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.

Ralph L. Perkins Jr. Ralph L. Perkins Jr., 83 of Richmond died September 30, 2021, at Reid health after a lengthy illness. he was born October 14, 1937, in Alcoa, Tennessee to Ralph and Jeannette McKelvey Perkins Sr. and lived in Richmond most of his life. He worked as a welder at Wallace Metal Products and Cambridge City Casket […] — (Posted October 1, 2021)

Mary Elizabeth Marcum Mary Elizabeth Marcum, 68, of rural Fayette County passed away early Thursday morning, September 30, 2021 at her home. One of four children of Chester Lee Davis and Arlis J. (Morris) Mullen, Mary was born in Corsicana, Texas on June 2, 1953. On June 17, 1967, Mary was married to Ruford Marcum, Jr. in Beaumont, […] — (Posted October 1, 2021)

Richard Allen Phillips Richard Allen Phillips, age 83, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2021 in Sebring, FL. He was born on May 15, 1938 in Richmond, IN to Lewis and Helen (Kimball) Phillips. He worked as a Railroad Engineer, attended Grace Bible Church, proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines, and has been a resident of […] — (Posted October 1, 2021)

Betty Becknell Betty Becknell, age 83, of Richmond, Indiana passed away unexpectedly in her home on September 25, 2021. She is survived by her daughter, Tracy Becknell of Dayton; her sister’s son Kevin Kerschner and his wife Beth of Dayton and some very treasured cousins. There was also a special place in Betty’s heart for the International […] — (Posted October 1, 2021)

John Edward Linderman John Edward Linderman passed away on September 25, 2021 at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana. He was 85. John was born in Richmond, Indiana on January 16, 1936 to Florence A. and Pauline (Kalny) Linderman. He graduated from Greens Fork High School in 1954 and served in the United States Air Force. He worked for […] — (Posted September 30, 2021)

Wilma Jean “Jeannie” Lakes Wilma Jean “Jeannie” Lakes, 75, of Economy, died Friday, September 24, 2021, at Reid Health. She was born in Winchester on September 11, 1946 to Paul and Margaret (Cougill) Toschlog, and was a life long resident of the area. She was a former employee of Sanyo in Richmond. Survivors include 2 children, Scott Williams (John […] — (Posted September 29, 2021)

Mary Ann Cela Mary Ann Cela, 93, of Richmond, passed away on September 27, 2021. She was born April 24, 1928, in Richmond, to T. Leo and Eleanor Moore Tracy; she lived in this area all of her life. She was a longtime employee of Knollenberg’s Department Store and subsequently worked at Elder Beerman in the Furniture Department […] — (Posted September 29, 2021)

Melba Jane McKnight Melba Jane McKnight, age 88, of New Castle passed away Sunday morning, September 26, 2021 at Henry Community Health Center. She was born in a farmhouse on Sulphur Springs Road on May 28, 1933, the daughter of Robert Hayes and Cora N.C. (Campbell) McLane; the granddaughter of Robert Cowan and Polly Jane (Jones) McLane and […] — (Posted September 29, 2021)

David Alan Winters David Alan Winters, 62, life-long Richmond resident, passed away Monday, September 27, 2021, at Reid Health. His death was attributed to heart disease. Born August 3, 1959, he was the son of Dale and Anita Taylor Winters. He graduated from Richmond High School in 1978. During his early years, he attended Abington Christian Church. He […] — (Posted September 29, 2021)

Marlene Avanelle Penfield Marlene Avanelle Penfield, Richmond, passed away on September 22, 2021, at the age of 79 years. She was born on March 3, 1942, to Raymond and Lillian Lange and was raised in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, with her younger brother, Larry. Marlene married Jerry Penfield on October 7, 1962, and they raised their two children, Brian and […] — (Posted September 29, 2021)

Seth Ray Morris Seth Ray Morris, age 36, of Richmond, Indiana, died Monday, September 27, 2021, at Reid Health. Born May 13, 1985, in Richmond, Indiana, to Terry and Billie Morris, Seth was a life-long resident of this community. He graduated from Richmond High School in 2003. Seth enjoyed coaching youth football and basketball. Survivors include his daughter, […] — (Posted September 29, 2021)

Virginia “Gini” Wickett-Kelley Virginia “Gini” Wickett-Kelley, age 75, Richmond, peacefully passed away on Friday September 24, 2021 at Maple Park Village in Westfield, Indiana. Gini was born in Richmond, Indiana on January 28, 1946 to William “Gene” and Margaret “Peg” Wickett and lived in Richmond all her life. Gini was raised Catholic and previously attended St. Andrew’s Church. […] — (Posted September 29, 2021)

Terry Necessary Terry Necessary, age 56 died unexpectedly on Wednesday September 22, 2021. He was born in Richmond on June 3, 1965 to Jack Necessary and Karen Buroker. Terry was stubborn but he could fix anything and he would help anybody, even if he complained the entire time. He enjoyed fishing, collecting albums and Jeff Gordon memorabilia. […] — (Posted September 29, 2021)

Shirley A. Higbie Shirley A. Higbie, age 84, a New Castle resident, passed away Friday, September 24, 2021 at Henry Community Health. She was born April 23, 1937 in Fayette County, Indiana, a daughter of the late Hershel and Rosa Foster May. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Teaching and was a teacher for several years. […] — (Posted September 28, 2021)

Amanda Schoettmer Amanda Schoettmer, 39, of New Castle went home to be with the Lord on Sunday afternoon, September 26, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born August 28, 1982 in New Castle, Indiana, a daughter of the late James Louis Shepard and Charlotte (Dock) Huffman. Amanda was a loving mother to her three […] — (Posted September 28, 2021)

Ricky L. Orr Ricky L. Orr, 71, of Spiceland passed away Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield. He was born October 11, 1949 in Henry County, Indiana, a son of the late Harold Jr. and Ruby Evelyn (Catron) Orr. Ricky retired from Allegheny-Ludlum in 2010 after 36 years of service. He belonged to United […] — (Posted September 28, 2021)

Timothy Lawrence Shepherd Timothy Lawrence Shepherd, 63, of Connersville, passed away early Thursday morning, September 23, 2021 at his residence. He was born August 24, 1958 in Connersville to Lawrence and Ruth Ann Louise Doyle Shepherd, and he graduated from Connersville High School in 1976. Timothy worked at Visteon for seventeen years before working as a boilermaker for […] — (Posted September 28, 2021)

Michael Abercrombie Michael Abercrombie, 56, of Connersville passed away early Tuesday morning, September 21, 2021 at his home. One of three children of Harry and Bobbie Jean Hubbard Abercrombie, Michael was born in Connersville on July 29, 1965 and graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1983. Michael served his country in the United States […] — (Posted September 28, 2021)

James Samuel “Jim” Sweet, Jr. Born to James Sweet, Sr. and Lucille Reinhardt Sweet in Shelbyville, IN in 1929. Married the love of his life, Mary Clare “Dolly” Sweet, on Aug 25, 1951. Father of six children, grandfather to eleven, great-grandfather of seventeen and great-great grandfather of two, he filled their lives with love, laughter, love of country and service […] — (Posted September 27, 2021)

Sharon Ann Stiens Sharon Ann Stiens, age 75, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, September 24, 2021, at Reid Health. Born April 19, 1946, in Richmond, Indiana, to Dale Via and Mary Elizabeth Prows Via, Sharon was a life-long resident of this community. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1964. Sharon was a member of Surety Community Church, […] — (Posted September 27, 2021)

Mark Edward Reisert Jr. Mark Edward Reisert Jr., 47, Pershing, passed away Saturday evening September 25, 2021 at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana from complications of COVID19. Mark was born in Connersville, Indiana on April 29, 1974. He graduated from Connersville Senior High School in 1992 and attended Ivy Tech. Mark was an auto mechanic and had been employed […] — (Posted September 27, 2021)

Kevin Michael Hartz Kevin Michael Hartz, 36, of Richmond died September 23, 2021, at Kindred Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born May 16, 1985, in Burlington, Vermont. He was a Department Manager at Cabella’s Outdoors. Survivors include his mother Ann Bedard, his father Mike Hartz, one sister Whitney French (Harley Messer), and one niece Paisley Messer. A celebration […] — (Posted September 26, 2021)

Reverend Mary Jane Modlin Reverend Mary Jane Modlin, age 92, of New Castle, a member of Foursquare Gospel Church, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 24, 2021 at Stonebrooke Rehabilitation Center in New Castle. She was born May 9, 1929 in New Castle, Indiana a daughter of Fannie Winslow Fears. Mary Jane attended school at […] — (Posted September 26, 2021)

Ronald Eugene Short Ronald Eugene Short, 82, New Lisbon, passed away early Friday morning September 24, 2021 at Henry Community Health in New Castle, Indiana from complications of COVID19. A son of the late Eugene W. and Loraine C. (Cregar) Short, Ron was born in Dublin, Indiana on February 23, 1939. Following graduation from Knightstown High School, Ron […] — (Posted September 26, 2021)

Barbara Sanders Barbara Sanders, 83, Cambridge City, passed away Friday afternoon September 24, 2021 at the home of her daughter in Cambridge City, Indiana. A daughter of the late Robert Leo and Irene (Ewing) Radcliffe, Barbara was born in Beaver Township, Pulaski County, Indiana on February 6, 1938. Barbara grew up in Francesville and graduated from high […] — (Posted September 26, 2021)

Floyd Wesley Brown Floyd Wesley Brown, 80, Greens Fork, passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021 in Davenport, Florida. He was born in Richmond, Indiana on August 2, 1941. Floyd received a B.S. and M.A. in Education from Ball State University. He was married to Barbara Russell until her passing in December of 2014. Known throughout his childhood […] — (Posted September 26, 2021)

Doug Dale Doug Dale, A one of a kind guy! Born on May 26, 1955. He was a proud veteran who loved his country, his family and his friends. Come celebrate his life with us on October 30, 2021 at Bethesda Worship Center on 2200 Peacock Rd. Richmond, IN 47374. Instead of flowers, bring stories and memories to […] — (Posted September 25, 2021)

Vera Ann Hartmann Vera Ann Hartmann, 92, of Richmond, died September 23, 2021 at Reid Health. She was born December 10, 1928, in Eglon, Kentucky to Manford and Ollie Mae Carpenter Jones and lived here most of her life. She worked as a hairstylist and a Teacher’s Aide at Achieva. She was a member of the Southside Church […] — (Posted September 25, 2021)

Olive Christine Bray Olive Christine Bray, age 89, a resident of Mooreland, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Henry Community Health. She was born February 13, 1932 in Tateville, Kentucky and was a daughter of Elbert and Ethel China Dick. Christine worked at Brooks Foods, Henry County State Hospital and was a private in-home care provider. […] — (Posted September 25, 2021)

Najwani Raydean Parks Najwani Raydean Parks, age 64, of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, September 23, 2021, at her home. Born December 4, 1956, in Richmond, Indiana, to Chester G. and Sheila C. Parks, Najwani was a life-long resident of this community. She graduated from Northeastern High School in 1974. Najwani worked as a registered nurse in surrounding hospitals […] — (Posted September 25, 2021)