Obituaries

Lester L. Wilson

April 11, 1916 to December 14, 2012

WINAMAC - Lester L. Wilson, 96, of Winamac, passed away at 12:05 p.m., Friday, Dec. 14, at his residence.

Born on April 11, 1916 in Helix, Oregon, his natural parents were Delbert and Marie Wilson, of Umatilla County, Oregon. After the death of his mother at the age of four, he was raised by his Aunt Carrie and Uncle Fred Koebcke of Francesville. He married Lucille L. Werner of Francesville on Nov. 26, 1943. She survives.

Survivors include:
Jeffrey (Nancy) Wilson, Sarasota, FL, Son & daughter-in-law
Judy (David) Ross , DeLand, FL, Daughter & son-in-law
Fredrick (Sheila) Wilson, Warsaw, Son & daughter-in-law
Gary (Cate) Wilson, Cicero, Son & daughter-in-law
22 Grandchildren
15 Great grandchildren
Several nieces & nephews

He was preceded in death by his natural parents, Delbert and Marie Wilson, and his aunt and uncle, Fred and Carrie Koebcke.

Mr. Wilson attended the University of Arizona, Tucson and received his law degree from Indiana University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. His law study was interrupted with 3-1/2 years of naval service on the USS Earle, a World War II convoy escort destroyer. While on leave in New York City in November 1943, Mr. Wilson married his wife.

He attended St.Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac. Well known for his wit and humor, he brought many smiles to Winamac residents and store owners during his nearly 40 years of law practice. He will be dearly missed by so many who loved him.

Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Wednesday,  at Frain Mortuary, Winamac; and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday (Dec. 20), at St. Luke Lutheran Church, Winamac, with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. Military graveside services will be conducted. 

Memorial donations may be given to: St. Luke Lutheran Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice. 

Frank O. Cannon

July 25, 1926 to December 9, 2012

WINAMAC - Frank O. Cannon Jr., 86, of Winamac, died at 11:05 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9, at IU-Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born July 25, 1926, in Jacksonville, IL, to the late Frank O. and Lola Johnson Cannon Sr. He married Patricia Chapman on June 5, 1951, in Jacksonville, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are:
Frank O. Cannon III, Camarillo, CA, Son
Kristin M. Cannon, Glen Springs, CO, Daughter
Drennan A. Cannon, Saugus, CA, Son
Camille M. Cannon, Fairfield, CA, Daughter
Greg Cannon, Grandson
Sean Cannon, Grandson
Nicole Cannon, Granddaughter
McCabe Mallin, Grandson
Josha Cannon, Grandson
Daniel McGuire, Grandson
Gabriel Cannon, Grandson
5 Great Grandchildren

Mr. Cannon graduated from Routt High School in Jacksonville, IL, and Illinois College at Jacksonville. He was a member of Phi Alpha Fraterity. Very active in Democrat politics in his youth, he served as president of the Illinois Young Democrats. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and had been in combat in Europe.

Mr. Cannon had been a resident of Winamac since 1961. He was employed with Pfizer Pharmaceutals for 20 years in sales. He also had been employed as a counselor with the Indiana Department of Corrections until his retirement 16 years ago. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church, and the Knights of Columbus, both of Winamac. He was a true fan and supporter of the University of Notre Dame football and basketball teams. He was an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman, and bird watcher. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be given to Friends of Pleasant View Rest Home.

Maxine G. Compton

August 12, 1922 to December 8, 2012

WINAMAC - Maxine G. Compton, 90, of Monticello, formerly of Star City, passed away at 11:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8, at St. Mary's Healthcare, Lafayette.

She was born Aug. 12, 1922, in Monon, to the late Donald C. and Lillian Ann Tiede Boulden. She married Robert A. Compton on June 8, 1941, in Martinsville. He passed away on March 12, 1990.

Survivors include:
Barbara A. (Donald) Rhamy, Westfield, Daughter
Debra S. Compton, Indianapolis, Daughter
John R. (Susan) Compton, Kalamazoo, MI, Son
James D. (Madonna) Compton, Lafayette, Son
Jeffrey L. (Deborah) Compton, Star City, Son
Scott (Elizabeth) Rhamy, Richmond, VA, Grandson
Robert (Megan) Rhamy, Bloomington, IL, Grandson
Jennifer (William) Tohtz, Bartlett, IL, Granddaughter
Andrew Compton, Phoenix, AZ, Grandson
Glenn Compton, Kalamazoo, MI, Grandson
Cari (James) Gothard, Lafayette, Granddaughter
Ryan (Chad) Main, Chicago, IL, Granddaughter
Kate (David) Schuppan, Hinsdale, IL, Granddaughter
Chad (April) Compton, Star City, Grandson
Brooke (William) Jung, Zionsville, Granddaughter
21 Great Grandchildren
Donald (JoAnn) Boulden, Indianapolis, Brother
Joan Moss, Flora, Sister
Betty Varga, South Bend, Sister

Mrs. Compton grew up in Winamac, the first of four children. She spent most of her married life on the Compton family farm. She was a member of the Star City United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. She spent 25 years wintering in Fort Myers, FL. She was a member of the Sweet Sue singing group at Indian Creek Park, Fort Myers. She enjoyed summers at her home on Lake Freeman in Monticello. Her children wish to thank John Brim for his friendship to Mrs. Compton and her family over the past several years. The love and friendship of family and friends created a wonderful life for Mrs. Compton and her family.

Friends may call after 11 a.m., Wednesday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m., (Wednesday, Dec. 12), at the funeral home with Rev. Ruth Waite officiating. Burial will be in Star City West Cemetery, Star City.

Memorial donations may be given to the Star City United Methodist Church or the American Cancer Society.

Barbara Cessna

February 18, 1932 to December 6, 2012

KEWANNA - Barbara Jean Cessna, 80, of Lake Bruce, passed away at 7:10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, at Hickory Creek, Rochester.

Born Febr. 18, 1932 in Kokomo, she was the daughter of the late William E. “Joe” and Mae (Delong) Gooch. On April 14, 1951, she married William A. “Bill” Cessna. He preceded her in death April 10, 2003.

Survivors include her daughters, Deborah L. Cessna of West Lafayette, Kim J. Bowsher and husband, Bruce of Rochester and Barbara Jan Bruce and husband, Tim of Remington. She is also survived by grandchildren Laurie Birchmeier and husband Kevin of Plymouth, Meghan Hazlett of Phoenix, Ariz., Amanda Hazlett of Argos, Kaleb Hazlett of Rochester, Josh Bruce of Chicago and Sarah Bruce of Remington, and two great grandchildren, Lilly Gerald and Wesley Gerald of Argos.

She was also preceded in death by daughter, Denise Ann Cessna.

During her life time, Mrs. Cessna had many “careers”. She was a homemaker and farm wife, licensed pilot, business woman, swim coach and a croquet master. She had also formerly worked at Kewanna Metal Specialties for 13 years. She was a former member of the Rochester Order of Eastern Star. She enjoyed gardening, reading and “picking” antiques. She had a love of all animals and enjoyed caring for them and being outdoors. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and a good friend and confidant to many.

Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 1 :30 pm., Saturday (Dec. 8), at Harrison-Metzger & Rans Funeral Home, Kewanna Chapel. Chaplain Jason See will officiate. Burial will follow at Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the National Wildlife Federation and/or the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Emily Jensen

December 12, 1919 to December 2, 2012

WINAMAC - Emily Jensen, 92, died Sunday, Dec. 2, at Okeechobee Health Care Facility in Okeechobee, FL.

She was born Dec. 12, 1919, in Hammond, to the late Robert and Francis Hook. She married Albert Jensen on April 26, 1947. He passed away Sept. 15, 2006.

Survivors include her son, Charles (Patti) Jensen of Winamac, and daughter Lori K. (Sam) Brazil of Okeechobee, FL; three grandchildren Wanda, Kenneth, Jessica; and two great-grandchildren Arianna and Mia, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceeded in death by her brother and sisters, and son Lewis Jensen.

Mrs. Jensen and her husband were in the farming business. She also worked as an aide at Pulaski Memorial Hospital, Winamac.  She had been a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses for over 60 years with the last 35 years in Okeechobee. 

A memorial service will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Okeechobee, FL, at 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec.15, with Brother Berney Hall officiating. A local memorial services will be held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Winamac at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 8. Private burial will be in Winamac Cemetery, Winamac.

Memorial donations may be given to Worldwide Work of Jehovah's Witness.
 

Karen Lancashire

November 29, 2012

FRANCESVILLE - Karen Lancashire, 51, of Nashville, TN passed away Thursday, Nov. 29, at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville.

She was born to the late Jule and Arthur Onken. She married Robert Lancashire. He survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Heather Manor and her husband, Jeff Manor with their two children, Lindsay and Cameron; and Amanda Lancashire with her five children, Alexia, Jeremy, Joshua, Ashleigh, Jairon.

A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Dec, 4, at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made to the family in c/o Robert Lancashire. 

Local arrangements are being handled by Frain Mortuary, Francesville. 

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com