The Press-Dispatch
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C-10 Wednesday, June 21, 2017 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 SUZANNE "SUSIE" WILLIAMS Suzanne "Susie" Wil- liams, 69, of Washington, Ind., passed away peaceful- ly in her sleep early in the morning on Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Amber Manor Care Center in Petersburg. Susie was born Decem- ber 30, 1947, to the late Vernie and Avanell (Bean) Williams in Oakland City and worked there for ma- ny years. She was employed at Wood C Smith Chevrolet for 18 years and O D. Neff. She moved to Washington in the early 1980s and still lived there. She is survived by a broth- er, Roy Mack Williams, of Washington; special cous- ins, Oma McGrath, of Pe- tersburg, Dave ( Joni) John- son, of Indianapolis, and ma- ny other cousins; the late Bud & Velma Hamm fami- ly, who treated her like fam- ily, include: Carolyn Listner and family, Randy and Karla Hamm and family, Linda and Vince Lynxwiler, and Jarod Willis. Linda was a caregiv- er to Susie (along with her four- legged Rat Terrier, Hank, whom Susie adored) for the past four years. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two sis- ters, Elizabeth Ranel Eskew and Fern Bates. Services will be noon Thursday, June 22, 2017, at Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel in Oakland City, with Dr. Ray Barber officiating. Burial will take place in Forsythe Cemetery. Visita- tion will be from 9 a.m. until services. Family and friends may send message of com- fort to www.lambbasham. com. VER A M. LEIGHTY Vera M. (Pride) Leighty, 84, died at 9:32 a.m. on June 13, 2017, at Hillside Manor Nursing Home in Washing- ton, Ind. Born October 5, 1932, in Pike County, she was the daughter of Raymond and Mearl (Padgtt) Pride. Vera married the love of her life, Norman R. Leighty, May 20, 1950. They had 61 happy years together before Nor- man preceded her in death July 29, 2011. She loved her family and was blessed with five chil- dren, Marilyn (Steve) Dy- er, Rick (Kay) Leighty, Dan- ny (Brenda) Leighty-De- ceased, Mike (Lisa) Leighty, and Janet (Larry) Tram- baugh; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; six brothers, Ferral, Gerald, Robert, Billy, Gary and Ste- phen; and two sisters, Shir- ley Nicholson and Karen Bennett. Two brothers and one sister are deceased. Vera worked at differ- ent jobs over the years but was happiest working as the head cook at Loogootee Nursing Center, where she was fondly called "that short little cook." She also loved to bake so friends and relatives were frequent recipients of her delicious pies. Christmas Eve was always special because Vera would cook and cook, and shop and shop for all her kids and grandkids. When all the presents were wrapped and stacked, it was hard to find the Christmas tree. She took up fishing after she re- tired and made the remark, "just think, I wasted all this time when I could've been fishing! " Because of Vera's sweet and gentle spirit, ev- eryone who knew her grew to love her, even those who so graciously took care of her these last few years in the nursing home and liked to call her "blue eyes." She was a member of the New Hope Christian Church, and loved her Lord and Savior Je- sus Christ. Services were at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 16, 2017, at Harris Funeral Home in Petersburg. Visitation was from 9 a.m. until service time. Burial followed at Sug- arland Memorial Gardens in Washington. Harris Funer- al Home was entrusted with her care. JULIUS B. CHURCH Julius B. "Dude" Church, 81, of Petersburg, passed away on June 15, 2017, at his residence. He was born December 21, 1935, in Petersburg, to Joseph and Clonie (Ficklin) Church. He was married to Bev- erly "Cooky" Church, who preceded him in death. He was a retired coal miner and worked at Prides Creek Park. He was a member of Eagles Lodge. Surviving him are his children, Shelly Church, Troy Church, Berny Church and Tammy Church Straw, all of Petersburg; three brothers; one sister; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services were at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Harris Funeral Home in Petersburg, with Chad Blackburn officiated the ceremony. Visitation was from 4- 8 p.m. on Monday, and on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Dude was cremated after the services and a private celebration of life will take place at a later date. BYRON J. BR AMMER Byron J. Brammer, 87, of Oakland City, entered rest on Monday, June 12, 2017, at Deaconess Gateway Hos- pital. He was born on April 28, 1930, in Spurgeon, to Fred A. and Helen (Tyring) Brammer. He was a member of Oak- land City Masonic Lodge #467 and Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. He was a retired coal miner from Old Ben I and a mem- ber of U.M.W.A Local 5179. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Doris K. Bram- mer; daughter, Jennifer (Gene) Stormont, of Saint Johns, Fla.; sons, Mike ( Jane) Brammer, of Bloom- ington, and Brian (Mari- lyn) Brammer, of Lafayette; brother, Edward L. (Arlene) Brammer, of Newburgh; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Services were at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 15, 2017, at the Good Shepherd Unit- ed Methodist Church, with Dr. Douglas Low officiating. Burial followed in Montgom- ery Cemetery. Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Wednes- day at Lamb-Basham Memo- rial Chapel and from noon until service time on Thurs- day at the church. Family and friends may send messages of comfort to www.lambbasham.com. PAUL MYERS, JR. Paul Myers, Jr., 87, of Winslow, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2017, at Memorial Hospital and Healthcare Center in Jasper. He was born January 5, 1930, in Ayrshire (Pike County), to Paul Sr. and Es- ther (Tisdale) Myers. He was united in marriage to Karen Ridgway on Septem- ber 8, 1970, at Shaker Prai- rie Church. He was a member of the United Mine Workers and retired from the Amax Coal Company. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Oakland City. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a broth- er, Jerry Knight. He is survived by his wife, Karen Myers, of Winslow; daughters, Kaye Houch- ins, of French Lick, and An- nette ( John) Trout, of Hol- land; sisters, Faye Winkler, of Vincennes, and Rhonda Hoover, of Oakland City; brother, Mike Knight, of Oakland City; four grand- children; six great-grand- children; and one great- great-grandchild. A private graveside ser- vice will take place for Paul Myers, Jr., at Augusta Cem- etery in Augusta, with John Trout officiating. There will be no visitation at the funer- al home. Nass & Son Funer- al Home in Huntingburg has been entrusted with the ar- rangements. Condolences may be shared online at www.nas- sandson.com. PATRICK E. GILMOUR Patrick E. Gilmour, 78, of Winslow, entered rest on Friday June 16,2017, at Dea- coness Gateway Hospital in Newburgh. He was born on October 1, 1938, in Oakland City, to John Pat and Frances Beat- ty Gilmour. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, "Buck" Gilmour; and sister, Agnes Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Thomas) Gilmour, of Winslow; sons, David Gilmour, of Arthur, and Ja- son Gilmour, of Spurgeon; and two grandsons. Graveside services were Monday, June 19, 2017, at 10 a.m. EDT at the Montgom- ery Cemetery in Oakland City. Family has entrust- ed Lamb-Basham Memori- al Chapel for personal assis- tance. Memorial Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to: Family Palliative Care, 721 W. 13th St #122, Jasper, IN 47546. PALLIE COLEMAN Pallie Coleman, 79, of Pikeville, passed away at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at St. Charles Health Campus in Jasper. She was born January 22, 1938, in Winslow, to Na- thaniel and Mable (Richard- son) Corn. She was united in marriage to Charles Paul Coleman on June 22, 1957, in Muncie. She was preceded in death by her parents; hus- band, Charles Paul, who passed away on July 5, 2006; a grandson, Tyler Coleman Powers; two sisters; and three brothers. She is survived by one son, Terry (Cathy) Cole- man, of Winslow; two daugh- ters, Tracy (Shawn) Powers, of Columbia, S.C., Denise (Tony) Head, of Velpen; one brother, Bill Corn, of Maine; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were at 2 p.m. EDT, Monday, June 19, 2017, at the Nass & Son Fu- neral Home in Huntingburg, with Pastor Ed Wicks offici- ating. Burial followed in Cup Creek Cemetery in Velpen. Friends called for visi- tation at the funeral home from noon until service time on Monday. Memorial con- tributions may be made to the American Cancer So- ciety or the University of South Carolina Opera. Condolences may be shared online at www.nas- sandson.com. RICHARD MONTGOMERY Richard Montgomery, 61, of Jasper, passed away on Monday, June 12, 2017, at his daughter's residence. He was born January 20, 1956, in Oakland City, to Paul and Audrey (Uppen- camp) Montgomery. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Heather Montgomery; and brothers, Larry, Gary and Tom Montgomery. He is survived by his sons, Dustin, Justin ( Whit- ney), Jonathan (Sarah), Wil- lie and Jarvan Montgom- ery; daughters, Brandee (Robert) Swaney, Brittiany ( Jeramie) Hasenour, Jessi- ca and Janessa Montgom- ery; ex-wife and friend, Di- ane Montgomery; siblings, Gene (Martha) and Ron Montgomery, Sue Uppen- camp, Kathy (Sonny) Hart- ley, Peggy Laymon and Pam (Aaron) Blanford; and nine grandchildren. A funeral service was at 2 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2017, at Vincent Christian Church in Otwell, with Paul Newland officiating. Visita- tion was from noon until ser- vice time on Friday at the church. Burial followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, dona- tions may be made for fu- neral expenses. Condolences may be shared online at www.nas- sandson.com. Thank You e family of John Mize would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, and visitation at the funeral home. VFW for the grave site memorial for John's service in Korea and the Nazarene Church for the dinner. Sons-in-law, Rev. Tom Tomson and Rev. Rick Sikes, and Grandson, Rev. Justin Tomson, for the service. Singers June, Gerald and Tim Loveless. Grandchildren Lesli Mize, Jordan, Justin, Joshua, Jeremy and Jacob, for being the Bearers. Wife, Rosalee (Fair) Mize Children, Bonnie (Rick) Sikes, David (Toni) Mize, Brenda (Tom) Tomson, & Darlene Chanley PEACE of MIND Let our 125 years of experience aid you in your selection of a meaningful memorial. SCHUM MONUMENTS, INC. Dale, Indiana www.SchumMonuments.com 937-4921 Local Representative RONALD WOODS 789-2009 FARM Down on the Flash floods and flash droughts By Hans Schmitz Extension Educator Gibson County Purdue Extension This year is going to be remembered as the year flash floods gave way to a flash drought. We all are fa - miliar with flash floods, events gener- ally character- ized by precipi- tation that falls so quickly the ground has lit- tle chance to absorb any of it, resulting in hazard- ous conditions and brief floods as the water runs over land instead of in- to the ground. The last weekend of April was the weekend consisting of re- current flash flooding, which ended with true flooding once the Wa- bash, Patoka, White, and Ohio Rivers received all that water. Floodwaters receded around the mid- dle of May, but usual rain- fall continued through the month, as the Evansville rain gauge last reports over a tenth of an inch of rain on May 24. Then the spigot was turned off. From May 25 to June 14, total precipitation at the Evansville airport was 0.16 inches. Over the same time period, we ex- perienced 11 days with temperatures topping out in the upper 80s or in- to the 90s. In a National Weather Service Bulletin entitled "Flash Droughts over the United States," Mo and Lettermaier de- scribe flash droughts in terms of a lack of precipi- tation, high temperatures, and high evapotranspira- tion. Evapotranspiration was spoken of quite fre- quently last year, only the words "corn sweat" were used instead. They are both similar phenome- non. Evapotranspiration is more complex, but for purposes of syllable sav- ing (Aren't we all environ- mentalists in the end?), let's continue to use corn sweat. While those of us in the towns saw the last few weeks as a good time to stay hydrated and in the air conditioning, the fields in the country had wheat drying down, corn beginning a rapid growth phase or replant corn just beginning its life be- side the young soybeans. The corn and soybeans were stuck in the sun, and when the tempera - ture rises, they had to sweat a little more. One important factor in sweat- ing is that skin temperature is regulated by the cooling evaporation of the sweat on your skin. Sweat evap- orates a lot easier in low humidity and high winds. Corn and soybean skin, the cuticle and epider- mis, functions similarly, and we had the added ben- efit of some rather windy days of late. So, temperatures are baking the soil, plant roots are pulling high amounts of water out for consumption and sweat, and there's no rain falling to replenish the soil. A soil moisture deficit emerg- es. When the corn plants start rolling their leaves, causing casual observers to wonder if there aren't pineapples planted in the ground, farmers get con- cerned. That particular plant response is a way for the plant to preserve moisture and reduce pho- tosynthesis, thereby pro- tecting the plant from heat and dehydration. Si- multaneously, turf grass- es go dormant and soy- beans slow growth, turn- ing their leaves inward to deflect sunlight in a simi- lar response to corn. The drought shows its signs very quickly, unlike the slow depletion of a reser- voir out west. That quick- ness is like a flash, and we get the term flash drought as a result. Like flash floods, flash droughts can end relatively quickly, and let's hope this partic- ular one has or will soon. For more information on droughts, contact Hans at the Purdue Extension of- fice at 812-385 -3491, ext. 103 or hschmitz@purdue. edu. Pregnant... or think you are? Call:1-877-257-1084 or Locally Call: 1-812-354-2814 • Free pregnancy testing • Free counseling and info. on pregnancy options. • Confi dential counseling for women & men who are suff ering from post-abortion syndrome. • Residential Care • Health and assistance referrals. • Training and education. • Assistance in getting baby and maternity clothes washpcc@sbcglobal.net www.washingtonpregnancycenter.com net edition PressDispatch.net/Subscribe It's the paper. Just digital.