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.

Marion Eugene Shore Marion E. "Gene" Shore, a calm, steady and faithful presence for his family, church, business and community, left this life as he lived it. He died peacefully Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the age of 95. He was born in Mooreland on December 30, 1930, a son of Howard and Esther Shore. A 1949 graduate […] — (Posted May 25, 2026)

June Luana Swihart June Luana (Stayton) Swihart age 98, of Eldorado, Ohio passed peacefully in her home on Friday, May 22, 2026, and is now in the arms of Jesus. June was born on June 15, 1927, in Eldorado, Ohio, the daughter of the late Charles V. & Lura L. (Kimmel) Stayton. She retired from the U.S. Postal […] — (Posted May 25, 2026)

Judith I. Schaefer Judith I. (Albert) Schaefer, 83 of Lewisburg, died, Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Hospice of Dayton. Born on July 18, 1942 in Dayton, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Clifford J. and Marjorie I. (Hoff) Albert. She was a 1960 Lewisburg High School graduate. She was a teller at the First National Bank […] — (Posted May 25, 2026)

Joyce Ellen Murphy Joyce Ellen Murphy, 86, of Springport passed away on Sunday May 24, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born on December 25, 1939, in Keno, KY to the late Newell Glen and Lelia (Wilson) Lee. She was a former member of Memorial Baptist Church in Muncie for over 60 years, where […] — (Posted May 25, 2026)

Joseph L. Kaiser RICHMOND, Ind. – Joseph L. Kaiser, age 95, of Richmond, Indiana, peacefully passed away on May 23, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Note: Dad was a planner. He wrote and edited the following over the years for this moment. It’s a reflection of his long, wonderful life. Born September 21, 1930, in […] — (Posted May 24, 2026)

John William Willis John William Willis, 93, of Knightstown passed away Saturday, May 23, 2026 at The Waters of New Castle. He was born October 4, 1932 in Monticello, Kentucky to the late Steve and Pearl (Denney) Willis. John married the love of his life, Nola Loujean Wilson on April 4, 1954. In his younger years, he enjoyed […] — (Posted May 24, 2026)

Dale Jay Lanning Dale Jay Lanning, 57, of Connersville, went home to be with his Lord Tuesday morning, May 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family at Reid Health in Richmond. Jay was born on March 17, 1969, the younger of two children born to Dale Edward and Linda Kay Poe Lanning. He attended Temple Christian School from […] — (Posted May 23, 2026)

Brad Hibbert Brad Hibbert, 39, a resident of Knightstown passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 22, 2026, following a brief illness. Born on May 31, 1986, in Indianapolis, Brad was the beloved son of Stephen A. and Becky A. (Jeffers) Hibbert. Throughout his life, Brad demonstrated a remarkable dedication to both family and community. He worked alongside […] — (Posted May 23, 2026)

Angel Carroll Angel Carroll, 48, of Muncie and formerly of New Castle, passed away on May 22, 2026. She was born on February 7, 1978, in New Castle, the daughter of Marion and Mary Kathryn (Willoughby) Carroll. Angel had a gentle, creative spirit. She loved coloring and painting rocks, often turning simple moments into small works of […] — (Posted May 23, 2026)

Bertha Trent Bertha Christine Trent, age 100, of New Castle, passed away on May 22, 2026, at Hickory Creek at New Castle. She was born on October 27, 1925, in Morehead, Kentucky, the daughter of Johnny and Martha (Conn) Johnson. Mrs. Trent is survived by her grandchildren,Janetta, Tony, and Gretta, as well as her great‑grandchildren and several […] — (Posted May 23, 2026)

William Alfred Pierce, Jr. William “Bill” Alfred Pierce Jr., 79, of Spiceland passed away Friday, May 22, 2026. He was born on June 8, 1946 in Albany, Kentucky to the late Velva (Stephens) Pierce. A man of many talents and deep passions, Bill’s journey began at Spiceland High School before he honorably served his country in the U.S. Army […] — (Posted May 23, 2026)

Kenneth J. Bennett Kenneth J. “Kenny” Bennett, 86, of New Castle, went home to be with his Lord and Savior early Friday morning, May 22, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of home and the love of his family. He was born May 11, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Frank Bennett and Genevieve (Neven) Be… — (Posted May 23, 2026)

Vivian Williams Vivian Williams, age 97, peacefully went home to meet her Heavenly Father on May 19, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A faithful servant of the Lord, she was a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose life reflected grace, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving others. Vivian lived each day rooted in her […] — (Posted May 23, 2026)

Timothy James Lee Roark Timothy James Lee Roark, 66, of Richmond, passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2026, at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis. He was born February 27, 1960, in Richmond to James Lee and Virginia Doris Wicker Roark, and lived here most of his life. Timothy was a Tech Sergeant in the United States Air Force; he […] — (Posted May 23, 2026)

Mark Moran Mark Moran, 69, passed away unexpectedly in his home on May 20, 2026. Mark was part of The Woodshop for over 40 years. He wasn't merely an employee; he *was* the very heartbeat of the business, his spirit intertwined with every grain of wood and every carefully crafted joint. His mark is left […] — (Posted May 22, 2026)

Michael Blake “MB Funk” /”The Dude” Whitehead Michael Blake “MB Funk” & “The Dude” Whitehead, 31, of New Castle, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026.Born July 25, 1994, he worked as a team leader at TS Tech. He was also a passionate professional Indie Circuit wrestler.He is survived by siblings Latisha Burns, Kristin Garrett, a… — (Posted May 22, 2026)

Michael Blake and “The Dude” “MB Funk” Whitehead Michael Blake “MB Funk” & “The Dude” Whitehead, 31, of New Castle, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2026.Born July 25, 1994, he worked as a team leader at TS Tech. He was also a passionate professional Indie Circuit wrestler.He is survived by siblings Latisha Burns, Kristin Garrett, a… — (Posted May 22, 2026)

Thomas Lee “Tom” Hylton MILTON, IN – Thomas Lee “Tom” Hylton, age 80, of Milton, Indiana, died Monday, May 18, 2026. Born February 20, 1946, in Richmond, Indiana, to Lee Anderson Hylton and Edith Marie (Dale) Hylton, Tom lived most of his life between New Paris, Ohio and Wayne County area. Survivors include his wife, Kathy (Johnson) Hylton, daughters, […] — (Posted May 22, 2026)

Janet Offutt Janet Offutt of Connersville passed away on Thursday May 21, 2026, at Heritage House Rehabilitation at the age of 94. Janet was born in Falmouth, Fayette County, Indiana on January 26, 1932, the daughter of the late Harry Alfred McClain and Margaret Lenore Watler McClain. In Jellico, Tennessee on May 27, 1967, she was united […] — (Posted May 22, 2026)

Phyllis Fox Phyllis Fox, 78 of Connersville passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026. She was born on July 28, 1947, in Connersville to Charles Fox and Lucy Lucas Fox. Phyllis was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and had attended Connersville Baptist Temple. She had worked at Wal Mart and was a volunteer at St. Gabriels. […] — (Posted May 22, 2026)

Joellen Clarke Joellen Wagner Clarke, 82, of New Castle passed away Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Willows of New Castle. She was born March 30, 1944 in Indianapolis to the late Carlton and Margaret (Warner) Wagner. Joellen’s life was marked by a profound dedication to both education and her community. After earning her bachelor’s degree from the […] — (Posted May 21, 2026)

Michael Blake “MB Funk” Whitehead Michael Blake “MB Funk” & “The Dude” Whitehead, 31, of New Castle, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, May 17, 2026. He was born on July 25, 1994, in New Castle, Indiana, a son of the late Terry Dwayne Duncan and Sonya Renee (South) Catron. Blake was a 2013 graduate of… — (Posted May 21, 2026)

Wilma Cooper Wilma Cooper, 86 of Liberty, passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. She was born on August 24, 1939, in Connersville to Robert Worster and Esther Worster. Wilma was a member of Cornerstone Community Church in Liberty. She was also a member of the Eastern Star Connersville chapter. At the age of 52 she decided […] — (Posted May 21, 2026)

Marcia Ghant Obituary and Arrangements Pending — (Posted May 21, 2026)

Yvonne L. Bowman Yvonne Louise (Reid) Bowman, passed away peacefully in Dallas, Texas, on May 17, 2026, at the remarkable age of 100 years, 8 months. Known for her love of family, intelligence, sharp wit, determination, generosity, keen interest in news and current events, plus her passion for ice cream and chocolate, Yvonne will be dearly missed. Yvonne […] — (Posted May 20, 2026)

Wanda Mae Collins Wanda Mae Collins, 91, passed away Sunday morning, May 17, 2026 in Richmond, Indiana at the Willows of Richmond. Wanda was born in Franklin County, Indiana on December 20, 1934 and graduated from Brookville High School. A homemaker, Wanda had worked in food service at Earlham College. Survivors include her husband, Eugene Collins; 2 daughters, […] — (Posted May 20, 2026)

Wanda A. Wesler Wanda A. Wesler, age 92, of New Paris, Ohio, passed away on May 18, 2026. Wanda was born on December 12, 1933, in Richmond, Indiana, to Leo Stigleman and Hazel Fulle/Stigleman. She graduated from Richmond High School and later married Meredith R. Wesler on January 13, 1957. Together, Wanda and Meredith shared 69 years of […] — (Posted May 20, 2026)

Stephen Cory Stephen Cory, 76, of New Castle passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday May 19, 2026, at his home. He was born on June 25, 1949, in Indianapolis to the late Walter and Kathryn (Hoover) Cory. Growing up in Missouri, Stephen graduated from Lindbergh High School. After high school Stephen went on to Southwest […] — (Posted May 19, 2026)

Margie H. Clampitt Margie H. Clampitt, 95, of New Castle peacefully passed away Monday, May 18, following a short illness. She was born February 19, 1931 in Lawrence County, Indiana to the late Leston and Ruth (Arthur) Hillenburg. Margie was a proud 1949 graduate of Oolitic High School, where she faithfully attended annual reunions. She married the love […] — (Posted May 19, 2026)

Karen E. Rubenstein Karen E. Rubenstein, 65, of New Castle passed away Tuesday morning, May 19, 2026, at I.U. Ball Memorial Hospital following an extended illness. She was born on July 28, 1960. Karen graduated from Chrysler High School in New Castle and retired from the U.S. Post Office in Muncie following many years of service. She had […] — (Posted May 19, 2026)