Spurgeon Funeral Home

Barbara Self, age 88, of Brownstown, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Hoosier Christian Village, Brownstown. Barbara was a member of Brownstown Christian Church for most of her life. Mrs. Self was a proud Avon Sales representative selling products for over 35 years. She worked as a CNA and, she also volunteered at Hoosier Christian Village. She especially enjoyed helping with the activities at the nursing home. Barbara was a loving and dedicated mother. Her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, were her pride and joy. She loved helping and caring for others. It was her passion to always try to take care of others first. Born on February 14, 1935,...

Alfred W. Fenneberg, age 92, of Seymour, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at Lutheran Community Home, Seymour. Mr. Fenneberg was baptized in Christ on November 29, 1931, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Sauers. He later became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour, being confirmed in faith on March 25, 1945. He also served as Elder of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Alfred was a lifetime farmer, and he loved farming. He started his farming career at a very young age, as he helped his father and grandfather on the farm with his "handyman" jobs. After his marriage, he continued his dedication to farming with the help of his wife, Mildred. He served in the United...

Herbert I. McLain, Jr., age 74, of Seymour, formerly of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri, passed away on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Hoosier Christian Village, Brownstown. Mr. McLain was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Seymour. Herb loved and cherished his family, and he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. He also loved cooking for his family, and he enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and doing genealogy research. Mr. McLain was especially proud of his Scottish heritage, as he was Governor of State of Missouri Maclean clan. Born on August 19, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, he was the son of Herbert I., Sr., and Alberta Noland McLain, both of whom preceded...

Donald Culp, age 87, of Seymour, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, November 13, 2023. Mr. Culp was a faithful member of Rockford Community Church for over 60 years. Don retired from Cummins Engine Co. after 30 years of service, and he also worked at Gerwin Shoe Factory for 15 years. Born on January 20, 1936, in Paducah, Kentucky, Don was the son of Ona and Maude (McAllister) Culp, both of whom preceded him in death. On July 2, 1955, at Rockford Methodist Church he married Jeanne Findley, and she survives in Seymour. Survivors also include three daughters: Dee Plumer of Seymour, Bridget White of Seymour, and Erin (Esko) Rantanen of Naperville, Illinois; one sister, Jewell...

Max J. McKain, age 91, of Brownstown, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Hoosier Christian Village, Brownstown, surrounded by his loving family. Max was employed with Duke Energy, f/k/a Public Service, for more than 30 years, and he was a deliverer for Crown Supply for over 20 years. Mr. McKain served in the Korean War for 18 months, and he was a lifetime member of the American Legion. Max was of the Baptist faith. Max loved spending time with his family, especially with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed playing his guitar, particularly playing in the White River Valley Boys band with his two brothers, Dean and Dallas. He also enjoyed gardening...

James Leonard Browning, age 82, of Brownstown, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. James was a retired life-time farmer. He bred and broke horses for many years, as he loved horses, and he also loved rodeos. After his retirement, he worked at Goecker Construction for some time. Mr. Browning was a charter member of the Spurs and Wheels Saddle Club, and he was a member of the Jackson County Fair Board for more than 50 years. He was involved with the 4-H Horse and Pony Club, enjoyed tomahawk and knife throwing, and he had the talent of building anything he wanted. Born on January 5, 1941, in Seymour, James was the son of Leonard J....

Leland D. Nierman, age 88, of Brownstown, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 20, 2023, at Hoosier Christian Village, Brownstown. Mr. Nierman was baptized in faith on December 7, 1934, and confirmed in Christ on March 21, 1948, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Wegan. He later became a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Sauers, with his wife, Lois. Mr. Nierman graduated from Tampico High School in 1953. Leland worked many years at Midway Supply Company in Seymour before becoming a self-employed plumber and electrician. Through his self-employed business, he grew fond of his many customers in Jackson County, and he was always ready and willing to help anyone in need. Leland was a...

Following a life well lived, George S. Robbins made his final flight ascending to the heavens on October 14, 2023. He was a man of principle and integrity, and he was loved by many. In 1931, he was born to Roy E. and Bessie (Myers) Robbins in Lafayette, Indiana. In 1948, the family moved to Jackson County, Indiana. George graduated from Clear Spring High School in 1949. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and worked as a Radar Electronics Technician, as his lifelong goal was to work with airplanes. In 1952, he was selected for the Aviation Cadet Program. He soloed after only 6 hours in a T-6. After graduating in 1953, he was awarded pilot wings and commissioned as a Second...

Matthew Cory McCory, age 33, of Brownstown, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Matthew spent many hours studying God's word, and he was baptized by his daddy on July 9, 2017. Matthew loved Jesus and was so happy to live for Him. He shared his love for God with his friends and family. Matthew had great faith throughout his life's journey, not shedding a tear or even becoming anxious about his health. He was a brave, beautiful soul. Matthew graduated from Brownstown Central High School. After graduating from high school, he held several different jobs. He worked construction and had a factory job, but seven years ago it became evident...

Carla Jean Miller, age 69, of Brownstown, a cherished mom and mamaw, was called to her heavenly home on Thursday, October 5, 2023, after a decade-long battle with dementia. Mrs. Miller was baptized at Brownstown Christian Church, and she was confirmed in faith at St. John's Lutheran Church, Sauers, on November 20, 2011. She taught her family about loving the Lord, and always being loyal. She was raised in Brownstown (Ewing), but she also lived in Illinois, North Dakota, and Michigan. Her parents celebrated her birth on November 22, 1953, as she was introduced to all as Carla Jean, the daughter of Carl and Megan Gray Defibaugh, both of whom preceded her in death. On January 24, 1990,...

Marshall Norman, Jr., age 97, of Norman, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Mr. Norman was a member of Norman Christian Church. Marshall was a hod carrier, and he was a member of the hod carriers union for more than 70 years. He also farmed and logged with his family. Mr. Norman was a long-time member of Norman Conservation Club, wherein he served as treasurer, and he was also a member of the Jackson County Council. He enjoyed fox hunting with friends, game hunting, and collecting hit and miss engines. Born on May 4, 1926, at his home in Norman, Marshall was the son of Marshall, Sr., and Lula (Todd) Norman, both of whom preceded him in death. Mr. Norman married Norma Jean...

Marshall Norman, Jr., age 97, of Norman, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Mr. Norman was a member of Norman Christian Church. Marshall was a hod carrier, and he was a member of the hod carriers union for more than 70 years. He also farmed and logged with his family. Mr. Norman was a long-time member of Norman Conservation Club, wherein he served as treasurer, and he was also a member of the Jackson County Council. He enjoyed fox hunting with friends, game hunting, and collecting hit and miss engines. Born on May 4, 1926, at his home in Norman, Marshall was the son of Marshall, Sr., and Lula (Todd) Norman, both of whom preceded him in death. Mr. Norman married Norma Jean...

Barbara Smith, age 92, of Seymour, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, at her home. Barbara was a member of the Schneck Medical Center Foundation, and she was a volunteer for the Schneck Medical Center Guild. She loved volunteering, doing art projects, playing bridge, and gardening. Born on May 20, 1931, in Columbus, Ohio, Barbara was the daughter of Paul and Mary (Main) Dunipace, both of whom preceded her in death. On June 15, 1962, in Birmingham, Michigan, she married Bill E. Smith, and he preceded her in death on May 4, 1992. Survivors include two sisters: Shirley Schafbuch of Lansing, Michigan, and Mary E. Gordon of Livonia, Michigan; one local niece, Lizbeth Bundy; one local...

Frank A. Lahrman, age 65, of Brownstown, passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023, at Schneck Medical Center, Seymour, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Lahrman was a life-time member of Brownstown United Methodist Church. Frank was a 1976 graduate of Brownstown Central High School, attended Purdue University, and was employed with several industries in Seymour prior to his retirement. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was an avid Purdue fan and enjoyed watching and attending Purdue sporting events. He was a member of Hickory Hills Golf Club and Shadowood Golf Course. Born on November 6, 1957, in Seymour, he was the son of Robert F. and Helen...

Jeremy Wischmeier, age 42, of Seymour, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023, at IU Health Methodist in Indianapolis surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Wischmeier had a strong faith, and he was an active member of Peace Lutheran Church, Seymour, since 2007. Jeremy was a 1999 graduate of Seymour High School, and he graduated from Indiana State University in 2002. He was a technology teacher at Seymour High School for 20 years. During his teaching career at the high school, he founded Seymour High School Carr Club and Owl Manufacturing. Jeremy thought of Seymour High School as his "second home". As a dedicated teacher, he spent countless hours helping students excel in the...

John Thomas Pesta, newspaper editor, English professor, literary-magazine founder and mystery-novel author, died on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at his home in Starve Hollow, Indiana. Born in Allentown in 1943, he is survived by his wife, the artist Maureen O'Hara Pesta of Vallonia, Indiana; son Jesse Pesta, an editor at The New York Times in New York City; daughter Abigail Pesta, author and journalist in Philadelphia; and son-in-law Joel Oestreich, professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia. John was preceded in death by his parents, John Aloysius Pesta and Angeline (Palladino) Pesta. You can read about his remarkable life, including the time he wrestled a tiger at a county fair, here:...

John Thomas Pesta, newspaper editor, English professor, literary-magazine founder and mystery-novel author who once wrestled a tiger at a county fair, died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at home in Starve Hollow, where he lived for a half-century. John was 80 years old. He was also many other things: Opinionated. Creative. Intensely supportive of his family. A stickler for grammar. As the owner and editor of "The Brownstown Banner" for nearly 20 years, he was a fierce champion of the community, where he settled in the 1970s and spent the rest of his life. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1943, John was the only son of a Hungarian house-painter ? a man of such modest means that he grew up in...

John Thomas Pesta, newspaper editor, English professor, literary-magazine founder and mystery-novel author who once wrestled a tiger at a county fair, died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at home in Starve Hollow, where he lived for a half-century. John was 80 years old. He was also many other things: Opinionated. Creative. Intensely supportive of his family. A stickler for grammar. As the owner and editor of "The Brownstown Banner" for nearly 20 years, he was a fierce champion of the community, where he settled in the 1970s and spent the rest of his life. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1943, John was the only son of a Hungarian house-painter ? a man of such modest means that he grew up in...

John Thomas Pesta, newspaper editor, English professor, literary-magazine founder and mystery-novel author who once wrestled a tiger at a county fair, died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at home in Starve Hollow, where he lived for a half-century. John was 80 years old. He was also many other things: Opinionated. Creative. Intensely supportive of his family. A stickler for grammar. As the owner and editor of "The Brownstown Banner" for nearly 20 years, he was a fierce champion of the community, where he settled in the 1970s and spent the rest of his life. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania, in 1943, John was the only son of a Hungarian house-painter ? a man of such modest means that he grew up in...

Ronald Lowell Cornett, age 83, of Brownstown, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023, at Hoosier Christian Village, Brownstown, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Cornett was a member of Brownstown Christian Church, and he was a former member of Freetown Church of Christ, where he served as deacon, song leader, and performed many other duties. He sang in the Messenger's Quartet, and he traveled regionally, spreading the gospel for over 20 years. Ron was an ordained minister, who preached at Ratcliff Grove Christian Church, Beck's Grove Christian Church, and more currently at his residence at the Hoosier Christian Village. Ron graduated from Freetown High School in 1958, and married...

David Alvin Miller, age 81, of Battle Creek, Michigan, formerly of Brownstown, passed away on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Mr. Miller graduated from Freetown High School. After graduation, he joined the Armed Forces, but he was medically discharged after Basic Training. David then went to work for Cummins, Inc., and he retired after 30 years of service in the Diesel Workers Union (DWU). After retirement, he opened and co-owned a used bookstore, The Book Place, with his sisters for 20 years. David moved from Indiana to California for four years, and then to Michigan for seven years with his long-time friend, Gene Powell. David was an avid reader, and he enjoyed playing cards,...