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.

Mark Thomas Nuse Mark Thomas Nuse, age 41, of Eaton, OH, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at his residence. He was born September 30, 1984 in Dayton, OH to Linda J. (Dininger) Nuse and the late Thomas Frederick “Fred” Nuse. Mark was a 2003 graduate of Twin Valley High School and attended Ohio State University […] — (Posted February 5, 2026)

Paul A. Mason Paul A. Mason, age 71 of Dayton, Ohio and formerly of Eaton Ohio, passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Wood Glen Alzheimer's Community. Born on June 5, 1954 in Richmond, Indiana, he is the son of Lucille P. (Riege) Mason and the late Donald F. Mason in 2018. Paul worked at the I 70 […] — (Posted February 5, 2026)

Virginia Lynne Fraze Wilhelm CONNERSVILLE, Ind. – Virginia Lynne Fraze Wilhelm, age 86, of Connersville, Indiana, died Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Caroleton Healthcare. Born September 9, 1939, in Centerville, Indiana, to Castle and Alice Brannon Fraze, Virginia lived in this community most of her life. She was a 1957 graduate of Centerville High School. Virginia retired from U.S.D.A. […] — (Posted February 5, 2026)

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Jack Harrison Jack Harrison, 89, of Connersville, passed away Tuesday morning, February 3, 2026, at Arbor Trace of Richmond. He was born September 7, 1936, in Jackson County, Kentucky, one of eight children of the late Stanley and Margaret Stewart Harrison. On April 20, 1957, Jack was married in Jellico, Tennessee, to Lorene Honeycutt of McKee, Kentucky, […] — (Posted February 5, 2026)

Brandon Alexander Erbse II Brandon Alexander Erbse II, precious newborn son of Casey and Brandon Erbse, was born at 7:00 PM on January 12, 2026, and went to Heaven at 9:36 that night. After months of uncertainty and prayers, little Brandon was born at Reid Hospital in Richmond, IN surrounded and embraced by unconditional love. Baby Brandon was the […] — (Posted February 5, 2026)

Melba J. Smith Melba J. Smith, 80, of New Castle passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at her residence. She was born June 18, 1945 in Albany, Kentucky to Thurston and Goldie (Ballenger) Jones. Melba was employed at Huntington Industry, Alpha Pro Fab, New Castle Developmental Center and the Richmond State Hospital, where she retired after 20 years […] — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Ellen Lynch Ellen Lynch, 93, passed away on Tuesday morning, February 3, at Reid Health. She was born on May 7, 1932, in Clay County, Kentucky to John T. & Essie McCreary Wagers. Ellen was a hard worker and a loyal warrior. In her youth, she was a cook at a drive-in restaurant and later worked in […] — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Rhonda Culwell Rhonda Lynn Culwell, 64, of Richmond, passed away on Thursday evening, January 29, at Reid Health. Rhonda was born in Richmond, Indiana, on April 1, 1961, the daughter of Thomas & Bernice Jordan Stewart. She formerly worked in manufacturing and spent many years serving hungry customers as a waitress. She enjoyed crocheting and listening to […] — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Donald K. Moystner Donald K. Moystner, age 81, of Richmond, Indiana, died Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Reid Health. He was born September 10, 1944, in Richmond, Indiana, to Ara and Pauline Lent Moystner. Don worked as the business manager for American Water Works before retiring after 37 years of service. He was a good man, dad, husband, […] — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Marjorie Sue Gabbard Marjorie Sue Gabbard of Connersville, IN passed away on Tuesday evening February 3, 2026, at Ambassador Healthcare in Centerville, IN at the age of 86. View full obituary — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Martha C. Grimme Martha C. Grimme, age 99 of West Alexandria, OH passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at the Greenbriar Nursing Center in Eaton, OH. She was born July 18, 1926 in West Alexandria, OH to the late Herman H. and Lottie Mae (Ehler) Roselius. Martha was a 1943 graduate of West Alexandria High School. She […] — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Bill Cox Jr. William “Bill” T. Cox Jr., 62, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday morning, February 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He had been in failing health for the past five years. One of five sons of William T. and Betty Trabel Cox Sr., Bill was born on December 22, 1963, […] — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Wendell Irvin Whicker Obituary pending… There will be no public services. Community Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with final arrangements. Send online condolences to the family via View full obituary — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Lisa A. Adams Obituary pending… Services for Lisa will be held on Saturday, February 14th, 2026, at Community Family Funeral Home beginning at 12 noon. Family and friends View full obituary — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Paul Cook Paul David Cook, a beloved father, grandfather, husband and community member, passed away on January 24, 2026. He is survived by his wife Debra Cook, his sons Shaun and Matthew Cook, his daughter Lindsay Morris, and his nine cherished grandchildren. Paul was a graduate of Lincoln High School with the class of 1973 and a […] — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Ronald Lee Morris Dr. Ronald Lee Morris, 58, of Columbia, SC, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Born on January 28, 1967, in Richmond, Indiana, he is the son of Donald J. Morris and Rebecka Ann Livingston Morris of Richmond, Indiana. Dr. Morris received his undergraduate degree from Indiana University and later earned his Doctor of Optometry […] — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Barbara Ann Myers Barbara A. Myers, 91, of West Manchester, Ohio passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Brookhaven in Brookville, Ohio. Born on June 11, 1934 in Plymouth, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late John and Ella Irene (Baublit) Kainz. Barbara attended the Eaton Church of the Nazarene and had lived in Ontario, California for […] — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Howard W. “Hardrock” Kennedy Howard W. “Hardrock” Kennedy, 86, of New Castle, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Henry Community Health. Howard was born September 15, 1939, in New Castle, Indiana, the son of the late Freda (Gordon) Prater. Howard proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1962, traveling and being stationed […] — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Bonnie E. Cary Bonnie E. Cary, 84, of New Castle, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, February 2, 2026, surrounded by the love and devoted care of her family, following a brief battle with cancer. She was born on June 12, 1941, in Albany, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Leo and Alta (Mu… — (Posted February 4, 2026)

Randall A. “Randy” Smith Randall A. “Randy” Smith, age 65, of West Alexandria, OH passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at his residence. He was born October 22, 1960 in Dayton, OH to the late Bobby Smith and Irene Gamble Smith. Randy was a third-generation water well driller. He loved working on and driving big block cars; riding […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Carlos Leroy Leach Jr. Carlos Leroy Leach Jr, age 77, of Mason, OH passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the UC Health Hospital in West Chester, OH. He was born November 8, 1948 in Providence, RI to the late Carlos Leroy Sr and Dorothy (Glynn) Leach. He was a 1967 graduate of Bethel High School in Tipp […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Mark D. Reynolds Mark Duane Reynolds, age 61, of Fort Recovery, Ohio, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana. He was born on June 21. 1964, in Union City, Indiana, to Dianna K. (Davis) Reynolds of Fort Recovery and the late Elmer H. Reynolds. In addition to his father, Mark was preceded […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Bonnie Elizabeth Cary Bonnie Elizabeth Cary, 84, of New Castle, passed away at home on the evening of Monday, February 2, 2026. Arrangements are pending at Sproles Family Funeral Home. — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Rhonda C. Brown Pending View full obituary — (Posted February 3, 2026)

M.Maxine George M. Maxine George, age 98, passed away peacefully at Bethany Pointe Health Campus in Anderson, Indiana following a brief illness. She was welcomed into heaven by her Savior Jesus Christ on February 1, 2026. Maxine is now at rest in the arms of Jesus where her life continues for eternity. She was a resident of […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Joseph “Joe” Robert Wilkinson Joseph “Joe” Robert Wilkinson, 49, of New Castle passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at Henry Community Health. He was born January 6, 1977 in New Castle to William “Bob” Wilkinson and Donna Sue (Deck) Scarce. Joe attended Tri High School and was truly a jack of all trades, with a knack for tinkering and […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Linda J. Blough Linda J. Blough, age 78, of Eaton, OH passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026 at Vancrest of Eaton Healthcare Center. She was born December 30, 1947 in New Madison, OH to the late Roland and Helen (Swihart) Pease. Linda was a 1966 graduate of Westmont High School in Hollansburg, OH and earned her LPN […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Vincent A. Salerno Vincent A. Salerno, 20, of New Castle, died January 30, 2026.Born December 29, 2005, in Sarasota, Florida, to Michael Rocco Salerno and Katrina Long, Vincent was a 2025 graduate of New Castle High School and was employed at Culver’s Restaurant.In addition to his parents, Vincent… — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Paula Louise Bray Paula Louise Bray, age 60, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her daughter, Chelcy, on Monday, January 19, 2026, in Louisville, Kentucky.Paula was born on June 8, 1965, in New Castle, Indiana, to the late Paul Bray and Lola Bray (Herndon).Paula had a gentle, compassiona… — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Virginia L. Ballinger Virginia L Ballinger, 90, of Liberty passed away February 1, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.She was born on September 7, 1935, in Richmond to View full obituary — (Posted February 3, 2026)