he spent three years (1942-45) in Europe serving with the 825th Engineers of the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Jesse Engle Post #228 in Francesville. Upon returning from the war, he again worked at Myers Garage alongside his brother Don until 1958. During this time, he also drove a school bus for the Francesville School. He also served as Francesville Postmaster from 1958-1961. From 1962-1977, he and his wife owned and operated the V&R Market in downtown Francesville. In 1977, he went to work for the Indiana State Board of Health as a meat inspector. He retired from the state in 1985. For nearly 75 years, he served the community and played an important role as an assistant to five generations of funeral directors. He had worked alongside Claude Burson, Harry Querry, Bob Ulbricht, and most recently Dan, Sam, and Jon Frain. On his 97th birthday, he regretfully retired due to poor health. 

Mr. Myers was a member of Francesville First Christian Church. He was a charter member of the Francesville Volunteer Fire Department where he served for over 50 years. He was the first fireman to the drive the 1938 Pumper Truck. He was a proud member of the Pulaski County Republican Central Committee where he held various office and also held the office of Salem Precinct Committeeman. He was a former member of the Francesville-Salem Township Library Board. In 1988, he was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash by Gov. Robert Orr. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan as well as a Purdue fan. He enjoyed yardwork, refinishing antiques, and restoring his old home place in Francesville. He enjoyed going to the coffee shop and visiting with his friends. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially all of his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his "granddog". He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, as well as many generations of the community.

Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville; and one hour prior to services at the church Wednesday. The funeral service will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Francesville First Christian Church, Francesville, with Pastor James Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to the Francesville First Christian Church or the Francesville-Salem Township Public Library.

Paul J. Cooley

February 11, 1954 to October 24, 2016

FRANCESVILLE - Paul Jeffery Cooley, 62, of Francesville, passed away at 12:22 p.m., Monday, Oct. 24, at IU Health Arnett, Lafayette.

He was born Feb. 11, 1954 to the late Bob and Jane Cooley.

Mr. Cooley was raised in the Monticello area and attended Indiana University at Bloomington. He was retired from Alcoa, Lafayette.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. Private burial will be at Riverview Cemetery, Monticello.

Memorial donations may be made to Mr. Cooley's caregiver, Dina Newkirk, and mailed to PO Box 372 Francesville, IN 47946.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel Francesville.