Funeral Homes

March 24, 1964 – Jan. 8, 2023

Terry R. “TR” West Jr., 58, Warsaw, formerly of North Manchester, passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 8, 2023. The son of Terry and Marilyn (Quinn) West, TR was born on March 24, 1964, in San Diego, Calif.

After attending Manchester High School, TR entered the workforce by joining Eaton/Controls, where he was employed for 12 years. He then went to work at Dalton Foundry in Warsaw and spent 28 years there before taking a job at Zimmer-Biomet two years ago, which he called his retirement job.

On June 22, 1985, TR married the love of his life, Sharon Prater.

During their 37 years of marriage, they were blessed with many fond memories and one daughter, Whitney, as well as three grandchildren who they loved dearly. TR was a jokester with an incredible sense of humor, which was a gift he passed down to his daughter. He loved his family and always wanted to give them everything he possibly could. TR was a workaholic who never took vacations, allowing him to provide a great life for his family. He was a devoted husband and father.

TR relished in his time spent watching Indiana University basketball and Fort Wayne Komet hockey in the winter months. During the remainder of the year, he enjoyed being outside playing disc golf with friends, partaking in games of poker, and seeing the countryside on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. TR also took great pride in maintaining the perfect lawn. The stripes in his yard had to be just right without any leaves on the grass.

The loving memory of Terry “TR” West Jr. will be forever cherished by his father, Terry (Edith) West, Warsaw; mother, Marilyn Gamsby, Silver Lake; wife, Sharon West, Warsaw; daughter, Whitney (Christopher Avery) West, Warsaw; three grandchildren; brother, Richard (Jenni) West, North Manchester; sister, Mary Ann (Doug) Jenkins, North Manchester; and stepbrothers, Russell Gamsby, Morehead, Kentucky, Richard Gamsby, Morehead, Kentucky, and Ronnie Gamsby, Stanton, California.

TR was preceded in death by his stepfather, Russell Gamsby.

Visitation was Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. For those who wish to honor the memory of Terry “TR” West Jr., memorial contributions may be made to Animal Welfare League, P.O. Box 1906, Warsaw, Indiana 46581.

The family of Terry “TR” West Jr. has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com

Former County Commissioner April 18, 1935 – Jan. 10, 2023

Leroy Dean Eppley, 87, of rural Wabash, died at 9:24 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born on April 18, 1935, in Wabash, to Leroy and Frances (Vincent) Eppley.

Dean graduated from Somerset High School in 1953 and received his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Purdue University in 1957. He married Carolyn Schuler at the Zion Lutheran Church in North Manchester, Indiana on June 15, 1958. Dean was a lifelong farmer, and also served as County Commissioner for 20 years.

He was a member of Christ United Methodist Church in Wabash, where he served on several church committees and taught Sunday School. Dean was also a member of the Purdue Ag Alumni, where he was awarded the Distinguished Ag Alumni Award; the Purdue University Band Alumni; the ROTC Military Band; the Indiana and National Corn Growers and Corn Marketing Association; the National Organic Standards Board; the United Fund Board; the Wabash County Museum Board; the Bowen Center Board for 25 years; the Wabash County Council; the Soil and Water Conservation Board of Wabash County for 20 years, and the Wabash County Farm Bureau Board. Dean also was a member of the Trustees of North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church, and also served on the Council of Finance.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Eppley of Wabash; three children, Barry (Susan) Eppley of Wabash, Teresa (John) Kofodimos of Mooresville, and Linda (Lloyd) Williams of Portage; six grandchildren, Owen (Nicole Parsley) Williams of Raleigh, N.C., Gavin Williams of North Liberty, Iowa, Morgan (Jacob) Kimball of Fort Wayne, Joe Eppley of Wabash, Sofia Kofodimos of New York City, New York, and Kyra (Michael Veatch) Kofodimos of Indianapolis, Indiana; and three sisters, Miriam (Maurice) Musselman and Lois Wood, both of North Manchester, and Lela Dale of Wabash.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, the Rev. Paul Eppley and Harold Eppley.

Funeral services were Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at Christ United Methodist Church, 477 N. Wabash Street, Wabash, with Jay Driskill officiating. Burial was in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Visitation was Sunday, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, and one hour prior to the service Monday, at the church.

Preferred memorial is Community Foundation of Wabash County or Christ United Methodist Church.

The memorial guest book for Dean may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Worked at WANE-TV

June 15, 1962 – Jan. 11, 2023

Sharon Ann Amann, 60, of Wabash, died at 12:46 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at her home. She was born on June 15, 1962, in Wabash, to James “Albert” and Edna (Goss) Young.

Sharon attended Wabash High School. She worked at General Tire and Hanns General Store, and also bartended at the Moose Lodge, all of Wabash.

Sharon was a member of the Moose Lodge, Eagles Lodge, and the American Legion Auxiliary, all of Wabash. She enjoyed gardening and bowled in the Wabash Women’s Bowling league for 40 years.

She is survived by two children, Justin Kelly of Wabash; and Shutauna (Nicholas) Hanson of Elkhart; four grandchildren, Joseph Moreau, Braelyn Kelly, Eli Hanson, and Eve Hanson; sisters and brothers, Polly Parker of Wabash, Darrell (Donna) Young of Auburn, Larry (Sheila) Young of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Charlotte (Rocky) France and Sherry Sellers, both of Wabash; and special friend Dave Paschall of Wabash.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Michael Young, and Ray Young, and sister, Janet Myers.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at GrandstaffHentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Pastor Tim Prater officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Visitation was Monday, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The memorial guest book for Sharon may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

June 25, 1937 – Jan. 10, 2023

Ralph M. Bricker, 85, of San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Wabash, passed away at 5:08 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. He was born to Robert Morris and Mildred (Jackson) Bricker on June 25, 1937.

Ralph was a 1955 graduate of Wabash High School. He then attended Valparaiso Technical Institute receiving an Associate's Degree as an Electronic Technician. He worked for WANE T.V. in Fort Wayne, then worked for Datapoint Corporation in San Antonio before retiring in the late 1990’s. In 1972 Ralph purchased a new BMW Bavaria and enjoyed driving and maintaining that car, with the car now having over 400,000 miles. He also enjoyed going out to eat and having pizza for lunch at his favorite places around San Antonio.

Ralph is survived by one brother, Lee (Janice)

Bricker of San Antonio, Texas. He is proceeded in death by his parents and one sister, Lois Bricker, who passed away on April 19, 2022.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, Jan.y 18, 2023, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Funeral Caring USA, 2621 Mossrock, San Antonio, Texas.

Local arrangements and services will be announced in the near future at McDonald Funeral Homes.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, have been trusted with Ralph Bricker’s final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Sept. 26, 1937 – Jan. 13, 2023

Nancy Carolyn Constantine, 85, of Fort Wayne, died unexpectedly at her home of natural causes at 11:28 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, 2023.

Born on Sept. 26, 1937, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of the late DeWitt J. and Theresa M. (Cates) Lilly. Growing up in the South Whitley area, she graduated from South Whitley High School in 1955. Her Senior year she proudly wore her tiara after being named the Alumni Queen.

After her first marriage, she moved to North Manchester and raised her family of three children for over 25 years. Meeting Lyman R. Constantine while working at Sacred Heart in Avilla in the late 1980s, the two wed on Jan. 11, 1990. They made their home in Kendallville. Lyman died in 2005. In 2010, Nancy moved to Fort Wayne.

She was a former and active member of the Congregational Christian Church in North Manchester, where she participated in the Dorcas Society and sang in the choir. She also was an avid member of many clubs that included the Jaycees and Tri Kappa. After moving to Kendallville, she attended Trinity United Methodist Church, and after moving to Fort Wayne, Aldersgate UMC.

From an early age she was an avid reader of biographies and history. She liked crossword puzzles and old movies, especially the Thin Man series. She enjoyed the company of her two cats, Nick and Nora, who lived with her for almost twenty years.

Surviving are her children; Lisa A. Boocher Parson (Tony), Lon W. Messmore, both of North Manchester, and Leah J. Messmore Janes (Chris) of Markleville; grandchildren, Ashton D. (Jayme) Boocher of Noblesville, Andon R. (Pam) Boocher of Alexandria, Tressa A. Janes of Indianapolis and Kennedy M. Janes of Markleville, and six great grandchildren.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by brothers James and Paul Lilly.

Friends and family may call Saturday, from 12 p.m to 2 p.m at the Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City. The funeral service will begin at the conclusion of calling. Burial is at the Nolt Cemetery.

Memorials in her honor are to Riley Children’s Hospital or the Whitley County Humane Society.

Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com

Philip C. Marsh, 83 U.S. Army veteran

June 6, 1939 – Jan. 11, 2023

Philip C. Marsh, 83, of rural Wabash, died at 1:03 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at Parkview Health Randallia in Fort Wayne.

He was born on June 6, 1939, in Wabash, to Clifford C. and Naomi I. (Pries) Marsh.

Philip was a U.S. Army veteran. He married Joanna L. Campbell in Wabash on July 11, 1959; she died Feb. 29, 2016.

He worked at Chrysler Corporation, retiring after 25 years. Philip also worked 17 years at Celotex in Lagro, owned and operated Campbell and Marsh Excavating for 20 years, and was the founder of PJ’s Ice Cream in Greentown, and operated it for 12 years.

He was a member of Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church in Wabash, and loved his church family. He was also a member of the U.A.W. Local 685. Philip wintered in Fort Pierce, Fla., and also enjoyed camping and hunting.

He is survived by two sons, Kenneth (Diane) Marsh of Cicero, and Gregory (Joyce) Marsh of Converse; four grandchildren, Nathan Marsh of Kokomo, Austin (Talisa) Marsh of Wabash, Jarrett Marsh and McKenna Marsh, both of Fort Wayne; nine great-grandchildren, and his brother, Clifford A. Marsh of Wabash.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Devin Marsh, and his brother, John C. Marsh.

Funeral services were Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, at GrandstaffHentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with the Rev. Terry Hinds officiating. Burial was in Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Marion. Visitation was Monday, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church.

The memorial guest book for Philip may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Retired from Ford Meter Box

Oct. 16, 1953 – Jan. 13, 2023

Gary Duane France, 69, of Wabash, died at 11 p.m., Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at The Waters of Wabash East. He was born on Oct. 16, 1953, in Wabash, to Jack and Phyllis (Betten) France.

Gary was a 1971 graduate of Wabash High School. He worked at Ford Meter Box in Wabash for 45 years, retiring Jan. 29, 2016. Gary enjoyed playing basketball, golf, riding bicycles, and lifting weights. He was an avid I.U. basketball and Chicago Bears fan.

He is survived by his mother, Phyllis France; and sister, Sue (Tom) Brainard, both of Wabash; nieces and nephews, Scott (Tammy) France and Brandon (Emily) France, both of Wabash, Candace (Chad) Montgomery of Decatur, Jared (Tim Brown) Oldenkamp of Indianapolis, Heather Brainard of Wabash, and Christopher Brainard of Fort Wayne.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jack France, brother, Terry France, and sister, Sandy Whitmer.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, 2023, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Mike Betten officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, and one hour prior to the service, Thursday at the funeral home. The memorial guest book for Gary may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Enjoyed coaching baseball

Sept. 11, 1980 – Jan. 11, 2023

Matthew Alan Johnson, 42, of Wabash, died at 8:49 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at Parkview Randallia Hospital, in Fort Wayne.

He was born on Sept. 11, 1980, in Wabash, to Randy Alan and Marcia Elaine (Gatchel) Johnson.

Matt was a 1999 graduate of Wabash High School. He worked for West Plains Mining in Richvalley Matt enjoyed riding his Harley, and was a die hard fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Braves.

He also enjoyed coaching baseball, playing disc golf, and playing video games with his kids. Matt gave the best hugs and was a devoted father. He loved his kids, and his nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his two children, Taylor (Drake Sluss) Johnson and Matthew (Brianna Brooks) Johnson Jr.; mother, Marcia Johnson; three brothers, Michael B. (Dakota) Johnson, Daniel E. (Jordan) Johnson, and Tyler F. (Kaelyn Short) Johnson, all of Wabash; grandmothers, Mary Gatchel of Wabash, and Faye Powell of Roann; companion, Amber Andrick of Wabash; and the mother of his children, Janet Branson of Wabash.

He was preceded in death by his father, Randy Alan Johnson, and his grandfathers, Jack Gatchel and Frank Johnson.

Visitation and funeral services were Saturday, January 14, 2023, at GrandstaffHentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Bernice Pickering officiating. Burial was in LaFontaine I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Preferred memorial is Wabash High School Bowling Team.

The memorial guest book for Matt may be signed at www.grandstaffhentgen.com.

June 25, 1947 – Jan. 13, 2023

Beverly June Burkhart, 75, of Huntington died Jan. 13, 2023.

She was born on June 25, 1947 in Huntington.

Visitation and services were Tuesday, Jan. 17, at Clear Creek Church, Huntington.

Myers Funeral Home, Huntington, handled arrangements.

Retired from Dana Corp. Jan. 4, 1933 – Jan. 17, 2023

Pauline Waller, 90, of Wabash, died at 11:40 pm, Thursday, January 12, 2023, at her home. She was born on Jan. 4, 1933, in Montour Falls, N.Y., to Paul W. and Beulah (Granger) Clawson.

Pauline was a 1952 graduate of Watkins Glen High School in New York. She married Raymond Waller in Burdett, New York on October 5, 1952; he died March 27, 2013. She worked for General Telephone from 1972-1983, and retired from Dana Corporation in Andrews, Indiana in January 1995. Pauline was a member of the First Church of God. She enjoyed bowling, and bowled in the Wabash Women’s Bowling League. She also enjoyed playing bingo, watching college basketball on television, and watching game shows.

She is survived by three children, Janine (Bill) Gray of Mcdonough, Georgia, Gregory A. Waller of Wabash, and Kenneth W. (Heidi) Waller of Huntington, Indiana; six grandchildren, Amy (Josh) Hause of Greenwood, Indiana, Jennifer (Russell) Gaston of Wabash, Ryan Waller of Portland, Oregon, Jordan (Collin) Gray of Wabash, Derek Gray of Georgia, and Jeremy Gray of Topeka, Kansas; and eight great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, son, Randy James Waller, three brothers and two sisters.

Graveside services and burial will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, in the Chapel of Remembrance Mausoleum at Memorial Lawns Cemetery, with the Rev. Kurt Snyder officiating.

Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.

Preferred memorial is American Diabetes Association. The memorial guest book for Pauline may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Judy

Retired school cook March 28, 1945 – Jan. 9, 2023

Judy Kay Rhoades, 77, of rural Wabash, died at 8:10 a.m., Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

She was born on March 28, 1945, in Wabash, to Hugh D. and Rosea M. (Reed) Campbell.

Judy was a 1963 graduate of Northfield High School. She married Chauncy “Bud” Rhoades at the Richvalley United Methodist Church on May 1, 1965; he died Aug. 19, 1988. Judy was a cook for the Metropolitan School District of Wabash at Northfield High School, retiring after several years. She was a member of the Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church, and a former member of the Wabash Women’s Bowling League. Judy loved being outside, watching the birds, and spending winter months working puzzles. She especially loved spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, Rhonda (Charles) Edmond; daughter-in-law, Shelley Rhoades; and three grandchildren, Aaron Rhoades, Kayla Rhoades, and Allison Edmond, all of Wabash. She was also preceded in death by her parents, son, Rodney Rhoades, two brothers, Larry Campbell and Stephen Campbell, and her sister, Joanna Marsh.

Funeral services were Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at GrandstaffHentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with the Rev. Terry Hinds officiating. Burial was in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Visitation was Thursday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church. The memorial guest book for Judy may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

March 10, 1955 – Jan. 6, 2023

Philip R. Wilt Jr., 67, North Manchester, and Romeoville, Ill., died Jan. 6, 2023.

A celebration of life will be at a later date at the Manchester Church of the Brethren Memorial Garden. McKee Mortuary handled arrangements.

Retired from Ford Meter Box

Dec. 10, 1952 – Dec. 31, 2022

Lee Howard Jr., 70, of Wabash, passed away at 3:40 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at Parkview Wabash Hospital in Wabash. He was born on Dec. 10, 1952, to Lee Sr. and Maggie (Shepherd) Howard in Auburn, Indiana.

Lee married Linda Hooks on June 27, 1970. He worked at Ford Meter Box in Wabash and retired in 2015. Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, and golfing, and riding motorcycles, but most of all being with his family.

Lee is survived by his wife, Linda of Wabash; one son, David Howard of Wabash; three daughters, Tracy (Mark) McMahan of Montevideo, Minn., Brenda (Alan) Hetzner of Denver, and Maggie Howard of Wabash; six grandchildren, Kayla Stefanatos, Devon Howard, Ryan Davenport, Andrea Shively, Jadelyn McMahan, Annalise McMahan; two great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren, Brandon Hetzner and Taylor Defch; three great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; one brother, Paul Howard of Nappanee; one sister, Sue Clemons of Cromwell.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, one son, Jerry Howard, two brothers, Kenny Howard, and Les Howard.

A Celebration of Life will be at a future date privately among family and friends. McDonald Funeral Homes, 231 Falls Ave., Wabash, have been trusted with Lee Howard Jr.’s final arrangements.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com