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.

John Arthur Puckett John Arthur Puckett, 78, Dublin, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2022, after an extended illness, with his family by his side. John was born on May 17, 1943 in Henry County to Howard and Kathleen Puckett. After Howard’s death, Kathleen remarried to Willie (Spike) Raines. John grew up outside of New Lisbon and graduated […] — (Posted March 9, 2022)

Paul Edward Smeigh Paul Edward Smeigh, age 75, passed away on March 4, 2022 at Reid Health. He was born in Altoona, PA to Donald and Jean Smeigh and has lived in the Richmond community since he was five years old. Paul was a High School graduate and an Army veteran, serving in Vietnam. He married Diane Kanke, […] — (Posted March 8, 2022)

Robert William Swaim Robert William Swaim’s chains that bound him on earth were released Friday, March 4 at the age of 95. He was the youngest of Elvin and Cora Swaim’s children, born April 26, 1926. He grew up on a farm in Economy, Indiana with his two brothers and five sisters. He took care of the guinea […] — (Posted March 8, 2022)

Benjamin David Anderson Benjamin was born to Richard and Kathleen Anderson in Richmond, Indiana, where he lived for most of his life. Ben was an entrepreneur and a skilled tradesman. Ben’s greatest accomplishment was his son, Emitt, who was his whole world. He loved Emitt more than words could express. Ben lit up every room he walked into […] — (Posted March 8, 2022)

Edward Lee Wilson, Sr. Edward Lee Wilson, Sr., 78, of Connersville, passed away Sunday, February 27, 2022 at his home. He was born July 23, 1943 in Connersville to Robert O. and Arveedus Vest Wilson. On January 27, 1967, he married Mary Elaine Griffin in Metamora, Indiana. Mrs. Wilson survives. For several years, he worked locally at D&M and […] — (Posted March 6, 2022)

Ronald W. “Bill” Chomel Ronald W. “Bill” Chomel, 87, a lifelong resident of Connersville, passed away Friday morning, March 4, 2022 at Heritage House where he had been a resident since 2019. He was born October 28, 1934 in Connersville, one of six children of George and Katheren Breitenbach Chomel. On October 27, 1956, he was married to Rebecca […] — (Posted March 6, 2022)

Robert E. Heitzman Robert E. Heitzman, age 67, of Richmond, passed away at his residence on February 23, 2022. He was born in Richmond, Indiana on April 25, 1954 and was a graduate of Richmond High School. He leaves 4 siblings Theresa Clegg of Winchester, IN, Larry Heitzman of Richmond, IN, Gary Joe Hetizman of Zephyrhills, FL and […] — (Posted March 6, 2022)

Laneal E. Hilbert Laneal E. Hilbert, 65, of Cambridge City, died Friday, March 4, 2022, at Reid Health. He was born in New Castle on January 15, 1957 to Lewis and Sarah (Shafer) Hilbert and was a life long resident of Wayne County. Laneal was a 1975 graduate of Hagerstown High School. He was a farmer, a member […] — (Posted March 6, 2022)

Harold Arthur Raver Jr. Harold Arthur Raver Jr. age 91 of Richmond, Indiana passed from this earth to be with Jesus during the early morning hours of March 5, 2022. His passing was after a brief illness that followed a major stroke he had during surgery. Harold was born on March 29, 1930, to Harold A. Raver Sr. and […] — (Posted March 6, 2022)

Marshall Daugherty Marshall Daugherty, age 96, passed away on Friday March 4, 2022 at The Springs of Richmond. He was born in Darke County, Ohio on July 4, 1925 to Russell and Esther (Alexander) Daugherty. Marshall was a high school graduate and a WWII Navy veteran as a Gunner in the Armed Guard Division. He was married […] — (Posted March 6, 2022)

Deloris May Hodel Deloris May Hodel, age 86, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Reid Health after a short illness. Deloris was born on May 27, 1935, in Darke County, Ohio, to John and Minnie Brinley and raised on a small farm in Nashville, Ohio. She lived in Ohio until 1968, when she and […] — (Posted March 6, 2022)

Patricia Elaine “Trish” Jenkins Jenkins, Patricia Elaine “Trish”, age 82 of Trotwood, passed away at home with her family by her side on Saturday, March 5, 2022. She was a member of Precious Blood Catholic Church. Trish was an avid bowler for over 48 years and a fan of the Cincinnati Reds and Notre Dame Fighting Irish. She is […] — (Posted March 6, 2022)

Ronnie D. Overton Ronnie D. Overton, age 66, a New Castle resident, passed away Friday, March 4, 2022, at his residence. He was born April 18, 1955, in New Castle, a son of Robert and Gladys (Terry) Overton. Ronnie attended New Castle High School but graduated from high school in California. Ronnie worked in Maintenance at Walmart in […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Frank Foster Frank Foster, 71 of Cambridge City passed away on Sunday, February 20, 2022. He was born on February 9, 1951 to Paul Foster and Doshia Gibson Foster. On November 28, 1986 he married Victoria Haning in Cambridge City. Frank served in the United States Army during Vietnam and worked in Vehicle Maintenance. Frank retired from […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Rita Fay Swartz Rita Fay Swartz, 67, passed away late Monday night March 1st, 2022, at Henry Community Health, New Castle, Indiana. Rita was born to John Lester and Lillie Pearl (Jones) Ragan on March 17th, 1954, in New Castle. She was raised in the New Lisbon community and attended New Lisbon Christian Church. Rita married her then […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Frank L. Crowe Frank L. Crowe, age 99, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. Born January 12, 1923, in Centerville, Indiana, to Ernest and Ellen McKibbing Crowe, Frank was a life-long resident of Wayne County, Indiana. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army in the SW […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Veldeanie “Vel” Hampton Veldeanie “Vel” Hampton, age 67, of Centerville, Indiana, went home to be with Jesus and be reunited with her son on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at Reid Health. Born January 27, 1955, in Richmond, Indiana, to Lorene Raby, Vel was a life-long resident of this community. She graduated from Centerville High School in 1973 and […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Carrie Ann Munson-Swallow Carrie Ann Munson-Swallow, age 49, passed away at her residence on March 4, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 12, 1972, the daughter of Perry Mervin Munson and Karen Kay Campbell, in Columbus, Georgia. Carrie resided in Richmond, Indiana with her husband and daughter. She graduated from Ivy Tech in 1996, […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Gerald “Jerry” Duane Van Note Gerald “Jerry” Duane Van Note, July 14, 1952 – February 21, 2022 Gerald “Jerry” Van Note transitioned at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana on February 21, 2022 due to a pulmonary embolism. He was born in Winchester, Indiana on July 14, 1952. Jerry is survived by his husband David Good; children Michael Van Note, Sarah […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Roger LaFollette Sr. Roger LaFollette Sr. 77, of Connersville, died Saturday, February 26, 2022 at his residence. Born September 26, 1944 in Batesville to Ernest and Mary Priddy LaFollette. Roger proudly served his country joining the United States Navy. He enjoyed hunting; he was an avid member of the North American Hunting Club and the NRA. In his […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

David E. Wood David E. Wood, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday February 22, 2022, at his home in Indianapolis. He was born in Richmond, Indiana on May 20, 1952, to Donald E. and Deloris E. Smittkamp Wood. David graduated from Richmond High School and continued to Central Bible College where he earned his bachelor’s degree. David […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Judith Ann Kurtz Judith Ann Kurtz (Judy), 81, of Liberty, IN, went to her rest after a long illness on February 25, 2022, while surrounded by loved ones at Golden Rule in Richmond. She was born August 20, 1940, in Hampton, VA, to William Howard and Ann Balmer Wall. She was a graduate of Hampton High School, class […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Frank “Frankie” Frisco, Frank “Frankie” Frisco, age 59 of Liberty, passed away on Friday February 25, 2022, at his home. Born on September 30, 1962, in Plainfield, New Jersey, he is the son of Betty Weimer Frisco and the late Frank Frisco. On July 6, 1995, he married Joan Pollin Frisco. They shared 29 years together before she […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Sue Mathews Sue Mathews, 66 passed away peacefully on Monday, February 28, 2022. She was born in Albuquerque, NM on August 27, 1955 to Alton and Alma (Westley) Shultz. She was a 1973 graduate of Connersville High School. She and her husband Terry Mathews were married September 15, 1973 and lived in Richmond the remainder of their […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Dan J. Barker Dan J. Barker, 64, passed away unexpectedly February 18th, 2022 at his home in White Sulphur Springs, MT. He was born July 31, 1957 in Richmond, Indiana, son of William and Patsy (Hunt) Barker. The family resided in Fountain City, Indiana. Dan graduated from Northeastern High School in 1976. He participated in basketball and track. […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Imogene Lakes Imogene Lakes, 81, Straughn, went to be with the Lord on Saturday February 26th, 2022, at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana. Imogene was born on December 9th, 1940, to Harlan and Lizzie Ellen (Rose) Gabbard in Foxtown, Kentucky. She worked as a secretary for Crop Production Services in Straughn for 15 years, and prior to […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Carol Jean Becklund Carol Jean Becklund, 63, of New Castle, passed away Monday, February 28, 2022 at I.U. Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie following an extended illness. She was born July 13, 1958 in New Castle, Indiana, a daughter of the late Norman and Mary Ann (Bennett) Becklund. Carol was a member of New Castle American Legion, […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

Kenneth Leroy Lynch Kenneth Leroy Lynch, Walkerton, IN – On February 27th, 2022, Kenneth Leroy Lynch passed away with his loving wife and three daughters there to love and support him on his journey. Ken was born on November 2nd, 1951, in Richmond, IN to Warren & Juanita Lynch. Ken graduated from Richmond High School in 1970 and […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

William “Bill” A. Telker William “Bill” A. Telker, 72, of Connersville, went home to be with our precious Lord on Monday, February 28, 2022 after his hard-fought battle with Cancer. He was born September 21, 1949 in Connersville to Ambrose and Anna Mulheeren Telker, and he was a graduate of Connersville High School. On July 2, 1999, he married […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)

John Arthur Puckett John Arthur Puckett, 78, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2022, after an extended illness, with his family by his side. John was born on May 17, 1943 in Henry County to Howard and Kathleen Puckett. After Howard’s death, Kathleen remarried to Willie (Spike) Raines. John grew up outside of New Lisbon and graduated from […] — (Posted March 4, 2022)