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.
LaVora R. Lumpkin LaVora R. Lumpkin, 100, passed away on February 6, 2025 at her Randolph County farm where she resided for 71 years. She was born January 4, 1925 in Wayne County to Lawrence and Hazel (Yoke) Rhinehart. LaVora enjoyed spending time with family, researching genealogy, cemetery recording, gardening, cultivating wildflowers and establishing and caring for the […] — (Posted February 8, 2025)
Kenneth D. Lindsey Kenneth Dean Lindsey, age 89, of Eaton, OH passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025 at his residence with his loving family by his side. He was born July 5, 1935 in Preble County to the late John T. Sr and Ruth (Spradling) Lindsey. Ken graduated from Dixon High School in 1953; served in the […] — (Posted February 8, 2025)
John G. Rettich John G. Rettich, age 82, of Eaton, OH passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at his residence. He was born March 14, 1942 in Dayton, OH to the late Robert D. and Louise Fannie (Witham) Rettich. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother David Rettich; and grandson Christopher […] — (Posted February 8, 2025)
Melinda M. Derksen Melinda M. Derksen, age 58, of New Madison, OH passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Fort Hamilton Hospital in Hamilton, OH. She was born June 19, 1966 to Leonard and Henrietta Hart. Melinda had a true heart for helping people; she worked at Brookhaven Nursing Home as a Restorative Therapist for over 20 […] — (Posted February 8, 2025)
Ruth Moschel-Dick Obituary to Follow. — (Posted February 8, 2025)
Marilynn Horak Marilynn Horak, 80, of New Castle passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025, at Glen Oaks Health. She was born on August 2, 1944, in New Castle to the late Edgar C. and Hazel D. (Kitchen) Thompson. She was a 1962 graduate of New Castle High School and went on to earn her PhD from […] — (Posted February 8, 2025)
Mildred Marie Chilton Mildred Marie Chilton, 98, of New Castle passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025. She was born on June 7, 1926 in Albany, KY, a daughter of the late Edward and Birdie Craig. Mildred married Robert Chilton on May 22, 1945 and they settled in New Castle where they worked at Chrysler Corporation and raised […] — (Posted February 8, 2025)
Darrell E. Brubaker Darrell E. Brubaker, born on January 25, 1957, lived a life marked by hard work, unwavering dedication, an unshakable love for his family and his German Baptist Church community. At 68 years old, he passed away on February 6, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, and integrity. Known for his steadfast and selfless […] — (Posted February 8, 2025)
Joel D. DeVilbiss Joel D. DeVilbiss, age 90, of West Alexandria, OH passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Joel was born on October 22, 1934, in Brookville, OH to the late Ector Ford and Ruth DeVilbiss. Joel graduated in 1952 from Brookville High School and was a lifelong member of […] — (Posted February 7, 2025)
Amy Dawn Garrett Amy Dawn Garrett, 59, a resident of New Castle passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025 at the Waters of New Castle. She was born March 14, 1965 in New Castle to the late Willie Ryan Garrett and Patricia (Carter) Peyton. A 1983 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School, she also graduated from Amber’s Beauty […] — (Posted February 7, 2025)
James Lee “Chick” Schleiger James Lee “Chick” Schleiger, 78 of West Alexandria, Ohio died on Friday, February 7, 2025 at his residence. Born on March 25, 1946, son of the late Leonard Edward & Mary Alice (Geeting) Schleiger. He was a 1964 graduate of Verona High School. Owner of Schleiger’s Garage in Lewisburg, Ohio. He also retired from General […] — (Posted February 7, 2025)
Judy Toney Judy Toney 70 of Richmond passed away on February 4, 2025, at the Willows of Richmond. She was born December 11, 1954, in Richmond to View full obituary — (Posted February 7, 2025)
Shawna Durlacher Shawna Abbott Durlacher passed away at IU Methodist Hospital on February 3, 2025, at the age of 51. She was born in New Castle, Indiana View full obituary — (Posted February 7, 2025)
Lawrence James Dixon Lawrence “Larry” James Dixon (otherwise known as “LJ”) aged 68 of Wayne County, IN., passed away on January 30th, 2025. He was born in Richmond, View full obituary — (Posted February 7, 2025)
David Earl Evans David Earl Evans, 64, of Glenwood, passed away early Thursday morning, February 6, 2025 at Reid Health, Richmond. One of eight children of Robert and Norma Copple Evans, David was born in Rushville on March 10, 1960 and graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1978. David was employed at INTAT Precision in […] — (Posted February 7, 2025)
William (Bill) R. Craig William R. (Bill) Craig, age 70, died Feb. 6, 2025. He was born on August 8, 1954 to Rex E. and Jacqueline Craig and lived all his life in Richmond, IN. He was employed by D&M Corp. in Richmond, then at Reid Hospital before retiring in 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents […] — (Posted February 7, 2025)
Kevin R. Schenk Kevin R. Schenk, age 70 of Richmond passed away Tuesday February 4, 2025 at Reid Hospital. He was born in Richmond, IN on April 29, 1954 to Kenneth and Reba Napier Schenk and had lived in the area most of his life. Kevin retired from Belden Wire after 40+ years and enjoyed spending time with […] — (Posted February 7, 2025)
Patricia Ann “Pat” Haney Patricia Ann “Pat” Haney, age 63, of Eaton, OH passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. Pat was born on February 1, 1962 to the late Herbert Haney and Snoba Ann (Lykins) Rimer. Pat worked at Eaton National Bank for several years. In addition to her parents, Pat was preceded in death by her aunt […] — (Posted February 6, 2025)
Gary Wayne Osborn Gary Wayne Osborn, 73, of Springfield, Ohio passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025 following a long illness. He was born on March 4, 1951, View full obituary — (Posted February 6, 2025)
Marilyn Ilene Hamilton Marilyn Hamilton, 88, of Connersville, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Hickory Creek of Connersville. Survivors include her four children, Debbie Long of Brookville, Connie Pennington of Connersville, Karen Hamilton of Connersville, and Kevin Hamilton of Brownsburg; eight grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband, Norman […] — (Posted February 6, 2025)
Paula Jo Elicker Paula Jo Elicker, age 58, passed away February 1, 2025, at Reid Health. She was born April 28, 1966, the daughter of Michael and Geraldine View full obituary — (Posted February 5, 2025)
Brian Lee Laurie Brian Lee Laurie, age 55, a 30-year resident of Muncie and most recently of New Castle, passed away on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Born on October 9, 1969, in Muncie, Indiana, he was the son of Donald Lee and Brenda (Hayes) Laurie.  Brian was a 1988 graduate of New Castle Chrysler High School and had […] — (Posted February 5, 2025)
Billy Ray Smith Billy Ray Smith, age 63, passed away unexpectedly at his residence January 24, 2025. He was born August 26, 1961, the son of Bobby Smith View full obituary — (Posted February 5, 2025)
Ted Harlan Theodore “Ted” Harlan, 76 of Liberty passed away on February 3, 2025. He was born on November 16, 1948 in Hamilton, Ohio to Wayne Harlan View full obituary — (Posted February 5, 2025)
Charles Franklin Craycraft RICHMOND, Ind. – Charles Franklin Craycraft, age 63, of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, February 1, 2025, at home. Born November 21, 1961, in Richmond, Indiana, to Floyd and Johnetta Rogers Craycraft, Charles was a life-long resident of this area. He was a 1980 graduate of Connersville High School. Charles worked in manufacturing at several places, […] — (Posted February 4, 2025)
Dona Marie Clark Dona Marie Clark, 73, of Lebanon, passed away surrounded by her loving family at her residence on Monday, February 3, 2025. A daughter of Bruce and Lena Hurd Sleet, Dona was born May 26, 1951, in Connersville. She was a 1969 graduate of Connersville High School. On June 5, 1972, Dona married Steve Clark in […] — (Posted February 4, 2025)
Galen “Doc” L. Siler Galen L. “Doc” Siler, age 87, of West Manchester, Ohio, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 3, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born on February 11, 1937 in Darke County, Ohio, son of the late, Forest Gale & Vada Leota (Burroughs) Siler. He graduated in 1955 from Lewisburg Union High School. Doc […] — (Posted February 4, 2025)
Charles (Chuck) Joseph Gerth Chuck Gerth, 62, of Denver Colorado and formerly of New Castle, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, January 30 following a brief illness. He was born on December 9, 1962 in Akron, Ohio to the late Charles F. and Marsha A. (Coldiron) Gerth.  He attended St. Anne Catholic Church during his years in New Castle. Chuck […] — (Posted February 4, 2025)
Charles “Verdeen” Harris, Sr.  Charles “Verdeen” Harris Sr., 88, of Lynn, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 3, 2025, at his residence.  He was born at home on July 28, 1936 in Randolph County, Indiana, to Guthrie & Luella (Cox) Harris and was a lifelong resident of the Lynn Community. Verdeen married the former Sarah I. Steele on November […] — (Posted February 4, 2025)
Phyllis Dianne Stewart Phyllis Diane Stewart, of Connersville, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Ashford Place of Shelbyville, where she had been a resident since 2020. Phyllis was the daughter of Francis and Gladys Fields, born August 3, 1939. She graduated from Alquina High School with the class of 1957. Phyllis was a dedicated worker, working two […] — (Posted February 4, 2025)