The Versailles Republican Obituaries

PAGE UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING APRIL 27, 2017 1 P.M.

“Sammy” Harold Brown

Our town lost a longtime citizen and friend, “Sammy” Harold Brown, age 71, who was called home late Tuesday, April 25, 2017. He was born in Edmonton, Kentucky, the son of the late James and Evelyn (Jessee) Brown on December 20, 1945. In his early years, he grew up in Kentucky, and around sixth grade the family moved to Indiana. He attended Sand Creek and then onto Versailles, graduating from there.

After high school he became employed at Batesville Casket Company. He worked his entire career there, giving 45 years. As life began to move on, he met the love of his life Deborah Ann Forwalt at the former Dunbar and Bultman restaurant, and he married her on November 20, 1971 and built a family with her over the last 45 plus years. They built a home in between Napoleon and Batesville and raised four boys and one daughter. Since retirement he and Debbie had built a new home in the town of Osgood. To say life was busy and blessed would be an understatement; his love for his children and grandchildren was very strong. His heart ached last summer with the passing of his son, Bret, a tremendous loss.

His involvement in different organizations was a commitment he had made; he was a proud member of the Osgood Legion, Eagles of Aurora, and American Legion Riders of Ripley County. He had a strong faith and attended Cedar Creek Community Church. Sam fought sickness for the last five years, but in February of 2016, began his toughest fight. No one here can say he lost the fight, merely it was his time. His greatest enjoyment of fun was riding his motorcycle! Sam loved to tease and aggravate all of his grandchildren; they were the greatest gifts he ever received.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son Bret; and sister Betty Brown. He is survived by wife, Debbie of Osgood; sons, Chad Edward and Mark Alan (Vanessa), both of Osgood, and Brad Lee of Columbus; daughter, April McQueen of Versailles; brother, J.C. (Carolyn) Brown of Osgood; and sister, Becky (Ron) Sutton of Holton; along with 12 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at Neal’s Funeral Home in Osgood on Thursday, April 27 from 4-7 p.m. The funeral service will also be at the funeral home on Friday, April 28 at 11 a.m., with doors opening at 9 a.m.; followed by burial at New Marion Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials are made out to the New Marion Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Services are entrusted to Neal’s Funeral Home, Osgood. www.nealsfuneralhome.net.

Emma C. McConnell

Emma C. McConnell, 86, of Pierceville, passed away Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. She was born September 12, 1930 in Rosehill, Virginia, the daughter of James and Carnia (Harvel) Thomas. She married Hugh McConnell January 4, 1947 and he preceded her in death September 12, 1997. Emma was a homemaker. She enjoyed being a mother and a grandmother to her family. She attended the Pierceville United Methodist Church. She will be missed by many.

Her survivors include sons Larry (Bev) McConnell of Milan, Jack (Donna) McConnell of Aurora, Doug (Annette) McConnell of Osgood, Steve (Gina) McConnell of Milan, Mark (Kerry) McConnell of Osgood; daughters Trish Sproessig of Versailles, Peggy (Jeff) Schueler of Camden, OH, Rita (George) Anderson of Osgood; 18 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren, five great great grandchildren and five sisters. She was preceded in death by her husband, one daughter Carolyn Lee; five brothers, two sisters, grandson Michael Sproessig, one granddaughter April Ascherman and a grandson Heath McConnell and great grandson Briar Stephens.

Memorial service will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 28 at Law-Carr-Moore Funeral Home with Pastor Dennis Hadler officiating. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Memorials may be made to: Margaret Mary Hospice or Ripley Crossing Activity Fund. Laws-Carr-Moore Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. 707 South Main Street, Box 243 Milan, In 47031; (812)654-2141.