Indiana Department of Transportation press release
Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Enneking Pressure Cleaning Inc. plans to begin work as early as Tuesday, June 7, to complete a bridge deck overlay project on Indiana 229 over Interstate-74 in Batesville. Motorists can expect lane closures and traffic shifts through late June.
The $279,000 contract also includes a deck overly on the Ind. 229 bridge over Salt Creek located just south of U.S. 52 near Metamora. Both projects are scheduled to be complete by early August. INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and consider worker safety when traveling through active construction zones.
David Matthew “Big Dave” Downard, age 60, of Metamora, died Friday August 27, 2021, at Christ Hospital on Cincinnati, Ohio; where he had fought a hard battle and been inpatient for 51 days.
Born November 16, 1960, in Batesville, he was one of 11 children born to the late Thomas and Nancy Carol (Watterson) Downard. He was a United States Army Veteran and had worked for Shamrock Enterprises where he was a plumber and serviced commercial pools.
He was a member of Scipio United Baptist Church, where he was baptized. In his leisure time, his greatest joy was time spent with his family and friends. He also loved fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening, collecting guns, knives and marbles.
Survivors include a son, David Alexander Downard; his companion, Rosemary (Snider) Downard; two sisters, Donna (Gary) Cook of Brookville, Ruby Erjavec of Fruitland Park, Florida; three brothers, Roger (Ruthann) Downard of Metamora, Bruce (Kim) Downard of Brookville and Michael Downard of Hamilton, Ohio.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Jane Downard, Joyce Jordan and her husband, Walter; three brothers; Tim, Donnie, and Phillip Downard; as well as a sister-in-law, Sue Downard and a brother-in-law, Jim Erjavec.
Family and friends are invited to the memorial services on Saturday, June 4, 2022, 11 a.m. at Scipio United Baptist Church, 7999 Cincinnati-Brookville Road Okeana, Ohio 45053. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Downard family to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Brandon Cole Jones, age 25 of Freetown, passed away on May 28, 2022. Born in New Castle, on February 13, 1997, he is the son of Cary Grant and Tammie Sue James Jones.
Brandon is a graduate of Brownstown Central High School. He enjoyed fishing, kayaking, riding 4-wheelers and playing video games. He loved spending time with his son and family.
He was partners with his father framing houses and was an accomplished carpenter.
Those that he has left behind to cherish his memories include his parents, Cary and Tammie; his son, Forrest Jones; brother, Hunter James Jones; paternal grandparents, James and Sylvia Jones; maternal grandmother, Becky James; aunts and uncles including Pennie (Greg Foster) McCreery and Sonny and Frances Jones; several cousins including , Matthew, Adam, Danny, Mackenzie, Travis, Vanessa, Samantha, Morgan and Trae; and Caselee Reynolds, who he loved as his own and her mother Destiny.
He is preceded by his maternal grandfather, Frank James.
Friends and family may gather on Saturday June 4, 2022, from 10 am to 1 pm at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 pm with Pastor Jeff Meadows officiating. Burial will follow at Orange Cemetery.
Judy K. Strohmier, age 70, of Brookville, died Saturday, May 28, 2022, at the home of her son in Brookville.
Born June 20, 1951, in Batesville, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Catherine (Knecht) Hertel. On October 24, 1970, she was united in marriage to Gary Wayne Strohmier, and he preceded her in death on February 23, 2022.
A homemaker, Judy was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Brookville, as well as the Daughters of Isabella St. Catherine Circle. She enjoyed scrapbooking, puzzles, and she cherished time spent with her grandchildren.
Survivors include three children, Chris (Marcia) Strohmier of Edgewood, Kentucky, Beth Anderson of Brookville, and Phil (Tina) Strohmier of Brookville, six grandchildren, Brittany Anderson, Helena Strohmier, Chelsey Anderson, Brady Anderson, Jason Strohmier, and Justice Strohmier; two sisters, Bernice Kirschner of Brookville, and Pat Steffen of Pompano Beach, Florida; as well as a brother Tom Hertel of Brookville.
In addition to her parents, and husband Gary, she was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Hertel.
Family and friends may visit from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Ave., Brookville.
Rev. Vincent Lampert will officiate the Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 11 a.m., at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 145 East St. Michaels Blvd., Brookville. Burial will then follow in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Brookville.
Memorial contributions may be directed to FC CAN or St. Michaels Church. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Strohmier family. To sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Paul E. Hill II, 56, of Connersville, passed away Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Indiana University Health. In failing health, he had been living with his parents for the last four years.
He was born June 16, 1965, in Connersville to Paul E. and Doris Boils Hill, and he attended Connersville High School.
A veteran, he served in the Army National Guard for eight years, and he was called to serve during Operation Desert Storm.
Paul had previously worked at Philco-Ford in Connersville. After his time at Philco-Ford, he worked at Pilkington in Shelbyville, until he was no longer able due to failing health.
He had been a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Connersville and had also attended several other local churches.
He was very musical, often playing his guitar. An outdoorsman, he loved camping and fishing. When he wasn’t outside, he enjoyed learning about antiques on television through shows such as “Antiques Roadshow.”
A craftsman, Paul loved working with his hands. One instance of his handiwork included a homemade wagon for his younger brothers that he would pull them in. Occasionally, someone would fall out, but that was always fun too.
Mechanically inclined, he spent time working on vehicles.
A food connoisseur, he loved cooking (and especially eating). He always loved a good homecooked meal.
Survivors include his parents; children, Dustin Hill, Logan Hill, and step-son Ryan Estes, all of Connersville, and Cody (Courtney) Hill of Liberty; two grandchildren, Brooke and Boston Hill; four siblings, Tracie (Brad) Bever of Glenwood, Nathan Hill of Connersville, Jason (Hannah) Hill of Otwell, and Amanda (Danny) Floyd of Connersville; nieces and nephews, Jacob (Kori) Bever and their children Barrett and Brylin, Hannah (Scott) Brock and their child Beckett, Haylee (Matthew) French, Hollie (Ty) McClanahan, A.J., Ethan, Macy, and Indy Hill, Dee Jay, Asher, and Nova Floyd; the mothers of his children, Billie Jo Norman and Megan Bare; former wife, Heather Lee; and former wife and soul mate, Paula Hackworth Marcum. Survivors also include cousins in the Connersville area, Rita Hughett and family, Kevin (Jill) Yaryan and family, Robin Yaryan and family, Lance Sullivan and family, Matthew (Kim) Sullivan and family, and Misty (Tom) Thompson and family; an aunt, Donna (Jim) Gough; and many other beloved family members out of state.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Nelson and Gladys Marlow Hill and his maternal grandparents, Willie and Jewell Melton Boils.
Friends may visit from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. with Reverend Jeremy C. Touchet, Pastor Dave Trout, and Joel Connaway officiating. Burial will be at Lick Creek Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Edith Faye Peters, 86, of Laurel, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Brookville Healthcare Center, Brookville, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born April 5, 1936, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Gale and Elizabeth Laws Goodman.
On August 15, 1953, she married Arthur Peters, Jr. in Hamilton, Ohio. Arthur Peters, Jr. passed away on November 11, 2012. This beloved couple was married 59 years.
A devoted Christian, wife, and mother, Edith gave birth and cared for nine children since the age of 19. One child, Mark Allen, passed away at the age of seven on December 2, 1970, due to cancer.
Edith enjoyed gardening, cooking, and listening to music. A Sunday school teacher, her heart’s desire was to bring children to love and know the Lord. She did all these things all the while providing a loving home for her family. Edith loved being surrounded by her family whether it was at home on Kokomo Hill Road or when she traveled to Hamilton, Ohio, to spend time with her mom and siblings which she was most fond of. Lots of love and laughter was shared during these times.
Throughout Edith’s life, she has shown the “fruits of the Spirit” as the Bible speaks of in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
She is survived by eight children: Victoria Lynn Wilson and her husband Perry of Brookville, Randall Lee Peters and his wife Sandy of Claremore, Oklahoma, James Arthur Peters and his wife Roxanne of Safford, Arizona, Elizabeth Ann Lewis of Andersonville, Joseph Andrew Peters and his wife Lynn of Laurel, Jonathon Ray Peters of Laurel, Jillian Kay Isaac and her husband Jason of Connersville, and Rebecca Faye Vail of Brookville. Survivors also include 22 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. She was also blessed with a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins she was most fond of.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Mark Allan Peters; sisters, Marcella Harding, Mable O’Neill, and Shirley Lindsay; brothers, Ernest Durbin and Darrell Goodman; and sons-in-law, Douglas Lewis and Eddie Vail.
Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 28, 2022, in Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home where friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Pastor Randy Edwards of the Elm Grove Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at the Rose Hill Burial Park in Hamilton, Ohio.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
Cynthia Moore, age 73, of Connersville went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday morning May 27, 2022, with her daughter by her side. Born in Richmond, on December 5, 1948, she is the daughter of the late J. E. J. and Phyllis June Story Kinnevey.
Cynthia was a member of the Crosspointe Biker Church. She was a loving mother and grandmother who loved to travel, telling tall tales, crocheting, dancing, listening to a variety of music and loved pets.
She will be thought of often by her children, Molly Whitlock, Fonsie Patterson and Irvin Hamilton. She is also survived by a brother, Gary Lee “Pete” Johnson; sister Mary Catherine Kinnevey; 19 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her granddaughter, Jennifer Patterson, daughter in law, Kacy Dawn Hamilton and her stepfather, John R. Kinnevey.
Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street on Tuesday May 31, 2022, from 5 to 7 pm. Services will follow at 7 pm with Pastor Chris Lovett officiating.
Donald Lawrence Ash, age 88, passed away at his home on Wednesday May 25, 2022. Donald was born on January 24, 1934, in the Columbia Community of Fayette County. He was the son of the late Thomas Mann and Maudie Lykins Ash.
On September 8, 1981, he married Rena Vail Ash. They shared 38 years together before she passed in 2020.
He joined the United State Marine Corps in 1955, and attained the rank of Corporal before his Honorable Discharge in 1958.
Donald retired after 37 years of service from Philco/Ford in 1987, where he had served as a Union Steward. After retirement he built fence and was known as a “Jack of all trades.” He was a member of Indiana Trail Riders Association and Mule Skinners Association of Indiana.
Donald was an avid horseman. He enjoyed trail riding and when he was younger, he enjoyed showing horses. Most of all, he was a family man. He always put his family first.
He will be thought of often by his children, Rick (Kathy) Ash of Rushville, Donald “Donnie” (Barb) Ash of Upland, Doug (Melena) Ash of Andersonville, Robin Dice of Indianapolis, Melonie Lucas of Glenwood, Douglas Ash of Cincinnati and Latosha (Shawn) Tanklsey of Glenwood. He as also had many memories with his sister, Bertha Poe; seven grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; mother of his children, Ada Joan Wise; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, two sisters and a grandson, Donald A. Ash, II.
Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, Tuesday May 31, 2022, from 11 am to 1 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 pm. Burial will follow at Columbia Cemetery.
James L. “Jim” Caldwell, age 87, passed away on Friday morning, May 27, 2022, surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Connersville on September 30, 1934, the son of the late Frank and Wilma Geise Caldwell.
He graduated from Connersville High School in 1953. After graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corp where he attained the rank of Corporal. During his service, he served in Korea for a year and was Honorably Discharged in 1961.
On November 18, 1956, in Connersville, he married Renie Townsend. They were able to spend 65 years together and were blessed with six children.
Upon returning home from the Marine Corps, he worked at Rex Manufacturing, Roots Blower, and D & M in Connersville and M & D in Cambridge City. He graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, where over the years he completed 35 specialized courses. Jim joined the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department on January 1, 1969. During his 23 years of service, he served as the elected sheriff for four years. After leaving the Sheriff’s Department, he worked at the Prosecutors Office as an investigator for eight years.
He is a lifetime member of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association and served his fellow Veterans by honoring them as a member of the Fayette County Honor Guard for many years.
He was a longtime member of ICHA Church of the Bible Covenant. Jim loved to play the guitar. Not a day went by that you wouldn’t hear him playing. He also enjoyed playing the piano, singing and spending time with his family.
Jim’s memories and love will be forever cherished by his wife, Renie; son, Ricky (Sandra Hurley) Caldwell; daughters, Rebecca (Scott) Johnson, Regina “Genie” Cotten; Julia (John) Ward and Sherrill (James) Montel; sister, Sherry Christensen; daughter in law, Tammy Caldwell; 16 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded by his son, Daniel “Danny” Caldwell; brother, Paul Caldwell; a granddaughter, Angela Joy; a great grandson, Elijah Gough; and brother in law, Ken Christensen.
Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, on Wednesday June 1, 2022, from 4 to 8 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at ICHA Church of the Bible Covenant, 2409 Indiana Ave, Connersville on Thursday June 2, 2022, at 11 am. Burial with military graveside services by the Fayette County Honor Guard will follow at Dale Cemetery.
William D. Frye, age 65, of Laurel, died unexpectedly Monday, May 23, 2022, at his residence in Laurel.
Born August 20, 1956, in Connersville, he was the son of the late William G. and Julia (Bray) Frye. He was a veteran of the United States Army. On September 13, 1997, he and the former Beth Allen were united in marriage, and she survives.
He was retired, having worked in local factories. In his leisure time, he enjoyed being with his family, the outdoors, as well as listening to WLW on the radio.
Besides Beth, his wife of 25 years, he is survived by two children, Derek (Brittany) Frye of Hamilton, Ohio and Leslie Frye of Brookville; three grandchildren; Karlee Fuson, Blake Frye and Ryanne Stephens; three brothers, David Frye of Texas, Jeff Frye of Greensburg, and Steve Frye of Pendleton; two sisters-in-law, Tonya Hicks of Batesville, and Michelle Allen of Laurel; two nephews, Brandon Hicks of Utah and Kevin Hicks of Batesville.
Memorial Services will be conducted at the convenience of the family. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Frye family. To sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
