Velma L. Porter

 

Velma L. Porter, 86, of LaFontaine, Indiana passed away at 11:38 a.m. on November 28, 2023, at her residence. She was born on March 2, 1937, to Cecil and Dorothy (Shad) Wright in Wabash, Indiana. 

Velma was a 1955 graduate of Lagro High School. She first married James Brubaker. He passed away in 1967. She then married Charles K. Porter on June 16, 1973. Velma was a homemaker. She attended the Church of Christ at Treaty. She loved the outdoors, bird watching, and tending to her garden and her kitty. 

Velma is survived by her husband, Charles Porter of LaFontaine, Indiana; two daughters, Diana (Randy) Carver of LaFontaine, Indiana, Debra (Michael) Arnold of Wolcottville, Indiana; four grandchildren, Jeffrey Carver, Andrew Carver, Austin Arnold, Zachary Arnold; six great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and one brother. 

  Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel,104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940. with Pastor David Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Marion, Indiana. 

Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to the service from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be directed to Stillwater Hospice 705 S. Baldwin Ave. Marion, Indiana in care of McDonald Funeral Homes. 

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Velma Porter's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Louise Thompson

 

Louise Thompson, 84, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 10:22 a.m. on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Wabash Parkview Hospital. She was born on January 6, 1939, to Raymond and Mary Marie (Morrison) Mullins in Bath County, Kentucky.

Louise attended Wabash High School. She married Vernon Thompson on July 13, 1957. She worked at Clark's Finer Foods in Wabash until retiring. Louise was a woman whose unconditional love touched the lives of everyone she met. Her generosity knew no end. The amount of prayers and grace she lavished impacted, and at times sustained, her family. Her gift of hospitality and her ability to prepare feast after feast for her family and friends was one of her most beloved characteristics. But most of all, her love for Jesus and her longing for others to know His love and forgiveness was the most beautiful thing about her. She loved her grandkids/great grandkids, College Corner Brethren Church, her Daily Bread devotional, lighthouses, stocking her fridge with enough cookies to feed an army, and spoiling her whole family at Christmas. Her presence this side of heaven will be so missed, but we know she’s perfectly loved and at peace in the presence of God.

Louise is survived by her husband, Vernon Thompson of Wabash, Indiana; four children, Teresa (Dan) Snyder of LaFontaine, Indiana, Gregory (Traci) Thompson of Wabash, Indiana, Mark Thompson (Shannon Hatfield) of Van Buren, Julia (Dewayne) Lengel of Wabash, Indiana; nine grandchildren, Evan (Whitney) Snyder, Dustin (Alexis) Snyder, Bailey Thompson, Kennedy Brackett, Alex Thompson, Meg Thompson, Eliza Thompson, Lydia (Evan) Smith, Hannah Lengel; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother, Mike (Bonnie) Mullins of North Manchester, Indiana; one sister, Wanda Kirby of Columbia City, Indiana. She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and one sister.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Dan Snyder and Pastor Solomon David officiating. Burial will take place at Mount Pleasent Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be directed the College Corner Brethren Church, 8996 County Rd. 500 W. Wabash, Indiana 46992 or the donor's choice in care of McDonald Funeral Homes.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Louise Thompson's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Larry Lee Black

 

Larry Lee Black, 57, a lifetime resident of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 5:22 p.m. on Tuesday, November 22, 2023, at Majestic Care of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on January 13, 1966, to Janet (Woodward) Black in Wabash, Indiana.

Larry left a huge hole in the heart of his family and friends who were always entertained by his "long winded" stories and his sense of humor.  Larry never met a stranger and was never short on words, as all who knew him knew. His beautiful eyes and big friendly smile lit up every room he ever entered. He worked for many years at Wabash Cannonball Lanes in maintenance. 

Larry is survived by his life partner of 37 years, Alison Spenser of Wabash, Indiana; one son, Steven Bernon Black of Wabash, Indiana; his mother, Janet (Woodward) Black of Wabash, Indiana; one sister, Angie (Craig) Peyton of Louisville, Kentucky; one brother, Scott (Luchita) Black of Las Vegas, Nevada; nieces and nephews, Phillip (Kristen), Kalie (Jono), Kyle, Patrick, Shayna; great nieces and nephews, Jackson, Audrey, and Hayes Alexander; one uncle, Phillip Woodward of Wabash, Indiana. Larry is at peace joining his grandparents, Bernon "Woody" Woodward and Alberta Woodward, who he deeply loved and has missed every day since their passing.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Pastor Roxane Mann officiating. Burial will take place at Falls Cemetery in Wabash.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the funeral home.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Larry Black's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Christina L. Swafford

 

Christina L. Swafford, 67, a lifetime resident of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 9:50 p.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at her residence. She was born on October 30, 1956, to Max and Donna (Copeland) Owen in Wabash, Indiana.

Christina graduated from Wabash High School. She married Johnny Swafford on May 12, 1994. He passed away on June 17, 2015. Christina worked at Burger King in Wabash doing maintenance. She attended Friends Church in Wabash. Christina loved all animals, but especially her dog, Bella; but most of all she loved her family. 

Christina is survived by her mother, Donna Copeland of Wabash, Indiana; four sons, Christopher (Tina) Burnham, Jamie (Misty) Burnham, Todd Burnham, David (Mallory) Burnham, all of Wabash, Indiana; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three brothers, Larry (Shelly) Owen of Peru, Indiana, Jeff Owen of Wabash, Indiana, Rollie Dickerhoff of Peru, Indiana. She is preceded in death by her father, her husband, and one brother. 

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Don Phillips officiating. Burial will take place at Friends Cemetery in Wabash.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be directed the Wabash County Animal Shelter in care of McDonald Funeral Homes.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Christina Swafford's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Charles "Chuck" Lee Dwyer

 

Charles "Chuck" Lee Dwyer, 94, of Wabash, Indiana passed away on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on April 21, 1929, to the late James Lee Dwyer and Isabel Marie (Midlan) Donavon in Franklin, Ohio, where his father was a professional baseball player on the Cincinnati Reds Farm Team. James wanting a better life for his family, he took college classes in the evening. He learned to be a chemist and perfected a paper-making process which brought the family to Wabash in 1934.

Charles shared a love of sports with his father and excelled in baseball, basketball, football, track, and gymnastics. Sadly, his father passed away at one of his senior year football games.

 Despite this great loss, Charles graduated from Wabash High School. and he forged ahead to Ball State University, where he excelled in gymnastics. A picture of him doing a "T" prominently hung on the gym wall for many years. Before he could finish his studies, Charles was drafted into the United States Army. He served honorably during World War II in Germany during the Cold War. 

Charles was very active in his community. He had a continual membership for over 50 years at the American Legion Post 15 and was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 286 since 1958. Charles was a longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church in Wabash. Charles devoted much of his time, talents, and love for athletics to his community. He volunteered with Saint Bernard Catholic School, coaching football and basketball. He also served for many years as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Wabash High School and the Wabash Express (a semi-pro football team in Wabash). He was a founding member of the high school's Quarterback Club. In recognition for his many contributions to the school, Charles was named a Wabash Mr. Alumni in 1976. Charles was also instrumental in bringing girls softball to Wabash County in the 1970's and volunteered as a coach.

Charles valued being with his family above everything and was happiest when everyone was together. His idea of the best part of the year was living in an over-crowded cottage, filled with family at Lake Wawasee. Charles loved his grandchildren and felt great pride in all of their accomplishments. He enjoyed golf, skiing, and teaching his nieces, nephews, and sons how to swim. He was a man of integrity and honor who could be counted on to serve his country, his community, and his family. He will greatly be missed.

Charles is survived by his longtime companion, Rita Schroll; two sons, Scott (Mike) Dwyer of Fort Wayne, Indiana, David (Mindy) Dwyer of Greenwood, Indiana; three grandchildren, Dawson Dwyer, Davis Dwyer, Delaney Dwyer, all of Greenwood, Indiana; one nephew, Jeff (Jennifer) Speicher, three nieces, Pam Urschel, Bev Kohn, Nancy Zorger; one great nephew, Jeff Urschel. He was proceeded in death by his parents; one sister, E. Janet Speicher. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Pastor Brad Wright officiating. Burial will take place at Falls Cemetery in Wabash.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be directed the Wabash Football Boosters in care of McDonald Funeral Homes.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Charles Dwyer's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Esther M. White

 

Esther M. White, 86, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 3:25 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at her residence. She was born on July 14, 1937, to Irvin R. Dale and Esther (Dennis) Campbell in Springfield, Ohio.

Esther lived in Springfield, Ohio until moving to Wabash, Indiana in 1978. She married William T. White on September 12, 1985. He passed away on April 21, 1996. Esther worked for Wagners in Wabash then worked for Martin Yale Industries before retiring. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Wabash. She enjoyed rummage sales, meeting new people, working in her yard, and also helping out at the Eagles Lodge in Wabash.  

Esther is survived by four daughters, Barbara Walters of Wabash, Indiana, Cathy Topia of New Carlile, Ohio, Mrs. Thomas (Rhonda) Bradford of Roann, Indiana, Teresa (Michael Hosler) Walters of Wabash, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Morgan, Stephan Walters, Tyler Walters, Heather Smithhisler, Teri Dexter, Amber Daugherty, Andrea (Jeremy) Morgan; 21 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Thelma Daisley of Sheridan, Indiana, Grace Howard of Kentucky. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one grandson, Tommy Bradford, and two brothers, Irvin Campbell Jr. and Earl Campbell. 

Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Pastor Ben Church officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at the funeral home.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Esther White's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Terry Lee Hiple

Terry Lee Hiple, 84, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 9:49 a.m. on November 7, 2023, at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born on June 12, 1939, to Donald and Betty (Hoke) Hiple in Huntington, Indiana. 

Terry was a 1957 graduate of Swayzee High School. He served in the National Guard from 1960 to 1966. He married Dixie Martin on May 28, 1961. She passed away October 26, 1990. He then married Regina (Harper) Brane on November 25, 1992. Terry was a man of many talents and wore many hats. Throughout his life he was a devoted father, husband, son, brother, and friend. He was a mentor to many along with being a boss, business owner, and a skilled craftsman. Terry was a carpenter and owned Hiple Construction for 52 years before retiring in 2019 and turning his business to John Powell, a close family friend from LaFontaine but Terry continued working on smaller projects. He enjoyed anything that was a challenge to make. He had built a full-size stagecoach, an electric car, a cannon, and a Gatling gun. Terry was an artist and enjoyed painting. Terry was a member of LaFontaine Christian Church in LaFontaine. He was also a member of the Hanna Masonic Lodge #61, Order of the Eastern Star 301 LaFontaine Chapter, Scottish Rite, Shriners, and the American Legion Post #368 in Van Buren, Indiana. 

Terry is survived by his wife, Regina Hiple of Wabash, Indiana; his mother, Betty Hiple of Swayzee, Indiana; one daughter, Amy (Darrell) Owens of Troy, Alabama; one son, Todd (Lisa) Hiple of LaFontaine, Indiana; one stepdaughter, Deborah (Guy) Blanchard of Fishers, Indiana; one stepson, Darryl (Christine) Brane of Van Buren, Indiana; four grandchildren, Bryant (Sarah) Owens, Christyn Owens, Kimberly Yates, Kevin Hiple; four step grandchildren, Adam (Brittany) Blanchard, Kevin Blanchard, Trevor (Bre) Brane, Seth Brane; four great-grandchildren, Colton, Owen, Evelyn, Brayden; three step great-grandchildren, Izzy, Harper, Hudsen; one brother, Richard (Cindy) Hiple of Swayzee, Indiana; two sisters, Merrily (Joe) Rehwinkel of Delphi, Indiana, Melody (David) Hundley of Marion, Indiana; and John Powell of LaFontaine, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his father. 

  Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at LaFontaine I.O.O.F. Cemetery with Pastor Charlie Dye officiating. 

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel,104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940.

Preferred memorials can be directed to the Shriners Hospital for Children in care of McDonald Funeral Homes. 

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Terry Hiple's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Ronald D. Dunnaway

 Ronald "Ron" D. Dunnaway, 65, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 8:58 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023, at his residence. He was born on April 19, 1958, to Forrest Albert and Gracie (Walters) Dunaway in Paintsville, Kentucky.

Ronald was a graduate of Wabash High School.  He worked for Bulldog Battery for 25 years before retiring.  He was a member of the Eagles Lodge in Wabash.  Ron mowed everyone's grass in the neighborhood, enjoyed fishing, working in his garage, and loved his cats. 

Ronald is survived by three brothers; James (Patricia) Dunnaway of Gibsonton, Florida, Roger Dunnaway of Flint, Michigan, Paul (Theresa) Dunnaway of Tampa, Florida; three sisters, Bonnie (Norm) Cooper of Syracuse, Indiana, Janice (Doug) Rivera of Tampa, Florida, Tracey Dunnaway of Peru, Indiana.  He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, William Williamson, and one sister, Linda Spencer.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. Burial will take place at Gardens of Memory Cemetery at a later date.

Preferred memorials can be directed to the Wabash County Animal Shelter in care of McDonald Funeral Homes.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Ronald Dunnaway's final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com