Obituaries

Jamie M. Crawford

February 5, 1981 to April 23, 2023

WINAMAC - Jamie Marie Crawford, 42, of Winamac, passed away at 11:55 p.m., Sunday, April 23, at her home, surrounded by her loved ones after a valiant fight against cancer.

She was born Feb. 5, 1981 in Winamac to Phillip “Flip” and Anne [Fisher] Crawford. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 2000.

Jamie Crawford

She is survived by:
Matthew Scheffer, Son
Michael Calabrese, Son
Mason Calabrese, Son
Phillip and Anne Crawford, Parents
Jeremy (Rhonda) Crawford, Brother
Rachel Crawford, Sister
Brianna Trinkle, Niece
Brayden Crawford, Nephew
Ava Crawford, Niece
Weston Wallace, Nephew
Waylon Wallace, Nephew
Isabella Trinkle, Great-Niece
Elijah Trinkle, Great-Nephew
Jeanettie “Sis” Fox, Paternal Grandmother
Many Beloved Aunts, Uncles and Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Raymond Crawford, Paternal Grandfather
Arthur “Art” Fox, Paternal Step-Grandfather
John Galbreath, Paternal Step-Grandfather
Albert and Josephine Fisher, Maternal Grandparents

Ms. Crawford was well-known as the face of Pulaski County having worked at the Division of Family Resources in Winamac for 12 years. In this role, she dedicated her career to helping others in the community. Most recently, she worked as a property manager for Bradley Co. in Culver. Outside of work, she was a dedicated home caregiver for several local families. Her beautiful smile and natural, loving personality made her a perfect fit for these roles. She was a loving mother to her sons. Her life was devoted to giving them all she could. Her selfless devotion was not only to her boys, but extended to her entire circle of family and friends. When she wasn’t busy working or doing things for others, she enjoyed floating the river (with her homemade sunscreen), spending time at the casino (she was a high roller), and being physically active (especially riding bikes, walking, and roller blading). She lived a healthy and naturalistic lifestyle (seriously, coconut oil). This world is a better place because of the footprint Jamie leaves behind. She was a bright light that resonated love and kindness on us all.

Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m., Sunday, April 30; and from 10 to 11 a.m., Monday, May 1, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. (Monday), at the funeral home with Pastor Heath Hiatt officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

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

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

Richard D. Ward

August 30, 1927 to April 22, 2023

WINAMAC - Richard D. Ward, 95, of Danville (formerly of Winamac), passed away Saturday, April 22, at Woodland Terrace in Danville.

He was born Aug. 30, 1927 in Gary, to the late Cecil L. and Emma E. [Rhode] Ward. He graduated from North Judson High School in 1946. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II aboard the USS Sicily (CVE-118). After receiving an honorable discharge, he attended the University of Chicago. On Jan. 29, 1955, he married Arlene P. Peters in LaPorte. She survives.

Dick Ward

He is also survived by:
David K. (Sherilyn) Ward, Cissna Park, IL, Son
Debra L. (Brent) Hornaday, Danville, Daughter
5 Grandchildren: Emily, Katherine, Jennifer, Teresa and Jessica
1 Great-Granddaughter: Abigail
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
2 Brothers: Joseph and Leonard
1 Sister: Hazel

Mr. Ward was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Winamac. He was a mechanic and farmer throughout his life. In 1984, he retired from US Steel, but continued running the family farm until he moved last year. He loved his family very much and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, April 26, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 27, at the funeral home with lay leader Barbara Kleinofen officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac. The American Legion and VFW will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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

Carl D. Hunt

November 18, 1955 to April 21, 2023

WINAMAC - Carl Dennis Hunt, 67, of Star City (formerly of Gary), passed away suddenly Friday, April 21, at his home. 

He was born Nov. 18, 1955 in Sweetwater, TN to the late V.R. and Lucille [Yates] Hunt. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Chicago. On May 25, 1990, he married Margaret “Margie” [Pivovarnik] Koslow in Gary. She survives.

Carl Hunt

He is also survived by:
Cynthia Dulin, Kokomo, Daughter
Patricia (Scott) Volom, Portage, Daughter
Tina Shofroth, Monticello, Daughter
Adam Hunt, Berthoud, CO, Son
Rebecca (Steve) Adcock, Rensselaer, Daughter
James Hunt, Star City, Son
17 Grandchildren
Many Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great-Grandchildren
Danny (Elaine) Hunt, Chicago, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Bill Hunt, Brother
Elizabeth Anderson, Sister

Mr. Hunt was retired from Acme Steel in Chicago and Van Guard in Monon. He was a member of the United Steelworkers Union Local #1657. He worked hard his entire life. He was a member of ABATE in Lake County and most recently in Pulaski County. He enjoyed riding his Harley. He also enjoyed watching football and was an avid Chicago Bears Fan. He absolutely loved the outdoors, especially cutting grass, drinking beer, and grilling out. His tropical fish were an important part of his life. Most of all, his loyalty to his friends and family was second to none. He has taken his last ride and left a trail of memories for all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, April 28, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Cremation will take place after visitation has been held. Private burial will be at New Providence Cemetery in Tellico Plains, TN.

Memorial donations may be made to Wounded Warriors Project.

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

Donald E. Heims

November 25, 1941 to April 21, 2023

WINAMAC - Donald E. Heims, 81, of Winamac, passed away at 12:20 a.m., Friday, April 21, in Winamac.

He was born Nov. 25, 1941 in Winamac, to the late Merlyn and Blanche Clark Heims. He graduated from Winamac High School, and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He married Mary A. Schneider. She died April 11, 1994. He married Patty L. Chamness. She died on Aug. 21, 2022.

Donald Heims

He is survived by:
Jeff (Rhonda) Heims, Winamac, Son
DeWayne Heims, Son
Dawn (Glenn) Bailey, Winamac, Daughter
Daniel Heims, Lafayette, Son
10 Grandchildren
6 Great-Grandchildren
Larry T. Heims, Brother

Preceded in death by:
Miriam M. Lloyd, Wife
Mary Heims, Wife
Patty Heims, Wife
Cody Heims, Grandson
Ernest R. Heims, Brother
Kenneth Heims Brother
Richard L. Heims, Brother

Mr. Heims had worked as a laborer at the Braun Corporation in Winamac and was a supervisor at Plymouth Tube Company in Winamac for many years. He was a member of the Moose Lodge in Winamac. He was an avid bowler and had bowled a perfect 300 game. He was a Golden Glove boxer while participating on the Army boxing team. He had played league softball in Winamac for several years. He enjoyed cutting fire wood and floating the river. He also enjoyed gardening.

Visitation will be from 12 noon until 2 p.m., Monday, April 24, at Frain Mortuary. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. (Monday), at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Township Cemetery in Winamac. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be made to First Christian Church Guidance Nursery School in Winamac.

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

Linda K. Wilson

December 22, 1952 to April 20, 2023

WINAMAC - Linda Kay Wilson, 70, of Winamac, passed away Thursday, April 20, on a warm spring day at her home by the creek.

She was born Dec. 22, 1952 in Rensselaer, to Robert Henry and Marolyn Elaine [Christian] Keiper. She graduated from Winamac Community High School in 1970. On Sept. 16, 1972, she married William Wesley Wilson in Winamac. He survives.

Linda Wilson

She is also survived by:
Laura (Tim) Callahan, Winamac, Sister
Brian (Patty) Robison, Nephew
Kathy Jackson, Niece
Tyler Callahan, Nephew
Jamie Callahan, Niece
John Walker, Great-Nephew
Brandon Robison, Great-Nephew
Jeremy Robison, Great-Nephew

She is preceded in death by her parents

Several years after her marriage, Mrs. Wilson graduated from Knox Beauty College. She owned and operated Heads Up Beauty Salon for a few years. She worked at Sander’s for many years and retired as a manager nine years ago. She enjoyed walking along Mill Creek which is in her backyard and the great outdoors in general. She also enjoyed “day trips” throughout Indiana and Southwest Michigan, especially during peach and apple season. She favored dining at good Italian restaurants. Later in life, she liked to relax and watch old TV show reruns. She cherished her nieces and nephews and loved her entire family very much. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

No services will be held at this time.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

James W. Finney

December 3, 1951 to April 17, 2023

MICHIGAN CITY - James Walter "Jay" Finney, 71, of Winamac, passed away Monday, April 17, at his home in Winamac, after a short illness.

Jay Finney

He was born Dec. 3, 1951, in Valparaiso, to the late William L. and Dorothy (Tarwater) Finney.

Surviving is his life partner, Lois Ann McCary; one daughter, Crystal Sue (Kenneth) Troyer; five grandchildren, Brandon Jeffrey Bellaire, Dennis James "DJ" Bellaire, Sarah Beth (Michael Peterson) Mielke, Amber Renee (Matt) Henney and William Troy Finney; four great-grandchildren, Luna Grace Peterson, Mia Rose Henney, Jaden Matthew Henney and Arabella Grace Henney; two brothers, William (Jenny) Finney and Larry Finney; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by one son, BillyJay Finney; and the mother of their children, Delores "DeeDee" Schneider.

Mr. Finney was a retired motor inspector for Cleveland Cliffs. He was a member of the Glory Stompers Motorcycle Club and a Life Member of the DAV in Michigan City. He was a Vietnam veteran serving in the Army.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 22, at the Root Funeral Home, Michigan City. Visitation will from 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.