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.
Charles E. Mengedoht Charles E Mengedoht 71, of Connersville passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, June 14, 2024. He was born in Fayette County View full obituary — (Posted June 14, 2024)
Terry Rust Terry Rust, age 63, passed away at his residence on June 13, 2024. He was born June 14, 1960, the son of Juanita Mannie, in View full obituary — (Posted June 14, 2024)
Phillip Rowe Phil Rowe knew from an early age that he would be a drummer. He explored many other paths during his life – faithful husband, devoted father, private investigator, salesman, leader in church and scouts – but a drummer he remained. In fact, he had performed with Indiana University’s Marching Hundred for 50 years in the […] — (Posted June 14, 2024)
Misti D. Poe Misti D. Poe, 52, of New Castle, died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. She was born on September 20, 1971, in New Castle, Indiana, the daughter of Stephen E. Alexander and Sandra (Ballenger) Chambers. Misti was a 1989 graduate of Anthony Wayne High School in Toledo, Ohio, and earned a bachelor’s degree […] — (Posted June 14, 2024)
James Lee Locke James Lee Locke, 35, of Indianapolis, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, June 12, 2024. He was born October 6, 1988 in Anderson, a son of James M. Locke Jr. and the late Tonya Chesher. A 2011 graduate of Muncie Central High School, James worked as a C.N.A. for over ten years, most of them […] — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Joseph “Joe” E. Brawley CONNERSVILLE, Ind. – Joseph “Joe” E. Brawley, age 71, of Connersville, Indiana, died Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Forest Park Health Campus. Born June 30, 1952, in Fountain City, Indiana, to Merle and Joan Reece Brawley, Joe was a life-long resident of this area. He was a resident at CRF in Connersville for over 20 […] — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Audrey Marie Tilmans RICHMOND, Ind. – Audrey Marie Tilmans, age 93, of Richmond, Indiana, died Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Reid Health. Born January 29, 1931, in Richmond, Indiana, to Louis Francis and Gertrude Lucille Rohe Jelly. She was a 1949 graduate of Richmond High School and received her bachelor’s degree from Ball State University. Audrey taught school […] — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Walter Adams Walter L. Adams of Centerville passed away on Thursday June 13, 2024, at Reid Health in Richmond at the age of 53. Born in Connersville, View full obituary — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Tressa Daugherty Tressa Daugherty, 55, of Fountain City, Indiana passed away mid-day June 9th, 2024. She was born on November 14th, 1968. After a short battle with cancer, she left us extremely peacefully and in no pain, surrounded by her kids and close friends.  Tressa was a kind, caring, and wonderful daughter, mother, and friend. She was […] — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Regina “Gina” Briar It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Regina Lynn “Gina” Briar, a thoughtful, loving, and inspiring woman who left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Born in Winchester, Indiana on September 1, 1973, Gina lived a life filled with love, passion, and charisma. She was […] — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Robert Charles Cornell RICHMOND, Ind. – Robert Charles Cornell, age 70, of Richmond, Indiana, died unexpectedly on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Born June 2, 1954, in Henry County, Indiana, to Donald and Ava Myrl Cox Cornell, Robert lived in this community all of his life. He operated several businesses with his father throughout his career, the latest being […] — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Gary L. Welch Gary L. Welch, 76, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, June 11, 2024. He was born on January 20, 1948, in Lenoir City, TN, a son of the late Riley Samuel and Carolyn Magilene (Silcox) Welch. Gary was a graduate of Lewisville High School and worked for Chrysler Corporation in New […] — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Franka Helen Dick Franka Helen Dick, of New Castle, 71, passed away Wednesday June 12, 2024 at Henry Community Health. She was born on September 7, 1952 in New Castle to Pansy (Kennedy) Pyle and the late Wilburn Pyle.  She was in the first graduating class of Tri High School of 1970. Franka was an animal lover, especially […] — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Louetta Carson Hale RICHMOND- Louetta Mae Carson Hale, 94, passed away Tuesday evening June 11, 2024, at Reid Health in Richmond, Indiana. A daughter of the late Edward and Della (Hankins) Carey, Louetta was born on July 30, 1929, in Cambridge City, Indiana. Louetta was a lifelong resident of Wayne County and lived her adult life in the […] — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Paul Joseph Snyder Paul Joseph Snyder, 96, of Connersville, passed away early Wednesday morning, June 12, 2024 at his residence. One of two children of Anthony Andrew and Effie Ester Welch Snyder, Paul was born in Connersville on May 12, 1928 and attended elementary at St. Gabriel School. While attending grade school, the family changed the spelling of […] — (Posted June 13, 2024)
James Scott Porter Obituary pending… — (Posted June 13, 2024)
Robert Lee Tarr Robert “Bob” Lee Tarr, 85, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Henry Community Health. He was born on November 11, 1938, in New Castle, Indiana, a son of the late Orville and Helen (Swigart) Tarr. Bob married Betty Jean Reneau on November 20, 1956, and was a loyal and […] — (Posted June 12, 2024)
Jacque-Faye Truitt RICHMOND, Ind. – Jacque-Faye Truitt, age 94, of Richmond, Indiana, died Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at home, surrounded by family. Born May 23, 1930, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Edgar and Anna McWhirt Griffy, Jacque met her husband, Jack Truitt, in Richmond while roller skating. She was a reporter for the Palladium Item for many […] — (Posted June 12, 2024)
Violet J. Farmer Violet J. Farmer, age 97, of Eaton, OH, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Reid Health in Richmond, IN.  She was born April 24, 1927 in Eaton to the late Everett and Pearl (Brandly) Campbell.  Violet was a member of the Ohio Corn Husking Association and member of the Circus Fans of America. […] — (Posted June 12, 2024)
Marsha Kay Gillum Marsha Gillum, 76, of Connersville, passed away early Tuesday morning, June 11, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at Franciscan Health, Indianapolis. One of three children of Dick and Rachel Craig Dolphin, Marsha was born in Orlando, Florida on October 15, 1947 and graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1965. On July […] — (Posted June 12, 2024)
Samuel Patrick Rogan RICHMOND, Ind. – Samuel Patrick Rogan, age 33, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away on June 9, 2024. Born June 4, 1991, at Reid Health, to Patrick and Christine Rogan, Samuel was a lifelong resident of this community. Sam graduated from Richmond High School in 2010 and continued his education at Ashland University where he graduated […] — (Posted June 12, 2024)
Roger G. Lewis Roger G. Lewis, 76, passed away Monday June 10, 2024 at his home in Auburn, IN. He was born in Winchester on December 13, 1947 to Marvin and Alta (Dobbs) Lewis. Roger worked for Dana Corporation in Hagerstown. He then transferred to the Auburn plant in 1993 and worked for Dana/Eaton Corporation until his retirement […] — (Posted June 11, 2024)
Layla Ann Helton Layla Ann Helton, 4 months, of Henry County passed away on Monday, June 10, 2024. She was born January 23, 2024 to Levi and Kayla (Frost) Helton. Layla was brought into this world at 32 weeks. She was constantly showing her beautiful smile. Layla was a fighter and always reaching for the sun. She was […] — (Posted June 11, 2024)
Chris W. VanZant OBITUARY PENDING View full obituary — (Posted June 11, 2024)
Ronnie L. Young Ronnie L. Young, 79, of New Castle, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024 in his home following a brief illness. He was born October 23, 1944 in Anderson, a son of the late Printes and Pauline (Lawler) Young. A 1962 graduate of Markleville High School, Ronnie worked at General Motors (Guide Lamp) in Anderson for […] — (Posted June 10, 2024)
Kachina J. (Johnson) Hembree Kachina Jean Hembree, 52, of Richmond, died at her home on Monday, June 10, 2024. She was born in Richmond on September 27, 1971 to Paul and Carolyn (Brandon) Johnson and was a life long resident of Wayne County. Kachina was active with Crossroad Christian Recovery Center. Survivors include her husband, Doug Hembree; a son, […] — (Posted June 10, 2024)
Earl F. Rettinger Earl F. Rettinger, age 85, of Connersville, Indiana passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024. A visitation for family & friends for Earl will be held Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM… — (Posted June 10, 2024)
Joyce A. Melling RICHMOND, Ind. – Joyce A. Melling, age 89, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2024, at Reid Health. Born July 24, 1934, in Richmond, Indiana, to Charles Pete and Wavaline McKinley, Joyce was a life-long resident of Richmond. She loved volunteering at Reid Health, where she made many friends. She and her husband, […] — (Posted June 10, 2024)
Karen L. Ward Karen L. Ward, age 70, of New Paris, OH, passed away on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Reid Health in Richmond, IN.  She was born November 20, 1953 in Richmond to the late Delbert and Alma Ward.  She worked at Red Lobster in Richmond for over 25 years.  She loved to go fishing and enjoyed […] — (Posted June 10, 2024)
Thelma M Russell Thelma M. Russell 102 of Richmond passed away on June 6, 2024, at Reid Health. She was born December 2, 1921, in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky View full obituary — (Posted June 10, 2024)