Trapshooter Memorial

Charles St. John

Source: Erlewein Mortuary

Ralph E. Wade

Ralph Edward Wade, 82, of Columbus, formerly of Flat Rock, passed away at 6:12 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, at Columbus Regional Hospital.

Mr. Wade had been a program specialist for ASCS for 32 years and retired in 1984. He was a member of Flat Rock United Methodist Church, Farmer's Masonic Lodge, Flat Rock Order of the Eastern Star, and Amateur Trapshooting Association. He loved trapshooting, flower and vegetable gardening and spending time with his grandchildren.

The funeral will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Norman Funeral Home in Hope with Rev. Leslie Fix officiating. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. A Masonic memorial service will be conducted at 8:00p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be at Flat Rock Cemetery in Flat Rock, IN. Memorials may be given to Flat Rock United Methodist Church through the funeral
home.

Mr. Wade was born Sept. 21, 1929, in Bartholomew County, the son of Walter and Mamie Bell Snider Wade. He married Joanna Lawless on Jan. 21, 1951, at the Flat Rock United Methodist Church and she survives. Other survivors include a son, Logan Ralph Wade of Flat Rock; a daughter, Mary Bell (Rusty) Smiley of Flat Rock; grandchildren, Jesse Wade (Rochelle) Mathena of Greenwood, Donnell Edward (Lenora) Mathena of Shelbyville and Joseph Wayne (Kayla) Mathena II of Westport; great-grandchildren, Jesse Mathena Jr., Devon Mathena, Wade Mathena, Annabelle Mathena and Josey Mathena; a brother, Lawrence Edgar Wade of Cookeville, Tenn.; and a nephew, Larry Wade. Mr. Wade was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mamie Bell Wade.

Online condolences may be sent to the Wade family at normanfuneralhome.net.

Source: Norman Funeral Home
 

Steven A. Dalby

Steven A. Dalbey of Crawfordsville died at 11:22 p.m. on June 16, 2011. Thursday in Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health-Crawfordsville. He was 61.

Mr. Dalbey retired after 40 years as a meat inspector for the Indiana Board of Health and was owner of Morton Hook & Sinker Country Store. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, American Trap Shooters Association, IRA-Indiana Ropers and Doggers Association and National Rifle Association.

He graduated from Crawfordsville High School in 1968. He was born Sept. 16, 1949, at Williamsport, to Stanley R. and Violet L. (Long) Dalbey. He married Linda Cain on April 26, 1969, at Crawfordsville. She survives.Other survivors include: daughter Michelle (Colby) Montgomery of Waldorf, Md.; and sisters, Donna Crowder and Lenora Kilgore, both of Crawfordsville. Sister Della Jean Surber is deceased.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hunt & Son Funeral Home, 107 N. Grant Ave., with the Rev. Mike Sabens officiating. Burial will be at Darlington Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery. Friends may call 4-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Source: Crawfordsville Journal and Review

John W. "Bill' Cooley

Source: McComb and Sons Funeral Home

Thomas Mundell

Thomas E. Mundell, 74, Silver Lake, Indiana and formerly of Tipton, died at 4:50 p.m. Saturday, January 1, 2011 at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.  He was born September 28, 1936 in Tipton to Henry J. & Margaret J. (Phifer) Mundell.  On June 7, 1959 he married Beth Achenbach and she survives. He retired from General Motors in Kokomo.  Tom was a member of U.A.W. 292, American Trapshooter Association and the Indiana Trapshooters Hall of Fame.  He loved to fish and loved IU basketball and NASCAR.

Survivors besides his wife Beth include two daughters, Christina Elston and husband Darrell and Stacie Shaffer and husband Jim, all of Tipton; six grandchildren, Lindsay Timm and husband Zach, Bryan Elston, Derek Elston, Aubree Elston, Jordan Shaffer and Whitney Shaffer.  He will also be missed by his two little canine companions, Kaylee and Bella.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph Mundell and William Mundell, and one sister, Janet Smedley. Tom's funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 6 at Young-Nichols
Funeral Home with Rev. Melissa Grishaw presiding.  Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Caregiver Companion, 228 N. Main Street, Suite B, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.

Source: Young Nichols Funeral Home

Mildred Kingen

Mildred Kingen, 94, beloved wife of the late Dennis “Dink” Kingen and treasured mother of Sharon Kingen, passed into the embrace of the Savior Jesus on Thursday evening, October 21, 2010. 

Born on Christmas day of 1915 to Gertrude and Allen Snyder, she spent her childhood on the family farm a mile south of Mt. Comfort.  As a teenager during the Depression, she assisted in supplementing the family income by helping to cook and serve chicken dinners on Sundays.  Following her graduation from Mt. Comfort High School, she pursued a career as a comptometer operator at Eli Lilly Co.  On June 25, 1937, she wed her high school sweetheart, Dink Kingen, in Culver, Indiana.  

The couple lived for a few years in Fortville before Dink enlisted in the Army Air Force to serve in World War II.  While he was listed as missing in action, she gave birth to their only child, daughter Sharon.  After his safe return to the United States, Pid and Dink set to farming on property owned by Dink’s father in Hancock County.  They lived together on this farm all of their 60 years of marriage.  Pid not only worked as a farm housewife, but she also cooked for 20 years in the Mt. Comfort and Mt. Vernon Schools.  In 1959, Pid and Dink began construction of the Kingen Gun Club on the farm property.  Her responsibility was the restaurant at the club, a duty she was fulfilling in August of 2010 shortly before she fell ill. 

Throughout all of her married life, she was the unofficial gun bearer and emotional support of her husband and daughter.  Although she never took part in shooting sports as a competitor, she was well known by hundreds of shooters throughout the nation.  The Indiana Trapshooting Association awarded her a plaque in honor of her many years of support of the sport.  She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Matron of the McCordsville Chapter.  She was also a very active member of the Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church.  She taught Sunday School classes, served as church treasurer for several years, worked as a member of the worship committee, sang in the church choir, and labored as church historian for many years, as well as volunteering for numerous duties associated with church activities including smorgasbords and funeral dinners.  Until her final illness took her mobility and energy, she was a vigorous, optimistic force to those who knew her, yet she was a woman of gentle touch and kind words to all. 

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon; her niece, Karen Fleming and her nephew, Dennis Fisk, both of Greenfield; her niece, Marta Evry Bowman of California; and many great nieces and nephews who grieve her passing but celebrate the opportunity to have known and loved a woman of sturdy strength, honesty, and virtue.  She will be greatly missed by many friends and acquaintances not only in the local community but across the state and the country. 

Source: Erlewein Mortuary

Clarence Earl Toliver

Clarence Earl Toliver, 97, of Orleans died Monday, July 19, 2010 at the Bedford Regional Medical Center in Bedford, Indiana.

Earl was born June 16, 1913 in Orange County, Indiana. His parents were Hayden W. and Ethel May Scarlett Toliver.

He married Maye E. Magner, August 17, 1940 and she preceded him in death on February 3, 2002.

He was the owned and operated the former Toliver Oil Products in Orleans for thirty-five years until he sold the business and retired in 1975.

Earl’s interest in trap shooting began in 1948 and that became his passion. He owned the Jenkins Gun Club in Mitchell from 1969 to 1973. In 1954, he was elected to the board of the Indiana Trapshooter’s Association and served as secretary, treasurer for many years and as president in 1961. He was elected to the Indiana Hall of Fame in 1978. In 1964 he was elected to the National Amateur Trapshooter’s Association and was president in 1968 and founder of the National Trapshooting Hall of Fame. He attended all of the Hall of Fame Induction Banquets from 1968 until 2009. In 1962 Earl was the world recordholder for the most 100s broken in a single year, 4000 targets consecutively. He held many other records. He was also an avid pilot from 1935 until 1970. He was a member of the Orleans Kiwanis Club and was past president and past Lt. Governor. He was a member of the Bedford Elks Club and was a member of the National Riflemen’s Association.

Surviving Mr. Toliver is a sister, Barbara Diech and her husband, David of Bedford, a sister-in-law and a brother-in-law, Carolyn and Robert Burgess of Crawfordsville, Indiana, also several nieces and nephews.  Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one brother, Max Toliver and one sister, Mildred Burton.

Source: Ochs-Tetrick Funeral Home

Judith E. Barker

Mrs. Judith E. Barker, 60, of 3916 N. Meridian Road, Rochester, died Monday at her residence.

She was born in Roanoke, Va., on July 7, 1949, the daughter of the late Robert W. and Marcelle (Widner) Coley.

Judith became the bride of Donald J. Barker on July 1, 1977, in Cullman, Ala.

As a person who loved the outdoors, Judy managed the Fulton County Conservation Club. With great pride she kept the grounds manicured to perfection, from mowing down to the fine tuning of edging in preparation for the shooters' competitions. She enjoyed planting flowers to enhance the beauty of her home overlooking the Tippecanoe River.

To relax Judy and Don enjoyed boating in the glistening waters of various lakes in northern Indiana and southern Michigan. Many times these escapes included the children and later the grandchildren. Embracing the outdoors, Judy and Don would camp under the stars, sometimes in a trailer with friends, earlier in a pop-up camper, or even in tents carried on board.

The Barkers owned and loved their property in Park County. There were many quiet moments and great memories made there developing the land for the perfect retirement spot. Judy's greatest passion was for her family. As a consummate grandma, her best times were when her grandchildren surrounded her. As an active grandmother Judy taught the kids about nature. She enjoyed cheering them on in all of their sporting activities. Dialing long distance was the best method of staying in touch and talking with them, and keeping up on breaking news was her forte. 

Judy is remembered for her thoughtful, random acts of kindness that were unending. Whether it be for family or friends, Judy was there to lend a helping hand. She unselfishly put the needs of others before her own. Whether it was organizing Christmas dinner baskets for those less fortunate or helping with groceries or cash in a time of need, Judy was quietly in the background, always there to help out.

It was a family tradition that Judy and Don hosted the family Thanksgiving celebration in their home. There the grandchildren could be found helping Nana, as she was affectionately known, apply the finishing touches to the delicious feast. Judy leaves behind her loving lifelong partner, husband Don, her adoring children, treasured grandchildren, a brother and sisters, the grateful shooters of the conservation club, and the many friends she touched along life's journey to cherish her memory.

Judith is survived by her husband, Don, at home; a daughter, Michelle Runkel Karst and husband Scott, Madison; a son, Michael Runkel and wife Amanda, Valley Grove, Ala. Five grandchildren, Justin Sightes, LaPorte; Jack and A.J. Karst, Madison; and Meagan and Malachi Runkel, Valley Grove, Ala. Four sisters, Debbie Self and husband Michael, Fairview, Ala.; Donna Coley, Cullman, Ala.; Denise Parker and Donald Ray, Valley Grove, Ala.; and Robin Strickland, Madison, Ala. A brother, Robert Coley Jr. and wife Debbie, Walter, Ala; and very dear friends, Jim and Betty DeHaven, LaCrosse.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her mom, Marcelle Stricklin, in 1997; her dad, Robert Coley, in 1993; her youngest sister, Janice Coley, on Dec. 26, 2008; and her grandmother, Florence Young, in January of 2010.

A celebration of the life of Judith E. Barker will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with the Rev. Ray Squibb officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice of Fulton County or Friends of Fulton County Parks. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at goodfamily@rtcol.com.

Source: The Rochester Sentinel

John F. Gould

Seven-time All American John F. Gould of Pleasant Lake, Ind., died of congestive heart failure on Sept 15, 2009. He was 64.

A shooter most of his adult life, he began his ATA career in 1988. Since then he had registered 52,800 singles, 47,700 handicap, and 38,100 doubles targets while earning numerous trophies and chair shooter championships. He placed on the ATA All American chair teams each year from 2004 through the current year (the 2010 squad, based on accomplishments during the 2009 target year). Twice he was the second-high points earner on the team.

He was chair titlist in the 2005 and 2008 Grand American Doubles Championships, and the latter year he also led the category in the President's Handicap. In 2003 he placed 17th in the Grand American Handicap field.

He earned numerous chair trophies at Satellite Grands and state shoots, including the following in title events between 2003 and 2009: Great Lakes Grand, 16; Empire Grand, nine; Northeasetern Grand, Michigan, and Ohio, four each; Missouri, three; Southern Grand, two; and Dixie Grand, one.

A member of the Branch County and Williams County Conservation Club, "John and his big red scooter were a familiar sight at many of the big shoots," wrote Carol, his wife of 22 years. "He was the only shooter to break a perfect 50 at Williams County's 50-bird club championship July 26. He went out a winner".

For 38 years Mr. Gould was a machinist at Metaldyne (formerly Simpson Ind.) in Fremont.

Surviving are his widow, five sons, 10 grandchildren and two sisters.

Source: Trap & Field Magazine

William A. Gray

Bill A. Gray 67, Jamestown, died Sept. 3, 2009. He had been a tool repairman at Diamond Chain and formerly worked at Link Belt. An avid trapshooter, he was a member of the American Trapshooters Association. He is survived by his wife Glenda Gray; children Billy Wayne Gray, Cynthia Hardman, Brett A. Gray, and Charlotte Wehlerman; brother Bobby Gray; sisters Enona Brewington, Linda Gasper, and Sheila Kadel; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Sat. Sept. 5 at Matthews Mortuary, Brownsburg, with visitation there from 4 to 8 p.m. Fri. Sept. 4. Burial will be at Lizton K of P Cemetery.

Source: The Indianapolis Star

Arthur L. Horvath

Arthur L. Horvath, 1991 Indiana Hall of Fame enshrinee from Mishawaka, died March 5, 2009 at the age of 76.

Among his awards was the 1973 Indiana singles title, after his first 200 straight plus an 11 round shoot-off. His second career 200 straight put him into a tie for the 1982 Grand American Clay Target Championship, where he finished as Class A runner-up following three extra rounds.

Between 1959 and 1996, the ATA life member registered 68,100 singles, 59,000 handicap and 36,930 doubles targets.

He was past president of the Indiana Trapshooters Association and the Chain O' Lakes Gun Club in South Bend, and he was a member of the Mishawaka Conservation Club.

Mr. Horvath was a machinery repairman in the Navy and he worked as a tool and die maker.

Surviving are his widow Johna, three children, eight grandchildren, and five great-grand children.

Source: Trap & Field Magazine

William Lee "Bill" Jackson

William Lee “Bill” Jackson, age 64 of Clarks Hill, died at his residence on February 5, 2009. Born in Glasgow, KY on January 9, 1945, he was the son of the late Joseph and Mary (Hodges) Davis. He was a graduate of Clinton Prairie High School and was an Army Veteran having served in Viet Nam. He married JoAnn Lockwood on May 16, 1964 in Clarks Hill and she survives. Mr. Jackson retired as a plumber for Brenneco for 21 years. He enjoyed trap shooting, fishing, traveling, and his grandkids. He was a member of the Amateur Trapshooters Association, shooting 18,850 targets; Roachdale Gun Club and the N.R.A. Surviving with his wife are two daughters, two sons, and fourteen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Sgt. David L. Jackson.

Source:  Hippensteel Funeral Home

Bruce L. Kinsey

Bruce L. Kinsey Oct. 10, 1946 - June 14, 2008 WARSAW - Bruce L. Kinsey, 61, died at 4:31 p.m. Saturday in Kosciusko Community Hospital. Survivors include his wife, Kathy; a daughter, Brittney Kinsey of Warsaw; sons, Curtis (Catherine) Kinsey of Fort Wayne, Grant and Craig Kinsey, both of Warsaw; a granddaughter, Emily Kinsey; father, Edward B. Kinsey of South Bend; a sister, Linda (Dennis) Byers of South Bend; and brothers, Jerry Kinsey of North Webster and Duane Clemens of Indiana.

Source: South Bend Tribune

Robert Thompson

Bob Thompson, 82, passed away at his Largo, FL residence on March 11, 2008 following complications from knee surgery.

Mr. Thompson was a long time trapshooter registering his first target in 1954. He fired at 46,750 singles, 88,675 handicap, and 15,400 doubles targets in the ATA. He was a past president of the Indiana Trapshooters Association and was an inductee in the Indiana Trapshooting Hall of Fame. Bob also attended 50 Grand Americans in a row and received his 50 year pin last year in Vandalia, Ohio. He and his wife, Mary Sue, were the first couple to break 100 in handicap. He also owned and operated a sporting goods store in Columbus, IN as well as managed the Columbus Gun Club.

A memorial service is planned in Columbus, IN in the middle of April. Additional details to follow.

Survivors include his widow Mary Sue, three daughters Cindy, Missy, and Bertie, and grandchildren Robert Jacob Smith, Danny Smith, Courtney Smith, & Evan Menser.

Source: Indiana Trapshooters Association

Violet E. Hancock 

Violet Ethel Hancock 81, Indianapolis, died May 20, 2007. Violet was a cook for Pike Township Schools, retiring in 1990. She was a lifetime member of the Eastern Star and a member of the Lizton Christian Church. Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Charles Wayne Hancock; her son, William Wayne Hancock and his wife, Sandy; her daughter Nadine Wein; four granddaughters; four great-grandsons, and one great- granddaughter, several nieces and nephews. A service will be held Noon, Thursday, May 24, 2007 at Flanner & Buchanan Funeral Center Zionsville, with visitation from 10 a.m. to service time. Burial will be at Lincoln Memory Gardens, Whitestown.

Violet was a member of the ATA and shot at 74,000 registered targets in her career.

Source: The Indianapolis Star & Trap & Field Magazine

Donald E. Hymer    

Donald E. Hymer of Roachdale, Indiana, passed away December 21, 2006 from natural causes at the age of 75. The ATA life member began his trapshooting career in 1966 and registered 60,875 total targets, winning many trophies along the journey.

He graduated from Earlham College, earned a Masters Degree from Illinois State University and taught school for 32 years. He was a Korean War Veteran serving with the Army Medical 19^th Infantry Medical Corp.

Donnie was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, Roachdale Optimist Club, Past Master of Roachdale’s Masonic Lodge, Roachdale Veterans of Foreign Wars, past president of Roachdale Gun Club, and a member of Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis.

Donnie was best known for his service to the youth shooters of Indiana. He was one of the first certified youth instructors from the state of Indiana and trained hundreds of youth to shoot trap since 1980.  He spent countless hours at Roachdale Gun Club conducting safety classes and giving shooting instruction to youth shooters. Donnie attended many Indiana State Shoots selling raffle tickets to benefit the youth program and attended many Grands entering the kids and giving praise when they were done shooting.

Surviving are several nieces and nephews and grateful are many students from the classroom and the trap range.

Source: Trap & Field Magazine