Obituaries

Margaret E. Arnold

August 14, 1934 to March 10, 2021

WINAMAC - Margaret E. Browning Arnold, 86, of Port Charlotte, FL (formerly of Winamac), passed away Wednesday, March 10, at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte.

She was born on Aug. 17, 1934 in Anderson, to the late Benjamin and Nellie Morgan Finfrock. She graduated from Anderson High School. On Jan. 13, 1962, she married George Browning in Anderson. He died on June 26, 1995. She later married George Arnold on Jan. 3, 1998, in Winamac. He died on Nov. 20, 2011.

She is survived by:
Bonnie Kauffman, Anderson, Daughter
Robert (Peggy) Browning, Port Charlotte, FL, Son
Brenda Adams, Lawton, OK, Daughter
George (Donna) Arnold Jr., Newnan, GA, Son
10 Grandchildren
Many Great-Grandchildren

Preceded in death by:
1 Infant Sister
1 Infant Brother

Mrs. Arnold worked as a manager at Western Union in Anderson for many years. Following her first husband’s retirement, the couple moved to Winamac and enjoyed life on the Tippecanoe River. She worked several years at the Pulaski County Extension Office and was a member of the Winamac First United Methodist Church. In 2019, she moved to Florida with her family. She enjoyed studying the Bible and loved her family dearly. Most of all, she was faithful to her Lord. She will be dearly missed.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Burial be at Riverbank Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to Winamac First United Methodist Church.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.

Carol A. Grandstaff

August 24, 1945 to March 12, 2021

WINAMAC - Carol Ann Grandstaff, 75, of Winamac, passed away Friday, March 12, at her home in Winamac.

She was born Aug. 24, 1945 in Winamac to the late Lewis Sr. and Viola Hettinger Grant. She was a graduate of Star City High School.

She is survived by:
Paul (Shannin) Grandstaff, Winamac, Son
Melissa Hurlburt, Winamac, Daughter
Donnetta (Keith) Ernest, Winamac, Daughter
Kyle (Shannon) Grandstaff, Grandson
Sean Grandstaff, Grandson
Dakota Heims, Granddaughter
Julie Heims, Granddaughter
Cassie (Kevin Bowman) Hurlburt, Granddaughter
Cheyenne Hurlburt, Granddaughter
Savannah Hurlburt, Granddaughter
Madilynn Conley, Granddaughter
Hunter Conley, Granddaughter
7 Great-Grandchildren
Wanda Wagner, Winamac, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Lester Hurlburt Jr., Son-in-law
Ryan Grandstaff, Grandson
Faye Handy, Sister
Lewis Grant Jr., Brother
Donna Robinson, Sister
Norma Jean Grant, Sister
Julia May Grant, Infant Sister

Mrs. Grandstaff worked many years as a cook at the Pulaski County Justice Center, and most recently, she worked at Casey’s in Winamac. She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church. She loved spending time with her family and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, March 16, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 17, at the funeral home with Pastor Ryan Eaton officiating. Burial will be at Star City West Cemetery in Star City.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.

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

Jerry L. Pratt

November 7, 1942 to March 11, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Jerry Lee Pratt, 78, of Francesville, passed away Thursday, March 11, at his home in Francesville.

He was born Nov. 7, 1942 to the late Lindle and Cecilia DuBois Pratt. On June 5, 1970, he married Patricia Oswalt in Winamac. She passed away May 14, 2006.

He is survived by:
Linda “Missy” (Mark Jr.) Tanner, Francesville, Daughter
Vincent “Vinny” Pratt, Francesville, Son
Ronald (Jen) Landis, Lafayette, Son
David (Charity) Pratt, Beaufort, SC, Son
Scott Pratt, Charleston, SC, Son
Jerry ”Duane” Pratt, Francesville, Son
18 Grandchildren
4 Great-Grandchildren
Ed (Catherine) Pratt, Brother
Tim (Karen) Pratt, Brother
Terry (Cindy) Pratt, Brother
Gerry Pratt, Brother
Louisia Pratt, Sister-in-law
Gail Pratt, Sister-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Keith Pratt, Son
Tammy Ortman Pratt, Daughter-in-law
Ron “Rock” Pratt, Brother
Vernon Pratt, Brother
Linda Garbison, Sister
Ralph Garbison, Brother-in-law

Mr. Pratt was retired from INDOT after 30 years. He enjoyed helping with and watching dirt track and drag racing. He was an avid NASCAR fan. He also enjoyed traveling. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He will be sadly missed.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 18, at the funeral home with Rev. James Ketchen officiating. Burial will be at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Douglas M. Wilson

May 10, 1941 to March 5, 2021

FRANCESVILLE - Douglas M. Wilson, 79, passed away Friday, March 5, at his home in Francesville. He had a distinguished career in education, philanthropy and community service.

Surviving are his wife Kathy Kruger Wilson, two daughters, Hilary Mills Wilson Parker and her husband, David, along with their daughters Sadie and Te ss (Bozeman, MT), and Haley Best Wilson McCombs and her husband, Kevin, along with their son, Brady, and daughter, Keira (Madison, AL); a son, Grant Douglas Wilson (Francesville); and mother-in-law Jan Kruger (Francesville). Also surviving are his brothers-in-law Allen (Susan) Kruger of Chesterland, Ohio, and Ron (Janet) Kruger and Gary (Tish) Kruger, both of Francesville, and their families; sister-in-law Jennifer Lawson of Naples, Fla., and her sons Geoff and Brent; and nieces Julie Wilson of Columbia, Tenn., and Cheryl O’Brien of Winnetka, Ill., and their families.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles R. Wilson, his wife Susan Roberson Wilson, her parents Don and Mary Roberson and her brother Don Roberson Jr., his mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Cook Wilson, his brother, James “Jim” D. Wilson, his father-in-law, Kenneth L. Kruger, and brother-in-law Walter M. Lawson III.

Wilson, who retired in 2003, received a bachelor’s degree in 1964 and a master’s degree in history in 1969 from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. He served his alma mater as director of Alumni Affairs and later as vice president for University Relations; was executive director of the University of Oregon Foundation; was vice president of University Relations and External Affairs at Indiana University and later was the founding president of IU’s Advanced Research and Technology Institute. Following retirement at Indiana University, Wilson became the founding president of the Community Foundation of Pulaski County, a part-time position.

During 35 years of higher education administration, Wilson also participated in professional activities highlighted by membership on the advisory board of the Fulbright Scholarship Regional Enrichment Center; chair of 1986 Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) National Assembly; chair of CASE’s 1984 Alumni Administration Institute; and served as a faculty member for two other institutes and numerous regional and national conferences. Additional service was as a member of the Foundation Consulting Commission, Association of Governing Boards, 1998-2004, and member of the 1983 Midwest Selection Board, White House Fellows.

Ever present in community service, in Oxford, Ohio Wilson chaired the United Appeal Campaign; was president of the Oxford Rotary Club; chaired the Capital Campaign for the McCullough-Hyde Hospital and served on its board of trustees; was a member of the Bank One of Middletown board of directors; was elected Citizen of the Year in 1986; and was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church. In Eugene, Ore., Wilson raised funds for the Eugene Performing Arts Center and was a member of the Eugene Ballet Company Board of Trustees. In Bloomington, Ind., Wilson was president, Bloomington POPS board of directors; chaired the first annual 4th of July Bloomington POPS concert; co-chaired the Monroe County United Way Campaign; and was president of the University Club; chairman of the board, Greater Monroe County Chamber of Commerce; member of the Mayor’s Round Table; member of the board of directors, Indiana University’s Friends of Music; and president, Bloomington Rotary Club Foundation. In Francesville, Wilson was active in the St. James Salem United Church of Christ, the Winamac Kiwanis Club, and donated his time as a consultant to area organizations.

A member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, Wilson served as advisor to the Alpha Chapter at Miami University and became a Province President and then National Alumni Commissioner. His professional organization memberships included Omicron Delta Kappa; Phi Alpha Theta; and Beta Gamma Sigma.

Wilson was the recipient of the A.K. Morris Award from Miami University; the Thomas Hart Benton Medallion from Indiana University; and, upon his retirement, the State of Indiana’s Sagamore of the Wabash Citation from Gov. Frank O’Bannon.

The funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 14, at St. James Salem United Church of Christ in Francesville, with Rev. Nelda Seger officiating. (Guests should arrive between 1:30 and 2 p.m. All guests shall remain in their vehicles and tune their radios to 87.9 FM to hear the funeral services.) Private burial will be at St. James Salem Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations may be made in Mr. Wilson’s name to any of the organizations noted here, or to others chosen by the donor: Miami University Foundation, Indiana University Foundation, Community Foundation of Pulaski County and St. James Salem United Church of Christ.

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

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

William G. Nicholson

January 31, 1933 to March 5, 2021

WINAMAC - William Gene “Bill” Nicholson, 88, of Winamac, passed away at 8:21 p.m., Friday, March 5, at Franciscan Health Lafayette East in Lafayette.

He was born Jan. 31, 1933 in Arcola, IL to the late William Kenneth and Geneiva Vermillion Nicholson. On Jan. 26, 1952, he married Wilma Jean Archer in Winamac. She died Jan. 25, 2017.

He is survived by:
Alan (Donna) Nicholson, Winamac, Son
Rodney Nicholson, Winamac, Son
Judy (Dan) Murphy, Granddaughter
Michelle “Mo” (Mark) Fox, Granddaughter
Lisa (Dave) Popejoy, Granddaughter
David (Felicia) Nicholson, Grandson
14 Great-Grandchildren
James (Judy) Nicholson, North Brook, IL, Brother
Gretchen Bleicher, Winamac, Sister
Kay Eenshuistra, Winamac, Sister

Preceded in death by:
Robert Nicholson, Grandson

Mr. Nicholson retired from United Telephone Company in 1995. He was a member of the NRA. He enjoyed having breakfast with his friends at McDonalds and having tea and crumpets with his sisters on Sunday.

A private funeral service will be held at Frain Mortuary in Winamac with Rev. Edward Clark officiating. Private burial will be at Winamac Cemetery in Winamac.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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

Jerry L. Jones

August 29, 1938 to March 4, 2021

WINAMAC - Jerry L. Jones, 82, of Winamac, passed away Thursday, March 4.

He was born Aug. 29, 1938 in Grass Creek, to the late Robert “Bob” and Marjorie Spotts Jones. He graduated from Grass Creek High School in 1956, Purdue University in 1960 (bachelor’s), and Indiana State University in 1966 (master’s). On June 3, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Connie Brown. She survives.

He is also survived by:
Jack (Karen) Jones, Winamac, Son
Tom (Carrie) Jones, Star City, Son
Ashley (Ben) Floreancig, Indianapolis, Granddaughter
Chelsey (Cody) Brink, Kalamazoo, MI, Granddaughter
Hailey (Hunter Medbourn) Jones, Winamac, Granddaughter
Dominick (Kylie Little) Intravaia, Terre Haute, Grandson
Alexia Intravaia, Star City, Granddaughter
Cooper Jones, Star City, Grandson
Carly Jones, Star City, Granddaughter
Cady Jones, Star City, Granddaughter
Cecilia Floreancig, Indianapolis, Great-Granddaughter
Christopher Floreancig, Indianapolis, Great-Grandson
Bill (Pat) Jones, Kewanna, Brother
Pam (Terry) Campbell, Greenfield, Sister
Many Nieces and Nephews
RJ, His Beloved German Shepherd

Preceded in death by:
Lorie Jones Kirkley, Niece

Mr. Jones was a member of the Winamac First United Methodist Church. He was a lifelong educator, retiring in 2001. He taught industrial arts (woods and drafting) for 41 years; with four years at Jefferson Twp. High School near Goshen, and 37 years at Winamac Community High School. He coached high school cross country (31 years) and track (17 years) at Winamac. His teams won numerous invitational, conference, and sectional titles. He had fond memories of all of his teams including the 1999 team that went undefeated (118-0). He was recognized as conference coach of the year many times. In 2015, he was inducted into the Winamac Community High School Athletic Hall of Fame. He was part owner of JK&M Builders from 1966-76 along with his teaching buddies, Dave Kroft and Bob March. Their famous slogan was, “We’re slow, but we do good work.” In 1976, he started Jones Nurseries which allowed him to enjoy his second passion until his retirement in 2017. He was able to give many of his students their first summer jobs. Of all his lifelong accomplishments, he was most proud of his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor and tremendous work ethic. He taught us a lot with very few words. Never mind the curmudgeon he was (Google it!), he will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 11, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, March 12, at Winamac First United Methodist Church with Rev. Michelle White and Mr. Jones's brother-in-law, Rev. Terry Campbell (Ret.) officiating. Burial will be at Grass Creek Cemetery in Grass Creek.

Memorial donations may be made to Winamac Community High School Athletic Department (for the cross country or track teams), Pulaski Animal Center, Memorial Swinging Bridge Project, or Winamac First United Methodist Church.

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.