Barbara J. Simmons

Barbara Jane Simmons, 91, of LaFontaine, passed away at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, December 24, 2018. 

Barbara was born on June 20, 1927 in Wabash County to the late Howard and Florence (Razer) Brane.  Barbara married John Cokl in 1948.  He passed away in 1959.  Barbara then married John Simmons in 1966.  He passed away in June of 2011. 

Barbara was a 1945 graduate of LaFontaine High School.  She worked from home taking care of her family.  Barbara was a member of the St. Paul Catholic Church in Marion and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Van Buren.  

Barbara is survived by her sons, Martin (Teresa) Cokl and Howard (Jodi) Cokl both of Cincinnati, Ohio; daughters, Cynthia (Dennis Abrams) Cokl of Cincinnati, Ohio, Michele (Roger) Naylor of Cottonwood, Arizona and Teresa Cokl of Mesa, Arizona; brother, John (Pauline) Brane of Albuquerque, New Mexico; eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by one sister.  

Mass of Christian Burial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Marion, 1031 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana 46952, with Father Christopher officiating. Graveside interment will follow at LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery, LaFontaine, Indiana.  Calling hours will be Friday, December 28, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940.

In lieu of flowers, preferred memorials are to the LaFontaine Lions Club, 105 West Branson Street, LaFontaine, IN  46940.  

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

Bruce W. Thompson

Bruce W. Thompson, 81, of Wabash, passed away at 3:55 a.m. on Friday, December 21, 2018 at Parkview Wabash Hospital. He was born on August 10, 1937 in Muskegon, Michigan to the late Ezra and Johanna (Mellencamp) Thompson.

Bruce served in the United States Navy. He married Kathy Whelan on June 7, 1997. Bruce retired as a supervisor from Verizon Phone Company and was a member of the Liberty Mills Church of the Brethren.  

Bruce is survived by his wife, Kathy, four sons, two step-sons and four grandsons.  

At the family's request, there will be no service.  Burial will be at a later date.  

Funeral services have been entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, IN  46992.   

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

James H. Moore

James H. Moore, 90, of LaFontaine, Indiana, passed away at 7:55 a.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Marion General Hospital.  James was born in Wolcott, Indiana on June 18, 1928 to the late William and Fanny (Woltzen) Moore.

James graduated from Wolcott High School in 1946.  He worked building grain elevators until entering the United States Army.  While in the Army, James served in the Korean War, where he was wounded and earned a Purple Heart.  He married the former Donabell V. Grossman on December 7, 1952.  Upon returning from Korea, he worked in construction for Faust Building & Supply in LaFontaine for 20 years, before starting his own construction company, from which he retired.  In addition to construction, he farmed 80 acres and raised cattle and hogs.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Donabell (Grossman) Moore; three children, Ron (Kris) Moore of Wabash, Steve (Paula) Moore of Iowa City, Iowa and Cindy (Doug) Taylor of Lafayette, Indiana; four grandchildren, Benjaman Moore, Rebecca Moore, Austin Taylor and Zach Taylor and one great-grandson, Colm Moore.  

A private funeral service will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, IN  46992.  Burial will be at Gardens of Memory in Marion, Indiana.  

A memorial service will be held at a later date for family and friends.  

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

Robert L. Fulton

Robert L. Fulton, 85, of Wabash, Indiana passed away at 2:48 p.m. on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at Parkview Regional Hospital in Fort Wayne.

He was born in Wabash, on January 7, 1933, to Manford and Bernice Fulton.  Robert graduated from Wabash High School at which time he joined the United States Airforce.  Robert was a proud veteran.

Robert retired from Wabash Container.  He enjoyed eating his sweets, listening to music, animals, reading and laughing with his family and those close to him.

Surviving Robert are his daughters, Bonnie Fulton of Fort Wayne and Trudy Martin (Marty Cooper) of Wabash; two grandsons, Robert F. Bollan of Wabash and Clint B. Martin of Kokomo. He is preceded in death by his wife, Janice (Orr) Fulton and daughter, Mary M. (Fulton) Mulkey.

There will be a celebration of life to reunite Robert with his wife, Janice, at a later date.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

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

Robert E. Matthews

Robert E. Matthews, 87, of Wabash, passed away on Monday, December 3, 2018, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester, Indiana.  He was born in LaFontaine, Indiana on December 11, 1930, to the late Everett and Mildred Ann (Rennaker) Matthews. 

Robert graduated from LaFontaine High School in 1948. He married Glenna A. Slagel on August 20, 1952.  Robert served in the United States Navy and retired from General Tire after many years of service.  Robert was a member of the Bachelor Creek Church of Christ and was a former member of the LaFontaine Odd Fellows Lodge.

Robert is survived by his wife, Glenna; son, Dan (Kim) Matthews of Somerset; daughter, Kim (Chuck) Hendrix of Wabash; sister, Betty Hester of Richmond, California; grandchildren, Trisha (Aaron) Eckman of Wabash, Mike (Amy) Matthews of LaFontaine, Nick (Jeanette) Hendrix of Fort Wayne, T.J. (Tou) Hendrix of Westfield, Indiana, and ten great-grandchildren.  Robert is preceded in death by one sister. 

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 7, 2018 at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.  Pastor Mike Duggan will be the officiant.  Burial will follow immediately at Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Wabash.  Visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral service starting at 10:00 a.m.

Preferred memorials are to the Bachelor Creek Church of Christ, 2147 N State Road 15, Wabash, IN 46992.

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

Gregory A. Houser

Gregory A. Houser, 66, of LaFontaine, Indiana, passed away at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Wabash Parkview Hospital. He was born in Bryan, Ohio on February 17, 1952 to Linford Houser and Joan (Durr) Poe.

Greg retired from Ford Meter Box with over forty years of service.  He loved restoring cars and riding motorcycles.  Greg was an outdoorsman and loved to fish.   

Greg is survived by sons, Todd (Tammy) Houser of Elkhart, Jeremy (Brandy) Houser of LaFontaine and Travis Houser of Fort Wayne; daughter Amber (Larry) Brown of Warsaw; siblings, Denny (Val) Houser and Neil (Cindy) Houser, both of North Manchester; thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Mike Houser.  

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2018 at McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940. Pastor J.P. Freeman will be the officiant. Friends may call two hours prior to services at the funeral home.  

Preferred memorials are to the LaFontaine Lions Club, 105 West Branson Street, LaFontaine, IN  46940. 

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

Barbara H. Cravens

Barbara H. Cravens, 93, of Marion, Indiana, passed away at 4:15 p.m. on Friday, November 2, 2018 at Suite Living Retirement Community in Marion.  She was born on November 15, 1924 in Grant County, Indiana to the late Brady and Fay (Friermood) Douglas. 

Barbara married Frank E. Cravens on April 26, 1942. He passed away on December 11, 2009. Barbara worked as a homemaker and was a member of the Jalapa Chapel.

Barbara is survived by one son, Donald (Betty) Cravens, Venice, Florida; one daughter, Connie (Robert) Pope, Jalapa, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Marina Cravens, Las Vegas, Nevada; seven grandchildren, Douglas Pope, Angela Pope, Brady Cravens, Dawn Cravens, Anna Samsonova, Tyler Rajski, and  Yulia Andreeva; seven great-grandchildren, Robby Pope, Dakota Nelson, Derrik Needler, Gavin Keith, Creed Keith, Samuel Samsonova, Vielle Samsonova and one great-great-grandchild, Rayne Nelson.  Barbara is preceded in death by one daughter, Darla Cravens, one son, Dan Cravens and one brother, Grover Douglas.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Jalapa Chapel, 5158 North Frances Slocum Trail, Marion, IN  46952.  Pastors James D. Schroeder and Howard Clayton will be the officiants.  Burial will follow immediately at the LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery in LaFontaine. Calling for friends and family will be two hours prior to services.

Preferred memorials are to the Jalapa Chapel.

Funeral services have been entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940.

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

Kay L. Meyer

Kay L. Meyer, 76, of Wabash, passed away at 2:55 p.m. on Friday, October 26, 2018 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  She was born on February 11, 1942, in Wabash County, to Raymond and Helen (Bechtold) Meyer.  

Kay worked at Magnetics and Pathfinder Services, Inc. both of Wabash and was a dispatcher for the North Manchester Police Department.  She was a member of the VFW Post 286 and the American Legion Post 15.  Kay enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles and her family. 

Kay is survived by sons, John (Shelley) Ridenour, Wabash and Steven (Angela) Ridenour, Silver Lake; two grandchildren, Andra K. Wilhelm and Caynon Shankle both of Wabash; brothers Ray Meyer, Warsaw and Roger Meyer, Roann; two step-grandchildren, Rebecca Ashby, Burkett, Indiana and J.C. Roberts, Peru, Indiana; two great-grandchildren, Levi Straka and Brooklyn Slone and two step great-grandchildren and her cat, Slick.  She is preceded in death by her daughter, Michele Wilhelm, her parents and sister, Rebecca Smith. 

Funeral services will be on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.  Burial will follow immediately at Fairview Cemetery in Servia, Indiana. Calling for friends and family will be one hour prior to services.

Preferred memorials are to Pathfinder Services, Inc., 595 South Miami Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

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

Robert V. Fierstos

Robert V. Fierstos, 87, formerly of Somerset, passed away at 9:20 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 in Warsaw.  He was born on August 3, 1931 in Somerset, Indiana to the late Victor and Mary (Brady) Fierstos.  Robert married Lucia Raver on July 14, 1951. 

Robert graduated from Somerset High School in 1949. He served in the United States Air Force. Robert retired as an Electrical Superintendent for Grissom Air Force Base.  He was member of St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church in Wabash, St. Margaret of Scottland in Foley, Alabama and the Izaak Walton League of Wabash County. 

Robert is survived by his wife, Lucia; son, Joseph Fierstos, Elwood, Indiana; daughters, Deborah (Charles) Whitcraft, Warsaw, Indiana and Susan Townsend, Sharpsville, Indiana; brother, James Fierstos, Somerset; sister, Joan Colburn, Fort Wayne, Indiana; six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.  

Mass of Christian Burial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 15, 2018 at St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church in Wabash with Father Levi Nkwocha officiating. Graveside interment will follow at Mississinewa Cemetery in Somerset. Calling hours will be Sunday, October 14, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with Recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Izaak Walton League of Wabash County, 10439 S. Old State Road 13, Somerset, Indiana 46940

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

Eva D. Mitchell

Eva D. Mitchell, 88, of Wabash, passed away at 7:28 a.m. on Sunday, October 7, 2018 at Autumn Ridge in Wabash.  She was born on December 23, 1929 to the late Jimmy and Rosie (Mitchell) Helton in Lebanon, Virginia.

Eva married Carl J. Mitchell on January 27, 1951.  Carl passed away on April 30, 2016.  Eva worked as a homemaker taking care of her family.

Eva is survived by son, Alfred L. “Al” (Debra) Mitchell of Wabash; daughters, Mrs. George “Kevin” (Helen) Jolly of Wabash, Jane A. Poole of Denver, Colorado, and Diana F. Fahl of Warsaw, Indiana; brother, Dean (Sandy) Helton, Polo, Illinois; sisters, Edna Ferguson, Lebanon, Virginia, Betty Cumbow, Kingsport, Tennessee, Jean (David) Bain, Marion, Indiana; 16 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-granchildren. She is proceeded in death by two daughters, Frieda Carol Barkema, and Magarette Evelyn Vancamp; three sisters and three brothers. 

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 11, 2018 at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Ave, Wabash, IN 46992, with Pastors Josh Fennell and JP Freeman officiating. Burial will follow at the Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Marion, Indiana.  Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at the funeral home.

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

Karla K. Eltzroth

Karla K. Eltzroth, 73, a lifetime resident of Wabash County, passed away at 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, September 30, 2018 at her residence.   She was born on September 25, 1945 in Wabash to the late Clarence and Nellie (Randolph) King.  

Karla married Lewis "Gene" Eltzroth on January 17, 1964.  He died February 2, 1998.  Karla worked for 25 years as a cook at Miller's Merry Manor in Wabash.  

Karla is survived by one son, Meredith Eltzroth of Charlotte, Michigan; daughter, Candy Martin of Urbana; brothers, Paul (Kathy) King of Wabash and Tim (Ruthie) King of New Jersey; four grandchildren, Tiffiney Martin, Daniel Wicker, Cory Martin and Amanda Eltzroth. She is preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters. 

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.  Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to services, starting at 10:00 a.m., at the funeral home. 

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

John J. Brady

John J. Brady, 82, of Wabash, Indiana, passed away at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 27, 2018 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne, Indiana.  He was born in Churubusco, Indiana on October 6, 1935 to the late John and Elsie (Conner) Brady.  

John married Marsha Sevits on November 10, 1956.  He was self-employed, working in road construction, then he worked at White's Institute, Wabash. John served as a missionary in Jamaica and he also mounted bassoons for Fox Products in South Whitley, Indiana.  John attended Wabash Friends Church.  

John is survived by his wife, Marsha; three daughters, Ricka (Steve) Long, Dallas, Texas, Roxanne Shear and Nichole Schroll, both of Greenwood, Indiana; two brothers, Dave Brady, Avilla, Indiana and Steve Brady, Okeechobee, Florida; sister, Colleen (Steve) Bowden, Kingman, Arizona; ten grandchildren, Jamie Swihart, Cory Swihart, Lindsey Joyce, Rebecca Stoner, Jonathan Long, Shannon Shears, Emory Taylor, Samantha Harnish and Madison Tuelker; close, extended family, David Coffey and Dan (Shelley) Swihart. John is preceded in death by two daughters, Dannet Swihart and Kimberly Taylor, one grandson, Jared Shears; one great-grandson, Harrison Swihart and two brothers.  

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at the Wabash Friends Church, 3563 South State Road 13, Wabash, Indiana 46992.

Preferred memorials are to Wabash Friends Church or White's Residential and Family Services, Inc., 5233 S 50 E, Wabash, Indiana 46992.   

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash. 

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

Jewell K. Yohe

Jewell K. Yohe, 83, of Wabash, formerly of Marion, Indiana, passed away at 5:45 a.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Blair Ridge Health Campus in Peru.  She was born on April 18, 1935 in Cadillac, Michigan to the late Dr. Eugene and Elexis (Davis) Kierstead.

Jewell married George Hayde who passed away in 1987.  She later married Charles Eldon Yohe on April 30, 2005 who passed away on November 18, 2016.  Jewell retired from the Marion Community School System as a bookkeeper where she worked for many years.  She was a member of the Women's Club House of Wabash and she volunteered as a usher for the Honeywell Center for many years.  She was also a member of the Christ United Methodist Church, in Wabash where she was a member of the Miriam Circle.  

Jewell is survived by daughter, Nancie (Kevin) Meyer, Corvallis, Oregon; seven grandchildren, Arin Andrick-Pursch, Jason Spencer, Amber Andrick, Andrew Andrick, Michael Houston, Matthew Houston and Sarah Houston; brother, Marvin Kierstead, Washington D.C.; sister, Nancy (Kenneth) Heer, Brooksville, Florida; and 17 great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by daughter, Linda Torrence and sister, Lois Howell.  

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Pastor Chris Tiedeman officiating.  Visitation for family and friends will be from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Christ United Methodist Church, 477 North Wabash Street, Wabash, Indiana  46992. 

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

Robert V. Harrell

Robert V. Harrell, 70, formerly of Wabash, passed away on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at his residence in South Bend, Indiana.  He was born on September 23, 1947 in Wabash to Robert O. and Virginia A. (Kendall) Harrell.

Robert enjoyed music and collecting hats. He also enjoyed shopping and loved going to the county fair.  

Robert is survived by his mother, Virginia Harrell, Wabash; brother, Steven (Shirley) Harrell, LaFontaine; sisters, Roberta Alexander (John Lynch), LaFontaine and Linda (Charles) Mollett, Wabash.  He is preceded in death by his father.  

Graveside services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 17, 2018 at LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery with Pastor Larry Hail officiating.  Funeral services have been entrusted to McDonald Funeral Home, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, IN  46940.

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