Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Rev. Dr. Virgil Roy Lee Fry


Eaton, IN

Rev. Dr. Virgil Roy Lee Fry, 81, passed away early morning on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at Morrison Woods in Muncie.

Virgil was born on the family farm on November 20, 1932 in Wasola, MO to Louin and M. Delsa (Coonts) Fry.

Devoting his life to spreading the word of God, through education and preaching, he was a Bible scholar who published many articles.

He graduated from Ava High School. Served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955, stationed at Osan, Korea, obtaining the rank of Corporal. He was ordained by the General Baptist in 1956. He graduated summa cum laude in 1959 with a BA in Religious Studies and English from Oakland City University. From Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Virgil earned a Bachelor of Divinity in 1964, Masters in Theology in 1967 and a Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament studies in 1974. During this time, he pastored several different churches.

On August 24, 1956 at Ditney Ridge Church near Carmi, IL, he married E. Kathryn Chapman. They were married for 50 years.

Virgil taught New Testament studies and Greek at Oakland City University from 1967 to 1976 and at Huntington University from 1976 to 1987. He went on to pastor churches in Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio. During this time, he and his wife began a clown ministry of “Cornbread & Kathy”, performing at churches, nursing homes and other special events. He retired from ministry in 1997.

He is survived by his only son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Lori Fry, granddaughter, Anna Fry, brother, Dale Fry, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, E. Kathryn, three sisters, Lilliam Clayton, Elva Clayton, and Effie Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St., Carmi, Illinois with Rev. Doug Low officiating.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 9:00 A.M. until the start of the service on Saturday, May 10, 2014.

The family wishes to thank Morrison Woods and Seasons Hospice for their care and support.

Memorials may be made to the Oakland City First General Baptist Church:
224 W. Harrison St., Oakland City, IN 47660

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pitman-Richman Funeral Home, 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.watersfuneralhomes.com.

 

Sunday, April 27, 2014

James R. "Jim" Crouch


EATON, IN

James R. “Jim” Crouch, 67, passed away, Saturday, April 26, 2014 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.

Jim was born on December 18, 1946 in Muncie, Indiana to Raymond and Elizabeth (Rench) Crouch.  He was a graduate of Eaton High School class of 1965.  Jim went on to serve his country in the Indiana National Guard from 1966 to 1971. 

Jim worked for Delco Battery for 33 years, retiring in 1999.  He also owned and operated the Golden Pony in Hartford City.

 Jim was a former member of the Eaton Volunteer Fire Department and also served as Fire Chief for several years.  He was a member of the UAW Local 499.

He will be missed by his children:  James “Dave” Crouch, (wife, Darla), Melissa Draper, William “Bill” Crouch,  and Zachary Crouch, grandchildren: Austin Crouch, John Draper, and Sarah Crouch, great-grandson, Raylin James Allen Crouch, as well as several cousins and many friends and neighbors in Eaton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Elizabeth Crouch.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at the Pitman-Richman Funeral Home, 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton, with Rev. Teal Younce officiating.  Burial with Military Rites by the Delaware  County Veterans  Honor Guard will be made in Union Cemetery, Eaton.

Visitation for friends and family will be at the funeral home from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, April 28, 2014 and also from 12 Noon until 1: P.M. Tuesday prior to services.

Memorials may be made in his name to Pitman-Richman Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.watersfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

 

 

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Leona Irene Welsh-Wine


Eaton, IN

Leona Irene Welsh-Wine, 86, passed away, Monday, April 14, 2014, at her home.

The daughter of William and Jocie (Hendrick) Cochran, Irene was born on October 27, 1927 in Grant County, Indiana.  She was a 1945 graduate of Van Buren High School.  Irene went on to work for Indiana Glass in Dunkirk, retiring after 24 years of employment.

Irene was an avid bowler, enjoyed crafting, and spending time with her sister, cousins and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Ricky Joe (Sandy) Welsh, William “Bill” Welsh, Larry (Evelyn) Welsh, Jim Welsh, Martha (Gary) Little, Rebecca (Gary) Moles, Mark “Tony” Welsh, Dean (Teresa) Welsh, and Rodney Welsh, a sister, Colleen (Clifford) Yoder, several grandchildren as well as many great-grandchildren. 

In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by a son, David Welsh, and three sisters: Helen Smith, Pauline Cochran, and Edna Yoder.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 18, 2014 at the Pitman-Richman Funeral Home, 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton with Pastor Everett Bilbrey Jr. officiating.  Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory.

Visitation for family and friends will be at the funeral home on Thursday, April 17, 2014 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and one hour prior to the service on Friday.

Memorials may be made in her name to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.watersfuneralhomes.com.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

Sue Ann Mitchell


Syracuse, IN

Sue Ann Mitchell, 77, passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014 in Elkhart, Indiana.

Sue was born on November 24, 1936 to Claude and Dora (Campbell) Matchett in Muncie, Indiana. She attended school in Royerton High School and later married Ronald D. Mitchell on September 17, 1954 at the Foursquare Church in Muncie.

She retired from MITS after 15 years of employment.

Sue was a member of the Foursquare Church, Ligonier Church of the Nazarene, Local 1499, CB Club, and the American Legion Auxiliary Post 90.  Her interests included flowers, collecting angels, helping others, spending time with family, and listening to Elvis.

Survivors include three children, Cheryl (Ron) Timke of Syracuse, IN, Theresa (Terry) Crabtree of Eaton, and James Mitchell of Nappanee; a sister, Wanda Brees, a brother, Gary (Marlene) Matchett; 8 grandchildren, Adam (Shannon) Timke, Chris (Anna) Mills, Rachel (Scott) Blackwell, Michael (Brittany) Mills, Angie (Troy) Withers, Terry R. (Virgil) Crabtree, Travis Mitchell, and Tyler Mitchell; 11 great-grandchildren, Christopher Mills, Mitchell Mills, Sara Mills, Ethan Blackwell, Mick Mills, Breanna Mills, Kaden Mills, Kloe Mills, Karson Mills, Kerissa Withers, and Kody Withers; a sister-in-law, Penni Matchett, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ronald, and two brothers, David Matchett and Tommy Matchett, and a brother-in-law, Jack Brees.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Pitman-Richman Funeral Home, 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton, with Pastor John Lutton officiating. Burial will follow in Gardens of Memory, Muncie.

Visitation for family and friends will be from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Monday, April 7, 2014 and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.watersfuneralhomes.com.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

Gary Smoot


Muncie, IN

After a sudden diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, Gary B. Smoot, 59, passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2014 in the arms of his son, Aaron Smoot.

Gary was born on January 8, 1955 in Muncie to Robert and Dorothy (Gilland) Smoot.  He was a 1973 graduate of Delta High School where he excelled at cross country, track, basketball and baseball.   Gary went on to attend Manchester College.

Gary worked for General Motors in Marion, Indiana and was a member of the UAW Local 977 and the Amvets Post 12. 

He is survived by his son, Aaron Smoot (wife, Chelsea), grandson, Hank Smoot, his mother, Dorothy Smoot, two brothers, Jeffrey Smoot (wife, Louanne), and Rodney Smoot (wife, Jan), as well as several nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parent father, Robert Smoot.

Visitation for family and friends will be at Pitman-Richman funeral home, 200 S. Hartford St., Eaton on Sunday, April 6, 2014 from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. and also from 9:00 A.M. until services, Monday.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, April 7, 2014 with Pastor Steve DeLisle officiating.  Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, Eaton.

Aaron and his wife, Chelsea, would like to spread the awareness and severity of pancreatic cancer; therefore, donations to IU Health Research are much appreciated. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.watersfuneralhomes.com.