The Voice of Blackford County community newspaper

10/17/2025

10/15/2025

Lisa A. Anderson, 58
She is the mother of April (Heath) Alig, of Keystone

Lisa A. Anderson, 58, of Bluffton, passed away early Saturday morning, Oct. 11, 2025, at Parkview Randallia Hospital, Fort Wayne.
She was born on July 15, 1967, in Bluffton to Harold D. and Judith Kay (Robles) Wheeler.
Lisa graduated from Bluffton High School Class of 1985.
She worked for many years in the medical field.
Lisa was a dedicated hard worker and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially at the lakes.
Survivors include her mother, Judith Kay Wheeler, of Bluffton; two children, Brandon (Tassy) Wheeler, of Leo, and April (Heath) Alig, of Keystone.
Lisa was a loving grandma to six grandchildren, Bricen Alig, Brayton Wheeler, Oakley Wheeler, Piper Wheeler, Destiny Alig and Landen Alig.
She also is survived by two brothers, Kirk D. (Kathy) Wheeler, of Colorado, and Keith D. Wheeler, of Ossian; her companion, Mike Colligan, of Fort Wayne; along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Lisa is preceded in death by her father, Harold D. Wheeler.
Services were on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, at Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, 308 W. Washington St., Bluffton, with Pastor Tony Robles and her daughter, the Rev. April Alig, officiating.
Burial will follow at Six Mile Cemetery, Bluffton.
Memorials may be made to help the family at this time.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, Bluffton.
Friends can share memories and online condolences to the family at www.thoamrich.com

10/14/2025

Jon Douglas Oswalt, 76

Jon Douglas Oswalt, 76, was born on November 3, 1948, in Indianapolis to Robert and Mary (Howard) Oswalt. This day was special because in addition to Jon’s birth, Dewey was declared the winner over Truman in the presidential election per newspaper headlines. Turns out that Truman actually won.
His father was being discharged from the United States Army after serving in World War II. He moved the family to Miami, Fla., to work with grandparents in the menu business. In 1955, they returned to Hartford City to establish Oswalt Menu Co.
Jon began work at around age 10 helping in the menu company.
He began work at the A&P grocery store at 14, where he became an actual union member. Later, he would go on to work at Marsh.
Jon helped work on the family farm and also worked for the menu company selling menus to restaurant customers on the road.
He graduated from Hartford City High School in 1966.
Jon attended Oakland City College for two years before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps from 1969-1971, achieving the rank of lance corporal.
He was proud of his service and being one of the few and the proud.
Jon used the G.I. Bill to return to college. While attending Ball State University, Muncie, he worked as a graduate assistant in the industrial arts department. He graduated from Ball State with both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Arts degrees.
He began his teaching career at Mississinewa, Gas City, teaching junior high industrial arts.
There was an opportunity to teach at Blackford, Hartford City, and so he began his many years of service there. He taught industrial arts at the high school and later history.
Jon coached football for 20 years and was a coach on the 1979 state championship team.
He also served as building principal at Montpelier Middle School and at the high school.
Jon had many fond memories of his players, students and fellow teachers plus a story or two.
After he retired from education, he was the Blackford County service officer for veterans for many years, a job that he truly loved.
Jon was thrilled to go on an honor flight in May of 2023 with his daughter, to tour the monuments in Washington, D.C. A welcome back which was long overdue.
He was a member of several veteran service organizations.
Jon was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Hartford City, for more that 60+ years.
He was active in his community.
Jon served as an exalted ruler of the Elks.
He also served on the Blackford Country Club Board.
Jon was a member of the local men’s Geezer Club.
He was a season ticket holder for Purdue men’s basketball.
Jon died unexpectedly on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ann (McCreery); his daughter, Courtney.
Jon has a sister, Pam B***e, of Ohio; his brother, Robert Oswalt, of Florida.
He is survived by two nephews and two nieces; plus additional great-nieces and great-nephews.
Jon also is survived by many of those he considered to be good friends.
A Memorial Service will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City.
Military honors will be rendered at this time by the United States Marine Corps and Delaware County Veterans Organization.
Friends may call from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to Honor Flight Northeast Indiana, P.O. Box 5, Huntertown, IN 46748 or First Presbyterian Church, 117 W. Franklin St., Hartford City, IN 47348.
Jon was a wonderful husband, a terrific father, a great friend and a truly good man.

10/14/2025

Robyn J. Patrick, 66
She is the wife of Michael A. Patrick, of Montpelier
She is the mother of Amanda (Joshua) Lamport, of Fairmount, Lindsay M. (Kyle) Hess, of Hartford City, and Shalee (Rob) Adams
She worked for BRC, Montpelier, and Coffel's Family Market, Montpelier

Robyn J. Patrick, 66, of Montpelier, formerly of Grant County, passed away at 11:16 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, at her home.
She was born on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1958, in Marion.
Robyn married Michael A. Patrick in Hartford City and had shared 31 years together.
She was a 1977 graduate of Eastbrook High School.
Robyn worked for BRC, Montpelier, Coffel's Family Market, Montpelier, and Poor Brothers, Bluffton.
She enjoyed flowers, gardening, quilting, knitting, crafting and raising dachshunds.
Above all, Robyn loved spending time with her family.
She will be forever missed by her husband, Michael A. Patrick, of Montpelier; mother, Mildred J. (Faulk) Lee, of Van Buren; daughters, Amanda (Joshua) Lamport, of Fairmount, Lindsay M. (Kyle) Hess, of Hartford City, and Shalee (Rob) Adams; grandchildren, Kyler (Chaz) Lilly, Amalie Mcclain, Landen (Cheyenne) Hess and Camden Adams; two great-grandchildren.
Robyn was preceded in death by her father, Harvey L. Lee, and infant brothers, Randy Lee and Harvey Lee Jr.
Family and friends may gather to share and remember at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, 109 W. Windsor St., Montpelier, on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m.
A service to celebrate Robyn's life will follow at Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, Montpelier, at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, with Pastor Steve Rogers officiating.
Interment will follow in Brookside Memorial Park Cemetery, Montpelier.
Arrangements are being handled by Walker & Glancy Funeral Home, Montpelier.
Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com

10/14/2025

Phillip Mason King, 83
He is the father of Tracy D. (wife, Ruth) King, of Florida, Darrell L. (wife, Neva) Boyd, of Hartford City, Dale F. (wife, Sue) Boyd, of Hartford City, and David A. (wife, Amy) Boyd, of Hartford City
He retired in 1999 from H.P. Products, Hartford City
He lived in Hartford City and moved to Dade City, Fla., after retirement
He would summer in Hartford City at Wildwood Acres Campground

Phillip Mason King, 83, formerly of Hartford City, passed away at Dade City Nursing and Rehab Center, Florida, on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
He was born in Carter County, Ky., on September 22, 1941, to John Ward King and Edna Beatrice (Artist) King. His parents preceded him in death.
Phillip married Willa Dean (Rogers) King on July 20, 1973, in Hartford City. She passed away on March 19, 2005.
He served in the United States Army in Vietnam.
Phillip retired in 1999 from H.P. Products, Hartford City.
He lived in Hartford City and moved to Dade City, Fla., after retirement.
Phillip would summer in Hartford City at Wildwood Acres Campground.
He will be sadly missed by his children, Tracy D. (wife, Ruth) King, of Florida, Darrell L. (wife, Neva) Boyd, of Hartford City, Dale F. (wife, Sue) Boyd, of Hartford City, and David A. (wife, Amy) Boyd, of Hartford City; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Phillip also is preceded in death by his daughter, Kelley Lynn King-Crisci, and siblings, Juanita Colegrove, Norma Oretha Hall, Clayton King, Betty King, Marion King, Vernon King, Anna Hall-Carter and Dixie Charnley.
Graveside burial of cremains will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at Hartford City Cemetery with Pastor Kevin Lex officiating.
Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 N. High St., Hartford City, is in charge of local arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Blackford County Community Foundation - Hartford City Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 327, Hartford City, IN 47348.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.keplingerfuneralhome.com or use our Keplinger Funeral Home page.

10/11/2025

Linda Carol Day, 82
She was born on August 25, 1943, in Hartford City

Linda Carol Day, 82, of Gaston, formerly of Matthews, went to be with the Lord at 1:37 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025, in Gaston.
She was born on August 25, 1943, in Hartford City to the late Robert and Margaret (Smith) Curtis.
Linda worked as a florist at Marsh, Muncie, before working as a dishwasher at Mill Street Inn, Gaston.
She proudly sold Avon for over 40 years, forming lasting friendships along the way.
Linda's love for nature was evident in the time she spent tending to her flower garden every day.
A devoted animal lover, she especially cherished her dogs, Teddy, being her favorite companion.
Known affectionately as the "cat lady," Linda had a soft spot for stray cats and made sure they were always fed.
She had a gift for connecting with people and rarely went anywhere without running into someone she knew.
Linda's kindness extended to everyone - from close friends to bank tellers - whom she often surprised with homemade cookies and fresh-baked bread.
Above all, she loved the Lord and lived her life with faith, generosity and joy.
Linda is survived by her son, Steven Day, of Gaston; sister, Margie Strausbaugh, of Gas City; grandsons, John (Diana) Day, of Bluffton, and Nick (April) Day, of Redkey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Calvin Curtis and Margaret Lavon Curtis, her husband, John Day, daughter, Debbie Cheney, brother, Bob Curtis, and sister, Judy Scott.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St., Gas City.
A celebration of Linda’s life will follow immediately after visitation at 1 p.m.
Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Gas City.
Memorial contributions may be directed to any organization that helps animals.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com

10/10/2025

BEST WAY DISPOSAL will be operating on a regular trash schedule next week even though Monday, Oct. 13, is a federal holiday (Columbus Day). THANKS!

10/10/2025

Don “Donnie” William Nibarger, 71
He is the brother of Mary Sones, of Hartford City
He attended Hartford City Wesleyan Church

Don “Donnie” William Nibarger, 71, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at his residence.
He was born on October 19, 1953, in Muncie.
Donnie graduated from Muncie Central High School.
He was licensed in plumbing, heating and cooling.
Donnie was a self-employed handyman.
He never met a stranger.
Donnie enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
He liked all kinds of music and played the drums and could belt out a tune or two.
Donnie also mimicked cartoon characters with his favorite imitation being Elmer Fudd.
He attended Hartford City Wesleyan Church.
Donnie is survived by his daughters, Heather M. (husband, Scott) Templin, of Fishers, Jamie D. (husband, Robert) Ellis, of Muncie, and Jennifer Huston, of Anderson; grandchildren, Jeorgia, Ava, Sophia and Zachary; one great-grandchild; siblings, Roger (wife, Cindy) Logan, of Redkey, Mary Etta (husband, Jerry) Hale, of Parker City, Cheryl Rickert, of Parker City, Jerry (wife, Heather) Logan, of Parker City, John (wife, Carol) Nibarger, of Maine, Charlotte Jacobs Clark, of Hazel Green, Ala., and Mary Sones, of Hartford City; several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents that he was adopted and raised by, James C. and Mary Etta (Ray) Nibarger, mother, Velma Logan, and siblings, Tina Grey and James Chambers.
Celebration of Life Service will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at Keplinger Funeral Home, 509 N. High St., Hartford City, with Pastor Josh Fox officiating.
Memorial visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at Keplinger Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, 6621 N. Old State Road 3, Muncie, IN 47303.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.keplingerfuneralhome.com or use our Keplinger Funeral Home page.

10/09/2025

Danny L. Irwin Jr., 58
He is the father of Jessica Irwin and Ashley Irwin

Danny L. Irwin Jr., 58, of Yorktown, passed away on Monday, Oct. 6, 2025.
Born on October 23, 1966, to Danny Irwin Sr. and Bonnie (Holdren) Irwin, he grew up in Eaton.
Danny graduated from Delta High School, Class of 1985, where he was a proud member of the school band.
He served honorably in the United States Army as a mechanic. His military career took him to Fort Riley, Kan., and Korea, and he bravely served during Desert Storm. Following his military service, he worked as a truck driver and was formerly employed at Diamond Plastic.
A devoted fan of motorsports, Danny especially enjoyed Formula One and NASCAR racing.
He was a proud member of the American Legion, Yorktown, where he remained connected to fellow veterans and his community.
Danny will be remembered for his dedication, service and love for racing.
He is survived by his daughters, Jessica Irwin and Ashley Irwin; father and mother, Danny Irwin Sr. and Bonnie Irwin; grandchildren, Klayten McCammon, Kaleb McCammon, Caiden Gadbury, Leighton Gadbury and Colsten Gadbury; sister, Tracey (Ross) Carlile.
Visitation will be on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Garden View Funeral Home, 10501 N. State Road 3, Muncie.
The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. with burial at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie.

10/09/2025

Larry Rex Hile, 66

Larry Rex Hile, 66, of Hartford City, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025.
He was born on January 28, 1959, to Max and Crystal (Steinhilber) Hile in Hartford City.
Larry graduated from Blackford High School, Hartford City, in 1977.
He attended Purdue University, West Lafayette.
A lifelong resident of Blackford County, Larry was a grain and livestock farmer with Hile Family Farms, along with his father, his son, Brad, and Brad Slentz.
He was a former Hod Carriers Union member.
Larry was a member of Blackford County Purdue Ag Alumni, previously serving as former president and treasurer.
He belonged to Blackford County Farm Bureau, previously serving on the board of directors, the Delaware/Blackford Pork Producers, previously serving as president, and Mideast Solid Waste District.
Larry also was former president of Blackford County Solid Waste District.
He was a ten-year 4-H member and continued to support his local 4-H.
Larry enjoyed being involved in his church and community, previously serving as a Pee-Wee football coach and T-Ball coach.
He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Hartford City, serving in several positions.
Larry was a long-time Democrat office holder in Blackford County, serving as Washington Township Precinct Committeeman from 1980 to 1988, Washington Township Advisory Board from 1987 to 1988, County Council from 1989 to 1998 and County Commissioner from 1999 to 2007.
He also served as vice-chair and County Chair of Blackford County Democrats.
Larry enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their school and sport activities.
He married Denise (Miller) Hile and recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.
Larry was blessed with two sons, Brad and Brian.
He is survived by his loving wife, Denise; his children, Brad (Mary) Hile and Brian (Deborah) Hile; his grandchildren, Loralie Hile, Miriam Hile, Ashlind Hile, Ethan Hile and Atticus Hile; two sisters, Nancy (Bill) Wolverton and Sally (Rick) Willmann; his sisters-in-law, Linda (Bill) Abney and Shari (Will) Baird; brothers-in-law, Randy (Lori) Miller and Tim (Toni) Miller.
Larry is predeceased by his parents, Max and Crystal Hile, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Donald and Marian Miller, and a brother-in-law, Steve Miller.
Services will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Zion Lutheran Church, 208 S. Monroe St., Hartford City, with Pastor Sharilyn Wendt officiating.
Burial immediately follows at Greenlawn Cemetery, east of Hartford City.
Visitation will be on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, from 2 to 7 p.m. and at the church from 1 p.m. until services on Sunday.
Larry’s family would sincerely appreciate donations to Zion Lutheran Church in his memory in lieu of flowers.
Visit www.WatersFunerals.com to offer condolences to the family.

10/08/2025

Phyllis R. Knox, 84
She worked many years at Overhead Door Corporation, Hartford City
She was affiliated with Heritage Commons (now Crown Pointe Communities), Hartford City, and at Hearts with Integrity, Hartford City
She attended Calvary Christian Lighthouse Church, Hartford City

Phyllis R. Knox, 84, of Hartford City, passed away on Monday morning, Oct. 6, 2025, at her home.
Born on March 24, 1941, in Pennville, she was the daughter of the now late Edward and Ermina (Conner) McClain.
Phyllis married John W. Knox in Dunkirk on August 24, 1962. His passing occurred on June 18, 2004.
She worked many years at Overhead Door Corporation, Hartford City, until its closing.
Phyllis was well-known throughout the community afterward for home care/home health care, initially being affiliated with Heritage Commons (now Crown Pointe Communities), Hartford City, but later and long-term, being alongside Carol Robles at Hearts with Integrity, Hartford City.
She attended Calvary Christian Lighthouse Church, Hartford City, and also Wesley Methodist Church, Union City.
Phyllis is survived by one son, Jay (wife Diane) Knox; daughter-in-law, Kim Knox; four grandchildren, Chris Knox, Scott Knox, Kavan Knox and Jay Louis Knox; one brother, Johnny Bob McClain; many half-siblings.
In addition to her parents and husband, her son, Allen W. Knox, passed away on April 8 of this year.
Phyllis also was preceded by a granddaughter, Angela Diane Knox, a stepson, Wesley Hickman, a brother, Charles T. “Toby” Conner, as well as many half-siblings.
Services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday Oct. 10, 2025, in Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City.
The Rev. Mike Fanning will be officiating.
Burial will immediately follow at Gardens of Memory Cemetery, Muncie.
Visitation for friends and family also will be on Friday from 11 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Christian Lighthouse Church, 2101 N. Walnut St., Hartford City, IN 47348 or Wesley Methodist Church, 515 W. Oak St., Union City, IN 47390.
Visit www.WatersFunerals.com to leave condolences for the family.