May 24, 2016 • Obituaries
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UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING MAY 24, 2016 11 A.M.
Donald Floyd Dickey
Donald Floyd Dickey, Sr., 89, passed peacefully to his heavenly Father on May 22, 2016, surrounded by loving family. He was born in Batesville, on May 14, 1927 to Herschel and Elsie (Freeland) Dickey as a twin to his dear brother, Ronald Lloyd Dickey, who predeceased him.
With a strong sense of patriotism, Don graduated early from Batesville High School so that he could enlist in the armed forces during World War II. He proudly served with his twin brother in the Seabees (Construction Battalions) in the U.S. Navy in Guam. On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1948, Donald married Cathryn Marie Fries at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Brookville. They proudly raised seven children and were blessed to be together, even in his last days.
At a young age, Don began working at Dickey & Sons Sinclair Service Station located in the middle of Batesville. He continued with a varied and illustrious career, working for New York Central Railroad, Texas Eastern and Proctor & Gamble. He held positions with the State of Indiana and Ripley County for over 25 years. Don was a lifelong member of the Batesville United Methodist Church. Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion Post #271, VFW Post #3183, and Batesville Lodge F&AM #668.
Most remarkably and significantly, Don impacted the Batesville community, Ripley County, and Indiana through his commitment, dedication, and leadership of the Republican Party. Embracing his role as leader of the GOP, he served as Precinct Committeeman and Chairman of the Ripley County Republicans for over 40 years. While Don had many friends on both sides of the political aisle, he was instrumental in transforming the county political leadership from Democrat to Republican. In 1980, the Indiana Republican Party bestowed on Don the honor of being a member of the Electoral College and casting a vote for Ronald Reagan.
Throughout his life, Don received recognition for numerous achievements. For his distinguished service to the State of Indiana, Don was awarded the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash by Governors Edgar Whitcomb, Dr. Otis Bowen, and Robert Orr. Don worked tirelessly with these governors to promote positive change for Indiana citizens and to create jobs in his Ripley County home. Amazingly, he was privileged to meet Presidents Nixon, Reagan and George H.W. Bush. His active involvement in the GOP, including inviting political dignitaries to Batesville, prompted one supporter to call him “Governor.” Thereafter, Don was affectionately referred to as “Governor” or “Gov,” a title he greatly enjoyed.
Furthermore, Don’s interests extended to playing bridge and chess, trapping, hunting, fishing, golfing, collecting coins, listening to Big Band music, reading several newspapers daily, and especially watching old classic movies with his loving wife. Also, he thoroughly enjoyed cheering for the Cincinnati Reds, the Bengals, all Indiana college basketball teams, and watching NCAA March Madness with his beloved wife, an equally enthusiastic fan. In later years, one of Don’s greatest passions focused on horse racing. Unquestionably, Hilton Head Island was “Grampy’s” favorite destination for family vacations with “Grammy,” the children, and grandchildren. Meeting with friends for coffee was a frequent activity, and until recently, he made daily trips to Kroger where he greeted the employees as friends. Most importantly, “Dad” and “Grampy” relished family gatherings and visits from his children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, nieces, and nephews. Almost every visitor was a proud recipient of a special gift, a historic U.S. silver dollar. Don’s signature memento will serve as a lasting reminder of his warmth, smile, and giving nature.
Undoubtedly, Don’s quick wit, sense of humor, entertaining stories, and joyful spirit of giving are truly his legacy. All who knew him could tell of a delightful interaction with him. He will be immensely missed by his beloved wife, Cathryn, and his loving children: Beverly Ehrhardt (Phil) of St. Charles, Illinois, John Dickey (Terri) of Batesville, Glenn Dickey (Deb) of Florence, Kentucky, Mary Sitterding (Mitch), James Dickey (Sandy), and Donald Dickey, Jr., ”Dogger” (Elaine) of Batesville, and Janine Burkhart (Lincoln) of Indianapolis; 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 26 at 11 a.m. at Batesville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery with Military Rites. Memorial donations may be made to Food for the Poor, Inc., c/o Fr. Paul Walsman, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 and Margaret Mary Health Foundation, c/o Mary Dickey, 321 Mitchell Avenue, P.O. Box 226, Batesville, IN 47006.
Wilma Jean Carr
Wilma Jean Carr, 82 of Columbus and formerly of Milan, passed away Sunday May 22, in Columbus. Jean and her husband, Paul were former owners and operators of Laws-Carr Funeral Home in Milan from 1965 to 1974. Jean was well known for baking cakes for people for various occasions during her years in Milan. Jean is survived by husband Paul, sons Dennis and wife Carol Carr and Jim and wife Kerry Carr, 4 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two sisters, and one brother-in-law. She was preceded in death by a son, Clifford Carr.
Funeral services will be Thursday May 26, 11 a.m. at Bass Gasper Funeral Home in Westport. Visitation will be Wednesday 4 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Westport Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Go to www.bassgasper.com to leave an online condolence message.
Van E. Shelton
Van E. Shelton, 90, Indianapolis and formerly of Hanover, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at his home in Indianapolis. He was born June 20, 1925, in Jefferson County, the son of Roy N. and Mary Jones Shelton.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison. The funeral will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Chapel, Madison. Burial will be at Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Madison, with full military honors at 12:30 p.m. conducted by the Fort Knox Ceremonial Unit and Jefferson Post 9 of the American Legion. The family requests memorials in memory of Van to the Prince of Peace Catholic Church Steeple Fund or the Indy Honor Flight; contribution cards are available at the funeral home. Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre is in charge of the services. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.morgan-nay.com.
Barbara Jean Lee
Barbara Jean Lee, 68, of North Vernon passed away at 5:09 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus. Born December 17, 1947 in Batesville, Mrs. Lee was the daughter of the late Robert Denton and Ruth Elizabeth Richardson Hardesty. She married Harold Junior Lee on July 3, 1969, in Osgood, and he preceded her in death on June 2, 2005.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Services in North Vernon. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 25, from 11 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon. Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the American Heart Association. To leave the family a message of condolence visit www.dovesharprudicel.com.
Donald Floyd Dickey
Donald Floyd Dickey, Sr., 89, passed peacefully to his heavenly Father on May 22, 2016, surrounded by loving family. He was born in Batesville, on May 14, 1927 to Herschel and Elsie (Freeland) Dickey as a twin to his dear brother, Ronald Lloyd Dickey, who predeceased him.
With a strong sense of patriotism, Don graduated early from Batesville High School so that he could enlist in the armed forces during World War II. He proudly served with his twin brother in the Seabees (Construction Battalions) in the U.S. Navy in Guam. On Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1948, Donald married Cathryn Marie Fries at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Brookville. They proudly raised seven children and were blessed to be together, even in his last days.
At a young age, Don began working at Dickey & Sons Sinclair Service Station located in the middle of Batesville. He continued with a varied and illustrious career, working for New York Central Railroad, Texas Eastern and Proctor & Gamble. He held positions with the State of Indiana and Ripley County for over 25 years. Don was a lifelong member of the Batesville United Methodist Church. Additionally, he was a member of the American Legion Post #271, VFW Post #3183, and Batesville Lodge F&AM #668.
Most remarkably and significantly, Don impacted the Batesville community, Ripley County, and Indiana through his commitment, dedication, and leadership of the Republican Party. Embracing his role as leader of the GOP, he served as Precinct Committeeman and Chairman of the Ripley County Republicans for over 40 years. While Don had many friends on both sides of the political aisle, he was instrumental in transforming the county political leadership from Democrat to Republican. In 1980, the Indiana Republican Party bestowed on Don the honor of being a member of the Electoral College and casting a vote for Ronald Reagan.
Throughout his life, Don received recognition for numerous achievements. For his distinguished service to the State of Indiana, Don was awarded the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash by Governors Edgar Whitcomb, Dr. Otis Bowen, and Robert Orr. Don worked tirelessly with these governors to promote positive change for Indiana citizens and to create jobs in his Ripley County home. Amazingly, he was privileged to meet Presidents Nixon, Reagan and George H.W. Bush. His active involvement in the GOP, including inviting political dignitaries to Batesville, prompted one supporter to call him “Governor.” Thereafter, Don was affectionately referred to as “Governor” or “Gov,” a title he greatly enjoyed.
Furthermore, Don’s interests extended to playing bridge and chess, trapping, hunting, fishing, golfing, collecting coins, listening to Big Band music, reading several newspapers daily, and especially watching old classic movies with his loving wife. Also, he thoroughly enjoyed cheering for the Cincinnati Reds, the Bengals, all Indiana college basketball teams, and watching NCAA March Madness with his beloved wife, an equally enthusiastic fan. In later years, one of Don’s greatest passions focused on horse racing. Unquestionably, Hilton Head Island was “Grampy’s” favorite destination for family vacations with “Grammy,” the children, and grandchildren. Meeting with friends for coffee was a frequent activity, and until recently, he made daily trips to Kroger where he greeted the employees as friends. Most importantly, “Dad” and “Grampy” relished family gatherings and visits from his children, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, nieces, and nephews. Almost every visitor was a proud recipient of a special gift, a historic U.S. silver dollar. Don’s signature memento will serve as a lasting reminder of his warmth, smile, and giving nature.
Undoubtedly, Don’s quick wit, sense of humor, entertaining stories, and joyful spirit of giving are truly his legacy. All who knew him could tell of a delightful interaction with him. He will be immensely missed by his beloved wife, Cathryn, and his loving children: Beverly Ehrhardt (Phil) of St. Charles, Illinois, John Dickey (Terri) of Batesville, Glenn Dickey (Deb) of Florence, Kentucky, Mary Sitterding (Mitch), James Dickey (Sandy), and Donald Dickey, Jr., ”Dogger” (Elaine) of Batesville, and Janine Burkhart (Lincoln) of Indianapolis; 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Meyers Funeral Home in Batesville. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 26 at 11 a.m. at Batesville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in St. Louis Catholic Cemetery with Military Rites. Memorial donations may be made to Food for the Poor, Inc., c/o Fr. Paul Walsman, 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 and Margaret Mary Health Foundation, c/o Mary Dickey, 321 Mitchell Avenue, P.O. Box 226, Batesville, IN 47006.
Wilma Jean Carr
Wilma Jean Carr, 82 of Columbus and formerly of Milan, passed away Sunday May 22, in Columbus. Jean and her husband, Paul were former owners and operators of Laws-Carr Funeral Home in Milan from 1965 to 1974. Jean was well known for baking cakes for people for various occasions during her years in Milan. Jean is survived by husband Paul, sons Dennis and wife Carol Carr and Jim and wife Kerry Carr, 4 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two sisters, and one brother-in-law. She was preceded in death by a son, Clifford Carr.
Funeral services will be Thursday May 26, 11 a.m. at Bass Gasper Funeral Home in Westport. Visitation will be Wednesday 4 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Westport Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Go to www.bassgasper.com to leave an online condolence message.
Van E. Shelton
Van E. Shelton, 90, Indianapolis and formerly of Hanover, passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at his home in Indianapolis. He was born June 20, 1925, in Jefferson County, the son of Roy N. and Mary Jones Shelton.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre, Madison. The funeral will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Chapel, Madison. Burial will be at Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Madison, with full military honors at 12:30 p.m. conducted by the Fort Knox Ceremonial Unit and Jefferson Post 9 of the American Legion. The family requests memorials in memory of Van to the Prince of Peace Catholic Church Steeple Fund or the Indy Honor Flight; contribution cards are available at the funeral home. Morgan & Nay Funeral Centre is in charge of the services. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.morgan-nay.com.
Barbara Jean Lee
Barbara Jean Lee, 68, of North Vernon passed away at 5:09 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2016, at Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus. Born December 17, 1947 in Batesville, Mrs. Lee was the daughter of the late Robert Denton and Ruth Elizabeth Richardson Hardesty. She married Harold Junior Lee on July 3, 1969, in Osgood, and he preceded her in death on June 2, 2005.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, at the Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home and Cremation Services in North Vernon. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 25, from 11 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon. Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the American Heart Association. To leave the family a message of condolence visit www.dovesharprudicel.com.
