Obituaries

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.

 

James S. Neely

January 22, 1963 to March 20, 2022

MEDARYVILLE - James S. Neely, 59, of Medaryville, passed away Sunday, March 20, at Porter NW Health Hospital in Valparaiso.

He was born Jan. 22, 1963 in Gary, to Daniel G. and Lois J. McCoy Neely.

 
James Neely

He is survived by:
Lois McCoy Neely Wilcoxon, Medaryville, Mother
Daniel G. (Barbara) Neely, Brother
Robert A. (Heidi) Neely, Brother
Harvey (Colleen) Wilcoxon, Step-brother
Willie A. (Janet) Wilcoxon Jr., Step-brother
April (Mark) Berg, Step-sister
Phillip Wilcoxon, Step-brother
Barbara A. Tracy, Step-sister

Preceded in death by:
Daniel G. Neely Sr., Father
Dawn Marie Neely, Sister
Willie A. “Bill” Wilcoson Sr., Step-father

Mr. Neely was a retired owner/operator truck driver. He served in the U.S. Army. He enjoyed motorcycle riding on his Harley and repairing motor vehicles. He loved to go fishing and he was always ready to help family and friends.

To honor Mr. Neely’s wishes, no services will be scheduled.

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

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

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

 

Thomas E. Saltsman Sr.

November 30, 1939 to March 17, 2022

MEDARYVILLE - Thomas E. “Tom” Saltsman Sr., 82, of Medaryville, passed away Thursday, March 17, at IU Health Hospital in Lafayette.

He was born Nov. 30, 1939 in Medaryville, to the late Hallie and Edna Mae Brick Saltsman. He married Karma Jean Hughes on Sept. 14, 1958 in Medaryville. She died Sept. 6, 2012.

 
Thomas Saltsman Sr.

He is survived by:
Thomas E. (Penny) Saltsman Jr., Winamac, Son
Gary D. (Sandy) Saltsman, Medaryville, Son
Teresa L. (Tom) Bryant, Winamac, Daughter
8 Grandchildren
16 Great-Grandchildren
Peggy (Bill) Coburn, Logansport, Sister
Mary Margaret (Art) Coburn, Monticello, Sister

Preceded in death by:
Benjamin Bryant, Grandson
Helen Wrench, Sister
Doris June Saltsman, Sister
Evelyn Nelson, Sister
Mildred Bennett, Sister
Lucille Dunn, Sister
Ruth Ann Terry, Sister
Violet McCoy, Sister
Archie”Skip” Saltsman, Brother
Donald Saltsman, Brother
Raymond Saltsman Sr., Brother

Mr. Saltsman was a life member of NRA, and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150. He was retired from Vulcan Materials in Francesville after 35 years. He enjoyed woodworking and working on cars. He also enjoyed fishing. He especially enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

A celebration of life event will be at 4 p.m., Sunday, March 20, at Meadow Springs in Francesville. A dinner will be served following services. Friends may visit with the family from 1 p.m. until the time of services Sunday.

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

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

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