Keith David Gross

 

Keith David Gross, 59, of Marion, Indiana passed away at 2:44 p.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at his residence in Marion, Indiana. He was born on July 13, 1965, to David F. Gross and Frances (Cooper) Johnstone in Wabash, Indiana.

Keith was a 1984 graduate of Wabash High School. After high school, he served in the United States Army. Recently, Keith obtained a new job where he worked as a truck driver for Gateway R.V. Transport. Keith was a member of the American Legion and VFW in Marion, Indiana. He was known for being an outdoorsman. Keith loved to hunt, fish, and go coon hunting.

Keith is survived by his mother, Frances Johnstone of Wabash, Indiana; one son, Shannon Gross of Bluffton, Indiana; one daughter, Brandie Gross of Bluffton, Indiana; one brother, Bruce Gross of Wabash, Indiana; and eight grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, David F. Gross who passed away January 31, 2005, and his stepfather, David F. Johnstone who passed away February 22, 2024. 

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Pastor Tim Prater officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the funeral home.  

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Keith David Gross’ final arrangements.

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

Shawn Edward Ogan

 

Shawn Edward Ogan, 52, a lifetime resident of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 11:58 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at his residence in Wabash, Indiana. He was born on October 18, 1972, to Jon and Susan (Vrooman) Ogan in Wabash, Indiana.

Shawn was a 1991 graduate of Wabash High School. After high school he attended Vincennes University for some time. Later in his adulthood, Shawn worked as a forklift driver for Dollar General Distribution Center in Marion, Indiana. He also attended Wabash Christian Church in Wabash, Indiana. In his free time, Shawn enjoyed photography, watching football, and spending time with his friends and family. Shawn also loved to be outdoors mushroom hunting and tending to his garden. 

Shawn is survived by his four sons, Brayden Ogan of Wabash, Indiana, Reid (Alexis Straley) Votaw of LaFontaine, Indiana, Peyton Ogan of Wabash, Indiana, Caleb Ogan of LaFontaine, Indiana; three granddaughters, Paisley Votaw, Lainey Votaw, Josephine Votaw; one sister, Misty Marz of Wabash, Indiana; one niece, Mikayla Marz of Wabash, Indiana; three great nephews, Percival Boet, Rowan Boet, Peter Boet. He is preceded in death by his mother, Susan Ogan who passed away on November 22, 2022.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Charlie Easterday officiating.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the funeral home.  

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Shawn Edward Ogan’s final arrangements.

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

Martha "Jane" Harris Burkhart

 

Martha “Jane” Harris Burkhart, 90, of LaFontaine, Indiana passed away at 8:52 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Aperion Healthcare in Marion, Indiana. She was born on May 10, 1934, to Arnold and Lucinda (Gibson) Wooton in Laurel County, Kentucky.

Martha was a homemaker most of her life. She married Willard Harris on January 1, 1949. He passed away on March 6, 1998. She then married James Irvin Burkhart on January 24, 2009. He passed away August 3, 2018. Martha held a membership with Christian Heritage Church for many years in Wabash, Indiana. She was also a member of the Sympathy Club at General Motors in Marion, Indiana. In her free time, Martha enjoyed sewing, embroidering, cooking big family dinners, working on puzzles, and tending to her garden. She was also an avid doll collector throughout her life. 

Martha is survived by one son, Ronnie Harris of Marion, Indiana; two daughters, Mable Jean “Jeani” (Tom) Richards of Wabash, Indiana, Vera H. Tyner of LaFontaine, Indiana; one daughter-in-law, Linda Harris of Wabash, Indiana; two brothers, Alex Wooten of Cincinnati, Ohio, Pearl Wooton of Hamilton, Ohio; four grandchildren, Jenny Rebekah Wilson, Christopher Robert Harris, Robert "RJ" Johnny Harris, Matthew Micah Richards, Ashley Lynn Pelphrey; Nine great-grandchildren, Makiah Jade Richards, Hannah Grace Wilson, Emma Faith Wilson, Ava Hope Wilson, Tiffany Lynn Pelphrey, Trevor Dean Pelphrey, Dakota Lee Pelphrey, and Sierra Rayn Pelphrey. She is preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Lucinda Wooton; her first husband, Willard Harris; her second husband, James Irvin Burkhart; one daughter, Delora “Dee” Arrowood; one son, Robert J. Harris; three brothers; and one sister.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Pastor Tim Prater officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine I.O.O.F Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to Christian Heritage Church, 2776 River Rd, Wabash, IN 46692.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Martha “Jane” Harris Burkhart’s final arrangements.

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

Phillip "Woody" Bernon Woodward

 

Phillip Bernon Woodward (Woody) 77, a lifelong resident of Wabash, Indiana passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025.  He was born July 15, 1947, in Wabash County Hospital to Bernon Wilber Woodward and Alberta Jayne Woodward (Marks).

Phil attended Wabash High School and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on May 5, 1965.  He fought and served his country at Marble Mountain in South Vietnam.  On February 24, 1966, he was Wounded in Action when a Bouncing “Betty” grenade exploded, killing many in his unit. It was a blessing he survived, but sustained life-threatening injuries.  He was transported to the USS Repose ship also called the “Angel of the Orient” before being transferred to Okinawa, then finally back to the United States Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago.  He spent most of a year recovering from his injuries before being released to go home.  On October 25, 1966, Phil was issued 100% disability and permanently retired status.  From the time he returned home until the time of his death, his family never once heard him complain despite his deep shrapnel wounds, his loss of hearing in one ear, or the loss of his right eye.  Phil’s favorite saying was “Semper Fi” which means “always faithful” or “always loyal” and is the motto of the United States Marine Corps and the one he always stayed true to.  The love for his Marine Corps never left him, if he ever saw anything with the USMC logo he bought it.

His dream was fulfilled to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall in Washington, DC when on October 26, 2022, he was chosen to join the Northeast Indiana Honor Flight #40 along with 77 other veterans and his niece Angie as his chaperone.  While at the wall he was able to find two of the Wabash County Marines that never made it home.

Phil worked many years beside his father at the B.W. Woodward Company and Tin Shop learning the trade of hot tar roofing.  He eventually started his own business which he continued until a few years ago.

Phil was a lifelong fisherman.  On one fishing trip he spotted Muhammed Ali on a boat.  Phil called him over for a picture and much to his surprise, the boat came over and he got the picture of himself next to his boxing idol.  The Wabash Plain Dealer printed the story and picture which his entire family and close friends received copies.  He was also a lifelong music fan, had an extensive collection of albums he treasured, and attended many concerts over the years.  Phil loved to Morel Mushrooms hunt.  His family has photos of him returning from Michigan with a bathtub full of mushrooms that he would gladly share.  That love of hunting them never left him.  He also enjoyed traveling, the hunt for an antique bargain, collecting guns and arrow heads - many found on his parent’s farm in Rich Valley which used to be owned by Chief Clarence Godfrey.  He enjoyed driving county roads, watching Gun Smoke (he owned every episode on DVD) and cheered for the Chicago Cubs, Indianapolis Colts, and the Indiana University Hoosiers.

Most important though to him was his family and friends.  Always checking in with family asking if they need help with anything or just hanging out and talking.  Phil was very blessed to have many lifelong friends that meant very much to him.  He had many stories and memories of fun times from years past and with current friends.  Phil was a one of a kind, always, willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed help.  He loved his life and lived each day to the fullest.  He will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his older sister Janet (Woodward) Black of Wabash; Niece Angie Garman (Craig) Peyton of Louisville, KY; Nephew Phillip Scott (Luchita) Black of Las Vegas, Nevada; great nieces and nephews -Phillip (Kristen) Black; Kalie (Jono) Carlton; Kyle Peyton; Patrick Black; Shayna Peyton; Steven Bernon Black; and great great nieces and nephews – Jackson; Audrey; Hayes Alexander; and Kai Jackson.  He was preceded in death by his loving parents Bernon Wilber Woodward (Woody) and Alberta Jayne Woodwards, nephews Nicky Bernon Reed and Larry Lee Black.

His family will honor and peacefully lay him to rest on Saturday, January 11, 2025, with full Military Honors.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Pastor David Phillips officiating.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the funeral home.  

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

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

Sandra Hughes

 Sandra E. Hughes, 75, formerly of LaFontaine, Indiana, passed away at 4:35 a.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester, Indiana. She was born on May 29, 1949, to Arthur Sr. and Elizabeth Joann (Cox) Diskey in Marion, Indiana.

Sandra was a graduate of Marion High School. After high school, she then obtained an associate’s degree in criminal justice at Indiana University. Once Sandra completed her schooling she worked at the Veterans Administration Office in Marion, Indiana for many years. In her free time, she enjoyed spending time with family, as well as listening to music on records and on the radio. Sandra was also an avid movie watcher, who had an extensive collection of DVDs. 

Sandra is survived by three sons, Dennis (Traci) Daugherty of LaFontaine, Indiana, Joseph (Jessica) Miller of Amarillo, Texas, Sam Daugherty of Wabash, Indiana; three daughters, Denise (Kevin) Daugherty-Crampton of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Lorena Harding of Indianapolis, Indiana, Sarah Hughes of Huntington, Indiana; three brothers, Ned (Loxi) Diskey of Battle Ground, Indiana, Daniel Diskey of New Port Richey, Florida, Darrell Diskey of Mount Zion, Illinois; one sister, Carol Everhart of Gas City, Indiana; ten grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She is preceded in death by her parents Arthur Sr. and Elizabeth Diskey; one son, Matthew J. Hughes who passed away May 4, 2003; and one brother, Arthur Diskey Jr.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940 with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine I.O.O.F Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Ave., Wabash, IN 46692.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Sandra E. Hughes’ final arrangements.

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

Ezra James Anthony Lyons

 

Ezra James Anthony Lyons, infant son of William Victor Lyons and Kristin (Costello) Metz, passed away at 2:55 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Parkview Huntington Hospital in Huntington, Indiana.

He is survived by his parents, William Victor Lyons and Kristin Metz; maternal grandmother, Yvonne Costello of Wabash, Indiana; paternal grandparents, Brian (Janet) Lyons of Roann, Indiana; maternal great-grandparents, Maria and Guillermo Gonzales of Chicago, Illinois; three sisters, Athena Metz, Vanessa Lyons, Cherish Moser; one brother, William Moser; one uncle, Frank (Cynthia Gallagher) Costello of Whiting, Indiana; one aunt, Bethany (Adams) Deeds of Miami County, Indiana; and three cousins, Henry Deeds, Chloe Deeds, and Madison Deeds. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Frank Costello.

Private graveside services will be at Falls Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Ezra James Anthony Lyons’ final arrangements.

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

Diana Lynn McNeeley

 

Diana Lynn McNeeley, 81, of LaFontaine, Indiana, passed away at 1:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at her residence in LaFontaine, Indiana. She was born on July 15, 1943, to Allen H. “Bud” and Charlotte M. (Murphy) Sailors in Marion, Indiana.

Diana was a 1961 graduate of LaFontaine High School. After her schooling she worked as an LPN in the Coronary Care Unit at Maron General Hospital in Marion, Indiana. She married her husband Clarence McNeeley on December 20, 1976. Diana held a membership with the Daughters American Revolution (DAR), and she was extremely proud to be a part of the organization. She enjoyed sitting outside on her swing visiting with family. Diana loved being with her family and friends, attending a good luncheon, listening to audio books and music, traveling, and finding new experiences.

Diana is survived by her loving husband, Clarence McNeeley of LaFontaine, Indiana; two daughters, Tracie (Brian Linkenhoker) Hensley of LaFontaine, Indiana, Joyce (Carl) Gibson of New Waverly, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Jason (Crystal Spencer) McNeeley, Ashley Gibson, Robert (Stephanie Walls) Gibson, Brayton (Tristan) Hensley, Logan (Reggie) Sears, Brandy (Jeff) Hamm, and Misty Fry; eleven great-grandchildren, Willow, Aiden, Logan, Paisley, Kennedy, Hadley, Raegan, Alexis, Sean, Cayden, and Rylen; one great-great-grandchild, Maylee. She is preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Charlotte Sailors; one daughter, Jane Ann Bakehorn; three sisters, Katherine Tailor, Neva Boyd, and Rebecca E. Thomas.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Pastor Brad Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Emery Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana.

Visitation for friends and family will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be made to Troyer Memorial Library, 1 E Kendall St, LaFontaine, IN 46940.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Diana Lynn McNeeley’s final arrangements.

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