Obituary for Robert Edward Hinchman Jr.

ROBERT EDWARD HINCHMAN JR.

Robert Edward Hinchman, 68 of Rushville, passed away on August 21, 2021, at Rush Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 16, 1953, in Rushville, to the late Robert and Bernice (Whitinger) Hinchman. Robert was a 1971 graduate of Rushville High School. He was a mechanic all his life and worked recently at Monty Howell’s Car Care in Rushville. Robert enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was an avid outdoors man all his life and went arrow head hunting.
Robert is survived by two sons, Toby Hinchman of Clarksburg and Jacob (Miranda) Hinchman of Shelbyville; daughter, Bobbie (Christopher) Carpenter of Rushville; sister, Judy Davis of Greensburg. He will also be missed by seven grandchildren, Aaliyah, Coltin and Tyce Hinchman, Emma and Kaleb Carpenter, Conner and Kailey Hinchman; and many nieces and nephews.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be held on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 10 a.m., in Moster Mortuary. Friends are welcome to visit the family from 4 -8 p.m., Wednesday evening. Burial will be held in East Brook Cemetery.

Obituary for Thomas F. Wilson

THOMAS F. WILSON

Thomas F. Wilson, of Brookville, was born on June 2, 1940, in Cincinnati, a son to Lester and Margaret Wuestefelt Wilson, and the stepson of Ed Pflum. He married Sally Sellers on January 13, 1968, and together they raised four children. Tom was a member of the Holy Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Cedar Grove. While living in New Trenton, Tom was one of the co-founders of the New Trenton Volunteer Fire Department. In 1970 and 1971, he spent many hours at his own garage (Stateline Garage in Harrison, Ohio) building their first fire equipment with a small crew of dedicated men. He was very proud of their accomplishments. He spent several years thereafter as the Fire Chief. On Saturday, August 21, 2021, at the age of 81, Tom passed away peacefully at home with his loved ones by his side.

Those surviving who will cherish Tom’s memory include his wife of more than 53 years, Sally Wilson of Brookville; two daughters, Cynthia (Daryl) Caudill of Cedar Grove, and Donna (Chris) Black of Delhi; six grandchildren, Lester Wilson, Meagan Wilson, Derrick Caudill, Heather Caudill, Kyler Black, and Garett Black; and a special nephew, Alfred Sellers of Osgood. Besides both of his parents, he was also preceded in death by his stepfather; one brother, Robert Wilson; one sister, Juanita Whiteman; a brother-in-law, Jerry Whiteman; and two sons, Lester and Robert Wilson.

To honor the wishes of Tom, cremation was chosen and there will be no public services held at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Thomas Wilson can be directed to Margaret Mary Hospice, 108 North Elm Street, Batesville, IN 47006.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave personal memories, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Thomas Wilson.

Obituary for Emma Catherine Blommel

EMMA CATHERINE BLOMMEL

Emma Catherine Blommel, 98, a long time resident of Connersville, passed away August 20, 2021 at Majestic Care of Connersville.

She was born on September 18, 1922 in Marion, the only child of Alvin W. and Edna V. Richards. She was a 1940 graduate of Swayzee High School. She then attended Ball State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1944. She came to Connersville in early 1946, to accept an art teaching position with the Fayette County School System. She taught at Connersville High School in the morning and then would walk to Junior High to teach there in the afternoon. It was then that she met Henry Blommel, and they were wed on August 14, 1948.

She then left teaching and moved to Offutts Park to raise a family. Their two children, Linda Joyce Blommel (Howard) and John Curtis Blommel were born in 1951 and 1952. In 1958, after both children were enrolled in elementary school, she returned to teaching. She then taught art in Fayette County’s elementary schools until her retirement in 1983.

She was a gifted painter and illustrator and a 50-plus-year member of the Whitewater Valley Arts Association. She was known for her watercolor paintings of local scenes. She was a regular contributor to the WVAA artist’s calendar. She was also active in the WVAA’s art shows and auctions.

She is survived by her two children, Linda Blommel (Stan) Howard and John (Mardee) Blommel. She has 12 surviving grandchildren: Emma Howard Williams, Dan Howard, Peter Howard, Lucas Howard, Susanna Howard Harper, Amanda Howard, Tim Howard, Matt Howard, Georgia Howard, Laura Howard, Erika Blommel McCloud, and Angela Blommel Slayten. She has 21 surviving great grandchildren: Bryce Howard, Josh Williams, James Williams, Michael Howard, Cassia Howard, Jonathan Howard, Joseph Howard, David Howard, Jordan Howard, Caroline Howard, Molly Howard, Dylan Harper, Mitchell Harper, Branson Howard, Sawyer Howard, Presley Howard, Micah Howard, Jace Howard, Ella Jean McCloud, Amelia Slayten, and Henry Slayten.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Henry Blommel, who passed away in 2001.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Dan Howard will officiate. Burial will follow in the Lyonsville Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Whitewater Valley Arts Association. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Mary E. Weaver

MARY E. WEAVER

Mary E. Weaver, 96, of Connersville, passed away Friday morning, August 20, 2021, at Heritage House of Connersville where she had been a resident for the last five months.

One of two children of Roy and Laura Huston Shields, Mary was born on July 2, 1925, in Connersville and attended school in Harrisburg.

On November 27, 1943, she was married in Connersville to John J. Weaver. They were lifelong residents of Connersville. Mr. Weaver passed away in 2010.

Mary was a devoted housewife and mother and alongside her husband attended St. Gabriel Church. for many years, she was a Fayette County 4-H leader .In her leisure time, Mary enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, solving word puzzles, and talking on the telephone with family and friends.

Survivors include a daughter, Patty Ammerman of Connersville; a son, Joseph Weaver of Glenwood; three grandchildren, Rusty Ammerman of Fort Wayne, Josh Weaver, and Kara Gibbs (Patrick Mollaun), all of Connersville; five great-grandchildren, Aiden Gibbs, Elijah Weaver, Braxon and Brielle Mollaun, and Jarron Weaver; numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband of 66 years, John Weaver, Mary is preceded in death by a brother, Emerson Shields; and two half-brothers, John and Elmer Simmons.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Reverend Dustin Boehm at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery. A prayer service will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. with visitation to follow until 6 p.m. on Friday, August 27, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Mary to the St. Gabriel Endowment Fund.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Black bear found dead near road in Northern Indiana

DNR press release

DNR recovered the body of a black bear north of Bristol in Elkhart County on Wednesday.

The bear was found near a toll road and was in an advanced state of decomposition. DNR staff delivered the remains to the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL) at Purdue for necropsy to determine cause of death. Preliminary results revealed the bear had many fractured bones, injuries that DNR mammalogist Brad Westrich says are consistent with a vehicle collision.

“It is unfortunate that for many in Elkhart County this was their first experience observing a black bear,” Westrich said. “It’s well documented that wild animals are commonly killed on roadways, and it’s a shame that Indiana’s fifth black bear in modern history met this fate.”

DNR had not received reports of black bears in the area before finding this bear.

Hair and tissue samples will be analyzed to determine where the black bear originated. It was not the same black bear that had previously visited southern Indiana earlier this summer. Bear reports in that region have stopped coming to Indiana DNR, and Westrich says it has probably moved on to Kentucky, based on confirmed sightings received from Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources.

Indiana was once home to black bears. Bear populations in neighboring states are expanding, and Indiana’s forests and hills, primarily located in the southern portion of the state, are excellent habitat for black bears.

If you see a bear, report it to the DNR at on.IN.gov/largemammal. Biologists use these reports to monitor bear activity and provide recommendations to local residents.

Learn more about black bears, those that have visited Indiana, and tips for living with bears at wildlife.IN.gov/wildlife-resources/animals/black-bear/.

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Obituary for Viola H. Mullins

VIOLA H. MULLINS

Viola H. Mullins, 95, of Liberty, passed away on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at Reid Health.  She was born on December 28, 1925, in Puncheon, Kentucky, and is the daughter of the late Randell Eppie Holbrook and Lizzie Hall Holbrook.

She married Jack Mullins on July 11, 1947, and they were able to share 40 years together before he passed in October 1987.

Viola retired from Ford Visteon. After retirement, Viola enjoyed traveling, she especially loved to visit Gatlinburg. She loved to watch television shows that were based in Alaska. Viola would sit and watch the animals in the nature and feed them often. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

She will be greatly missed by her daughter, Gail Mullins, of Liberty; her sister, Geraldine Slone; two grandchildren, Andrew Hogan and Heather Brenegan, along with many nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, Viola was preceded in death by her sisters, Maranie Holbrook, Frankie Holbrook, Rushie Thornsberry and Amlean Thornsberry, and her brothers, Cuddie Holbrook, Arnold Holbrook, Elford Holbrook, Zee Holbrook, Oceanus Holbrook and an infant brother.

Visitation for Viola will be held on Tuesday, August 24, 2021, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, Connersville.  The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave the family a personal message visit www.urbanwinklerfuneralhome.com.

Obituary for Virginia Irene Luecke

VIRGINIA IRENE LUECKE

Virginia Irene Luecke, 85, of Connersville, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, August 19, 2021.

One of eight children of the late Sam and Virginia Thenis Kelley, Virginia was born in Connersville on March 3, 1936. She graduated from Connersville High School with the class of 1954.

On June 5, 1954, Virginia married Fred Luecke in First Baptist Church of Connersville. They were able to spend almost 50 years together. Mr. Luecke passed away on March 8, 2004.

Virginia was a member of First Baptist Church since 1950. In her leisure time, she enjoyed weekly Bunco games with her girlfriends and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also played on a bowling league for many years. Virginia retired from Ford Electronics & Refrigeration Corp., Salaried Personnel Department, January 1997, after 30 years of service.

Survivors include two sons, Randy Luecke of Richmond and Gregg Luecke of Mexico; three grandchildren, Jennifer (Skip) Lewis of Richmond, Angela (Brandon) Boughner of Connersville and Justen Luecke of Abington; two great-grandchildren, Nicolas Lewis and Ciera Evans; a great-great grandson, Silas Roberts; and a brother, Sam Kelley of California. She is blessed with several nieces, nephews, and cousins who include Mary Alice and Clyde Roberts of Connersville.

Besides her husband, Fred Luecke, Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; and six siblings, Ruth Sandman, Anna Mae Sandman, Paul Robert Kelley, Kenneth Kelley, Elbert Samuel Kelley, and Donald Kelley.

Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. Reverend Mal Gibson will officiate. Burial will follow in Dale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church of Connersville and friends are welcome to leave online condolences anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for John C. Engle

JOHN C. ENGLE

John Engle, age 72, of Sunman, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 19, 2021, surrounded by family on their farm.

John was born on February 25, 1949, in Perry County, Kentucky, a son to Filmore and Tressie York Engle. He was the youngest of seven siblings. John married the love of his life, Barbara Lakes Engle on March 2, 1968. John and Barbara met while John was working for Barbara’s father at his filling station. Together, they raised three children. John was a graduate of Sunman High School and he started working at a young age at a filling station in Sunman. He then served four years in the United States Air Force. He also worked as a mechanic at the Ford Garage in Brookville and then in Batesville. John also worked for 25 years as an Industrial Mechanic at Fernald, and during his time there, he served on the Fernald Fire Department and was an ERT.

John was a simple man. He was always happy with the bare minimum. He always told his grandkids that all they needed for their birthday was, “One cupcake and one candle.” John loved hunting, fishing, farming, and tinkering on tractors, especially Massey Fergusons. His most prized possessions were his family farm and his family, who he loved spending time with the most. He loved telling stories, had a good sense of humor, and had his own lingo for things.

Those surviving who will cherish John’s memory include his wife of more than 53 years, Barbara Engle of Sunman; three children, Greg (Jennifer) Engle of Sunman, Tina Murray (Jim Wells) of Guilford, and Susan Caudill (Gerald Martin) of Batesville; nine grandchildren, Megan (Jake), Brittany, David, Alyssia (Jon), Scott, Skylar, Johnathan, Austin, and Carson; three great-grandchildren, Hailey, Aubree, and one on the way; 2 brothers, Roger and Arlis; and two sisters, Viola and Betty Jo. John was preceded in death by both of his parents, Filmore and Tressie; two sisters, Lucille and Maxine; as well as one brother, Felix.

Friends may visit with the family on Monday, August 23, 2021, at Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home, 107 Vine Street, Sunman, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in Evangelical Union Cemetery immediately after the service. Memorial contributions can be directed to Loving Hearts Hospice, Sunman Rural Fire Department, or to Sunman Area Life Squad.

To sign the online guestbook or to leave personal memories, please visit www.cookrosenberger.com. The staff of Cook Rosenberger Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Engle.

Mandatory masks may be in FCCSC students’ near future

By John Estridge

Franklin County Community School Corporation Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting Monday afternoon, August 23.

First on the school board’s 5:30 p.m. agenda is “discussion on COVID-19 procedures.” That could be a discussion about making masks mandatory at the schools within the system. Or some other safety procedures could be discussed by the board members.

There were 22 new COVID cases in Franklin County out of 128 tested for a positivity rate of 17 percent on Friday, August 20. FC is designated next to the worst level in the state regarding percentage of people testing positive per 100,000 residents. Friday’s numbers for the state were 4,120 new cases and 14 deaths attributed to the virus.

After the board members discuss the procedures, they will take a tour of the new music suite and gymnasium upgrades at Franklin County High School.

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