Obituary for David Morton Lee

DAVID MORTON LEE

David Morton Lee, age 66, of Brookville, died Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at his residence in Brookville following a hard battle with cancer.  

Born December 20, 1955, in Greensburg, he was the son of Morton L. ‘Dodo’ Lee and Norma (Lovins) Thompson. On September 4, 1973, he and the former Debra Myers were united in marriage, and she survives.

Dave was employed at the former Brookville Concrete for many years, and its successor, IMI for more than 31 years.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing; spending time with family and teasing his grandchildren. 

Besides Debbie, his loving wife of 49 years, survivors include two children, Jamie (Brooke) Lee and Lesley Lee all of Brookville; his mother, Norma Thompson; a sister Vickie Ratliff of Laurel; a brother, Gary Lee of Florida; six grandchildren, Hannah Bolling, Jacob Bolling, Brady Lee, Jace Lee, Bella Lee, Bryce Lee; as well as his father-in-law, Robert Myers of Brookville.

He was preceded in death by his father, Morton L. ‘Dodo’ Lee, a brother, Robert E. Lee; brother-in-law, Jerry Ratliff; mother-in-law, Margery Myers.

Family and friends may visit from 3 till 8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Ave., Brookville.

Rev. Rob Edwards will officiate the Funeral Services Wednesday, July 20, 2022, 11 a.m., at Buena Southern Missionary Baptist Church, 25220 Chapel Road, Laurel, Indiana. Burial will follow in Sims Cemetery in New Fairfield. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Lee family. To sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Brookville Town Council receives Stop Work Order on Zimmer Building

By John Estridge from The Franklin County Observer

According to the Franklin County Observer, the Franklin County Area Plan Commission issued a Stop Work order at the former Zimmer Building Wednesday night, July 13.

The reason for the Stop Work order is the contractor and/or town officials did not secure the needed-by-law building permits before starting construction work on the property. The order comes from both the Indiana State Fire Marshal and the Franklin County Building Inspector.

Brookville residents were forced to purchase the property by the Brookville Town Council. Council, under the auspices of BTC President Curtis Ward, also utilized a fairly new Indiana law where the town does not have to go through the public bidding process.

A bond was issued to pay for the purchase of the Zimmer Building and the extensive remodel of that building. Taxpayers will be forced to pay back the bond and interest on the bond.

Early Tuesday morning Brookville Town Council member Chuck Campbell was arrested in Brookville on felony battery on a public safety official and misdemeanor resisting arrest.

Earlier, Ward and Campbell were investigated by the Indiana State Police for Conflict of Interest regarding the town’s taxpayers being forced to purchase the Brook Hill Golf Course aka Pig in a Poke Golf Course while both council members own property adjacent to the golf course.

Obituary for Trae Wesley Neukam

TRAE WESLEY NEUKAM

Trae Wesley Neukam, 29, of Connersville passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. He was born in Connersville, on November 4, 1992, to Kevin Neukam and Christal Bunch Dunaway.

Trae was a 2011 Connersville High School graduate. While in attendance, he participated in the boys’ basketball and baseball programs. He was currently employed at GEMCO Construction where he installed HVAC systems. Trae had been attending Crosspointe Biker Church in Connersville.

Trae had a tremendous love for sports. His love began at a young age while playing baseball and continued as an adult playing softball. Trae took pleasure in playing a game of 3-on-3 basketball with his friends. He enjoyed relaxing in the outdoors, kayaking, playing cornhole, and fishing. If he wasn’t at work, he was spending time with his family. The love that Trae had for his daughter, Madilyn, was incomparable. Trae was a good man with a heart of gold, he had a contagious smile, and his laugh echoed everywhere he went.

He will be thought of often by his mother and stepfather, Christal (Denny) Dunaway; his father, Kevin Neukam; and his daughter, Madilyn Traely Marie Neukam. Those that he has left behind to cherish his love and memories are his sisters, Reygan (Logan) Seale, Abby Dunaway, and Paige Dunaway; brothers, Logan Neukam and Aaron Dunaway; nephews, Jaxon and Rowan Seale; maternal grandparents, James and Vicki Burns and Earl and Carol Mosier; paternal grandfather, Terry Neukam; honorary grandmother, Kay Rosenberger; great grandmother, Barbara Bunch; his Godfather Keith Wedmore; and his companion, Katelann Basham. 

He is preceded in death by a stepfather, Travis Over; paternal grandmother, Betty Sue Gregg; great grandfather, Lowell Bunch; and his honorary grandfather Keith Rosenberger.

Friends and family may gather on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville, from 1 to 4 pm. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday July 18, 2022, at 11 am. Burial will follow at Everton Cemetery. 

Obituary for Robert F. Young Sr.

ROBERT F. YOUNG SR.

Connersville native Robert F. Young Sr., 93, died Monday, July 11, 2022 at Reid Health in Richmond.

Bob was born to Francis A. and Elizabeth A. Hines Young on May 8, 1929. He was a devoted trucker for IRC&D, serving the company for 40 years until his retirement. He married the late Bertha E. Johnson Young who passed in 2003. Bob was a faithful member of Everton Southern Baptist Church where he met Loretta. He married the former Loretta Short at the church on November 19, 2016. Bob enjoyed fishing, watching westerns in his favorite chair, going out to dinner, and spending time with his wife and family. He will be remembered as a man who would help anyone. He will be missed by his friends and family.

In addition to his wife of five years, Bob is survived by his children and their spouses: Robert Young Jr., and Cindy, Deborah Bargo and Matthew; step-children: Robin Short and Beverly; Rae Jean Klingenberger and Steve; grandchildren: Tony Bargo, Heather Young Rhodes, Chad Young; great-grandchildren: Macey Rhodes, Ellie Rhodes, and Madelyn Rhodes; several nieces and nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents: Francis and Elizabeth; brother; Marion Young; sister: Alta Lone.

A funeral service will be conducted at 12:30 p.m., Friday, July 15, 2022, at Showalter Blackwell Long, Myers Chapel, Connersville with Robin Short officiating. Friends may visit the funeral home from 11a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Everton Southern Baptist Church in Bob’s honor

Obituary for Verdie L. Morgan

VERDIE L. MORGAN

Verdie L. Morgan, age 87, formerly of Connersville, passed away on July 9, 2022, at Ridgewood Health in Lawrenceburg. Verdie was one of 12 children born to the late Shirley J. and Allie Smith Smith, on November 12, 1934, in Manchester, Clay County, Kentucky.

She was united in marriage on May 5, 1952, to Willie Morgan in Hamilton, Ohio. There were able to spend 49 years together before his passing in 2001. They were blessed with three daughters.

Prior to her marriage, she had worked at Wendover Nurses Quarters as the cleaning lady. She also had worked at a salesclerk at Woolworths. 

She attended Hope Baptist Church in Sunman. She enjoyed sewing, embordering, reading, playing card games, working on puzzles and playing checkers. Above all she loved to spend time with her family.

Her love and memories will be cherished by her daughters, Wanda (David) Earlywine and Beverly (Bill) Farmer; grandchildren, Becky (Tracy) Jefferson, Kim (Jeremy) Hudelson, Joseph “Shane” (Rhonda) Farmer and Jordan (Charles) Collins; and great grandchildren, Wesley Farmer, Terran, Tatum and Tinsley Jefferson.  Verdie will be thought of often by her brothers, Jackie (Shirley) Smith and Bobby (Deb) Smith: a sister, Ruth (Doc) Williams; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by a daughter, Christine Morgan; brothers, Harold Smith, Shirley Smith, Jr., Carl Smith, Calvin R. Smith, Mearl J. Smith, and Angelo Smith; sisters Ruby Mae Nance and Kathleen Smith; and a great grandchild, Talia Jefferson.

Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville, on Thursday July 14, 2022, from 11 am to 1 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 pm with Pastor Kelly Barnes officiating. Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.

Obituary for Berdella Harding

BERDELLA HARDING

Berdella Harding, age 85, formerly of Connersville, passed away on July 10, 2022, at Bethlehem Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation in Fort Wayne. She was born on May 25, 1937, in Williamstown, Kentucky, the daughter of Weslie and Katie Oder Howard.

She was united in marriage with Robert F. Harding on September 5, 1953, in Covington, Kentucky. They were able to spend 45 years together before his passing in 1999. They were blessed with four children.

She had worked as a waitress and bartender at the Lamplight Café and Lodge Café for several years.  She was a member of the Fayette County Senior Center and American Legion.

She has left behind to cherish her love and memories, a daughter, Cynthia Harding of Fort Wayne; two grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by a daughter, Candace Lynn Harding; two sons, Bruce Wayne Harding and Robert Allen Harding; brothers, Wendall, Ralph, Allen, Richard and Harry Howard; and sisters, Ella Howard, Brenda Allen and Wanda King.

Per Berdella’s wishes, private services will be conducted at the convenience of the family.

Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist Berdella’s family with the arrangements.

Brookville Town Council member arrested for Battery on a Public Safety Official and Resisting Arrest

By John Estridge

Brookville Town Council member Charles E. “Chuck” Campbell Jr. was arrested for Felony Battery on a Public Safety Official and Resisting Arrest.

Campbell, 62, Maple Grove Road, Brookville, was at Riverfront Apartments when he was arrested. The arrest came at 1:49 a.m., Tuesday, July 12.

The arresting officer was Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy D. Huntsman. The Battery on a Public Safety Official is a Level 6 Felony while Resisting Arrest is a class B misdemeanor.

If convicted of a Level 6 Felony, Campbell could receive a sentence of six months to 2.5 years in prison. A class B misdemeanor conviction brings with it a sentence of up to six months in jail.

Obituary for Barbara Ann Estes

BARBARA ANN ESTES

Barbara Ann Estes, 78 of Fayette County, passed away on July 9, 2022, at her home surrounded by family.

She was born on September 17, 1943, in Eaton, Ohio to the late Thomas James and Cora Lee (Issacs) Flannery. Barbara married Junior Lee Estes on September 23, 1961, and he survives. She enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and being in her flower garden. Barbara was a loving wife and mother all through her life. She thoroughly enjoyed time spent with her children and grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Terry Lee (Theresa) Estes of Franklin County; daughters, Debbie (Michael) Keal of Connersville, Brenda (Paul) Murray of Greensburg, Euphemia (Paul) Crabtree of Manilla and Wanda (Robert) Vaughn of Fayette County. She will also be missed by her sister, Margaret Tincher of Kentucky; 11 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, sister, two brothers and her granddaughter, Rochelle Howe.

Services will be held on Wednesday, July, 13, 2022, at 2 p.m. in Moster Mortuary, with Brother Rob Edwards presiding. Friends are welcome to visit the family 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, at Buena Southern Missionary Baptist Church, 25220 Chapel Rd, Laurel, IN 47024. Burial will be held in Orange Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Association, American Diabetes Association or American Heart Association.

Obituary for Angela French

ANGELA FRENCH

Angela French, age 55, of Connersville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on July 7, 2022, at Reid Health in Richmond. She was born on December 29, 1966, in Connersville, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Gaynell Louise Crawley Burch. 

She was united in marriage on April 13, 1985, to Gerald French at the Lakeview Pentecostal Church. They were blessed with 37 years together. 

Angela was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved the Lord and enjoyed making crafts. She was very devoted to her family. Her grandchildren were her life.

In addition to her husband, Gerald, she will be thought of often by a daughter, Jessica (Chuck) Taylor; two sons, Josh (Misty) French and Joseph Lee Burch; a brother Ottis (Mary) Burch; 10 grandchildren; brothers in law, Leonard Harris and John Gray; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Pauline Harris and Deborah Gray; and a brother, Danny Burch.

Funeral services will be conducted at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville, on Wednesday July 13, 2022, at 1 pm. Friends and family may gather from 11 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Laurel North Cemetery.