Sandra K. Elliott

 Sandra K. Elliott, 59, a lifetime resident of Wabash, passed away at 7:17 p.m. on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Parkview Randallia in Fort Wayne.  She was born on November 4, 1961, in Wabash to the late Larry and Myrtle Woodward. 

Sandy married Jerry J. Elliott on March 17, 1992; he passed away on April 13, 2019.  She retired from Gen Corp after 20 years of service.  Sandy was a member of the Wabash Eagles Lodge # 549 and of the American Legion Post 15 of Wabash.  

Sandy is survived by two sons, Chris (Jammie) Rowe, of Wabash and Adam Davis, of Linton; one daughter, Kristie (Troy) Bone, of Lagro; stepson, Todd (Tina) Elliott, of Wabash and stepdaughter, Kelly Elliott, of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Senior Airman Derrick Bone, Colin Elliott, Luke Elliott, Lance Corporal Matthew Davis, Chad Elliott, Drayton Rowe, Christopher Rowe, Dakota Rowe, Gage Rowe, Ian Rowe, Hailey Bone, Brooke Elliott, Samantha (Justin) Collins, Brittany Woodward, Tabi Davis, and Annabella Rowe; brothers, Jerry (Tracy) Woodward, Scott (Deborah) Woodward and Mark (Michelle) Woodward, all of South Carolina; sisters, Linda (Jeff) Hull, of Andrews and Rebecca (Robert) Floyd, of Wabash.  She is preceded in death by one son, Cory Woodward. 

A graveside service will be held at a 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021 at Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. 

Calling hours will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021 at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.  

Preferred memorials are to the American Legion Post 15, Ladies Auxiliary of Wabash, 188 West Market Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana, 46992, has been trusted with Sandy's final arrangements. 

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

Jack Vern Paxton

Jack Vern Paxton, 69, a lifetime resident of Wabash, passed away at 8:40 p.m. on July 28, 2021, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester.  Jack was born on February 26, 1952, in Wabash, to the late Harmon "Bill" and Ellen Marie (Bowser) Paxton.  

Jack was a 1970 graduate of Wabash High School.  He married Yvonne Richards on June 18, 1977.  He worked at USG-Thermafiber.  Jack videoed stock car races, all around Northern Indiana, as his passion and hobby.  He was an avid Chicago sports fan, loved listening to music and telling racing stories.  

Jack is survived by his wife, Yvonne; son, Shawn Paxton, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; daughter, Sabrina (Matt) LaSpina, of Seymour, Indiana; three grandchildren, Michael LaSpina, Noah LaSpina and Madison LaSpina; brother, Larry (JoAnna) Paxton, of Huntington and three sisters, Vicki Campbell, of Wabash, Connie Enyeart, of North Manchester and Phyllis Paxton, of Andrews.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 2, 2021, at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, with Tom Richards officiating.  Burial will follow at Friends Cemetery in Wabash.  

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at the funeral home.  

Preferred memorials are to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 or 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.

Nicholas T. Gentry

Nicholas T. "Nick" Gentry, 52, of Wabash, passed away at 8:22 p.m. on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne.  He was born on December 4, 1968, in Marion, Indiana, to the late Roger Gentry and Carol Jeanne (Mullett) Gentry.

Nick was a 1987 graduate of Southwood High School.  He worked as a self-employed carpenter and had worked at Ortman Drilling and Water in Kokomo.

Nick is survived by his mother, Carol, of Somerset, one brother, Brian (Mandy) Gentry, of Wabash; one sister, Paula (Jimmy) Hansford, of Peru; one nephew, Dalton (Kendal) Gentry; three nieces, Delayne (Zach) Ball, Drew Gentry and Adrian Hansford.  

Nick's wishes were to have no services.  

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted to handle Nick Gentry's arrangements.

Preferred memorials are to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

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

 

David Alexander Lyons

 David A. Lyons, 79, a lifetime resident of Portland, Indiana until the last three years when he became a resident of Wabash, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 at his daughter's residence.  He was born on February 21, 1942, in Jay County, Indiana, to the late Edward Dale and Irene Delee (McKinley) Lyons.  Dave married Diana Ice on January 18, 1964; she survives.

Dave was a 1960 graduate of Bryant High School in Portland.  While attending Bryant High School, he was a member of the first sectional boys basketball championship team.  Dave attended Purdue University and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity.  Dave owned and operated Dave Lyons Realty and Farm Management.  He also was an insurance agent at Farm Bureau Insurance in Portland.   

Dave had many interests and belonged to several community organizations.  He was a member of the Bryant Redeemer Lutheran Church.  He was a pilgrim and past governor of the Moose Lodge for the State of Indiana and he was a current member of the Wabash Moose Lodge #1195.  He was member of the Eagles Lodge, Knights of Pythias, Elk's Lodge, Jay County Fair Association, Democratic Precinct Committeeman, Little League baseball manager, United Fund board member, March of Dimes chairman of fund raising, YMCA membership drive chairman, Jaycees and Lions Club, the Bryant Centennial Celebration chairman, Bryant High School Alumni Association president, Bryant Community Club, and the Jay County Historical Society.  

Dave loved baseball, coaching little league and softball for decades, and was an avid Portland Rockets fan.  He was a lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers fan, and wore #42 like Jackie Robinson.  He loved hunting and fishing, arrowhead hunting, cats and dogs, especially English Setters.  Dave always had a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye and had a joke to tell, and never knew a stranger.  

Dave is survived by his wife, Diana; two daughters, Michelle (Dan) Sparling, of Wabash and Susan (Russ) Reichard, of Jasper, Indiana; one brother, Robert C. Lyons, of Portland, Indiana; three grandchildren, Lincoln Davis Reichard, Danielle Alexandra Sparling and Brittanie Nicole Zimmerly; three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Charlie.  

Per Dave's wishes, a private graveside service will be held at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Bryant, Indiana.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to the David A. Lyons endowment fund for Jay County Baseball Association, at the Portland Foundation, 107 South Meridian Street, Portland, Indiana 47371.  

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted to handle David Lyons' arrangements

Bradly Schmidt

Bradly W. Schmidt, 57, of Wabash, previously of Huntington and Logansport, passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021, at his residence.  Brad was born on June 20, 1964, in Gary, Indiana, to the late Enno F. and Janet R. (Craig) Schmidt.

Brad was a Logansport High School graduate and served in the United States Air Force.  He worked as a metal fabricator at M & S Industrial Metal Fabricators, Inc. in Huntington.  Brad was a big Nascar fan and also loved off-road Jeep mudding contests.  

Brad is survived by one son, Brandon Schmidt, of Winamac, Indiana; one daughter, Kristian Schmidt, of Winamac; two grandchildren, Kamryn Huddleston and Jaelyn Huddleston; one sister, Becky Bolinger, of Kokomo; two nephews, Andrew Bolinger and Joshua Bolinger; and one niece, Tracie Bolinger.

Per Brad's wishes, there will be no public services.

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 have been trusted with Bradly Schmidt's arrangements.

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

William Wayne "Bill" Unger

William Wayne "Bill" Unger, 76, of Wabash, Indiana and a legend of Spider Lake, Michigan, took his final ski ride at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 11, 2021.  He spent his last days surrounded with family and friends, sharing some of the legendary Spider Lake stories.   

Bill was born on May 1, 1945, in Wabash, to the late Floyd and Viola (Fierstos) Unger.  Bill was a 1963 graduate of Wabash High School and then of the University of Saint Francis.  He was a landscaper, small business owner and entrepreneur, Universal Center and Unger Landscaping.  Bill's early career, he worked at General Tire in the Human Resources Department and also worked at Wabash Magnetics.  He was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wabash.   He was a founding member of SLPOA and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks Lodge, both in Wabash.  

Bill learned his colorful language and mechanical skills while growing up in the family business, Unger Trucking Company.  He had a strong passion for animals, spending time at the local hangouts and his cabin at Spider Lake.  Bill will be remembered for his wit, humorous storytelling, grit and ingenuity.  Most of all, Bill will be remembered for his love of family and especially of his grandchildren. 

Bill is survived by two sons, Bill T. (Jessica) Unger, of Traverse City, Michigan and TJ (Elizabeth) Unger, of Roanoke; two daughters, Stephanie (Brian) Gottschalk and Emily (Brandon) France, both of Wabash; two sisters, Dorthy Reiken, of Traverse City and Frances (Tom) Whitmyre, of Wabash; eight grandchildren, Isaac Gottschalk, Elise Gottschalk, Isabel France, Magdalen France, Solomon France, Sophia France, Will Unger and Kate Unger.  

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 207 North Cass Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Father Levi Nkwocha officiating.  Burial will follow at Falls Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021 at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

Preferred memorial is to Spider Lake Property Owners Association c/o McDonald Funeral Homes.

Following the burial at Falls Cemetery, the family will be hosting a celebration and to raise a glass for Bill at the REMC building, 350 Wedcor Avenue, Wabash, beginning at approximately 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 17, 2021.  

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

Colleen Conkling

Colleen Conkling, 84, of Roann, passed away at 3:39 a.m. on June 30, 2021, at Miller's Merry Manor - East, in Wabash.  She was born in Roann on October 11, 1936, to the late Roy V. and Opal M. (Teel) Steele.  Colleen married F. Dean Conkling in 1956; he passed away November 12, 2005.  

Colleen is survived by her son, Frederick D. Conkling, of Peru; one sister, Shirley Purdy, of Roann.  She is preceded in death by one sister, Pernella Steele and one brother, Byron Steele.

Per Colleen's wishes, there will be no services.

McDonald Funeral Homes 231 Falls Ave. Wabash, Indiana have been entrusted to Colleen's arrangements. 

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

Wynter Dey Biehl

Wynter Dey Biehl, 26, of Urbana, passed away at 8:10 a.m. on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at her residence.  She was born on July 28, 1994, in Peru, Indiana, to Jeffery T. and Gladys Renee (Darnell) Biehl.  

Wynter attended Northfield High School and graduated from Tricoci University of Beauty Culture in West Lafayette as an Esthetician.  Wynter loved animals and doing arts and crafts.  Most of all, Wynter loved her family.  

Wynter is survived by her parents, Jeff and Renee Biehl, of Urbana; sister, Lexus Ann Biehl, of Urbana; fiancé, Travis Fettig; great uncle, Denny (Debbie) Lauer, of Logansport; great aunt, Susan Dunn, of Urbana; four uncles, Ted Biehl, Kris Biehl, both of Urbana, Roger Biehl, of Tennessee, and Randy Darnell, of Wabash; one aunt Donna Sisco, of Roann; and honorary aunts and uncle, Romi and Kenny Plath, of Urbana and Nicole Lippens, of Phoenix, Arizona.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, July 2, 2021 at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Brian Chamberlain officiating.  Burial will follow at Speicher Cemetery in Urbana. 

Visitation will be on from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992. 

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

Cory L. Woodward

Cory L. Woodward, 43, a lifetime resident of Wabash, passed away at 12:27 p.m. on Saturday, June 26, 2021, at his residence.  He was born in Wabash, on August 5, 1977, to Sandra (Woodward) Elliott.  

Cory was a 1995 graduate of Wabash High School.  He served in the United States Marine Corp.  Cory was a semi-truck driver.  He loved motorcycles, guns and spending time with his family.  He was a member of the American Legion Post 15 and the VFW Post 286. 

Cory is survived by his mother, Sandra Elliott, of Wabash; two daughters, Samantha (Justin) Woodward-Collins, of North Carolina and Brittany Woodward; three brothers, Robbie Hashbarger, of Wabash, Chris (Jammie) Rowe, of Wabash, and Adam Davis, of Linton; one sister, Kristie (Troy) Bone, of Lagro; one granddaughter, Taylor Collins; one grandson, River Collins; nephews and nieces, Senior Airman, Derrick Bone, Hailey Bone, Lance Corporal, Matthew Davis, Tabi Davis, Drayton Rowe, Chris Rowe, Jr., Dakota Rowe, Gage Rowe, Ian Rowe, and Annabella Rowe. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Larry and Myrtle Woodward and stepfather, Jerry Elliott.

Calling hours will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 9, 2021 at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.  After calling, family and friends will then proceed to Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Wabash for Military Honors.  

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

Jerry W. Gustin

Jerry W. Gustin, 74, of Wabash, passed away at 5:35 a.m. on Sunday, June 20, 2021 at Life Care Center of Fort Wayne.  He was born on January 23, 1947, in Wabash, to the late Howie and Ruth Gustin.

Jerry graduated from Manchester College with a psychology degree.  He married Linda (Mettler) Wilson; she passed away on October 25, 2004.  Jerry worked at Cyclone Seeder in Urbana.

Jerry is survived by one nephew, William McKinney, of Wabash.  He is preceded in death by one brother.  

A public graveside service will at 10:30 a.m., on Thursday, June 24, 2021  at Hopewell Cemetery in Lagro.

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana, 46992, have been entrusted with funeral services for Jerry W. Gustin.

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

Frank M. Bostic

Frank M. Bostic, 81, formerly of Wabash, passed away at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Florida Medical Center Hospice in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida.  

Frank was born on June 10, 1940, to the late Harold and Barbarette (Brown) Bostic.  He earned multiple teaching degrees from a variety of universities.  Frank began his teaching career at Southwood High School.  He then proceeded to teach at Ben Davis High School, in Indianapolis and then at schools in Chicago and the surrounding area until he retired.  After retirement, Frank moved to Florida.  

One of Frank's favorite Wabash celebrations was Canal Days. Every year that he was able, he would come home for the event, and he would work at Max's Gentry Shop.  Frank also loved going to the casino with his sister, Madelyn.  

Frank is survived by his nieces, Susie Keffaber, of Wabash, Tina Keffaber, of Fort Wayne, and Kimberly (Mike) Baker, of Fort Wayne; great-nieces, Payten Keffaber and Skylar Baker.  He is preceded in death by his brother, Harold R. (Dickie) Bostic and sister, Madelyn (Bostic) Keffaber.  

Per Frank's request, there will be no services.

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 has been entrusted with arrangements of Frank Bostic.

Karen D. Hamilton

Karen D. Hamilton, 82, of Wabash, passed away at 1:25 p.m. on June 17, 2021, at Miller's Merry Manor - West in Wabash.  She was born in Teegarden, Indiana, on February 15, 1939, to the late Francis and Pearl P. (Lowery) Kring.

Karen was a 1957 graduate of Tyner High School.  She worked as a nurse’s aide at the Wabash County Hospital and in 1998, she retired after 39 years of service.  Karen was a member of the First Church of God in Wabash. 

Karen is survived by two brothers, Charles A. Kring, of Grovertown, Indiana and Leonard F. (Reva) Kring, of Branson, Missouri.  She is preceded in death by one sister, Evangeline Klingerman.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992.  Burial will follow at Tyner Cemetery in Tyner, Indiana.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral services, starting at 9:00 a.m., at the funeral home. 

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

 

Wendell L. Hart

Wendell L. Hart, 80, of Wabash, passed away at 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at his residence.  He was born in Morgan County, Indiana on December 30, 1940, to the late Loren Alvin Hart and Ruby (Tumey) Pryor.  Wendell married Marcia A. Allen on October 30, 1980; she survives.

Wendell served in the United States Marine Corp. He worked as a driver for Mile Post and Renzenberger.  He also was a self-employed carpenter.  

Wendell is survived by two sons, Wendell L. Hart, Jr., and Curtis Hart, both of Spencer, Indiana; two daughters, Arianne (Chris) Hargrove, of Fort Wayne and Dulcie Hart, of Washington, Indiana; four brothers, Dennis Hart, of Arizona, Dave Pryor, Kevin Pryor, and Richard Pryor, all of Martinsville; four sisters, Jenny Knowlton, Wanda Hickman, and Sandra Barnes, all of Martinsville, and Diana Petro, of Monrovia, Indiana; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by two daughters, Kelly Jo Snapp and Angel Allen; three siblings, Mary Jane Hart, Lawrence Pryor and Ida Louise Pryor. 

A public graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, at New South Park Cemetery in Martinsville, Indiana.  

McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, has been entrusted with the arrangements of Wendell L. Hart.

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

Gary Albert Rice

Gary Albert Rice, 79, of Marion, Indiana, passed away at 8:11 p.m. on Friday, June 11, 2021, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.  He was born on August 16, 1941, in Wabash, to the late William A. and Dorothy J. (Wortley) Rice.

Gary was a 1959 Wabash High School graduate and a 1961 graduate of Lain Technical Institute.  Gary worked for fifteen years for Chrysler as a Diecast Engineer.  He also worked as a Diecast Engineer Manager for Auburn Diecast in Michigan, Allen Stevens Diecast in Pennsylvania, and Littlers Diecast in Albany.  After retiring as an engineer, he became a licensed relator in Muncie.

Gary was a member of the Society of Die Casting Engineers, Academy of Model Aeronautics, East Central Indiana Robotics of Matthews, Parents without Partners of Marion, Woodcraft Association in Wabash, and Apartment Association of East Central Indiana. He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Wabash and attended Unity Christian Church in Marion.

Gary is survived by his brother, Randall W. (Judy) Rice, of Saint College, Pennsylvania and his companion of the last seven years, Marilyn Bennett, of Marion.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 21, 2021, at McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992 with Pastor Kevin Greenlee officiating.  Burial will follow at Speicher Cemetery in Urbana.

Calling for family and friends will be two hours prior to the funeral service, starting at 9:00 a.m., at the funeral home. 

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