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.

Toni Beach Toni Beach, age 81, of Centerville, passed away at her residence on March 14, 2019. She was born September 25, 1937, to William J. Byrum and Maxine A. Byrum in Richmond, Indiana. Toni was a longtime resident of Centerville, Indiana. She was a member of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church. She graduated from Richmond High School […] — (Posted March 17, 2019)

The Rev. Kevin J. Morris The world lost a cherished pastor, a devoted brother/uncle, a dependable friend, and a zealous fan of the Notre Dame Irish and the Indianapolis Colts when Father Kevin J. Morris died in the Lord on March 12, 2019. He was born on October 28,1955 in Bitburg, Germany to Joseph F. and JoAnn (Mortimer) Morris, both […] — (Posted March 16, 2019)

The Rev. Lewis Wayne Gibson RICHMOND, Ind. – The Rev. Lewis Wayne Gibson, age 93, of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, March 16, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family. Born December 8, 1925, in Estill County, Kentucky, to John E. and Rosele Banks Gibson, Wayne attended schools in Jackson County, Kentucky. He had lived in Richmond since 1950. Wayne […] — (Posted March 16, 2019)

Joan Kenworthy GREENS FORK – Sylvia Joan Kenworthy, 83, of Greens Fork, died Thursday, March 14, 2019, at St. Vincent Heart Hospital. She was born in Richmond on October 9, 1935 to Clyde and Bertha (Long) McMullen and was a lifelong resident of the Greens Fork area. She was a member of Greens Fork United Methodist church […] — (Posted March 16, 2019)

Frederick C. Dilling HAGERSTOWN: Frederick C. Dilling, 86, of Hagerstown, died Thursday, March 14, 2019, at The Waters of New Castle, where he had recently resided. Fred was born in Wayne County on June 21, 1932 to Ivan W. and Gladys (Chamberlain) Dilling and was a lifelong resident of the Hagerstown area. He served with the US Army, […] — (Posted March 16, 2019)

Barbara Jean Murray HAGERSTOWN: Barbara Jean Murray, 92, of Hagerstown, died Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. She was born in Detroit, MI on July 25, 1926 and was a longtime Hagerstown resident. She is survived by 3 children, Kitty Stevens, Michael Stevens and Sandy Stevens. Her husband, Ora “Junior” Murray, preceded her in […] — (Posted March 16, 2019)

Marvin W. Rhoads Marvin Wayne Rhoads departed this life on March 16, 2019, at the age of 73. Marvin was born April 15, 1945 at St. Edwards Hospital, New Albany, IN to Melvin Russell Rhoads and Victoria Eunice Rainbolt Rhoads Kendall. Marvin and his family lived in Corydon, IN until December 1957 at which time they moved to […] — (Posted March 16, 2019)

Pauletta M. Parrett Hyer RICHMOND, Ind. – Pauletta M. Parrett Hyer, age 71, of Richmond, Indiana, died Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Reid Health. Born August 23, 1947, in New Castle, Indiana, to Paul Woodrow and Eula Mae Shoopman Fairchild, Pauletta lived in this community most of her life. She was a 1967 graduate of Richmond High School. Pauletta […] — (Posted March 15, 2019)

John B. Conant Jr. RICHMOND, Ind. – John B. Conant Jr., age 78, of Richmond, Indiana, died Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at Reid Health. Born March 25, 1940, in Monmouth, Illinois, to John B. and Pauline Ischer Conant Sr., John was a graduate of Millersburg Military Institute in Millersburg, Kentucky. He served in the U.S. Army. John retired from […] — (Posted March 15, 2019)

Derek C. Riggs Derek Charles Riggs, 37, of Economy, died unexpectedly on Monday, March 11, 2019, at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. He was born in Richmond on August 17, 1981 and was a life long resident of the Economy area. Derek was a life long Raiders fan. He loved music, dancing, the outdoors and, above all, God […] — (Posted March 12, 2019)

James Michael “Mike” Gardner James Michael “Mike” Gardner, 47, of Spiceland, passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019, following a brief battle with cancer. He was born December 16, 1971 in Muncie, a son of James R. and Sharon (Starbuck) Gardner. A 1990 graduate of Tri High School, he also graduated from Northwestern Technical College’s Diesel Technician program. He was […] — (Posted March 11, 2019)

James Theodore “Ted” Asche HAGERSTOWN – James Theodore “Ted” Asche, 94, of Hagerstown, passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019, at Randolph Nursing Home, Winchester. He was born on October 21, 1924 at Dabney, IN to Frank and Rose (Palmer) Asche and lived in Hagerstown most of his life. He served in the Navy during WWII. He was a […] — (Posted March 11, 2019)

Bruce Wayne Corman RICHMOND, Ind. – Bruce Wayne Corman, age 81, of Richmond, Indiana, died Sunday, March 10, 2019, at Reid Health. Born September 8, 1937, in Wilmore, Kentucky, to Jesse L. and Edna Mae Corman, Bruce lived in Richmond since 1941. He was a machine operator at Alcoa. Bruce was a member of Seniors on Scooters. He […] — (Posted March 11, 2019)

Brian Kenneth Allen Gahret Jr. RICHMOND, Ind. – Infant Brian Kenneth Allen Gahret Jr. was taken to Heaven on Friday, March 8, 2019, surrounded by his loving family at Reid Health. Survivors include his parents, Luzero “Lucy” Marie Rodriguez and Brian Kenneth Allen Gahret Sr., both of Richmond; siblings, Jailyn Gahret, Luis Rodriguez, Leo Rodriguez, Jessica Gahret, Juanito Anguiano, Julio […] — (Posted March 11, 2019)

Floyd Wesley Johnson Floyd Wesley Johnson, 89, of Richmond, passed away March 8, 2019, at Golden Living Center-Golden Rule. He was born January 14, 1930 in Richmond to Jesse and Hazel Mae Franks Johnson and lived here all of his life. He served in the Army from 1947-1949. He was away from his family for two days helping […] — (Posted March 9, 2019)

Robert Lawrence Lafuze Greenwood – Robert Lawrence Lafuze, 55, died unexpectedly of a pulmonary embolism, Friday, March 1 at his home. Robert was born to Joan Esterline Lafuze and the late Ralph O. Lafuze in Richmond Indiana. Robert attended Hagerstown elementary school, Joseph Moore middle school in Richmond, Muncie Burris High School and graduated from Hagerstown High School […] — (Posted March 7, 2019)

Ronald Madison Ronald Eugene Madison, 73, of Hagerstown, died at his home on Tuesday, March 5, 2019. He was born in New Castle on September 15, 1945 to Millard and Edna (Ferrel) Madison, and was a life long resident of the Hagerstown area. Ron was a retired employee of Perfect Circle / Dana Corp. He was a […] — (Posted March 7, 2019)

Claude L. “Buddy” Mullin Jr. RICHMOND, Ind. – Claude LaMar “Buddy” Mullin Jr., age 84, of Richmond, Indiana, died Monday, March 4, 2019, at Arbor Trace Exceptional Senior Living. Buddy was born on September 20, 1934, in Richmond, Indiana, to Claude LaMar and Pearl Louise Swallow Mullin Sr. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. […] — (Posted March 5, 2019)

Marian J. Gilbert Marian J. Gilbert 80 of Richmond went home to the Lord March 4, 2019 at Reid Health. She was born April 7, 1938 in Youngstown, Pennsylvania to James Leroy and Margaret Clark Kelly and lived here most of her life. She retired from Goodwill Industries and enjoyed Bingo. Survivors include four daughters Donna (Jeff) Horn, […] — (Posted March 5, 2019)

Edna Mae Cooper Edna Mae Cooper, age 83, of Richmond, Indiana, died Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Golden Living Center-Golden Rule. Born October 15, 1935, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Penny Roy and Suzie Kazee Brown, Edna was a graduate of Sumner High School in St. Louis. She lived and worked in Houston, Texas, and St. Louis before […] — (Posted March 5, 2019)

Elmer Bryan “Shorty” Cowan Elmer Bryan “Shorty” Cowan, age 93, of Centerville, Indiana, died Sunday, March 3, 2019, at his home. Born August 14, 1925, in Albany, Kentucky, to Homer and Bessie Cross Cowan, Elmer lived in this community most of his life. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Elmer retired from J.M. Hutton and […] — (Posted March 5, 2019)

Teresa C. Taylor Teresa C. Taylor, of Richmond passed away on March 3, 2019. She was born April 18, 1955 in Greenville, Kentucky to Joseph Braden “JB” McAdoo and Lucy Davis Collins. Teresa retired from Chubb Insurance after 40 years of service. She is survived by her children: Stephanie (John) Eady and Braden Taylor; granddaughters: Aaryn and Alex […] — (Posted March 5, 2019)

Tyler Winfrey Tyler L. Winfrey, was born March 19, 2001 to Sam Winfrey and Anya Lear. He entered sleep February 18, 2019. He attended Richmond’s elementary, middle school and was a 12th grader at RHS. He was a member of Second Chance Ministries Church in Richmond. He was a member of Jeffers Boys and Girls Club, and […] — (Posted March 5, 2019)

Jerry Ketron Jerry F. Ketron aged 65, left the earth too soon on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. He was born on December 11, 1953 in Richmond to Frank and Francis (Masters) Ketron. He was a graduate of Richmond High School and Purdue University. Jerry loved aviation and was proud of his father’s Air Force career and service. […] — (Posted March 5, 2019)

Phil Coffman Phil Coffman, 79, passed away suddenly at his home on Friday, March 1, 2019. He was born October 8, 1939 to Alice & Harold Coffman in Fayette County. He was a 1957 graduate of Short High School in Liberty, IN where he played basketball and was involved in FFA. He earned a B.S. in Vocational […] — (Posted March 3, 2019)

Josephine J. “Peppy” Williamson Josephine J. “Peppy” Williamson, 84, currently of Centerville, passed away Thursday, February 28, 2019, at the home of her daughter. Born September 5, 1934 in Hammond, she was the daughter of John and Cena Spanich Ivko. Josephine attended Hammond Tech High School and married her high school sweetheart, James Burke Williamson, Sr. on April 24, […] — (Posted March 3, 2019)

Dr. Richard W. Siebert RICHMOND, Ind. – Dr. Richard Walter Siebert, age 87, of Richmond, Indiana, died Friday, March 1, 2019, at Friends Fellowship Community. Dick was born on October 18, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio, son of Walter and Lillian Siebert. He graduated from West Tech High School in Cleveland before attending The Ohio State University. Dick graduated from […] — (Posted March 3, 2019)

Kenneth R. “Rick” Maurer Kenneth R. “Rick” Maurer, 38, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 28, 2019, at Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana after fighting a courageous battle against a rare medical condition caused by a life-threatening reaction to a medication, a condition known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS). Rick was born on November 6, 1980, […] — (Posted March 3, 2019)

Gene C. Steffens Fountain City, Ind. – Gene C. Steffens, age 80, of Fountain City, Indiana, died Thursday, February 28, 2019, at Reid Health surrounded by his loving family. Born January 10, 1939, in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Arthur and Elenora Johnson Steffens, Gene was a longtime resident of Wayne County. He graduated from Mabton High School in […] — (Posted March 3, 2019)

Douglas A. Owens BLACK CANYON CITY, Ariz. – Douglas Allen Owens, age 57, of Black Canyon City, Arizona, died Monday, February 25, 2019, at his home. Born June 10, 1961, in Richmond, Indiana, to Robert and Elizabeth Powell Owens, Doug was a 1979 graduate of Richmond High School. He moved to Arizona 17 years ago, where he worked […] — (Posted March 3, 2019)