County Sports Legends

Where are they today?

By Roy Church

Western High School,” he recalled.

Jim also wrestled one year at Manchester College for Jim Gratz, but then decided to move to Wabash and work at Ford Meter Box.

That’s when I first met Jim. We lived across the street from each other in the 200 block of East Hill Street.

About two years ago, Steve Kirtlan, owner of Kirtlan Automotive, suggested I do a column about Jim. It seems he never left the sport of wrestling after his “wrestling” days were over. He became a referee here in Wabash

County and his reputation spread quickly.

Kirtlan wrestled at Northfield High School, then coached at Northfield and Wabash for a total of 22 years before joining Jim as a referee. The two have worked together off and on for the last eight years.

Most recently, Jim served as assistant supervisor of officials for the IHSAA at the New Haven sem-istate tournament at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum earlier this month.

He also was honored this year with Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association’s Billy Thom Award, named after the legendary Wabash High School, Indiana University and U.S. Olympic coach. It is the IHSWCA’s highest award.

He also received the IHSAA’s Outstanding Officials Award in 1995 and was inducted into the

IHSWCA’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

It took Jim only two years working in and around Wabash County to see his reputation take off. In 1973, he worked his first sectional in Fort Wayne.

Since then he has worked 31 state final events – team, individual, boys and girls. His first state final assign- ment came in 1985 and he remembers it well.

“It was scheduled for Market Square Arena in Indy, but it got snowed out,” he said, “and moved to New Castle.”

He also consid- ered it “an honor” to work this year’s girls state finals after having worked five regional events.

He also served on the IHSAA’s rules interpretation committee for 25 years.

A couple years ago, Jim tried to retire. “But there weren’t enough young kids to do it,” he said. “So I’m back at it.

“It’s been my whole life,” he added.

And he’s still very good at what he does. “He hasn’t lost a beat,” Kirtlan said. “He’s officiated several times in matches my boys were in. He may still be officiating when my grandkids come along. Who knows?”

Cont. on Pg. 11.

Dianna J. Owen, 75 Enjoyed crafts

June 7, 1947 – Feb. 13, 2023

Dianna J. Owen, 75, of Wabash, passed away Monday, February 13, 2023, at her residence in rural Wabash County. She was born to Joe and Ellen “Billie” (Williams) McCray on June 7, 1947, in Marion.

Dianna was a 1965 graduate of Southwood High School. She married Stanley E. Owen on April 9, 1966. She was a homemaker.

Dianna enjoyed doing crafts and reading books as a hobby. The joys in her life were her family and especially her grandchildren.

Dianna was a member of LaFontaine

United Methodist Church in Lafontaine.

Dianna is survived by her husband, Stanley Owen of Wabash, Indiana; one son, John (Becky) Owen of Marion, Indiana; two daughters, Mrs. Terry (Tasha) Harrell of North Manchester, Indiana, Mrs. Sean (Molly) Helfin of Wabash, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Kiowa Harrell (Kassie), Makayla Harrell, Wyatt Helfin, Sydney Helfin, Lane Helfin, Brooke Hall, Kassidy (Jared) Hill, Paine Owen; eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Nancy Cooper of Marion, Indiana, Susie McCray of LaFontaine, Indiana. She is preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Service was held February 16, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue Wabash, IN 46992 with Pastor J.P. Freeman officiating.

Preferred memorials can be directed to Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, 6316 Mutual Drive Fort Wayne, Indiana 46825 in care of McDonald Funeral Home.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash, Indiana 46992, have been trusted with Dianna Owen’s final arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Carrol Sue Drudge, 87

Was faithful to the Lord March 27, 1935 –Feb. 15, 2023

Carrol Sue Drudge, 87, North Manchester, died Feb. 15, 2023. She was born March 27, 1935. She married Harold D. Drudge on Aug. 6, 1955. Services will be at 3 p.m. Feb. 25 at South Pleasant Church, North Manchster.

Randy Hayslett

March 7, 1957 – November 16, 2022

Celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. March 7, 2023, at Francis Slocum Cemetery. A Miami Indian ceremony will take place.

Robert Michael Gahl, 46 Gifted in mechanics

Feb. 23, 1976— Feb. 12, 2023

Robert Michael Gahl, 46, Urbana, passed away February 12, 2023, at his home. Born in Wabash, on February 23, 1976, Robert was the son of Rodney Gahl and Linda (Holloman) Templeton.

Robert attended Wabash High School. He had several siblings and understood the importance of family at an early age. Robert was a loving father who always put others before himself. He was gifted when it came to mechanics and loved working on anything with a motor, especially Mustangs. His favorite car was a 1989 Fox Body Mustang. Robert also had a gift for tinting windows.

The loving memory of Robert Gahl will be forever cherished by his father, Rodney Gahl; companion of fifteen years, Patrisha “Trisha” Cornett, Urbana; sons, Kaileb Gahl, Sebastian Hawk, and Rocky Shepherd; daughters, Jaci Gahl and Ashton Gahl; brothers, Alan (Tara) Gahl, Montgomery, Alabama, Garry Gahl, Wabash, Barry (Sandra) Gahl, Rockland, California, Damien (Louise) Gahl, Beaufort, South Carolina, and Paul (Teresa) Gahl, Georgia; sister, Sherry (Nathan) Graves, Fairbanks, Alaska; and many other family members and friends. Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Templeton.

Funeral services were Monday, February 20, 2023, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, with Pastor Dave Cox officiating. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery, Country Road 300 East and County Road 1000 North, Servia.

For those who wish to honor the memory of Robert Gahl, an offering of love may be made to McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, IN 46962 to assist with final arrangements. The family of Robert Gahl has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.

Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com

Richard Leon Eckerley, 82 Enjoyed farming

Dec. 23, 1940 – Feb. 16, 2023

Richard Leon Eckerley, 82, of rural Peru, died at 11 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, at his son Brad’s home, in Peru. He was born Dec. 23, 1940, in Miami County, to Herbert and Helen (Titus) Eckerley.

Richard was a 1958 graduate of Noble Township High School. He married Suzanne Pennycoff at the Center Chapel First Brethren Church on Feb. 16, 1962. He was a retired farmer and attended the Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Peru. Richard enjoyed farming, gardening, chocolate, and reading and studying his Bible.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Eckerley of Peru; four children, Brent (Tracy) Eckerley of Warsaw, Bryan (Kyle) Eckerley and Brad (Natasha) Eckerley, both of Peru, and Beth Eckerley of Indianapolis; seven grandchildren, Jessie (William Scot) McClain of Fairbanks, Alaska, Kyle (Cyrus) Lingle of Oak Grove, Kentucky, Alyssa (Kody) Case of Peru, Andrew (Katie) Eckerley of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Jacob Eckerley of Wabash, Lucas (Alyssa) Eckerley of Fishers, and Caleb Eckerley of Peru; six great grandchildren; sisters and brothers, Julia (Dave) Wolfrum of Wabash, Gene (Judy) Eckerley of Mishawaka, Larry (Linda) Eckerley of Fort Wayne, Patricia Raker of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and Sharon (Bob) Hill of Wabash. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Brad Eckerley and Jason See officiating. Burial will be in Roann Community Cemetery.

Preferred memorial is Samaritan’s Purse. The memorial guest book for Richard may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Philip E. Welty, 70 Owned Gunner’s Trading Post

Feb. 3, 1953 – Feb. 14, 2023

Philip E. Welty, 70 of Huntington County, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at his home in rural Huntington County.

Phil was born on, to Lawrence and Wanda (Taylor) Welty in Wabash. Phil liked to fish and hunt. He was a wellknown fur buyer for more than 40 years. He was the owner/operator of Gunner’s Trading Post in Wabash, which he ran until 2010. Phil was a world champion coon hunter and folks would often marvel at his hunting dogs. A wonderful coach, he coached many sports, including baseball, softball, basketball and football. Phil was a caring person and would support anyone in the community he could.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Wanda Welty, sister, Judy Stephens, and grandson, Little Andy Welty.

Loving survivors include his wife of 47 years, Karen Welty of Huntington, children, Angela (Marion) Mooberry of Warren, IN, Andy (Danielle Wheat) Welty of Huntington, IN, Amy (Drew) Glancy of Bluffton, IN, grandchildren, twins Kennan and Colton Mooberry, Keana (Ronald) Comer III, Trey Glancy, Carrie Hamilton, Cassie Hamilton, CJ Vebert, Rachel (Chris) Brown, Stephen (Amber) Mooberry, great grandchildren, Magnolia Comer, and Everlly Manlove, sister, Diana (David) Shenefield of Huntington, IN, and brother-in-law Bob Stephens of Arizona. Friends and family may gather to share and remember from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at GlancyH. Brown & Son Funeral Home located at 203 N Matilda, Warren. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 23, 2023, with one hour of visitation before the service at Warren United Church of Christ, 202 E 2nd St Warren. Pastor Troy Drayer will be officiating. Entombment will follow at Gardens of Memory in Marion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Riley Children’s Foundation

500 N. Meridian Street, Suite 100 Indianapolis, IN 46204.

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

Bartley E. See, 59

Owned See Dairy Farms

July 23, 1963 – Feb. 18, 2023

Bartley E. See, 59, of rural Macy, passed at 3:18 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, with his wife by his side at Parkview Wabash Hospital.

Bart was born on July 23, 1963, in Rochester, to Lawrence and Sue (Craft) See. He married on Nov. 23, 1991, in the Olive Branch Church of God to Raye Anne Parson, she survives.

Bart was a 1981 graduate of North Miami High School. He was a lifetime farmer. He and his wife Raye Anne own and operate See Dairy Farms and Big Boyz Repair. Alongside their boys, Brantley and Bryant, they milked and raised grain. He attended Olive Branch Church and later the Mexico Community Church. He served as a member of the FFA Advisory Committee and the Dairy Farmers of America Board.

He enjoyed golfing when he had time. He loved to play the Waldo with his sons. In earlier years he also played in a bowling league. He was a huge March Madness fan, his favorite teams were IU and the Pacers. He was a short term Purdue fan when his son played in the band. He was always there when someone needed him and was dedicated to his family. He enjoyed vacations with family and looked forward to having the grandkids come stay. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and papaw.

He is survived by his wife Raye Anne See of Macy; sons Brantley and wife Sara See and Bryant and wife Kara See both of Macy; grandchildren Addison, Nolan, Rayelynn, Nora, and one on the way; parents Lawrence and Sue See of Macy; father and mother-in-law Rick and Gloria Parson of Roann; and a brother Bret See of Macy; Several Nieces and Nephews.

Bart was preceded in death by his brother, Burnell See.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Ind. with Pastor Kyle Schnitz officiating.

The interment will be in the Ebenezer Cemetery, Macy, Ind. following the service.

Visitation hours will be from 1 pm to 7 pm, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023 at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, Ind. Share a Memory or send an Online Condolence at: www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com

Doris Stanton, 54 Enjoyed watching television

Sept. 6, 1968 – Feb. 19, 2023

Doris Elizabeth

“Beth” Stanton, 54, of North Manchester, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023.

She was born on Sept. 6, 1968, to Donald and Rose Carpenter. Survivors include her three sons, Luke Hubler of North Manchester, Stephen Hubler of North Manchester, and Colt Hubler of

Ramona Lynn

Miracle Deschryver

Sept. 23, 1963 – Feb. 13, 2023

Ramona Lynn Miracle Deschryver, formerly of Wabash, died at her home in Pompano Beach, Fla., on Feb. 13, 2023.

She was born in Wabash to Jack and Rita Miracle on Sept. 23, 1963. She married Michael Deschryver in Wabash in 1997. She is survived by Michael Deschryver; her son, Bobby Deschryver; her brother, Tim (Jennifer) Miracle; her step-sister Tawna Miracle; her mother, Rita (Rich) Carlson; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, 3 aunts and 3 uncles.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Miracle; stepmother, Marjorie Joann Miracle; her daughter, Brittany Marie Miracle; and her step-sister, Sandra Miracle Albertson. There will be no services. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Nancy J. Kendall, 85 Loved gardening

May 19, 1937 – Feb. 19, 2023

Nancy J. Kendall, 85, of LaFontaine, passed away at 8:35 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at Parkview Wabash Hospital.

She was born on May 19, 1937, to Roy and Marguerite (VanMark) Harper in Marion.

Nancy was a graduate of Marion High School. She married Larry Kendall on May 13, 1956. She worked at Wabash Magnetics for 25 years. Nancy attended Lincolnville Community Church in Lincolnville. Nancy loved maintaining her flowers, yard, and landscaping; most of all she loved her family and grandchildren. She was a pleaser and never wanted to be an inconvenience to anyone.

Nancy is survived by her husband, Larry Kendall; two daughters, Mrs. Dan (Kim) Mathews of Somerset, Mrs. Bryan (Kristy) Cowden of Muncie; four grandchildren, Trisha (Aaron) Eckman, Michael (Amy) Mathews, both of Wabash, Kyle (Christina) Cowden of Manhattan, New York, Megan (Andrew) Stellwag of Whitestown; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Mrs. Ron (Jill) McWithey of Anderson; Nancy and Larry’s beloved dog, Daisy; and three very close friends she spoke to on the phone each day.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and one sister.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main St., LaFontaine, with Pastor John Cook officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine I.O.O.F Cemetery in LaFontaine. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials can be directed to Wabash County Animal Shelter in care of McDonald Funeral Homes.

McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main St., LaFontaine, , have been trusted with Nancy Kendall’s final arrangements.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

North Manchester; three daughters, Grace Hubler of North Manchester, Raylene Stanton of Warsaw, Stephanie Stanton of Lawrenceburg, Tenn; three brothers, James Carpenter, Charles Carpenter and Donald Carpenter, all of North Manchester; of North Manchester;

11 grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Bailey-Love Mortuary, Huntington, handled arrangements.