The annual giving report

Sid was proud that he went from being a scholarship recipient to a donor and leader at Wilmington College and at Indiana University. He endowed several scholarships and served 12 years on Wilmington’s Board of Trustees, including six years as chair.

Sid recently made a generous donation to Hooverwood Living to aid in starting an elder abuse prevention program. He was President of Camp Fire, Inc. while his children were involved in the organization and took an active role in their activities. Sid participated in Interfaith Alliance Indianapolis and made many lasting friendships throughout the interfaith community.

Sid was predeceased by his parents, his brother Allen Mishkin, and his nephew Michael Kramer. He is survived by his wife Sharon; his children Tracy Mishkin (Martin Ruelas), Jennifer Mishkin-Krause (Andreas Krause), and Joe Mishkin (Kelly Lay); his sisters Toby Kramer and Debbie Mishkin; his grandson Ray Kelley Mishkin; and his nephews Jim and Bob Kramer.

Joe David Black, ’64, passed away at his home in Vincennes, Ind. on March 24, 2021 at the age of 81. He was born June 12, 1939 in Winslow, Ind. to Arvel and Aurice (VanLaningham) Black. A native of Pike Country, Joe was a member of the Winslow High School class of 1957 and a 1961 graduate of Evansville College, where he earned the distinction of 2nd Lt. in the Air Force ROTC.

From 1964–67, Joe served his country at Altus Air Force Base, Altus, Okla., beginning as 2nd Lt. and finishing his career as captain and serving as judge advocate general. Following his military service, he began his law career in Vincennes, Ind., joining the firm of Harvey Ramsey. Joe stared his own firm in 1999 and practiced law for over 50 years.

Joe was known to be an advocate for the underdog and could be counted on to always present a vigorous defense. Although plain-spoken and never too flashy, Joe was always a worthy adversary in each case. He fought fiercely for those who were disadvantaged, disenfranchised, and disregarded by society. Most of his late practice focused on workers’ compensation and Social Security disability law. Joe’s dedication to the principle that everyone, regardless of station in life, deserved zealous representation compelled him to continue practicing law up to the time of his death.

As owner of two area orchards, Joe’s love of growing fruit was sparked long ago during his boyhood by his grandmother. His dream of having his own orchard was realized when he started Apple Hill Orchard in 2000 and, more recently, purchased Engelbrecht’s Orchard. Walking through the trees was a great pastime, and this fall he enjoyed many, many evenings picking apples with his wife and grandson. A man of great conviction, Joe served others through many venues. His civic involvement included leadership in the local Republican Party and running for political office (state senator and Vincennes mayor); past president and member of Kiwanis; Oakland City University Board of Trustees; Attic, Inc. board member; and long-time leader of the Our Gang 4-H Club.

Joe’s love for people was exhibited through his involvement in church and church activities. A lifetime General Baptist, he was a member at Bunker Hill GB church and held leadership positions on the General Baptist Denominational Board and Flat Creek Association.

However, most people would know Joe as a man with a heart for children. He began working with youth in 4-H at age 16, taking over leadership of his 4-H Club, the Crowville Hustlers in Pike County. During college, his work at Neighborhood House helping organize programs to help kids stay out of trouble ignited his passion for working with troubled and underprivileged youth. Since then, he has affected hundreds of children as he served as youth leader, basketball coach, 4-H leader, van driver and mentor.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Jane (Willis) Black, whom he married July 1, 1961; his children Kristi (Tim) Schulz of Newburgh, Ind. and Brad (Karen) Black of Bruceville, Ind.; a sister, Vicky Black, of Shelbyville, Tenn.; along with four grandchildren Kasi Schulz, Tara Schulz, Madison Black and Connor Black.

George Norman Bewley, Jr., ’73, died on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at George Towne Place in Fort Wayne, Ind. at 75 years of age. Born in Hammond, Ind. on Aug. 19, 1947, he was a son of the late George Bewley Sr. and Beatrice (Mann) Bewley. He graduated from Morton High School and continued on to Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind., graduating with a law degree. George married Linda Munro on Aug. 14, 1971, in Hammond, Ind.; she preceded him in death on April 20, 2020. George was an estate planning attorney in the Fort Wayne area for his entire career. He is survived by his son, Kevin and Brittany Bewley of Fort Wayne; daughter, Laura and Lucas Vachon of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Ava and Asher Bewley of Fort Wayne; and brother, Tom and Nancy Bewley of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and sisters, Donna Bewley, Sally Haack and Wendy Bewley.

Kirk A. Pinkerton, ’75, Schererville, Ind. passed away on December 15, 2020 at St. Catherine’s Hospital at the age of 70. He is survived by his children: Lori (Steve) Greenberg, Grayden (Scherri) Dixon Sr., Ryan (Desiree Freehauf) Reeder, Nathan Reeder, Warren (Kate) Reeder, and Megan (Bobby) Dyke; beloved grandchildren Grover and Greer Greenberg, Ashley (Darnell) Walker, Grayden Dixon, Jr., Cody Dixon, Alexa and Ronin Reeder, Sadie and Everett Dyke; great-grandchildren Camryn and AJ Walker;