All Obituaries

Joan Shanabarger Keller, 81, of Churubusco, went home to her Lord and Savior on July 11, 2019, at her home, surrounded by her four children. Born in Churubusco, on December 15, 1937, to the late Joseph and Eloise (Ardern) McGuire. She spent her formative years in Churubusco, graduating from Churubusco High School in 1955. Joan married Robert Shanabarger in Churubusco on August 27, 1955. He preceded her in death on February 15, 1993. Later she was married to Walter Keller in Churubusco on...

Carl E. Mero, 86, of Fort Wayne, passed away on July 9, 2019, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN. Born in Terre Haute, IN, on April 28, 1933, to the late Charles and Kathleen (Jay) Mero. He graduated from North Side High School in 1952. Carl married Beatrice Funk on June 28, 1952. His hobbies were hunting, fishing and trapping. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion in Leo. Carl worked as an electrician at International Harvester, retiring in...

Vivienne E Rothgeb, 71, of Fort Wayne, passed away on July 10, 2019, in Fort Wayne. Born in Jackson, MI, on March 29, 1948, to the late Rex and Ardyce (Sanford) Nelson. She spent her formative years in Coldwater, MI. Vivienne married Roger in Coldwater, MI, on August 1, 1970. He preceded her in death on March 14, 2004. She worked as a secretary for Magnavox, but mostly she was a mom. Vivienne belonged to the Neighbor Association, PTA and the Saint Joseph United Methodist Church. She...

Warren Dean Deck, 72, of Churubusco, passed away on July 6, 2019, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne, IN. Born in Wolf Lake, on April 28, 1947, to Warren and Hilda (Roche) Deck Sr. He spent his formative years in Churubusco, graduating from Churubusco High School in 1965. After high school, he served in the United States Navy. Warren married Linda (Schwietzer) Ford on March 11, 2011. He was a life member of the Churubusco VFW post #3846 and the American Legion Post...

Tony J. Tomei, Jr 76, of Churubusco, passed away on July 6, 2019, at his home in Churubusco. Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, on August 7, 1942, to the late Tony Tomei Sr and Angelina (Sellaro) Lash.  He spent his formative years in rural Markle, Indiana graduating from Union High School and was an avid baseball and basketball player.  He excelled as an athlete and received many awards.  Tony spent many years farming and owned his own concrete...

Neil E Hanni, 69, of Churubusco, passed away on June 25, 2019, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Born in Ravenna, Ohio, on October 8, 1949, to the late Edwin and Willa (Thomas) Hanni. He spent his formative years in Stow, graduating from Stow High School in 1967. He received his Bachelors Degree from Kent State University in 1971 and his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Ohio State in 1975. In 1976, Neil moved to Churubusco and worked with Dr. Don Welsh at Churubusco...

Phyllis J. Bear, 93, of Fort Wayne, passed away on June 21, 2019, at Lutheran Life Villages on South Anthony Blvd., in Fort Wayne. Born in Fort Wayne, on July 1, 1925, to the late Eldon and Helen (Orthwine) Lott. She spent her formative years in Napoleon, Ohio and graduated from Northside High School. Phyllis was married to Basil Bear on July 25, 1953, in Fort Wayne. He preceded her in death on November 5, 2012. She dedicated her life to her family. She was a member of Suburban...

Clarence G. McCormick Jr., 72, of Avilla, passed away on June 20, 2019, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Born July 20,1946, in West Virginia, to the late Clarence and Eva (Smith) McCormick Sr. Clarence married Charlotte Biglow on August 14, 1965, in Fort Wayne. He was the owner of McCormick Excavating and Sewer Service. Clarence is survived by his wife, Charlotte; one son, Jon (Julie) McCormick of Avilla; one brother, Jerry (Jan) McCormick of Churubusco; seven sisters,...

Harry L. Draper Jr., 73, of LaOtto, passed away on June 18, 2019, at his home. Born in Logansport, on April 17, 1946, to the late Harry and Barbara (Bergman) Draper Sr. He spent his formative years in Wabash, graduating from Southwood High School in 1964. He attended International Business College where he obtained a degree in business. He also obtained a bachelor's degree from St. Francis in accounting. Harry was married to Peggy (Barker) Zawadzke on September 10, 2002. He...

Mary Lucretia (Leitch) Runyon, 99, of Green Township in Noble County, went to be with her Lord and Savior on June 17, 2019. She was born on December 28, 1919, at home on the Leitch family farm. She was the youngest of four children of James and Laota (Duglay) Leitch. Mary lived her entire life in Green Township, graduating from Churubusco High School in 1938. On January 25, 1942, she married Thomas M. Runyon. He preceded her in death on December 5, 1999. Mary loved to work outside in her...