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.

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)

Shirley Dixon Shirley Dixon, 80 of Connersville passed away on Friday, January 30, 2025. She was born on April 3, 1945. She was married to Bob Dixon, View full obituary — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Bill Eugene Lutterman Bill was many things—a Vietnam veteran, a devoted family man, and a faithful Christian. To our family, he was a steady, loving presence whose quiet strength shaped all of us. Bill endured more hardship than most, yet he never let it define him. As a young man, he lost his leg in a tragic accident. […] — (Posted February 3, 2026)

Michael “Mike” J. Sokirka Michael “Mike” J. Sokirka, 72, of New Castle, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on February 1, 2026. He was born on December 20, 1953, in Lock Haven, PA, to the late John and Mildred (David) Sokirka. Mike’s journey led him to various paths of hard work. Starting his career at Firestone Tire Factory […] — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Doris Ann Barker Doris Ann Barker, age 91, of Eaton, OH, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026. She was born April 29, 1934 in Jamaica Queens, NY to the late Edward and Harriet (Schelenz) Pughe. Doris was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Eaton; and enjoyed sewing, genealogy and quilting. In addition to her parents, […] — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Paul F. Vertesch Paul F. Vertesch, age 88, of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, January 31, 2026, at The Springs of Richmond. Born August 23, 1937, in South Bend, Indiana, to Joesph and Rose Horvath Vertesch, Paul lived in this community most of his life. He was a graduate of South Bend Riley High School and received his undergraduate […] — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Vincent A. Salerno Vincent A. Salerno, age 20, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, January 30, 2026, leaving behind a family and community heartbroken by a life taken far too soon. He was born on December 29, 2005, in Sarasota, Florida, to Michael Rocco Salerno and Katrina L… — (Posted February 2, 2026)

Charles R. Tuttle Charles R. Tuttle, age 77, formerly of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Cincinnati, OH. Born October 4, 1948, in Richmond, Indiana, to Charles Brown Tuttle and Edna Hunt Tuttle, Charles lived in this community most of his life. He proudly served his country in the U. S. […] — (Posted February 2, 2026)