Friday, January 14, 2011

Richmond Lewis Scott, O.D.

Dr. Richmond Lewis Scott passed away on January 3, 2011, in Woodland Hills, California. Dr. Scott was a pioneering state and national leader in optometry who helped shape the scope and mode of optometric care in Indiana and the nation.

He is survived by his wife, Pearl, and his daughter, Joy Scott Sheets (Michael), and his two grandchildren, Jason and Kiki. His son, Richmond Lewis Scott II, lost his life in an automobile accident on September 12, 1982.

Dr. Scott was born on August 6, 1924 in San Antonio, Texas to Richard D. and Anna W. Scott. He was the youngest of 8 children. The late Mrs. J.A. Santilli, whose husband was the former President of Fort Wayne Corrugated, was his oldest sister. Dr. Scott married Pearl Jeanne Caldwell in San Antonio, Texas, on December 11, 1943. They attended high school together and lived in the same neighborhood.

World War II was declared in 1941 at the time of their graduation. Lewis attended St. Mary’s University while waiting to be called into cadet training. He received his silver wings and his commission with the Army Air Corps December 1943. Dr. Scott was sent home on a ten day furlough. He was to remain in the States for 6 more months for additional training before being sent to Europe. They decided to be married so they could be together before he was sent to Europe.

He was first sent to England, and then to France. He flew the A-20 Havoc and the A-26 Invader on missions over Germany. On February 16, 1945, his plane was shot down while flying a mission over Unna, Germany. The plane exploded and caught on fire. His two gunners were killed in the explosion. Dr. Scott managed to bail out and was captured. He was first sent to a hospital because of his wounds and then sent to a German prison camp for the duration of the war. He was awarded the Purple Heart.

After Dr. Scott returned home, he again attended St. Mary’s University, prior to entering Pennsylvania College of Optometry in Philadelphia. He graduated with honors and received his Doctor of Optometry in 1950. Forty-six years later Dr. Scott would receive the President’s Awards from his alma mater for “the advancement of the profession.”

He decided to settle in Hartford City, Indiana since his sister, Helen Santilli, resided there and he had visited from time to time and became acquainted. He was asked to come to Hartford City to practice since there was a need for his services there. He first practiced with Dr. Guy Owsley and then with Dr. Hamilton. Dr. Richard Windsor associated with Dr. Scott in 1973 and later, Dr. Craig Ford and Dr. Laura K. Windsor associated with them. The practice then became The Eye Associates Group LLC in Hartford City. Dr. Scott and his associates also developed the Low Vision Centers of Indiana, a program to help the partially-sighted which have grown into two major low vision clinics in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne that serve visually impaired patients from throughout the United States and the around the world.

Throughout his career he always sought to improve the quality of care he could deliver to his patients. Dr. Irv Borish, noted lecturer and author wrote of Dr. Scott’s practice; “His office, equipment and mode and scope of practice demonstrates the forefront on the profession as ideally envisioned, and serves as a relatively rare example of consistency between preachment and practice.”

Dr. Scott extended his desire to improve the quality and scope of optometric care beyond his practice. For over seventeen years, he served on the Indiana Optometry Board, most of that time as President of the Board. Dr. Scott worked tirelessly on expanding the scope and quality of optometric care. He has lectured throughout the state, country, as well as presenting lectures in Paris, Monaco and Venice. He was a strong proponent of mandatory continuing education for health care providers and helped pass legislation in Indiana to require continuing education for optometric relicensure.

Dr. Scott’s kind and caring personality made him an amazingly effective leader. Dr. Henry Hofsteter, first Dean of the Indiana University School of Optometry described him as “optometry’s great diplomat.” He was appointed five times by three different Indiana governors from both political parties to serve on the Indiana Optometry Boards. Following the enactment of new therapeutic legislation in Indiana, he was called upon by Governor Evan Bayh to serve as Chairman of the OLDPAC committee to implement the new law. He was awarded a Sagamore of the Wabash by the Governor of Indiana and Honorary Attorney General Award by the Indiana Attorney General for his work in healthcare licensing.

Dr. Scott is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and member of the American Optometric Association. In 1984, the AOA selected Dr. Scott as the AOA’s National Optometrist of the Year. Dr. Scott is also a Past President of the Indiana Optometric Association. He is also the only doctor of optometry to twice be selected as the Indiana Optometrist of the Year. The IOA has also awarded him the Distinguished Service Award, two Meritorious Service Awards and in 1993 presented Dr. Scott with the IOA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

He also served as President of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry and President of the International Association of Boards of Examiners in Optometry. While serving on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry he was instrumental in the development of the NBEO Treatment and Management of Disease Test. In 1984, he was appointed a Distinguished Practitioner of the National Academies of Practice, an honor limited to only one hundred outstanding clinicians and scholars in each of the ten major health professions in the United States.

Dr. Scott has chaired multiple fund raising campaigns for Indiana University School of Optometry and in 1989 received the Indiana University-Purdue University Spirit of Philanthropy Award, Certificate of Recognition.

The Advancement of Optometry Lecture Series, at the Indiana University School of Optometry through funding from the Eye Associates Group LLC will honor Dr. Scott’s legacy of leadership.

Dr. Scott was also very active in his community. He helped solicit funds for the then new Blackford Hospital in 1953 and the municipal swimming pool. He, Dr. Owsley and Robert Wearly developed the Oaks Residential Subdivision north of the city. He also was one of the organizers of First National Bank, now known as Pacesetter Bank, and served as a director for many years.

In 2009, Dr. Scott moved to California to enjoy his retirement and be near his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 p.m. on Friday, January 21, at the Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, with a Christian Wake Service at 5 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, January 22, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 209 S. Spring St., Hartford City. Burial will be made in Gardens of Memory with military rites by the Delaware County Veterans Organization.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in The Lewis Scott Scholarship for Guardian Angel School, c/o Scott Public Relations, 21201 Victory Blvd. # 270, Canoga Park, CA 91303.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.watersfuneralhomes.com

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

DAVID D. WILSON

MONTPELIER, IN

David Draher Wilson, 78, prominent Hartford City attorney, passed away unexpectedly Friday, January 7, 2011 in Sarasota, Florida.

He was born August 2, 1932 in Hartford City, the son of John and Dorothy (Draher) Wilson. He was a 1950 graduate of Montpelier High School, graduated in 1954 from the University of Notre Dame School of Engineering and in 1957 from University of Notre Dame Law School. On February 2, 1957 he married Margaret Alice Kennell at the University of Notre Dame.

Dave served in the U.S. Air Force JAG from 1957-1960. After his discharge, he moved back to Blackford County and opened his law practice and was a family practitioner from 1960 to present. He was also a Blackford County farmer from 1960-2008.

Dave was a former Blackford County Prosecutor from 1962-1966. He was a lifelong member of St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, Montpelier, member of Blackford County and Indiana State Bar Association, Kiwanis Club, Emil A. Schweier Council #1639 Knights of Columbus and the Bishop Arnold Assembly #243 4th Degree, Muncie, and was a member of the Fifty Year Club of the University of Notre Dame Alumni Association. He was a board member of St. Margaret’s and Woodlawn Cemeteries, and was a former board member of Blackford Community Foundation.

Survivors include: wife, Margaret “Peg”; daughters, Diane (Michael) Reardon, Carmel, Elizabeth “Betsy” (Edward) Sipes, Marion, Mary Wilson, Sugarland, TX, and Janet Conner, Hartford City; son, David (Kim) Wilson, Jr., Marion; grandchildren, James and Zachary Reardon, Troy and Christopher Sipes, Akeem Wilson, David III and Anne Wilson, Brandon and Jared Conner.

He was preceded in death by his parents and infant son, Joseph Edward.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, January 14 in St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 209 S. Spring St., Hartford City with Father Dave Newton as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Montpelier.

Friends may call at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, January 13, with a Christian Wake Service at 4 p.m. Thursday.

Memorials may be made to St. Margaret’s Cemetery Fund or Blackford Community Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.watersfuneralhomes.com.

Monday, January 3, 2011

L. JANE PRESTON

HARTFORD CITY, IN

L. Jane Preston, 65, died Friday morning, December 31, 2010 at her residence, from heart related complications.
The life of Leota Jane Nessell began on July 29, 1945 to her parents, George and Florence E. (Atkinson) Nessell of rural Blackford County, both of whom precede her in death. After graduating form Hartford City High School in 1963, Janie moved to Ohio to attend Bowling Green State University to earn her degree in Art History in 1967. She then earned her Masters degree from Ball State University and became an art teacher in the Avon School system, near Indianapolis.
On July 12, 1975, she married John C. Preston in Indianapolis. Janie was currently employed by the Delaware School Corporation, teaching at Royerton Elementary for over thirty years and was presently teaching at Delta Middle School.
Janie had a high appreciation of the world in which she lived and treasured all of her friendships. She was a walking history of Blackford County and was active in several clubs and organizations including the D.A.R., Trowel & Error Garden Club, the Red Hat Society, NEA and Alpha Delta Pi.
Missing her most, will be her son John, but because of her guidance and direction toward the expanded horizons, he can carry on her many visions and desires. Her former husband, John C. Preston also survives, as well as dear friends, David and Sarah Lou Jones of Hartford City and Phyllis Said, Muncie and dear to her heart as well, her Labrador Retrievers, Sable and Sadie.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 5 in Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, with Rev. W. Lloyd Hall presiding. Cremation will follow the service.
Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4th and after 9 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to any humane society or any animal rescue fund.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.watersfuneralhomes.com.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

TERRY DEAN WILLMANN

WARSAW, IN

Terry Dean Willmann, 46, died unexpectedly of coronary disease at his residence December 27, 2010 in Warsaw.

He was born September 15, 1964 in Hartford City, the son of Leland and Nancy (Thomas) Willmann. He graduated from Blackford High School and Ball State University and had resided in the Warsaw area for the past fifteen years.

Terry was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. He enjoyed good books, great movies, and music. He was an avid sports fan, especially the New York Yankees, and one of his favorite pastimes was gigging on the Barbee Chain.

Surviving are: his mother, Nancy Willmann, Hartford City; a brother, Kent (Keely) Willmann, Longmont, CO; a sister, Karen Byall, Lake Sechrist, IN and her companion, Tim Towne, Gun Barrel City, TX; nieces and nephews, Keenan, Colin, and Mahala Willmann, Cameron Byall, (fiancé, Gabriella Layman), Gavin and Tanner Byall; brother-in-law, Mark Byall and numerous close friends and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leland Willmann and a sister, Michelle Willmann.

A Service of Remembrance will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, December 31 in Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., with Father Dave Newton officiating. Cremation will follow the service.

Friends may call at Waters Funeral Home from noon to 3 p.m. Friday.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Blackford Community Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.watersfuneralhomes.com

Friday, December 17, 2010

TROY E. WARMOTH

HARTFORD CITY, IN

Troy E. Warmoth, 47, son of Edi Tarter, died unexpectedly Monday, December 13 at his home in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Troy was born August 22, 1963 in New Castle, the son of Earl H. and Edith (Link) Warmoth. He was raised in New Castle graduating from New Castle High School in 1981. Then he enlisted in the U. S. Navy. After his discharge he continued to reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Mr. Warmoth worked as a pipe fitter in the construction industry.

He was a member of the Zion Lutheran Church and the National Rifle Association.

Surviving in addition to his mother are an uncle and aunt, Jack (JoAnn) Warmoth, Hagerstown, cousins, Gill and Guy Warmoth, Hagerstown, and special friends, Darcie Davis, Ed Evens, and Jeff, Trish and Nicole Melnick. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins residing in Germany.

He was preceded in death by his father and step-father, J. Robert Tarter.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 18 in the Zion Lutheran Church, 308 S. Monroe St., Hartford City with Rev. David Fleener officiating. Burial will follow in Hartford City Cemetery.

Friends may call at Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday December 17 and from noon to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the Zion Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.watersfuneralhomes.com

Saturday, November 27, 2010

HARLAN TRACY KERLIN

Indianapolis, Indiana
Harlan Tracy Kerlin, 94, resident of Westside Garden Plaza, Indianapolis, for the past ten years, and formerly of Hartford City, died November 26, 2010 after an extended illness.

Mr. Kerlin was born on March 18, 1916 in Fickle Station, IN, son of Mary Edna (Tracy) Kerlin and Methodist minister, Rev. Clarence J. Kerlin. His parents and infant sister, Eva Margaret, preceded him in death.
Tracy graduated from Frankfort High School in 1934, and in 1938 received his B.S. degree from Indiana Central College, with endorsements to teach music, physics and mathematics. His Masters Degrees in Music Education and Public School Administration were from Ball State. He taught music and was band director in Lapaz, IN until he joined the army in 1943. He was stationed in Ft. Stevens, Oregon as a medical corpsman, then when WWII ended he was sent to San Francisco where he served as a Medic during the establishment of the United Nations. He taught music (band) and mathematics in the Hartford City School System until he retired in 1978. He moved to Westside Garden Plaza, Indianapolis, October, 2000.
Tracy faithfully served his Lord at Grace United Methodist Church in Hartford City for over fifty years. Besides singing in the choir, and teaching Sunday school, he worked tirelessly in the development of mission programs within the church as well as gave support and encouragement to those who went into the ministry from Grace UMC church.
He was a faithful member of the Hartford City Rotary Club for over fifty years. Under his guidance the Hartford City Rotary Club achieved the rare distinction of 100% of its members becoming a “Paul Harris Fellow” of Rotary International.
Mr. Kerlin is survived by his brother, Dr. Joseph Kerlin (Rosie), Danville, and cousin, William Henry (Pauline), Franklin, four nieces, Becky Haak, Danville, Beth Toben (Brad), Waco, TX, Lynn Paul Sternberg (Scott), Pasadena, CA, and Mary Ann Wehlage Alexander (Nick), Broad Ripple, five great-nieces and four great-nephews.
Visitation will be on Sunday, November 28, 2010 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Waters Funeral Home, Hartford City. The Memorial Service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church, Hartford City at 10:30 am. Monday, November 29. Interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Gardens on Tuesday, November 30 at 1:00 p.m.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to Taylor University, Upland, IN, or Grace United Methodist Church, Hartford City, IN.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.watersfuneralhomes.com

Thursday, November 11, 2010

JOHN A. STRINE

Hartford City

John A. Strine, 73, passed away Sunday, November 7, 2010 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

A lifetime resident of Hartford City, he was born July 2, 1937 to John and Daisy (Cheney) Strine in Hartford City. He graduated from Hartford City High School in 1955 and married Norma Darnell April 17, 1956.

John was employed at Foster-Forbes Glass Company, Marion, for 37 ½ years, retiring in October, 1993. John enjoyed fishing and golfing.

Survivors include: his wife, Norma; 2 sons, Doug (Becky) Strine, Hartford City and Steve (Amy) Strine, Fort Wayne; 1 daughter, Nancy (Gary) Soultz, Gas City; 2 Brothers, Fred (Joan) Strine and Roger (Mary Kay) Strine, both of Hartford City; 6 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 8 step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Robert, a sister, Martha Whitesell, and his mother-in-law, Wretha Darnell.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 12 at the Lake Placid Worship Center, 0397 South 200 East, Hartford City with Pastor Jack Shiflett officiating. Burial will be made in Union Cemetery, Eaton.

Memorials may be made to Family Hospice of Northeast Indiana, 265 W. Water St., Berne, Indiana 46711, or to the donor’s favorite charity.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Waters Funeral Home, 501 W. Washington St., Hartford City.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.watersfuneralhomes.com