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.

William J. Veach William J. Veach, age 87, of Richmond, IN, died Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Reid Health Hospital, Richmond, IN. He was born on December 29, 1933 in Youngstown, Ohio to the late Lewis & Bernice (Began) Veach. He met Shirley Bensman on the dance floor of the Crystal Ballroom in Versailles, Ohio and married her […] — (Posted April 14, 2021)

Deborah M. Samms Deborah M. Samms, age 66, of Richmond, Indiana, died Monday, April 12, 2021, at Reid Health. Born March 31, 1955, in Hamilton, Ohio, to James Edward and Janet Marie Keiser Hart, Debbie was a life-long resident of Richmond. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1973 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University […] — (Posted April 14, 2021)

Dortha D. Stephens Dortha D. Stephens, 90, of Dublin passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021. She was born October 19, 1930 in Union City, Indiana, a daughter of the late Glen and Bessie (Neff) Frick. Born and raised in Union City, moving to Indianapolis in 1978. Dortha attended Union City High School. She retired from FRAM in Greenville, […] — (Posted April 13, 2021)

David Earl Gray Sr. David Earl Gray Sr., 80, of Orange City, Florida formerly of New Castle passed away January 22, 2021 at Central Florida Regional Hospital. He was born January 21, 1941 in New Castle to the late Raymond and Eva (Gordon) Gray. David grew up in New Castle where he attended Walter P. Chrysler High School, until […] — (Posted April 13, 2021)

Donald “Duke” William Davis Donald “Duke” William Davis, 37, of New Castle passed away Thursday, April 8, 2021 at I.U. Health Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie. He was born January 22, 1984 to Donald Wayne and Brenda (Lewis) Davis. He was a 2003 graduate of New Castle High School. Duke loved playing video games and playing on the computer. […] — (Posted April 13, 2021)

Ruth Marie Middleton Ruth Marie Middleton, 92, of Richmond, passed away to be with the Lord on April 10, 2021, at Reid Health. She was born March 7, 1929, to Ray and Crystal Anderson Irvine. She retired from the J.C. Penney Company and was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church and Neighborly Club. Ruth is survived by […] — (Posted April 13, 2021)

Debra A. McCracken Debra A. McCracken, 56, of Hagerstown, died Sunday, April 11, 2021 at Reid Health. She was born at Salt Lake City, UT on March 10, 1965 to Richard Otis and Nancy (Morrow) Barney. She lived most of her life in the Wayne County area. She was a graduate of Union High School and Indiana University. […] — (Posted April 13, 2021)

Jennifer Brooke Davidson Jennifer Brooke Davidson, 38, of Connersville slipped away with grace and dignity on Saturday evening, April 10, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis following a lengthy hard-fought battle with cancer. The daughter of Robbie and Diane Vest Gough, Jennifer was born in Connersville on December 9, 1982. She attended elementary at St. Gabriel School and […] — (Posted April 13, 2021)

Mary E. Newman Mary E. Newman, 78, of Liberty passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021. She was born on October 28, 1942 in Rushville, Indiana to the late Robert Buchanan and Lois Newlan Buchanan. In 2003, she married Tim Newman in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Together they enjoyed being members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, where […] — (Posted April 12, 2021)

Gregory Eugene Givens Gregory Eugene Givens died on Saturday, April 10, 2021 unexpectedly. He was born to Margaret and Eugene Givens on March 17, 1951. Greg was a lifelong resident of Henry County and resided in New Castle, IN. He graduated from Walter P. Chrysler Memorial High School in 1969. He retired from Guide Lamp Division of General […] — (Posted April 12, 2021)

Kathleen Jill “Katt” (McMaster) Schane Kathleen Jill “Katt” (McMaster) Schane, 68, of New Castle, passed away on the morning of Saturday, April 10, 2021 at home. She was born on January 1, 1953 in Altoona, Pennsylvania, a daughter of the late Charles Elvin and Louise Marjorie (Mitchell) McMaster. While speaking to Michelle, Katts only surviving child, she said, “My Momma […] — (Posted April 12, 2021)

Michael S. Eckart Michael S. Eckart, 71, of Cambridge City, passed on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at his home. He was born on September 17, 1949 to J.W. and Helen Eckart in Richmond and lived his entire live in the Cambridge City area. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School and had worked for over 30 years […] — (Posted April 12, 2021)

Ruth Marie Middleton Ruth Marie Middleton, 92, Richmond, passed away to be with the Lord on April 10, 2021, at Reid Health. She was born March 7, 1929, to Ray and Crystal Anderson Irvine. She retired from the J.C. Penney Company and was a member of the Fellowship Baptist Church and Neighborly Club. Ruth is survived by her […] — (Posted April 11, 2021)

Henry Erwin Stewart Jr. Henry Erwin Stewart Jr., age 84, of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, April 3, 2021, at Reid Health. Born January 10, 1937, in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, to Henry Sr. and Hazel Taylor Stewart, Henry lived in Wayne County, Indiana, most of his life. He served in the U.S. Army. Henry retired from GTE Corporation, where he worked […] — (Posted April 11, 2021)

Wayne Allen “Butch” Vance Wayne Allen “Butch” Vance, 73, Dublin, changed his residence on April 8, 2021. He has now moved into heaven to be with his Lord and Savior and the family and friends who have gone on before him. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 7, 1948. Soon after, he moved to Dublin, Indiana with […] — (Posted April 11, 2021)

Dorothy Louise Stevenson Dorothy Louise Stevenson, age 93, formerly of Richmond, died Sunday, February 21, 2021, at Lyndale Assisted Living in Edmond. Born July 19, 1927, in Richmond, Indiana, to Joseph A. and Dorothy Eilerman Moss, Dorothy was a life-long resident of this community until 2017, when her health required a move to Edmond to be near her […] — (Posted April 11, 2021)

Mark T. McDaniel Mark T. McDaniel, age 62, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, April 9, 2021, at his home. Born August 22, 1958, in Richmond, Indiana, to Daniel G. and Auda Getene E. Noe McDaniel, Mark lived in Richmond most of his life. He enjoyed working in the yard. Survivors include his daughters, Christina McDaniel (Shaun Hammond) and […] — (Posted April 11, 2021)

Clayton Henson Clayton Henson, 73, of Richmond, passed away April 7, 2021, at Golden Living Center-Golden Rule after a long illness. He was born November 6, 1947, in Clay County, Kentucky to Oakley and Virgie Downey Henson; he lived here since 1969. He was a member of Straight Line Pike Pentecostal Church. Clayton retired as an independent […] — (Posted April 11, 2021)

Phillip D. Brumbaugh Phillip D. Brumbaugh, 72, Fountain City, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 9. Phillip was born on November 24, 1948 in Randolph County, Indiana to Carl D., Sr. and Alice Hartman Brumbaugh, both of whom preceded him in death. Phillip was a 1967 graduate of Whitewater-Fountain City High School. In his younger years, […] — (Posted April 11, 2021)

Brian “Jay” Wallen Brian “Jay” Wallen, 53 of Mooreland passed away Friday, April 9, 2021 at Henry Community Health in New Castle. He was born January 26, 1968 in New Castle, Indiana. Jay was employed at QFI Corporation and formerly employed at Hy-Flex Corp. A self employed construction worker, he had also worked for Ernest Mills Farm. Jay […] — (Posted April 11, 2021)

Christopher R. Harris Christopher R. Harris, 43, of Connersville passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Reid Health, Connersville. Survivors include three children, Sarah, Adam, and Olivia Harris; his father, Jerry (Judy) Harris of Connersville; a sister, Becky Harris of Connersville; paternal grandmother, Violet Harris of Milton; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Christopher is preceded in […] — (Posted April 11, 2021)

Lorena Ann Gromer Lorena Ann Gromer, 83, Cambridge City,passed away Friday morning April 9, 2021 at Heritage House in Connersville, Indiana. A daughter of the late William and Katherine “Katie” (Greiner) Rogers, Lorena was born on September 14, 1937 in Richmond, Indiana. Lorena was a lifelong member of the Cambridge City community and St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic […] — (Posted April 11, 2021)

Shirley Ann Longnecker Shirley Ann Longnecker, 78, Cambridge City, passed away Thursday afternoon April 8, 2021 at Henry County Memorial Hospital in New Castle, Indiana. A daughter of the late John and Ruth M. (Sears) Graham, Shirley was born in Greenfield, Indiana on August 7, 1942. She graduated from Greenfield Central High School and following her marriage to […] — (Posted April 9, 2021)

Kathleen J. Sheehy Kathleen J. Sheehy, age 83, of Greens Fork, Indiana, died Monday, April 5, 2021, at Reid Health. Kathleen was born September 1, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, to John and Ann Lung Daniels. She worked as a registered nurse for 50 years, retiring from Reid Hospital and later working at Friends Fellowship Community. Kathleen was co-owner […] — (Posted April 8, 2021)

Alice Bunch Alice Bunch, 92, of Liberty died Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at Whitewater Commons in Liberty. Alice was born to Robert and Ester Abner Worster on November 21, 1928 in Kitchel, Indiana. She attended Short High School, graduating with the class of 1946. The following year, Alice married Robert V. Bunch on May 17, 1947 at […] — (Posted April 8, 2021)

James Oakes James Oakes, age 61, passed away at his residence on April 6, 2021. He was born November 15, 1959, to Jack and Rochelle Oakes, in Chicago, Illinois. James had lived in Wayne County half of his life. He was a high school graduate and a Machine Shop Operator. He loved racing, especially NASCAR, being outdoors […] — (Posted April 8, 2021)

Robert William Humkey Robert William Humkey, age 59, of Darien, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, April 5, 2021. Bob was one of seven boys born in Lebanon, Kentucky to parents Joseph and Dorothy Humkey. He graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. After graduation, Bob joined the Army and served as an […] — (Posted April 8, 2021)

Todd Raymond Hazelbaker Todd Raymond Hazelbaker, age 52, a New Castle resident, passed away Monday, April 5, 2021 at his residence. He was born November 9, 1968 in Muncie, Indiana, a son of Darrell and Shirley Saring Hazelbaker. Todd was a 1986 graduate of Selma High School and had resided in New Castle for several years. He was […] — (Posted April 8, 2021)

Bertha Mae Cook Bertha Mae Cook, age 91, of Centerville, Indiana, died Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Ambassador Healthcare. Bertha was born November 9, 1929, in Surgoinsville, Tennessee, to Steven H. and Luda Owens Creech. She was a 1949 graduate of Surgoinsville High School. Bertha moved to Centerville in 1953. She was a member of First Baptist Church […] — (Posted April 8, 2021)

Ronald W. Fultz Ronald W. Fultz, age 63, of Abington, Indiana, died Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. Born May 27, 1957, in Richmond, Indiana, to Billie Jean Galloway, Ron was a life-long resident of Wayne County, Indiana. He grew up in Centerville, Indiana, and attended school there. Ron worked as a tile […] — (Posted April 8, 2021)