Obituaries and Death Notices

Information about current and former Wayne County, Indiana residents and community members who have died. These obituaries are gathered from area funeral homes and other sources. You can also learn about how to place a paid obituary in the Western Wayne News.
Michael Joseph Stapleton Michael Joseph Stapleton, 77, of Connersville, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Reid Health in Richmond. He was born April 20, 1948, in Michigan, the son of Frank and Laura McCormick Stapleton. Michael moved to Connersville with his family. Attended school in Kentucky. Michael proudly served his country as a veteran of the Vietnam […] — (Posted April 21, 2026)
Arlene Miller Arlene Joy Miller, 68, of New Castle, passed away April 12, 2026. She was born January 5, 1958, in New Castle. Arlene loved music, playing cards with friends and Coca-Cola but most of all her grandchildren. She was so proud of them all and loved to brag about them. Arlene attended New Castle Chrysler High […] — (Posted April 21, 2026)
David Gene Halterman David Gene Halterman, age 89, of Portland, Indiana, passed away at IU Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana, on Sunday, April 19, 2026. He was born in Hillsdale, Michigan, on December 30, 1936, to John and Ethel (Robinson) Halterman. Dave was a 1955 graduate of Decatur High School in Indiana and attended the University of […] — (Posted April 20, 2026)
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Lileigh Joy Messer Lileigh Joy Messer, age 7, of Pierceton, Indiana passed away unexpectedly early Monday morning, April 20, 2026 with her family by her side. She was born on February 8, 2019 in Muncie to Rudy Messer, Jr. and Brittany Sloan Huff. Lileigh was a vibrant first-grader at Pierceton Elementary School whose infectious energy and bubbly personality […] — (Posted April 20, 2026)
Joyce I. Johnson Joyce I. Johnson, 71, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Hospice of Miami County in Troy, Ohio. Born on November 5, 1954, in Troy, Ohio, Joyce was the beloved daughter of the late Ora and Daisy (Scammahorn) Berry. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Johnson, […] — (Posted April 20, 2026)
Rodney David Boiles Rodney David Boiles, 67, a resident of Spiceland passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Glen Oaks Health Campus. He was born May 12, 1958 in New Castle to Robert Lee and Orlynn June (Burton) Boiles. A 1976 graduate of Blue River High School, Rodney was employed as a certified semi mechanic at Celadon Trucking […] — (Posted April 20, 2026)
Glendon Laswell Obituary pending… There will be a Memorial Visitation on Saturday, April 25th, at Community Family Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Community Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Send online condolences to the family via the online guestbook at www.communityfamilyfh.com. — (Posted April 20, 2026)
Louis R. Baumer    Louis R. “Lou” Baumer, 86, of Fountain City, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 18. Lou was born on February 23, 1940, in Richmond, Indiana, the son of Lawrence J. & Ruth Margaret Lawler Baumer. He was a 1958 graduate of Whitewater High School. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in […] — (Posted April 19, 2026)
Dr. Edwin E. Leas, Jr. Dr. Edwin E. Leas, Jr., 82, a distinguished educator and dedicated community leader, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Eaton, Ohio. Born on January 12, 1944, in Richmond, Indiana son of the late Edwin E. Sr. and Mary Josephine (Shelley) Leas. Dr. Leas devoted more than four decades to the advancement of education […] — (Posted April 19, 2026)
Betty Lou Bruton Betty Lou Bruton, 94, of New Castle, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at I.U. Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. She was born February 10, 1932 in Alpha, KY; a daughter of the late Everett and Bessie May (Massengale) Perdew. Betty was preceded in death by siblings, Birdie Christine, Gail, Leland “Weed”, Billy, Frank, […] — (Posted April 19, 2026)
Theresa Ann Commons Theresa Ann Commons, age 57, of Eldorado, OH passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026. She was born November 27, 1968 in Hamilton, OH to the late Jerry and Carol Miller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Kimberly Miller; and mother-in-law and father-in-law Linda and Harold Commons. She […] — (Posted April 18, 2026)
Brenda Kay Marcum Brenda Kay Marcum, 75, of Connersville, passed away early Thursday morning, April 16, 2026, at Reid Health in Richmond. One of five children of William Samuel and Blossom Mildred (Harvey) Keasling, Brenda was born on April 30, 1950, in Richmond, Indiana. She grew up in the Liberty area and was a graduate of Short High […] — (Posted April 18, 2026)
Betty Ann Riall NEW CASTLE- Betty Ann Riall, 74, passed away Wednesday morning April 15, 2026 at I.U. Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana. A daughter of the late Herman and Dorothy (Risch) Werner, Betty was born in New Castle, Indiana on January 10, 1952. She was a graduate of Rushville High School with the class of 1970. […] — (Posted April 18, 2026)
Beverly Vaughn Beverly (Martin) Vaughn, 82, of New Castle, passed away early Friday morning, April 17, 2026, at Addison Place. She was born on January 11, 1944, in Dunreith, Indiana, a daughter of the late Roland H. and Dorothy (Stover) Martin. Beverly was a 1963 graduate of Cadiz High School… — (Posted April 18, 2026)
Matthew R. Busby Matt lived life at full speed from the very beginning. Growing up, he spent his summers on the baseball field and his free time skateboarding, riding BMX, and racing dirt bikes. He had a deep love for the outdoors—boating, fishing, camping, relaxing by a bonfire, and even cliff jumping. Whenever he could, he made sure […] — (Posted April 18, 2026)
John Bernard Fox, Jr. CINCINNATI, OH – John Bernard Fox, Jr., 68, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio. Born on April 30, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, at Lockbourne Air Force Base, John lived a life marked by dedication to his family, his work, and his passions. A 1975 graduate of Richmond High School, John served […] — (Posted April 17, 2026)
David Heis David Heis passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026. The family is being cared for by Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary, Inc. — (Posted April 17, 2026)
Sherril “Sherry” Ann Matney Sherril “Sherry” Ann Matney, 66, of Carthage, passed away at her residence on Thursday, April 16, 2026, following an extended illness. Sherry was born on April 8, 1960, in Rushville to Rev. Jack and Mary Ann (Campbell) Clay, who currently reside in Wilkinson. Sherry retired from CVS Pharmacy after 35 years of dedicated service as […] — (Posted April 17, 2026)
Aaron B. Dishman Aaron B. Dishman, 47, of New Castle passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026. He was born June 23, 1978, in Muncie, a son of Donald and Mary Anne (Bell) Dishman. A 1997 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School, Aaron worked at TS Tech for several years, Auto car in Hagerstown, and BWI in Greenfield. […] — (Posted April 17, 2026)
Elizabeth Fern “Betty” Case Elizabeth Fern “Betty” Case, 83, New Castle, passed away, April 14, 2026, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.Survivors include her husband, Rev. John Case Sr.; children, Jeff (Lisa) Case, Jerry (Teresa) Case, Joy (Steven) Beveridge, and Joe (Ralynne) Case; daughter-in-law, Cathy… — (Posted April 17, 2026)
David Miers David W. Miers, 84, of Spiceland, passed away April 14, 2026, at his home. He was born April 5, 1942, in New Castle, IN to George and Geneva (Hughes) Miers. David was a graduate of New Castle High School and worked as a machinist for both Chrysler Corporation and General Motors. David had a collection […] — (Posted April 17, 2026)
Russell E. Phillips Russell E. Phillips, 93, of New Castle, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Henry Community Health.He was born on December 16, 1932, in Albany, Kentucky, a son of the late Estell and Cora (Key) Phillips. Russell was a graduate of Clinton County High School and… — (Posted April 17, 2026)
Randall Wilson Dennis Randall “Randy” Wilson Dennis, 82, of Greenfield passed away Friday, April 10, 2026 at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. He was born January 25, 1944 in Dalton, Indiana to the late Robert Wilson and Doris Mildred (Chamberlin) Dennis. Growing up as the eldest of five, Randy cultivated a lifetime of kindness and gentleness […] — (Posted April 17, 2026)
Charles Edward “Chuck” Davis III Charles Edward “Chuck” Davis III, age 70, of Eaton, OH passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at Hospice of Dayton after a long battle with cancer. He was born March 2, 1956 in Ft. Benning, GA to the late Charles Davis and Dorothy (Smith) Wilson. Chuck enjoyed working on and building cars and motorcycles […] — (Posted April 16, 2026)
Russell E. Phillips Russell E. Phillips, 93, of New Castle, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Henry Community Health. He was born on December 16, 1932, in Albany, Kentucky, a son of the late Estell and Cora (Key) Phillips. Russell was a graduate of Clinton County High School a… — (Posted April 16, 2026)
David N. Madden David Nathan Madden, age 49, of Greenville, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio. He was born on March 19, 1977, in San Antonio, Texas, to Gregory Madden and Robyn Sue (Hartman) Roberts. David is survived by his children, Kayden Madden of Greenville, and Josie (Ryan Crampton) […] — (Posted April 16, 2026)
Donald L. Mathews RICHMOND, IN– Donald L. Mathews Jr. went to be with the Lord on April 15, 2026. He was born July 28, 1937, to Irene and Donald Mathews Sr. He served 4 years in the United States Air Force, then went on to pursue a career as a machinist. Donald is survived by his wife of […] — (Posted April 16, 2026)
Patty L. Winn Patty L. Winn, 87, of Richmond, passed away on April 13, 2026, at her home after a year-long battle with cancer. She was born on April 3, 1939, in New Paris, Ohio, to William and Betty Dunn Winn. Patty and her former husband, Barry Worth, owned Worth Meat Market in Pasadena, Maryland. In 1974, she […] — (Posted April 16, 2026)
Todd Markey Miller Todd Markey Miller, 64, gently went to be with his Lord on April 9, 2026 in Florida, with family by his side. He was the firstborn son of Marlin and Carol Miller formerly of West Alexandria. Todd resided in Preble County, Ohio his entire life. The rest of the family had scattered all over the […] — (Posted April 16, 2026)
Shirley M Houston-Abney Shirley M. Houston passed away at Reid Hospital, Richmond, IN, after a brief illness on Monday April 13, 2026, at the age of 66. Shirley was born in East Bernstadt, Kentucky on October 11, 1959, the daughter of the late Roy Bleve and Norma Jean Hibbard Houston. Shirley was a loving mother, grandmother and great […] — (Posted April 16, 2026)