Patsy Lou Snyder, age 82, of Brookville, died unexpectedly, Saturday January 22, 2022, in the Emergency Department at McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Ohio.
Born October 10, 1939, in Rights Corner near Manchester, she was the daughter of the late Olin and Nellie (Goldsberry) Mulvany. On December 26, 1958, she was united in marriage to Carroll Snyder, and he survives.
She had been employed at Honeywell Aerospace for many years. In her leisure time, she enjoyed gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed antiques and had bought and sold antiques for many years.
Besides Carroll, her husband of more than 63 years, survivors include two daughters, Tracy Martinez of Oklahoma and Cindi Snyder of San Diego, California; four grandchildren, Callé, Camille, Tarrah, Sean; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Beverly Freeman of Connersville.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Troy Martinez, as well as a brother, Donald Mulvany.
Private services will be held for the family. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Snyder family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences to the family please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.
Randy Downard passed away in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 6, 2022, at his home in Daleville, surrounded by his wife and children.
Randy was born on October 13, 1953, to his parents Bill and Cheryl Downard. He grew up in Brookville, and would later attend Ball State University. He married his wife Cindy, and they raised their children Cathy and Kevin in Daleville. Randy passionately defended the rights of his fellow postal workers for many years. He supported the USPS in letter sorting and the Bulk Mail Room. Ultimately, he served as a National Business Agent of the American Postal Workers Union.
He was preceded in death by parents Franklin (Bill) Downard and Cheryl Elizabeth Downard, and his sister Pamela Zepic. Randy is missed and loved by his wife and children, his brothers Michael Downard of Beech Grove and Christopher (Carol) Downard of LaFayette, countless friends, and his miniature dachshund, Frankie.
A celebration of life will be announced in the near future according to his wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest the Lupus Foundation or the Animal Protection League.
Kaleb A.R. Buckler, 22, Brookville, had to be aircared from the scene after the vehicle he was driving was struck head-on on Interstate 74 in eastern Decatur County.
According to an Indiana State Police press release early Tuesday morning, January 25, the Indiana State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on I-74 in rural Decatur County, that resulted in the death of a Greensburg man.
The initial investigation, being conducted by the Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team, indicated that at approximately 6 am this morning, a 2003 Buick being driven by Daryl W. Jackson, age 66, Greensburg, was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-74 near the 140-mile marker in eastern Decatur County. Jackson’s vehicle collided head on with a westbound 2012 Chevrolet, being driven by Buckler.
Jackson sustained fatal injuries in the collision. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Decatur County Coroner’s Office. Buckler sustained serious injuries in the crash. He was flown to an Indianapolis area hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Witnesses reported seeing Jackson’s vehicle traveling the wrong direction for approximately five miles prior to the crash. Officers were attempting to catch up to Jackson’s vehicle when the crash occurred.
It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. Toxicology results are pending. The investigation is ongoing.
Provided by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
January 18
Dustin P. Riggle, 35, Arlington Drive, Batesville, was arrested at 3:15 p.m. at a location on East 5th Street, by Brookville Police Department Officer L. Richardson, for Driving while Suspended within 10 Years, Possession of Methamphetamine, Manufacture/Dealing Methamphetamine and Possession of Marijuana/Hash
January 19
Shawnee R. Buchanan, 23, West Serenity Parkway, Connersville, was arrested at 10:40 a.m., at Big Bear Road by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy B. Lecher on an Arrest Warrant.
Adrian M. Davis, 25, Barth Road, West Harrison was arrested at 3:18 p.m., at the Dearborn County Jail by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon on an Arrest Warrant.
January 21
Zachary T. Raybourne, 27, Hamilton, Ohio, was arrested at 1:25 p.m., at the Trumble Correctional Facility in Ohio, by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy R. Gordon on an Arrest Warrant.
January 24
James L. Centers, 50, Fourth Street, Aurora, was arrested at 10:26 a.m. at the Dearborn County Jail by Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Deputy A. Maxie on an Arrest Warrant.
Indiana Department of Transportation press release
Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP plans to close lanes and shift traffic next week at the I-74 bridges over the Whitewater River in Dearborn County. The bridges are located just under a mile west of U.S. 52 near the Ohio state line. Initial work took place in October to construct median crossovers that will be used to shift traffic across I-74.
On or after Tuesday, Feb. 1, I-74 will be reduced to one lane in each direction while crews complete striping and move concrete barrier wall. The work is expected to take up to three days, but may extend or be rescheduled due to weather.
Also on or after Feb. 1, the U.S. 52 ramp to I-74 WB (Exit 169) is scheduled to close so rehabilitation work can begin on the westbound bridge. The official detour will follow S.R. 46 to S.R. 1 at St. Leon where drivers may access westbound I-74.
As early as Thursday, Feb. 3, all westbound traffic will move to the eastbound side of I-74 via median crossover. One lane in each direction will be available for travel. This traffic pattern will remain in place until work on the westbound bridge is complete in the fall. Demolition of the westbound bridge is currently scheduled to begin on Feb. 7.
The $24.8 million contract was awarded to Milestone in September and includes replacing superstructures on both I-74 bridges. The overall completion date is June 25, 2024, with an intermediate completion date for both bridges in fall of 2023.
Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near all work zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.
Fr. Robert “Bob” Weakley, OFM, died January 23 at St. John the Baptist Friary in Cincinnati, Ohio. Fr. Bob, age 80, served as a teacher, pastor and chaplain and was known for his love for reading, walking and good conversation.
Born on March 31, 1941, in Peoria, Illinois, he was one of four children of Leo and Dorothy (Gerber) Weakley. He attended St. Boniface School in Peoria before starting high school at the Spalding Institute in Peoria in 1955. After one year, he transferred to St. Francis Seminary in Cincinnati, where he was graduated in 1959. Fr. Bob was invested as a novice at St. Anthony Shrine in 1960, receiving the religious name “Walter,” returned to “Robert” before ordination. After his first profession of vows in 1961, Fr. Bob entered Duns Scotus College in Southfield, Michigan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and made his solemn vows on Aug. 16, 1964. Fr. Bob received his Master of Divinity degree from St. Leonard College in Centerville, Ohio, where he was ordained to the priesthood on June 8, 1968.
His first assignment was as a teacher and head of the Religion Department at Cincinnati’s Roger Bacon High School from 1968 to 1976. During these years, he also earned a master’s degree in religion from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. in 1971 by attending summer classes. In 1976, he was assigned to Batesville, as associate pastor of St. Louis Parish. In 1980, he moved to Emporia, Kansas as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish.
Over the years Fr. Bob was assigned as pastor to a number of parishes throughout St. John the Baptist Province: Sacred Heart Parish in Calumet, Michigan (1986-92); St. Mary of Lourdes in Metamora, Illinois (1992-2001); and then back to St. Louis in Batesville (2001- 02). After preparing for the departure of the friars from St. Louis Parish, Fr. Bob took a well-earned sabbatical year. In 2003, he was named pastor of St. Michael Parish in Southfield, Michigan, which merged with other parishes in 2007 to become Transfiguration Parish. He remained there as pastor until 2009, when he moved back to his hometown of Peoria as pastor of Sacred Heart Parish from 2009 to 2012. He was then asked to serve as the director of priestly formation at Blessed Giles Friary in Chicago. In 2014, he began seven years of ministry as chaplain to the Franciscan Sisters of Oldenburg and guardian at Holy Family Friary.
Fr. Bob was also actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous, helping many, many people embrace and celebrate sobriety. Even in his last months of life, when he was no longer able to go out to AA meetings, he faithfully worked the program “one day at a time,” by staying in contact through Zoom meetings.
By February of 2021, Fr. Bob’s health was diminishing. He retired from active ministry after celebrating his 60-year jubilee as a friar. In July, his continuing decline led to a move to St. John the Baptist Friary to receive needed nursing care.
He is survived by sister-in-law Mary Weakley, brothers-in-law David Matranga and Dave Hall, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by friar classmates, Fr. Michael Chowning and Fr. Leonard Cornelius and his close friend, Sr. Aline Paris, RSM. In addition to his parents, he also preceded in death by his brother Michael and both of his sisters, Patricia Hall and Kathryn “Kay” Matranga.
Friars, family and friends will receive Fr. Bob’s body at Holy Family Church in Oldenburg, on Friday, January 28, at 9:30 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. with interment following in the friars’ section of Holy Family Cemetery. Memorials may be made in care of FriarWorks, 1615 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Personal expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family through Fr. Bob’s nephew, David Matranga II, 3911 South Fauser Lane, Mapleton, Illinois, 61547.
Paul R. Greer, age 73, of Connersville, passed away on Tuesday January 25, 2022, at Hickory Creek of Connersville. Paul was born in Batesville, on January 25, 1949, the son of the late Robert Faris and Francis Baker Greer.
He had worked at J & J Packaging and in the maintenance department of Elsie Dryer Nursing Home in Brookville and Hickory Creek of Greensburg. He enjoyed watching NASCAR racing with Ryan Neuman being his favorite driver. He also was an avid Colts fan and loved to talk about his car.
He will be missed by a daughter, Christy (Billy) Redd of Connersville; two sons, Jerry (Tonya) Greer and John Greer all of Connersville; two brothers, Joe (Judy) Greer of Greensburg and Ray Greer of Brookville; a sister, Eva Ludwig of South Dakota; six grandchildren, Desiree (Ricky) Pierce, Jordan Redd, Cole (Liz) Greer, Jacob Redd, Zackary Redd, and Chandler Redd; as well as a great grandson, Denver and a great grandson on the way.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded by a son, Jason Greer; a brother, Jimmy Dean Greer, Sr.; three sisters, Joan Greer, Betty Hyatt, and Evelyn Voght; a grandson, Jason Greer, Jr. and a great grandchild, Peyton Greer.
Kathy Griffin, age 57, passed away on Friday January 21, 2022, at her residence. Born on August 27, 1964, in West Virginia, she is the daughter of the late James and Betty Jones Hoke.
She was a member of the Everton Southern Baptist Church and had worked as a teacher’s aid and bus aid for the Fayette County Schools. She was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family, going to church, fishing, camping or just being outside.
She is survived by two daughters, Rebecca Parsley and Nicole (Isaiah) Napier both of Connersville; a son, James Griffin of Laurel; nine grandchildren, Kolten, Cody and MJ Griffin, Preston, Heaven and Landen Hudson, Jacob and Jacklynn Napier, and Andrionna Griffin.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded by a daughter, Melissa Isaacs; a son Luke Griffin and a granddaughter, Jaiden Griffin.
Family and friends may gather on Thursday January 27, 2022, from 5 to 7 pm at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville. Services will follow at 7 pm with (clergy) officiating.
Betty Lois Eldridge, affectionately known to her family as “Boppie,” passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday morning January 19, 2022, in Temple Terrace, Florida, where she had been residing the past month. Betty was born September 5, 1933, to Estil A Ralph and Ona M (Greer) Ralph in Whitesville, Kentucky.
Early in the 1940s, her family moved to Lake County, where Betty attended McKinley and Ross Elementary, Calumet Township Jr High and Horace Mann High School in Gary.
She excelled academically. Betty was a member of the Honor Society throughout high school and graduated with Academic and Vocational diplomas in 1951, ranking 7 in a class of 200 members. She received the Horace Mann Commerce Award, Academic Scholar of the Year Award and was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America.
On June 22, 1952, Betty was baptized into Christ at the Hessville Church of Christ in Hessville. Soon afterward, she met the love of her life, Howard Eldridge at a church event. They were married on September 1, 1956. Much work and three children soon followed. After Howard graduated from Purdue University School of Pharmacy in 1960, they settled down in Griffith, buying their first home. Two years later they were blessed with their fourth and final child.
In 1964, Betty and Howard moved to Connersville, to begin a new career in business. In 1969, they purchased Grandview Pharmacy, which was consolidated from the former Elliott Hood Drug Company, 1826 N Grand Avenue and Central Pharmacy, 633 Central Avenue.
Betty was busy raising a family, working at the family businesses and helping in the church and community. She was a longtime member of the Pleasant Hour Home Economics Club, a PTA officer at Eastview and Fayette Central Elementary schools, a Cub Scout Den Leader and Vice-President of Grandview Pharmacy.
She was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, embroiderer, hat-maker, quilter, cook and farm manager. In addition to all this, as an active member of the Connersville Church of Christ, she regularly taught Bible class on Sunday and Wednesday well into her 70s to dozens of children.
Her husband of 65 years, Howard, preceded her in death, her daughter Rhonda, her parents, Estil and Ona Ralph, and two brothers, Clifton and Dan. She is survived by a brother, Carrol, a sister, Janette and her three children, Ralph Eldridge (Lisa), Lori King (Jim) and Glenn Eldridge (Deidre). She is survived by 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be at the Connersville Church of Christ, 575 Erie Street on Saturday, January 29, beginning at 1 pm. The memorial service will begin at 2:30 pm, with burial to follow at Valley Grove Cemetery.
Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Danny Duane Clark, 85, of Connersville, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Indiana University Health Ball Memorial in Muncie.
A lifelong resident of Connersville, Danny was born December 13, 1936, one of three children of Charles M. and Ruth Simpson Clark. He was a 1955 graduate of Connersville High School.
A proud veteran, he served his country with the United States Army and was stationed on the 38th parallel in Korea.
On December 22, 1957, he married Doris Marie Pearcy in Central Christian Church. Mrs. Clark survives.
Danny was a tool and die maker for Stant Manufacturing for many years until 1988 when he became the department administrator for the tool and die department at Ford/Visteon until his retirement in 1998.
He was a faithful member of Central Christian Church where he had served as a deacon.
Danny was an avid golfer and recently enjoyed attending Bingo events with his wife. He also enjoyed woodworking, taking vacations with his family, and having family time on his pontoon boat at the Brookville Reservoir.
Survivors, besides his wife of 64 years, Doris Clark, include two children, Dawn (David) Niemiec of Costa Mesa, California and Darrin (Jenni Vise) Clark of Muncie; five grandchildren, Danielle (Jalen Orr) Niemiec, Brandon Niemiec, Amanda Niemiec, Tiffany Clark, and Olivia Clark; a great granddaughter, Kenley Orr; a sister, Connie Thompson of Jacksonville, Florida; two sisters-in-law, June Pearcy of Indianapolis and Jeanine Pearcy of Brownsburg; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Danny is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Larry D. Clark.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Central Christian Church with Pastor Greg Marvel officiating. Burial will be in Dale Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Fayette County Veterans Council. Friends may visit from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2022, at Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home and also at the church from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Danny to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Heart Association.
Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.
