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.

Eugene A. “Tony” Wathen II Eugene A. “Tony” Wathen II, age 48, passed away at his residence on March 19, 2019. He was born April 7, 1970, to Eugene and Edith Wathen in Dayton, Ohio. He leaves to cherish his memory, his son: Daniel (Stephanie) Wathen; grandsons: Isaac Hanna and Rowan Wathen; step-son: Roger Kemplin; step-daughter: Natasha Kemplin; brother: Richard […] — (Posted March 23, 2019)

Gwendolynne E. Blackburn COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Gwendolynne E. Blackburn, age 77, of Colorado, Springs, Colorado, passed away Monday, March 11, 2019. Gwen was born on November 27, 1941, in Richmond, Indiana, to Russell and Eula Fay Hensley. She graduated from Richmond High School in 1960 and earned her associate degree in nursing from Parkview Methodist School of […] — (Posted March 23, 2019)

Miriam Mae Beeson Miriam Mae Beeson passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at the age of 97. She was residing at Bridgewater Healthcare Center in Carmel, Indiana (formerly a long-time resident of Greenfield). She was born to Fred and Lelia DeWeerd on November 8, 1921 in Fairmount, Indiana. She attended Ball State School of Nursing and graduated […] — (Posted March 22, 2019)

Donald W. Miller RICHMOND, Ind. – Donald W. Miller, age 87, of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Reid Health. Born November 20, 1931, in Arlington, Indiana, to Oren W. and Florence E. Seely Miller, Don lived in Wayne County most of his life. He was a 1950 graduate of Centerville High School, where he was […] — (Posted March 22, 2019)

Virgil Rowland CENTERVILLE, Ind. – Virgil Rowland, age 75, of Centerville, Indiana, died Thursday, March 21, 2019, at Reid Health. Born September 5, 1943, in Hazzard, Kentucky, to John M. and Mae Gamble Rowland, Virgil moved to this community in 2009. Survivors include his sons, David (Shannon) Rowland and Michael Rowland, both of Richmond, Indiana; stepchildren, Kenny […] — (Posted March 22, 2019)

Deacon Frank Anthony Roberts Deacon Frank Anthony Roberts, 79, of Richmond, died unexpectedly March 19, 2019 at Reid Health. He was born December 17, 1939 in Richmond to Harold and Hilda Haager Roberts and lived here all his life. Deacon Roberts formerly worked for Second National Bank (U.S. Bank) and retired as a Vice President at First Bank Richmond, […] — (Posted March 21, 2019)

Marabelle (Cross) Pugh Miller Marabelle (Cross) Pugh Miller, 91, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at Randolph Nursing and Rehabilitation, Winchester, Indiana. She was born in Farmland on May 3, 1927 to Clinton Monroe and Hazel Bell (Houser) Cross. Marabelle and her family moved from Farmland to Losantville, to a farm, when she was […] — (Posted March 20, 2019)

Vernon K. Short Vernon K. Short, 81, of Economy, Ind., died on March 19, 2019, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Richmond on July 13, 1937, to John David and Frances (Healton) Short. He lived in Economy most of his life. He was a graduate of Economy High School in 1955 and […] — (Posted March 20, 2019)

Nellie Russell Nellie Russell, age 86, of Richmond, Indiana, died peacefully at home on March 17, 2019, after a prolonged illness. Nellie was born to Estel Fox and Gladys Miller Fox on June 26, 1932 in Richmond, Indiana and was a lifelong resident of Richmond. Nellie was married to James (Edison) Russell for 50 years until Edison’s […] — (Posted March 20, 2019)

Leslie H. Brown INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Leslie H. Brown, age 70, formerly of Lynn, Indiana, died Thursday, March 14, 2019, at Lawrence Manor Healthcare Center. Leslie was born on November 27, 1948, in New Castle, Indiana, to Willie Kelsey and Noxie Ibue Capps Brown. Survivors include his sons, John Brown of Lynn, Indiana, Tracey (Christina) Brown of Union […] — (Posted March 20, 2019)

Virginia Andrews Virginia Andrews, 95, of Carlos, IN passed away Friday, March 15, 2019, at Hickory Creek Residential at New Castle, IN. She was born June 1, 1923 in Randolph County, IN the daughter of Ralph E. and Clara M. (Clark) Bales. Virginia was a homemaker, helping with the family farm all her life. She had also […] — (Posted March 19, 2019)

Jimmie Legg Jimmie Legg, age 80, of Centerville passed away Sunday (March 17, 2019) at Ambassador Healthcare in Centerville, Indiana. Jimmie was born on March 18, 1938 to Newell Travis and Tivis Belle Miller Legg in Falkville, Alabama. He was a lifetime member of Eastern Indiana Beagle Club. He enjoyed family get-togethers and spending time with friends, […] — (Posted March 19, 2019)

Harold (Jack) Callahan Harold (Jack) Callahan, a mentally, emotionally and physically strong, Christian man passed away peacefully at his home on the morning of March 16, 2019. Born in Clover Bottom, KY on August 4, 1940, he and his family moved to Cambridge City, IN when he was very young. After graduating from Lincoln High School, he served […] — (Posted March 19, 2019)

Michael J. Skaggs RICHMOND, Ind. – Michael J. Skaggs, age 61, of Richmond, Indiana, died Monday, March 18, 2019, at his home. Born April 29, 1957, in Richmond, Indiana, to James and Peggy Roszell Skaggs, Mike was a life-long resident of Wayne County. He was a graduate of Centerville High School. Mike served in the U.S. Army. He […] — (Posted March 19, 2019)

Jack D. Miles RICHMOND, Ind. – Jack Dale Miles, age 82, of Richmond, Indiana, caught the flight to Heaven Sunday, March 17, 2019, from his home surrounded by his family. Jack was born January 6, 1937, in Karnak, Illinois, to James and Edna Sadler Miles, during the great flood that was in progress. On November 24, 1957, he […] — (Posted March 19, 2019)

Cemetery news: Cleanup deadline, annual meeting Dublin Southlawn, East Cemetery cleanup deadline announced All ground decorations, urns, jars, pots, shepherd hooks, etc., not in or on a permanent foundation must be removed from all Dublin cemeteries by April 15 in order to improve maintenance of the cemetery. If not removed by this date, they will be removed by the town and […] — (Posted March 19, 2019)

Shirley Joyce Corder ABINGTON, Ind. – Shirley Joyce Corder, age 90, of Abington, Indiana, died Monday, March 18, 2019, at Reid Health. Born December 26, 1928, in Abington, Indiana, to Rife Howard and Helen Louise Wood Paddock, Shirley lived in Abington most of her life. She was a 1946 graduate of Centerville High School. Shirley retired from Centerville […] — (Posted March 18, 2019)

Phyllis J. Suthard Phyllis J. Suthard, 79, of Richmond, passed away on Thursday, March 7, at Reid Health. She was born on April 7, 1939 in Richmond, Indiana to John H. and Mary Frances Delucio Kohr Shaffer. Phyllis was a 1957 graduate of Richmond High School. She worked in manufacturing in Richmond. She enjoyed the company of many […] — (Posted March 18, 2019)

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)