Obituaries

Claudia Clarice M. Thomas

June 2, 1956 to May 29, 2021

WINAMAC - Claudia Clarice Marie Thomas, 64, of Ora, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 29, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born June 2, 1956 in Chicago, to the late Virgil and Elvira Wiler Newton. She graduated from Argos High School. She married Mitchell Thomas. He survives.

She is also survived by:
Calvert (Kyri) Quimby, Talma, Son
Cassidy (Dawn) Quimby, Argos, Son
Criston (Scott) Zehner, Monterey, Daughter
Layla Thomas, Ora, Daughter
Jessica Thomas, Winamac, Step-Daughter
15 Grandchildren
1 Great-Grandson
Many Nieces and Nephews
Stanley (Susan) Quimby, South Bend, Former Husband

Preceded in death by:
Earl Newton, Brother
LeRoy Newton, Brother
Wilma McMichael, Sister
Tommy Newton, Brother
Muriel Hartgraves, Sister

Although Mrs. Thomas didn’t attend college directly after high school, she took the time she needed to raise her children. Later in life, she went on to pursue her own professional goals by getting her associate’s degree in criminal justice from Ancilla College and her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Indiana Institute of Technology. She was employed at Advocacy Links as a case manager. She dedicated her life to helping others. She genuinely embodied the Advocacy Links mission statement of advocating for people who needed help, connecting people to fiscally responsible resources, and respecting everyone in the process. This is true both in her professional and personal life. She enjoyed the outdoors, especially bird and butterfly watching as well as gardening. She also enjoyed reading. She was an avid horse racing fan and always looked forward to the annual trip she took to the Sulky Horse Races in Anderson. Most of all, she adored her family and loved cooking for them and having everyone in her home for gatherings. She will be deeply missed by so many.

The funeral service will be at 1 p.m., Thursday, June 3, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac, with Pastor Dana Neer officiating. Visitation will follow from 2 to 7 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Rex R. Trainer Sr.

August 15, 1957 to May 23, 2021

WINAMAC - Rex R. Trainer Sr., 63, of Kokomo (formerly of Winamac), passed away at 6:16 p.m., Sunday, May 23, at Howard Community Hospital in Kokomo.

He was born Aug. 15, 1957 in Sturgis, MI to the late Cecil R. and Jeanette L. Tetzloff Trainer. On Oct. 25, 1980, he married Margaret Alcorn in Portage. She passed away Dec. 3, 2005.

He is survived by:
Yvonne (Terry) Dalka, Buffalo, Daughter
Tiara (Jack) Wright, Culver, Daughter
Rex R. (Mindy) Trainer, Jr., Rochester, Son
7 Grandchildren: Cheyenne, Judy, Jack, Chloe, Thomas, Bryce, and Valerie
3 Great Grandchildren: Paisley, Rayanna, and Piper
3 Sisters: Ranetta, Rita, and Robin
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
1 Infant Sister: Judy

Mr. Trainer was a lifelong truck driver. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He enjoyed woodworking and playing cards. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, May 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., Thursday, at the funeral home with Pastor Elmer Poisel 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 the family.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

William F. Starr

October 15, 1943 to May 18, 2021

WINAMAC - William F. “Bill” Starr, 77, of Florida, formerly of Winamac, passed away at 3:08 p.m., Tuesday, May 18, at Halifax Health Hospital in Port Orange, FL.

He was born Oct. 15, 1943 in East St. Louis, IL to the late Frank and Josephine Kurry Starr . On Oct. 11, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Darlene J. Hoffmann in Centerville, IL. She died April 21, 2017.

He is survived by:
Billy Starr, Winamac, Son
Tracy Starr, Elkhart, Son
Dana Marie Starr (Jerri), Elkhart, Daughter
Darren (Myra) Starr, Winamac, Son
13 Grandchildren
24 Great Grandchildren
Marlene Parsons, Collinsville, IL, Sister
Richard (Lee) Starr, Swansea, IL, Brother
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Jeffery Starr, Son
Crystal Starr, Daughter-in-law
Cortney Starr, Granddaughter
Brandon Starr, Grandson
Dale Parsons, Brother-in-law

Mr. Starr was retired from Plymouth Tube Co. in Winamac where he had worked for 41 years. He was a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac, and the NRA. He enjoyed hunting, target practice and fishing. He loved to exercise frequently. He liked to spend time on the beach in Florida. He was an avid poker player. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 27, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac; and one hour prior to services at the church Friday. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, May 28, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Winamac, with Pastor Tom Woodley officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion-Franklin Township Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke Lutheran Church.

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

Anthony E. Rausch

May 27, 1952 to May 19, 2021

ROYAL CENTER - Anthony E. “Tony” Rausch, 68, of Winamac passed away May 19, after a short illness.

He was born May 27, 1952 in Logansport to the late Daniel R. and Bonita L. Brady Rausch.

He is survived by daughters Rachel (Josh) Jacobs and Rebecca (Charles Min) Rausch; son David (Carissa Bendel) Rausch; sisters, Judy (Wayne) Fitz and Jeannie Rausch; brother Bernard (Patti-Jo) Rausch; and five nieces, Heidi, Bridget, Grace, Danni-Jo and Rita.

He was preceded in death by his sister Christine Smith, and brother Mark Rausch.

Mr. Rausch was raised on the family farm which was home to “Bonnie’s Punkins.” He retired in 2017 and enjoyed spending his time outdoors. He was an avid hunter and craftsman. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his three children.

A private memorial service will be held by family.

An online guestbook is available and condolences can be shared with the Rausch family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Harrison Chapel, Royal Center.

Samuel J. Bailey

January 20, 1941 to March 19, 2021

KNOX - Samuel J Bailey, 80, of Monterey, died Friday, March 19, in South Bend.

He was born Jan. 20, 1941 in Knox, the son of the late Samuel Bailey Sr. and Olive Locke Bailey.

Surviving are his wife, Joyce Bailey of Monterey; sons Tom Bailey of Argos, Todd Bailey of Argos, Anthony Bailey of Orlando, Fla., and Brian Steinke of Bremen; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by daughter Christine Stuff, and sisters Betty Woods and Evelyn Ahlenius.

Mr. Bailey worked as a farmer. He was a member of the St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Logansport, and was on the North Bend Township Advisory Board. He enjoyed living in the country and farming. His greatest passion was spending time with his family.

A graveside service will be at (10 a.m. (CT) Friday May 21, at Bass Lake Cemetery. Braman and Son Memorial Chapel of Knox, is in charge of arrangements. Services will be live on Braman and Bailey Facebok page at the time of service. Interment will follow at the Bass Lake Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St James Evangelical Lutheran Church in Logansport, or to Indiana Lions Eye Bank.

Bruce and Phyllis Munroe

July 18, 1935; August 5, 1936 to May 19, 2021

WINAMAC - Bruce and Phyllis Munroe, of Culver, passed away Wednesday, May 19. They were longtime residents of Culver and had formerly lived in Indianapolis and Scottsdale, AZ.

Bruce was born July 18, 1935 in Agawam, MA to the late Charles and Edna Munroe. He grew up in Indianapolis and was a 1954 graduate of Culver Military Academy. After graduation, he attended Butler University and Indiana University.

Phyllis was born Aug. 5, 1936 in Eaton, IN to the late Lloyd and Dora Knife Richardson. She graduated from Ball Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She completed post graduate studies in operating room management at the graduate hospital of University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

They are survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Grant and Ginny Munroe of Culver; and preceded in death by a son, Alex Munroe whose seven children survive (Caroline, Charlie, Emerson, Owen, Lucy, Elliot, and Josie).

Mr. Munroe worked 40 years in the petroleum industry as a marketing manager. He was an avid sailor. He enjoyed working as a sailing instructor at Culver Summer School where he was affectionately known as “Captain Munroe.” Mrs. Munroe worked at IU Medical Center and the Indiana Hand Center at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. She was very fond of dogs. The couple enjoyed socializing with their friends in Culver. They especially enjoyed attending Wine Time and Yacht Club parties as well as sharing a good meal at Café Max, Frieda’s, The Lakehouse, The Original Root Beer Stand, or Culver Coffee Co.

At the couple’s request, no services will be held. They will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved them. If you wish to honor their memory, please make a memorial donation to a local animal shelter or humane society.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.