Joseph P. Brooks

Joseph P. Brooks, 86, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 10:45 a.m. on February 25, 2014 at Millers Merry Manor East in Wabash, Indiana. He was born to the late Joseph Bartlett and Lula Belle (Petty) Brooks on March 4, 1927 in Alabama.

He married Patricia Ann Corder on March 3, 1945, she passed away on January 29, 2014. He retired from General Tire in Wabash, Indiana, he also worked at Wabash Sewage Plant. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Wabash, Indiana.

He is survived by his sons, Mike Brooks (Susan) of Wabash, Indiana and Paul Brooks of Peru, Indiana; two sisters, Mary Dueitt and Mildred Neuman; grandchildren, Vince and Jennifer Brooks; and great grandchildren, Taylor, Connor, Alex, Jada, and Mason. Along with his wife, Patricia Ann he is also preceded in death by brother, Stafford Brooks and four sisters, Annie Bell Willis, Katie Mae Holley, Lucille Miller, and Dorothy Ramsey.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2014 at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Pastor Phil Lake officiating. Burial will follow at the Falls Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.
Visitation for family and friends will be from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Dan H. Crandell

Dan H. Crandell, 75, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 11 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2014 at his home. He was born to the late Fred H. and Rose (Courtney) Crandell on February 14, 1939 in Terre Haute, Indiana.

He married Doris M. Ellis on November 22, 1958, she passed away October 20, 2011. Dan served 9 years in the National Guard. He retired from Celotex, he also was a farmer, and currently was working security at Wabash County Highway Department.  Dan was an avid IU Fan and enjoyed woodworking.

He is survived by three sons, Derrick Crandell (Sharron) of Ash Grove, Missouri, Darren Crandell of Fort Wayne, and Doug Crandell (Nancy) of Douglasville, Georgia; two daughters, Dina Collins of Wabash and Dani Crandell of Wabash; brother, Courtney Crandell (Cathrine) of Terre Haute, Indiana; six grandchildren, Nichole Crandell-Mason, Casey Lorenz, Kennedy Crandell, Katelyn Crandell, Madison Crandell, and Jessica Lorenz; great grandson, Graham David Lorenz.

Along with his wife, Doris he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Brenda Lee Crandell and a sister, Mildred Orman.
Services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Pastor David Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in Friends Cemetery in Wabash, Indiana.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2014 at the funeral home. Preferred memorials are to .Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Forest E. Smith

Forest E. Smith, 82, of Wabash, Indiana passed away 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at his home. He was born to the late Clyde and Rose Ethel (Winebegler) Smith in Wabash, Indiana on June 6, 1932.

He married Eleonore K. Mueller on June 11, 1967, she survives. He retired as a Union Member from Gen Corp after 30 years. Forest served his country in the United States Navy, during the Korean War. He was a member of Meridian Lodge #728 AF&AM in Charlotte, North Carolina, VFW Post 286, American Legion Post 15, and Eagles Lodge all of Wabash, Indiana.

He is also survived by son, James E. Smith (Jill) of Wabash, Indiana; daughter, Betty Saunders of Wabash, Indiana; step sons, Fred J. Smith (Rose) and Gary Smith (Jean) Wabash, Indiana; step daughters, Mrs. Charles (Kristl) Andrews of Wabash, Indiana; two brothers, Richard Smith of Evansville, Indiana and John Smith of Marion, Indiana; sister, Marlyn Brubaker of Marion, Indiana; two grandchildren, one great grandchild; eight step grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by eight brothers and three sisters.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2014 at Union Hall, 489 Bond Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Military Honors will be given at 4 p.m.. Preferred memorials are directed to The Masonic Home for Children at Oxford, 600 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina 27565.

Arrangements were entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Michael Brown

Michael Brown, 62, was a lifetime resident of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 8:05 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at his home. He was born to the late John O. Brown Sr. and Ella Jean Brown on June 1, 1951 in Wabash, Indiana.

He married Dawn Thompson on June 3, 1972, she survives. Mike was a co-owner of Brown Trucking in Wabash, Indiana, he also worked at GDX of Wabash. Mike was currently working at Walmart Tire and Lube Express. He was a member of Sons of American Legion Post 15 and Eagles Lodge 549 both of Wabash, Indiana. Mike was an avid fan of Nascar, Indianapolis Colts, and his Pabst Blue Ribbon.

Along with his wife, Dawn; he is also survived by two daughters, Stephanie Brown and Terri Brown both of Wabash, Indiana; grandchildren, Destiny Brown and Brayton Brown both of Wabash, Indiana. He was preceded in death by two brothers and a grandchild, Micaela. Mike enjoyed spending time with and was very close to all his family from in-laws, nieces and nephews, friends, and cousins.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Pastor Ralph Johnson officiating.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2014 at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Richard L. "Dick" Goodpasture

Richard L. “Dick” Goodpasture, 95, LaFontaine, Indiana passed away at 1 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2014 at Rolling Meadows Healthcare Center in LaFontaine, Indiana. He was born to the late Merrill and Leona (Crow) Goodpasture on April 7, 1918 in Muncie, Indiana.

Dick was a 1936 graduate from LaFontaine High School, he also attended Purdue University. He married Mary L. Crumrine on September 17, 1940, she passed away on March 7, 2002. Dick was a lifetime farmer. He was a member of the LaFontaine Masonic Lodge #295.

One of Dick’s passion was spending time with his family. He is survived by two sons, James “Jim” Goodpasture (Estella) and Robert “Bob” Goodpasture (Susie) both of LaFontaine, Indiana; brother, William Goodpasture of Canaan, Indiana; grandchildren, Kathy Riefler (Ken) of Naples, Florida, Lisa Goodpasture of LaFontiane, Indiana, Don Goodpasture (Natalie) of Cynthiana, Kentucky, and Dave Goodpasture (April) of LaFontaine, Indiana; great grandchildren, Rowan and Ava Goodpasture; nieces, Carol Williams (Steve) of Peru, Indiana, Martha Meadows (Ray) of Worthville, Kentucky, Karen Swift (Eddie) of Trussville, Alabama.

Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontiane Chapel 104 S. Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Pastor Brad Wright officiating. Burial will follow in the LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery in LaFontaine, Indiana. Preferred memorials are directed to The Salvation Army Indiana Division Indiana Divisional Headquarters 3100 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2014 at the funeral home, with Masonic Rites given at 7:30 p.m.. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Eddie L. Gipson

Eddie Lee Gipson, 67 of LaFontaine succumbed to cancer at his home on February 11, 2014. He was born August 14, 1946 in Sullivan, Indiana.

Eddie is survived by his wife Donna of 8 years, daughter Tammy Scherer (Dennis Cobb) of Lapel, son Mike (Melissa) Gipson of Anderson.  Brothers and sisters John (Debbie) Gipson of Daleville, Ruth Ann Miller of Indianapolis, Betty Baker of Fortville, Peggy (Dennis) Reynolds of Fishers, and Steve (Libby) Gipson of Fortville as well as many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and extended family including his stepchildren Ronnie (Virginia) Wampner, Heath (Martha) Wampner, Denay (Walt) Wandersee, and RJ (Ashley) Hutchison.  Brothers and sisters-in-law Nancy Smith, Sue (Obe) Brandenberg, Jeannine (Dave) Tucker, Larry (Julie) Faulkner, and Fred (Emma) Shell.  Eddie was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to all.

After retiring from General Motors he opened his own bait store Peace Pipe at Salamonie Reservoir which he operated for several years. He spent many years as an avid bowler and had a passion for the Christmas season and making a lot of children happy.

He was preceded in death by his parents Pete and Margaret Gipson and daughter Melinda Gipson (1992).

Time of gathering will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street in LaFontaine, Indiana, Saturday, February,15th from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. There will be no grave site service following the visitation. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

A special thank you to Family Hospice and Palliative Care for their loving care and support during this time.

Russell F. Crumrine

Russell F. Crumrine, 92

LaFontaine Businessman and Long-time Hot Rodder

June 25, 1921 - February 11, 2014

Russell F. Crumrine, 92, LaFontaine, died Feb. 11, 2014 at 12:25 a.m. at Select Specialties Acute Care Hospital, Fort Wayne.Russell was born on June 25, 1921, in LaFontaine, IN, to Noah Frank Crumrine and Bertha (Pulley) Crumrine.Russell graduated from LaFontaine High School in 1939 and married Louise Ricks on February 7, 1942.At the end of World War II, Russell and Louise returned to LaFontaine to join his father and uncle at the Crumrine Brothers Garage/Chevrolet Dealership located in downtown LaFontaine.He worked and then owned and operated the Crumrine Garage for over 50 years.
Russell was a very creative and talented auto mechanic who had adventurous hobbies.In the early 1950’s he designed, engineered, built, and campaigned the first rear engine powered sprint race car in the Midwest.In the 1960’s he became interested in SCUBA diving.He was a certified SCUBA diver who dived in many local stone quarries/gravel pits/lakes and also spent vacations in Florida exploring fresh water caves, reef life, and Spanish galleon wrecks off the Florida Keys.In the mid 60’s, Russell decided to design and build his own version of a two passenger Ferrari coupe from a 1950 four door Chevrolet Areo-Sedan.Within two years he had his “custom” on the road.He and his beloved wife, Louise, traveled to car shows all over the United States during the summers of the 1970’s, 80’s and 90’s, winning hundreds of awards with his Custom which he continued to modify and improve over those 30 plus years.Russ prided himself in being the “oldest hot rodder”.
Russell is survived by his daughter, Carol Williams (Steve) Peru, IN.His granddaughter Kristina Williams, LaFontaine; grandson, Brian Williams, Tucson, AZ; brother-in law, Richard Goodpastureand nephews, Robert (Susie) Goodpasture, James (Stella) Goodpasture, LaFontaine; and a very special friend, Dortha Baird, Marion.
Preceding Russell in death were his parents, his wife of 57 years, Louise, sister, Mary Goodpasture, LaFontaine, and his brother Harold Crumrine, Denver, CO.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2014 at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel at 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Pastor Brad Wright officiating.Burial will be in the LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery.Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com