Huntington County TAB

12/07/2025

Congratulations to 2025 Huntington County Fair Queen Nicole Cave and King Colton Reffitt.
The 2025 Huntington County Fair court includes: King Court; Jonathan McMillan 2nd runner up, Caden Moore 1st runner up and King Colton Reffitt. The Queen and her court: Queen Nicole Cave, Marissa Trout 1st runner up and Chloe Couch 2nd runner up.

01/07/2025

30/06/2025

Debra Lou Smith, 71, of Lagro, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on Dec. 14, 1953, in Illinois to Floyd Turner and Norma Watson, Debra lived a life full of compassion, dedication, and unwavering love for those around her.

Debra was the heart and soul of her family—always putting others first, giving without hesitation, and offering her kindness freely. She is survived by her beloved husband, Edgar Smith, and her children: Alicia Smith (boyfriend Kaleb Conelley), Ryan Smith (fiancé Sondra Kramer), Barbra Hilterbrand, Philip Smith (wife Rebecca), Kimberly Smith, and Beverly Croy. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Bently Smith, Kohen Smith, Emma Lou Conelley, Tracy Smith (son Wodlyn), Roary Smith, Ashlynn Snow, Jarreck Snow, Blayne Christelieb, Jeremy Hilterbrand, Jill Medina (sons Jayden and Jayce, daughter Julie), Jeff Hilterbrand, Sydney Baer (husband Jordan, daughter Riley), Morgan Gerken, Brad Rickman (children Teara Jacobs, Jodeci Rickman, and Arabella Rickman). Debra is also survived by her siblings, Penny Turner McPherson(husband Bob McPherson), brother Richard Turner(partner Martie Stewart), brother Todd Turner, brother Patrick Turner.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Norma Turner; her brothers, Kurt and Randy Turner; and her sons-in-law, Tim Hilterbrand and Jim Croy.

Debra worked as a proud United Steel Worker at GDX (formerly General Tire) for 34 years. After retirement, she continued serving others as a substitute teacher and an advocate/navigator for Aspen Insurance. Never one to slow down, Debra returned to school and graduated at the top of her class from Ivy Tech College with a bachelor’s degree in Office Administration and Software Concentration. She served as treasurer of the Wabash Student Government Association from 2008–2009 and president from 2009–2010.

Debra had a vibrant spirit and was known as a social butterfly, always quick with a warm smile and generous heart. Whether it was helping organize and support local tractor pulls with her husband, son, and grandson, or spending her days caring for her grandchildren, Debra poured love and energy into everything she did.

A Celebration of Life will be July 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Eads Barn, 4725 E. 200 N. Urbana, 46990.

27/06/2025

Dell Carinne Hughes Thorn, 85, of Cleburne, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

She was born Jan. 31, 1940, to Robert and Rozella Hughes in Leslie, W. Va.

She enjoyed cooking, playing card games, sewing, fishing and spending time with loved ones.

She was a member of Boulevard Baptist Church, and she loved serving the Lord.
Dell is survived by her husband, Larry Thorn of Cleburne, Texas; children: Scott Thorn and Debra of Huntington; Karl Thorn and Debbie of Crowley, Texas; and Teresa Jordan of Cleburne, Texas; grandchildren: Brandi Felton and Chris of Fort Wayne; Brittney Shoemaker and Seth of Huntington; Kristen Ruiz and Jorge of Fort Worth, Texas; Derek Thorn of Crowley, Texas; and Jamie Jordan of Burleson, Texas and seven great-grandchildren: Tyler, Justin, Samuel, Ian, Claire, Evan, and Sophia.

The memorial services were at Boulevard Baptist Church in Burleson, Texas on Friday, June 13th, 2025.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to TCAP the Texas Coalition for Animal Protection at texasforthem.org

25/06/2025

Dwight Victor Ericsson, formerly of Huntington, and most recently a resident in Peabody, MA died in Naples, Fla., May 29, 2025 of heart failure.

He was born in San Diego, CA in 1931, the son of Carl Gustav Ericsson and Delight Judith Anderson Ericsson. His parents, his brother Stanley Carl, and son Joel Carl predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann Elizabeth (nee. Lundahl), son Neal Arthur (Danielle), granddaughter Danae Suzanne, grandsons Levi Arthur, Andrew David and James Theodore.

He graduated from San Diego State College in 1952, summa cm laude from Bethel Seminary, St. Paul, MN in 1956 and earned his Ph.D. in New Testament from the University of Chicago in 1961. He taught at Bethel Seminary and Frederick College, Portsmouth, Va..

He was also a beekeeper and worked at Huntington University as director of the Fine Arts Center and in the Development Office. He served on the Fine Arts Council, was a board member and interpreter at Forks of the Wabash Historic Park. He enjoyed writing reviews of events for the Herald Press, helped establish hospice care and the annual Northeastern Chamber Music festival in Huntington. He hosted a weekly classical music program at WBNI and was a member of College Park Church. He was also a mediator for Education for Conflict Resolution in North Manchester.

He had a deep love of the outdoors, especially wilderness camping and canoeing. He guided trips in the Sierras and spent several years on staff at Camp Widjiwagan in northern Minnesota. Mountain climbing, flying, music, genealogy, reading, and writing were also his special interests. His greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

A memorial service will be held in Huntington, at 3:30 p.m. on June 30 at the Forks of the Wabash Historic Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions for camper scholarships at Camp Widjiwagan (MN) may given to YMCA of the North at www.ymcanorth.org/give.

12/06/2025

James A. Little, born on June 10, 1989, in Marion, passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2025, in Fairmount. He was 35 years old. James is survived by his loving parents, James P. and Kimberly (McBroom) Little, Fairmount; his devoted sister, Toni Little, Fairmount; his treasured nephew, Haidyn Little; and lifelong friends, Jordan and Cory. He shared a special bond with his girlfriend, Ashlee Ralls, who stood by his side in both joyful and challenging times.

James was a proud Ironworker for Local 147 for several years, known for his dedication and skill in his craft. He earned his high school diploma from Huntington North High School and quickly became an integral member of his community. He was a passionate sports fan, with an enthusiasm for all types of sports. James loved to gather with friends and family to cheer on his favorite teams and share in the excitement of the game.

An avid animal lover, James had a particular fondness for dogs and butterflies, often taking the time to appreciate the beauty of nature. He was an adventurous spirit who cherished outdoor activities and traveling, always seeking new experiences and adventures. Above all, James adored spending time with his nephew, Haidyn, creating countless memories that will be forever cherished.

James will be remembered as a friendly and outgoing individual who possessed a quiet strength. He had a remarkable ability to connect with others, leaving a positive impression on everyone he met.

James A. Little will be deeply missed, and his legacy of kindness, laughter, and adventure will forever remain in the lives of all he touched.

Arrangements for James were entrusted to the Fairmount Chapel of Armes-Hunt Life Celebration Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 415 South Main Street, Fairmount, Indiana 46928, where on Saturday, June 21, 2025, there will be a viewing held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., then the funeral service beginning at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of James to Armes-Hunt Funeral Home to help defray funeral costs.

Online memories and condolences may be left at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.

19/05/2025

Charles Thomas “Tom” Applegate 81 of Warren, passed away at his home in Warren on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Tom was born on July 15, 1943, in Muncie, to Charles L. and Martha P. (Sciscoe) Applegate. He graduated from Muncie Central High School in 1961 and served his country in both the United States Air Force and as an active-duty guardsman in the Army National Guard.

Tom married Martha “Louise” (Keele) Applegate on June 11, 1961, in Muncie. In the Air Force, Tom worked as an aircraft mechanic from 1961-1965 then reenlisted from 1965-1969. He served in the Indiana National Guard from 1981-1995 and earned the rank of First Sergeant as well as Battalion Operations Sergeant. He served as the Huntington County Veterans Service officer from 1995 to 2005 and was the recipient of the Samuel Jones Award for 2005. Tom worked as the Director for the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs and retired in 2013. Tom also was a former member of the American Legion Post #160 of Roanoke, Post #7 of Huntington, and Post #368 of Van Buren as well as a former member of the VFW Post 2689 of Huntington, IN, AMVETS Post 99 of Indianapolis, DAV of Indiana, and founder of the Purple Heart Chapter 692 of Marion, and also the Huntington Indiana chapter. Tom loved to be creative and would do diamond paintings, paint by number, coloring, and building model planes and cars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandson, Charles Edward in 1989, brother, Stephen Applegate in 2021, and brothers-in-law, Buster, Leroy, and Gary Keele.

Tom will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Louise Applegate of Warren, children, Charles T. (Patty) Applegate Jr. of Huntington, and Brenda L. Applegate of Bluffton, grandchildren, Cylest, Amber, Megan and Paige, great-grandchildren, Addison, Zoey, Emma, Ella-Rae, Nadine and EJ, sister-in-law, Janie Applegate, nephews, Stephen R. Applegate and Jaque A. Applegate, in-laws, Sandy and Kenley Grubbs, Carol and Dwight Ferrell, Mary and David Holton, nine nieces and five nephews, all of Tennessee.

Friends and family may gather to share and remember on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Glancy-H. Brown & Son Funeral Home located at 203 N Matilda St. Warren, from 4 to 8 p.m., and again on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, from 10 to 11 a.m..

A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. with David Meyers officiating. Burial will follow at Marion National Cemetery in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Boys Town USA or St. Jude’s

Arrangements have been entrusted to Glancy-H. Brown & Son Funeral Home in Warren, Indiana.

Online condolences can be made at glancyfuneralhomes.com

15/05/2025

Gene P. Buzzard of Fort Wayne, passed away on May 9, 2025. Born in Huntington in 1933, he was the starting center at age 15 for the Huntington Catholic basketball team that beat the 10th ranked Huntington Vikings in the sectional finals in 1949. He continued his studies and his basketball career at Huntington College, where he was starting center for three years. He earned a B.S. degree from Huntington College and earned an M.S. degree from Purdue University in 1965.

Gene was a chemistry teacher for the Fort Wayne Community Schools for 38 years, with three years at South Side High School followed by 33 years at Snider High School. Together with his previous six years at the Indianapolis Public Schools and the Dekalb County Schools, his teaching career spanned 44 years and countless students, many of whom regarded him as having changed the course of their lives. Among several awards, he received the American Chemical Society Central Regional Award for High School Chemistry Teaching in 1979 and an Honorary Doctorate in Science Education from Purdue University in 1983.

Gene was preceded in death by his beloved wife Marie, after 64 years of marriage. During their time together, Gene and Marie traveled extensively throughout the US and particularly loved traveling out west during the summers and to Florida during the winter. They spent over 62 winter vacations together in various parts of Florida.

Surviving are Gene and Marie’s sons, Jeffery (Juli) and Gregery (Hilary Cooke); four grandchildren, Steven (Nichole), Amy (Drew) Gustin, Isaac and Ezra Buzzard-Cooke; and five great grandchildren, Matthew, Adam, Joe, Lilly, and Miles, all of whom he loved dearly. Gene is also survived by his sister, Patti Souers of Huntington. In addition to his wife Marie, Gene was also preceded in death by his loving parents, Marie and Paul Buzzard.

Funeral Mass is 10:30 p.m., Monday, May 19, 2025 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 943 Powers St., New Haven.

Visitation from 9:30-10:30am in the church.

Burial in Fort Wayne Catholic Cemetery, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

To share a remembrance of Gene or to extend condolences, please visit DivineMercyFuneralHome.com.

05/05/2025

In celebration of 85 extraordinary years of life, we honor the memory of Frederick Everhart—a devoted husband, loving dad, proud grandfather, great-grandfather, and a true friend to all who crossed his path. Fred passed and found peace on April 30, 2025, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of strength, warmth, and unwavering kindness.

Born on Oct. 28, 1939, Fred was a man of the land and of the heart. He farmed for his entire life—more than seven decades of hard work, sunrises in the fields, and green John Deere pride. For Fred, if it wasn’t green, it didn’t belong on the farm. His passion and knowledge earned him the title of top salesman at Reed’s Tractor Sales, where he became known as “Fast Freddy.” He had an unmatched memory, recalling trade-in values, tractor models, and the names of farming families across multiple states. Fred didn't just sell tractors—he built relationships that spanned generations.

Fred was more than a farmer—he was a storyteller, a joke-teller, Euchre player and someone who never met a stranger. He worked as a purchasing agent at the VA Hospitals in Marion and Fort Wayne, where his precision and organization shone. With a memory like a steel trap, Fred never forgot a birthday, a date, or where a single piece of paper belonged. His talents and strength endured through 32 surgeries—a true testament to his resilience.

For the past 34 years, Fred shared life with his soulmate, Beverly Everhart. Together, they built a home that became a sanctuary—not just for themselves, but for their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and countless friends. Whether it was a Halloween hayride, a summer evening gathering, or a Christmas with hundreds of gifts personally wrapped by Fred, it was always a memorable time. Fred made everyone feel welcome, safe, and loved.

His passions included gardening, mowing, woodworking, and creating beauty in every bloom. One of his greatest joys was riding his golf cart alongside Beverly, admiring their flowers, fresh mowing lines, and watching the deer wander through the fields. In those quiet, peaceful moments, Fred was most at home.
He also served as President of the United Ostomy Association of Northeast Indiana, visiting and encouraging others with compassion and empathy—always making people feel understood, valued, and never alone in their struggles.

To know Fred was to love him. The hospice staff adored him, and it was clear—Fred had a way of wrapping people around his finger with humor, sincerity, and heart. His life was a gift, and his memory will live on in every laugh shared, every tractor passed, and every flower blooming in a well-tended garden.

He was preceded in death by Beverly Everhart (wife), parents and one brother.
Survivors include four daughters, Sheryl (Bill) Ringler, Sara (Tony) Smart, Deb (Devon) Mitten, Denise (Jay) Berger; two sons, Doug (Kim) Coble, David Wisialowski; 16 grandchildren, Jordan Ringler, Miranda (Grant) PeGan, Shelbie (Dylan) Lagonegro, Jonas (Olivia) Smart; Mike (Sheila) Stetzel, Jennifer Hanson, Jodi Stetzel, Julie Stetzel, Desiree (Keith) Fritcha, Ryan (Megan) Coble, Aaron Coble, Jessica Bracht, Katlynn (Chris) Bowden, Adam (Tanika) Wisialowski, Alex (Emma) Wisialowski, Austin (Adrienne) Wisialowski; 26 great-grandchildren.

Fred is deeply loved and will be forever missed—but never forgotten. He leaves behind a world that is better because he was here.

In memory of Fred, “Life is short, tell a joke!”

Services: Visitation Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Bailey Love Mortuary. Service at 1 p.m. Burial following at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

Preferred memorials to the Parkview Hospice, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750.

Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com.

Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Fredrick M. Everhart.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Fredrick M. Everhart please visit our Sympathy Store.

28/04/2025

Shirley L. Fuhrman, 89, of Huntington, passed away at 5:40 p.m. Sunday, April 27, 2025 at her residence.
Shirley was born on April 20, 1936 in Huntington, the daughter of Paul Wygant and Rethel (Davis) Wygant.

She graduated from Bippus High School with the Class of 1954 and married Ervin L. Fuhrman on Aug. 1, 1954 in Huntington. He preceded her in death on Dec. 20, 2005. Shirley was a homemaker and she retired from Kids Kampus as an assistant teacher. She also worked at Huntington North High School. Shirley was a member of the Evangelical United Methodist Church. She enjoyed reading, singing, and was a former Miss Huntington.

Survivors include her two daughters, Nondus E. (John) Christman of Huntington, Natilee (David) Kechel of Leo; four grandchildren, Brian (Lindsay) Kechel, Jenifer (Kyle Bender) Kechulius, Lauren (Eric) Till, Allison (Jon) Voght; two step-grandchildren, Connie (Dean) Cox, Dawn (Robert) Frye; numerous great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; grandson-in-law Patrick Teusch; granddaughter-in-law, Christina Christman; and niece, Kay Grindstaff. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ervin L. Fuhrman, father, Paul Dale Wygant, mother, Rethel Marie Wygant, son, Robin Lester Furhman, grandson, Matthew Lee Christman, and granddaughter, Emily Marie Teusch.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m., Friday, May 2, 2025 at Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Bailey-Love Mortuary with Rev. Chris Lantz and Pastor Greg Mason officiating. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will be in Gardens of Memory in Marion.

Preferred memorials may be made in memory of Shirley to the Evangelical United Methodist Church, or Associated Churches, or Right to Life, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750.

Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com.

Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Shirley L. Fuhrman.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Shirley L. Fuhrman please visit our Sympathy Store.