The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1242000
B-4 Wednesday, April 29, 2020 The Press-Dispatch OBITUARIES Submit obituaries: Call: 812-354-8500 Email: obits@pressdispatch.net or bring in a hard copy: 820 E. Poplar Street, Petersburg Deadline: 5 p.m. on Monday ROGER F. DAVIS Roger F. Davis, 86, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2020, at his daughter's home in Washington. He was born in Algiers on June 27, 1933, to Floyd and Annis (Bell) Davis. Following service in the U.S. Army, he graduat- ed with a teaching degree from Oakland City Univer- sity, where he was select- ed as Mr. Basketball, Alum- nus of the Year and an in- ductee of the OCU Basket- ball Hall of Fame. He taught in Elberfeld before taking a teaching position at Otwell High School, where he also served as basketball coach. He sold insurance in Otwell for 58 years, worked as an inspector and field super- visor for the State of Indi- ana, and served as a Repub- lican on the Pike County Council. He was a member of Algiers United Methodist Church, Otwell Ruritan and an IHSA A referee. He is survived by his daughter, Connie Davis; her mother, Frances Madlem, of Washington; grandchildren, Carie and Courtney Davis, and Morgan and Christina Smith; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Kaden and An- di Davis; and sisters, Virgin- ia Polen and Lavone Hollis. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Curt; grandson, Chris; broth- ers, Donald, James, Pat and Gary; and sisters, Marge and Cleta. A private family graveside service will be conducted at Walnut Hills Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Oakland City University. Online con- dolences may be made at odharrisfuneralhome.com. BRIAN K. ARENSMAN Brian K. Arensman, 45, of Shaler Twp., Pa., passed away on April 21, 2020. He was the son of Barba- ra (Bob) Fischer, of Velpen, and the late Alan Arensman. He was a 1992 graduate of Pike Central High School and worked for Industrial Dynamics as an electron- ics engineer and field ser- vice. He was also a survivor of Necrotizing Fasciitis in 2018, and will be giving the gift of life to others as an or- gan and tissue donor. He is survived by his wife, Shanon Auth Arens- man; daughter, Alysa; moth- er, Barbara (Bob) Fischer, of Velpen; siblings, Ange- la (Brian) Gentry, of Craw- fordsville, Rodney (Gail) Fischer, of Santa Claus, Bryan (Michelle) Fischer, of Winslow, Brenda Kend- all, of Tell City, and Angela Beier, of Jasper; brother-in- law, Al (Lynette) Auth; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Alan Arens- man; daughter, Angel Ma- rie Arensman; and grand- parents, Russell Arensman and Connie Schepers Arens- man, and Sylvester and Dor- othy Buchta Stenftenagel. Due to current CDC rec- ommendations regarding COVID-19, all services will be held privately. Arrangements by Neely Funeral Home. Visit neely- funeralhome.com. HOWARD MICHAEL RUSSELL Howard Michael "Mike" Russell, 73, of Winslow, en- tered rest on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, at his home. He was born on May 23, 1946, in Oakland City, to Howard and Norma Jean ( Johnson) Russell. He graduated from Winslow High School in 1964 and served in the Unit- ed States Army during Viet- nam with the Military Po- lice. He retired from Kind- ill Coal Company after 30 years and was a member of U.M.W.A. He was a charter member of Patoka Township Lions Club, a charter mem- ber of Winslow Lions Club for 15 years, a member of Huntingburg V.F.W Post #2366, Winslow American Legion Post #115 and Frater- nal Order of Eagles #2646 in Winslow. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Ladonna Earles. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Debra G. ( Weathers) Russell; chil- dren, Lisa (Nick) Bafalou- kos, of Chandler, Ariz., Sta- cy (Terry Strobel) Russell, Cody ( Jessica) Russell, and Travis (Stacy) McCandless, all of Winslow, and Dustin Bolin, of Petersburg; 16 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel is honored to assist Mike's family. Family and friends may send messag- es of comfort to www.lamb- basham.com. MARIAN ALINE (AMOS) GILHAM Marian Aline (Amos) Gilham, 106, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 24, 2020, at her grand- son's home, where she had previously lived for over sixty years as a housewife, mother and grandmother She was born November 14, 1913, to Claude and Mon- ta (Stone) Amos. She lived her last five years at Amber Manor at Petersburg, where she was loved by staff and residents alike. Before her final ill- ness began early in 2020, she was interested in all the goings-on of her large fam- ily, and everyone who lived and worked at Amber Man- or. Because she was a strong Christian and had much ex- perience in life, she was the source for thoughtful wis- dom in any situation. She al- ways had quiet strength and kind words to offer the peo- ple who were drawn to her. Everyone who knew her loved her. She was kind to and thankful for everyone, and patient when waiting was necessary. Her legacy in the wider world is one of caring com- passion and great love for her family, her church fam- ily, her friends and neigh- bors, and everyone else she met. She truly was the "hands and feet of Christ." She was a member and en- ergetic worker at the Otwell United Methodist Church for many years. Pen cannot record the number of dish- es she cooked for suppers, funerals and celebrations there over the years, and on- ly God can know the number of people she helped along the way. She was a prayer warrior who would do all she could do, and pray along with it. A fterward, she was content to leave everything in God's hands, confident that He knew what He was doing. She was a capable and strong person, working side-by-side on the farm with her husband to build their home and farm. She is particularly remembered as a deadly menace to snakes. She showed them no mercy when they ventured into her yard – or when she saw them anywhere else – and any- thing worked as a means of disposal: a hoe, a boot, a car or a mower. She loved trav- eling to scenic spots and historic areas of the United States, and went on many trips when she retired from farming. She lived through all the major wars and prob- lems of the twentieth centu- ry, World War I, the Great Depression, World War II and all the other conflicts after that. She was a proud American and hosted a huge Fourth of July celebration at her home every year, un- til she moved to assisted liv- ing just a few months before her 100th birthday. There is not space nor ink enough to tell more about her remarkable life, but, suffice it to say, every- one who knew her will miss her dearly. Surviving are four grand- children, Kim (Dave) Power, Patrick (Marti) Gilham, Er- ic (Lori) Gilham and Lance (Denise) Gilham; her daugh- ter-in-law, Patsy Gilham; nine great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grand- children. She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Glen and Arthur (Chap) Amos; sisters, Katherine Stear- man and Betty Jo Blue; hus- band, Harvey Gilham, whom she married on December 5, 1931; and sons, James and Larry Gilham. Due to the COVID 19 pan- demic, there will be only a family service at this time. However, the family hopes to hold a Celebration of Life reception in Marian's honor at a later date. R ANDALL WAYNE WEDDING Randall Wayne Wedding, 57, of Winslow, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in Jas- per, Indiana. He was born on July 2, 1962, in Huntingburg, to the late Stuart Wayne Wedding and Carol Sue Anderson. He was a member of the Evansville Painters Union 156 and a longtime member of the American Legion Post #115. He enjoyed woodcarv- ing, making things such as angels and Indians. He is survived by his chil- dren, Wayne Wedding and Elizabeth Wedding; grand- child, Lincoln Wayne Wed- ding; and siblings, Brian Wedding, Stuart Wedding, Jeff Houchins and James Houchins. Simple Cremation Evans- ville is entrusted with his care. Friends may send their condolence to the family at www.SimpleCremationE- vansville.com. JERRY ARTHUR AYDT Jerry Arthur Aydt, 83, of Newburgh, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2020. He was born December 5, 1936, in East St. Louis, Ill., to Joseph and Elizabeth (Greer) Aydt. He was a school teacher for the East Gibson School Corporation for 40 years. He graduated from Oak- land City University with a BA in education and cum laude with an MA in edu- cation from the University of Evansville. He attended OCU on a baseball scholar- ship and played A A A base- ball. He was a lifelong ath- lete, who coached basketball, baseball and softball. He loved watching ball games and talking about sports. When he wasn't teaching or coaching, he often served as a basketball referee and soft- ball umpire. He was devoted to his family and was a man of great faith. He attended Evangel Temple Assembly of God, where he served as a deacon for many years. He served as president of the East Gibson Teachers' Asso- ciation and acted as a chief negotiator. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Camille (Glad- ish) Aydt; daughters, Dar- lene (Brian) Stevens, of Yu- lee, Fla., Jill (Mark) Carl- ton, of Fernandina, Fla., Julie ( Jason) Conner, Laura Aydt and Rachel Aydt; grandchil- dren, Sara Woolsey, of Jack- sonville, Fla., Blake (Chris- tie) Stephens, of St. Mary's Ga., Jarrod (Kaila) Carlton, of Fernandina, Fla., Whitney Hyatt, Alison Conner and Sydney Hyatt; great-grand- children, Tristan Stephens, Brody Stephens and Dylan Carlton; and sisters, Sandra Kell, of Seymour, and Judith (Bob) Ritz, of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Richard Keith Aydt, of Sey- mour. Private services will be held. Donations, in lieu of flow- ers, may be made to the Juve- nile Diabetes Research Foun- dation. Condolences may be made online at www.Alexan- derNewburghChapel.com. JAMES A. DYER James A. Dyer, 61, of Princ- eton, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2020, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in New- burgh. He was born on Saturday, April 4, 1959, in Woburn, Mass., to Dwight and Barba- ra Mercer Dyer, both whom precede. He served in the U.S. Navy. A fter his service in the Navy, he was involved in the con- struction business as a drywall finisher and worked for Hahn's Brothers Drywall Company. He loved spending time out- doors, and enjoyed camping and fishing, and spending time with his family and loved ones. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Dyer, of Princeton; sons, Michael Dyer of New- burgh, Cory ( Whittney) Hale, of Francisco, and Levi Hale, of Petersburg; daughters, Ashley Felsot, of Cottonwood, Ariz., Kristina Hale, of Princeton, Liliana Manzo, of Princeton, and Avery Dyer, of Prince- ton; twin sister, Karen (Rob- ert E.) Wirth of Las Cruces, N.M.; sister, Marcie Bennett, of Portland, Ore.; four grand- children; and numerous niec- es and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Bar- bara Dyer; brothers, Marty and Bob (Robert) Dyer; and sister Gayle Barnhart. Due to the mandates es- tablished by the federal gov- ernment concerning the COVID-19 Virus, arrange- ments are pending. Military honors will be provided at a later date by our retired local military veterans. For more in- formation, contact Doyle Fu- neral Home at 812-385 -4334 or Doylefuneralhome@fron- tier.com. Online condolences may be made at www.doylefu- neralhomeprinceton.net or the funeral home Facebook page. Doyle Funeral Home has the privilege of serving the Dyer family. CAMDEN LEE WOLF Camden Lee Wolf, 91, of Loogootee, passed away April 23, 2020, in Jasper. He was born December 3, 1928, in Indianapolis to Wil- liam and Margarett (Bish- op) Wolf. He married Thel- ma Steward on January 28, 1947 and she preceded him in death on March 13, 1986. He later married Patricia Hackler and she also pre- ceded him in death. A fter graduation, he served in the United States Air Corps during W WII and also the United States Air Force. He served as a minister at various Church- es of Christ in Southern In- diana, from the 1960s con- tinuing for forty years. He retired from Crane, was di- rector of the Martin County Emergency Unit, which later became Martin County Civ- il Defense, was a volunteer firefighter and former Re- serve Officer with the Loo- gootee Police Dept. He was a participant of Sen. Lugar's Veteran History Project and was on the Honor Flight in June 2010. Survivors include two sons, Cameron Monty (Mel- ody) Wolf, of Shoals, Corbett (Debra) Wolf, of Winslow; six grandchildren, Ryan Wolf, of Otwell, Canyon (Brianna) Wolf, of Peters - burg, Corey Wolf, of Jasper, Carmen (Breck) Looney, of Jasper, April (Keith) Scrog- gins, of Great Mills, Md., and Alisha (Dave) Asbell, of Shoals; seven great-grand- children; one half-brother, Joseph Andrew Phillips, of Loogootee; and one sister in-law, Jean (Denny) Stew- art. Preceding him in death are his parents; wives; a daughter, Daphne Wolf, in 1978; a granddaughter, Mi- chelle Lea Wolf, in 1978; three brothers, Donald Wolf, William Wolf and Ken- neth Phillips; and one sister, Mary Catherine Raney. Private services are planned for the family. Buri- al will be in the Mt. Union Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to The Martin County Fire and Rescue. The Queen-Lee Chapel of the Thorne-George Family Funeral Homes is entrusted with the arrangements. Otis and Genieva (Conover) Crays. He was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church. He enjoyed being outdoors, fish- ing and hunting. He also en- joyed making wooden canes and working in the garden. He is survived by his wife, Carol (Little) Crays, of Loogootee; children, Viv- ian (Marvin) Seitz, Debra (Aaron) Abbott and Russell Crays; grandchildren, Na- thaniel (Rayann) Crays and Eric Russell; great-grand- child, Cloe Crays; and sis- ters, Mary Emma Bussing- er and Martha Ferguson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Ge- nieva Crays; grandson, Er- ic Lee Crays; siblings, Er- nest Crays, John Crays, Frank Crays, Merle Crays, Don Crays, Norbert Crays, Charles Baker and Loretta Harper; brother-in-law, Jer- ry Bussinger; and daughter- in-law, Sheila Crays. To honor Wesley's wishes, cremation was chosen. Condolences may be made online at www.blakefuneral- homes.com. Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee is hon- ored to serve the family of Wesley Crays. Williams Cemetery West Highway 56, Bowman, IN Seems like times goes fast. Here I am again requesting some of your hard- earned money for the cemetery. We all want your loved ones' last earthly resting place to continue to look nice. Their Heavenly resting place is beautiful, no comparison. Please give what you can. Ronnie and I will work for nothing but John won't mow without pay. We want to keep him; he does a really, really good job and he respects Annual Plea for Mowing Support Carol Moore 2614 W. St. Rd. 56, Petersburg 812-582-2745 Ronnie Brown 2710 W. St. Rd. 56, Petersburg 812-354-8321 ink about it - give what you can. ank you for all your past support. Please continue this year. WILLIAM GENE HUFFMAN William Gene Huffman, 83, of Bedford, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2020, at White River Lodge in Bed- ford. He was born July 26, 1936, in Glezen, to Murl and Grace (Kinman) Huffman. On Oc- tober 22, 1959, he married Alice Mitchelene (Tolbert) Huffman, who survives. He earned his BS in ed- ucation from Oakland City University and an MS from Indiana University. For three years, he taught math and physics at Winslow High School and then taught se- nior math courses at Mitch- ell High School from 1960 - 1970. From 1970 -1974, he was a counselor at Shaws- wick and Tunnelton High Schools for North Law- rence Community Schools. At Bedford-North Law- rence High School, he was a counselor at its beginning in 1974 and was Director of Guidance until retirement in 1991. He was an active member of the Bedford Seventh-day Adventist Church and he loved his church family. He also loved playing dul- cimer and guitar at church, and as a member of dulci- mer groups in Mitchell and in Bedford. He loved wood- working, doing construc- tion and making furniture, including making a grandfa- ther clock from a local cher- ry tree. Survivors are his two sons, of whom he was so proud, Marcus Keith (Meg) Huffman, of Bedford, and Michael Kent (Lorrie) Huffman, of Bloomington; grandchildren, John Huff- man, of Mitchell, Allen Huff- man, of Bedford, and Cier- ra Huffman, Joshua Grubb and Alison Grubb (Zoul) Ballman, all of Blooming- ton; eleven great-grandchil- dren; one brother, Steven ( Janet) Huffman, of Bed- ford; and four nieces. Family services will be graveside at 3 p.m. on Fri- day, May 1, 2020, at Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, 2394 Mt. Pleasant Rd. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Bedford North Lawrence Scholarship Foun- dation, P.O. Box 729, Bed- ford, IN 47421. Day and Car- ter Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. WESLEY EUGENE CR AYS Wesley Eugene Crays, 84, of Loogootee, passed away at 2:50 a.m. Wednes- day, April 22, 2020, at Loo- gootee Healthcare and Reha- bilitation Center. He was born May 17, 1935, in Loogootee, to the late