Donald Williams
Donald James Williams, 60, of Aurora, Indiana, passed away in his home with family by his side on Saturday, October 7th, 2023.
He was born in Niles, Ohio on March 14th, 1963, to Kenneth Williams and Jean Boyd Williams — who preceded him in death.
Don attended Youngstown State University majoring in engineering before going on to complete his MBA at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.
Don started his career at Howard Industries in Milford, Illinois before taking a position at Emerson Motor Company in Florissant, Missouri. Don finished his career with Emerson as the VP of Engineering at InSinkErator in Racine, Wisconsin. Before retiring at 58, Don spent his last working years as VP of Engineering for Wayne Water Systems in Harrison, Ohio.
Don met the love of his life, Lisa in 1984 while working at his part-time janitorial position at the Eastwood Mall in Niles, Ohio. Their first date was on Sweetest Day which Don came prepared with a Sweetest Day card. After seeing a Winnebego on fire and taking it as a good sign for the future, the two kept dating and fell in love. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married September of 1987. Don and Lisa completed their family with two daughters: Amanda, and Allison.
Don was incredibly proud of making it to both of his daughters’ weddings, dancing at each one, and welcoming two great men into his family. Don enjoyed exploring Chicago with Amanda and Michael and talking about the future with Allison and Trey. His favorite Chicago spot was the Montrose Dog Beach, and he would encourage anyone to go and spend a morning there.
In 2007, Don won Emerson Motor Company’s ‘Prolific Inventor’ award having published 10 patents. In his lifetime, Don ended up publishing a total of
12 patents that helped progress industries including automotive, household appliances, and electric motors. Don was a strong leader, inventor, and engineer with his mindset and ideas living beyond him.
Don will be remembered as an avid traveler, motorcyclist, and BBQ connoisseur – always trying foods for the “first time.” Don was a wonderful husband, father, friend, and mentor while always putting his Faith in God first.
Don is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Lisa Williams; and by his daughters: Amanda Williams Atoyebi (Michael Atoyebi) and Allison Williams Perkins (Trey Perkins).
Don’s Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 5th, at 2 p.m. at Great Crescent Brewery in Aurora, Indiana.
Anyone who knew and loved Don is welcome to attend and celebrate his life with the rest of his family. Please do not wear black unless you prefer to, there won’t be mourning on this day. He asked for a party, and we are going to give him one.
Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun is assisting the family during this difficult time.
Norman Wallick
Norman Lee Wallick, 69, of Rising Sun, passed away on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at Christ Hospital Cincinnati, Ohio.
Norman was born in Madison on March 9th, 1954, the son of the late Betty Jane (Gurley) and Norman Ford Wallick. Norman was a graduate of Switzerland County High School, Class of 1972. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Purdue University.
Norman always enjoyed watching Purdue and the Green Bay Packers play. Norman also enjoyed golf and farmed for many years.
On April 16th, 1983, he was married to Mary Fay (Kittle). They were married for over 40 years until his passing and had two children: Clarissa “LeeAnn” Wallick, born on June 19th, 1985; and Norman Lee “Bub” Wallick II, born on September 19th, 1988.
Norman belonged to the Patriot Baptist Church and was a longtime, active member of the Patriot Masonic Lodge #327; an active member of Indiana Grand Lodge; and honorary member of many lodges in the state.
He obtained EA on May 1st, 1975; Fellow Craftsman on November 29th, 1975; Master Mason on December 27th, 1975; served as South Eastern Indiana Area Representative from 2013-2016; and Past Master in 1980.
Norman is survived his wife Mary Wallick of Rising Sun,; by his son Norman Lee “Bub” Wallick II of Rising Sun; by his daughter Clarissa “LeeAnn” Wallick of Rising Sun; by his sister Sherri Anne Siler (Jeff) of South Carolina; and by his grandchildren: Caydence Morris and Taytum Wallick.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents Betty Jane and Norman Ford Wallick; by his brother Norman “Tommy” Wallick; and by his sister Mary Wallick.
Visitation was held on Sunday, October 15th at the Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun; with a masonic ceremony held during the time of visitation.
Funeral services were held on Monday, October 16th at the funeral home, with burial following at Eastview Cemetery in Patriot.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ohio County Rescue Unit or the Shriners Children’s-Transport Fund.
Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Tilford
Elizabeth Ann “Liz” Tilford, age 33, of Switzerland County, passed away on Friday, October 13th, 2023, in a car accident in Lamb, Indiana.
Liz was born on June 25th, 1990, the daughter of Geralyn Marie “Geri” Emmelman and Edward Ainsworth “Ed” Tilford IV in Beech Grove, Indiana. She was raised in Morgan County, Indiana and graduated in 2008 from Monrovia High School, where she played softball.
Liz was a former employee for Catalent Pharma Solutions in Bloomington, Indiana for one year. She was recently employed for Arvin Sango in Madison.
Liz was a member of The Buzzards of Indiana Gun Club. Liz lived her life to the fullest and had a free spirit. She always treasured spending time with her daughter Joz and loved spending time with her family. Liz loved being outdoors and embraced nature. She also enjoyed crafts and loved her dog ‘Zeus’.
Liz will be missed by her two year old daughter, Jozlynn “Joz” Carrie Ann of Switzerland County; by her mother Geralyn Marie “Geri” Emmelman and her companion, Dave Dahl of Switzerland County; by her father, Edward Ainsworth Tilford IV and his wife, Dawn of Panama City, Florida; by her sisters: Hannah Hughes and her husband Ryan of Bloomington, Indiana and Macala Tilford and her fiancé Sam Nicholson of Gosport, Indiana; by her brother Charles Duskin and his wife Natasha of Fort McCoy, Florida; her nephews and niece, Noah, Daniel, Weston, Derek and Abby; by her maternal grandmother MaryAnn Emmelman of Indianapolis, Indiana; by her paternal grandmother, Beverly Sue Tilford of Martinsville, Indiana; and by her several aunts, uncles and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her brother Edward Ainsworth “Eddie” Tilford V, who died on July 15th, 2023; by her maternal grandfather Edward Emmelman, and by her paternal grandfather, Edward Ainsworth Tilford III.
A Celebration Gathering of Liz’s Life will be held from 3-7 p.m. on Friday, October 27th, at the Haskell & Morrison Family Center (old Town Hall Building), 210 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana, 47043.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Geri Emmelman for Joz’s care. Cards are available at the funeral home.
Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home in Vevay is serving the family during this difficult time.
Wade Middleton
Wade Forest Middleton, age 14, of East Enterprise, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 9th, 2023 at his home.
Wade was born on July 22nd, 2009 in Moab, Utah to his loving parents, Joseph “Ryan” and Sarah Kathleen (Lieland) Middleton. He was raised out West until the age of eight and the family then moved to the Switzerland County community in 2018. Wade was currently in the 8th grade at Switzerland County Middle School.
Wade was a passionate violinist and loved to make people smile with his capturing music talent. He enjoyed playing with Legos, practicing his archery and drawing.
To know Wade, was to love Wade.
He was a prankster and loved playing pranks on his younger brother. Wade will be forever missed by his loving family.
Wade leaves behind to treasure his memory his heartbroken parents Joseph “Ryan” and Sarah Kathleen (Lieland) Middleton of East Enterprise; his brother, Raylan Middleton of East Enterprise; his parental grandmother Ruth Middleton of Warsaw, Kentucky; his maternal grandmother, Marian “Kathy” Lieland of Bennington, Indiana; his maternal grandparents Stanley and Sonia Lieland of Rising Sun; his paternal great-grandparents: Margaret Burk of Warsaw, Kentucky and Anita Middleton of Warsaw, Kentucky; and his several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Wade was united in Heaven with open arms by his paternal grandfather Jeff Middleton; by his maternal great-grandparents Leslie and Elsie Herget and Charles and Agnes Lieland; by his parental great-grandfathers Alvin Middleton and Joseph Burk; and by his great-uncle Lester Cash.
Visitation was held on Sunday, October 15th at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana, 47043.
A Celebration of Wade’s Life was conducted following the time of visitation on Sunday, October 15th by Pastor Patrick Lanman at the funeral home.
The staff of Switzerland County Elementary School and the Switzerland County Middle School provided a dinner after the service at the Switzerland County 4-H Community Building.
Memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks Foundation or Epilepsy Foundation. Cards are available at the funeral home.
Burnice Brooks
Burnice Lee (Johns) Brooks, age 78, of Vevay, passed away with her loving family by her side at 8:23 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023, at the IU Health Hospital of Bloomington in Bloomington, Indiana.
Burnice entered this life on November 14th, 1944 in Warsaw, Kentucky. She was raised in Warsaw, Kentucky and was the daughter of the late George Earl and Ola “B” (Raisor) Johns. Burnice attended Gallatin County High School in Warsaw, Kentucky.
Burnice was united in marriage on May 3rd, 1969 to John V. Brooks in Covington, Kentucky and they shared over 21 years of marriage together.
She was employed in production for Square D Company in Florence, Kentucky for five years. She was later employed for White Castle in Florence, Kentucky and for Warsaw Carry-Out for 10 years. Burnice was a former cashier for Warsaw IGA for 10 years. She later managed with her best friend Carol Spitzer the Pier 99 Marina in Warsaw, Kentucky for several years. She was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel from the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1995.
Burnice always welcomed her daughters’ friends with open arms. She was a member of Perry Park Baptist Church in Perry Park, Kentucky.
She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved her dog, ‘Toby’, dancing, shopping and boating with her family. Burnice always grew a garden for many years and loved canning, cooking and baking.
Burnice will be missed by her daughter Rhonda Lynn Brooks of Vevay; by her daughter Sarah Jean Milam-Chisenhall and her wife Darlene of Orleans, Indiana; by her grandchildren: Jennifer Keith and her husband Aaron, Tyler Milam and his wife Amanda, Lesly Murphy and her spouse Blake Culbertson, Aaron Murphy and his spouse Tiffany Mullins, Melissa Davis and her husband Andrew, Christopher Jordan, and Ashley Jordan; by her great-grandchildren: Camdyn, Seth, Carly, Seven, Nicole, Kylie, Clay, Damon, Mila, Jace, Hope, Andrew and Austin; by her brother Bill Johns of Florence, Kentucky; by her sisters Shirley Evans of Union, Kentucky and Lou Haddix of Warsaw, Kentucky; by her special nieces: Lois Tackett of Walton, Kentucky and Terri Williamson of Warsaw, Kentucky; and by her other nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father George Earl Johns; by her mother Ola “B.” (Raisor) Johns; by her son Robert “Bobby” Johns; by her former husband John V. Brooks; by her sisters Lula Fields and Betty Baker; by her infant-brother Earl Wayne Johns; by her nieces Debbie Lynn Mulford and Betty Lynn Tackett; by her sister-in-law Emma Johns; and by her brothers-in-law Don Evans and Elwood Haddix.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, October 19th, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana, 47043.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 19th, by Brother Denny French, at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Burnice Lee (Johns) Brooks Funeral Expenses c/o Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home. Cards are available at the funeral home.
Roger Beach
Roger Wayne Beach, 58, of Rising Sun (formerly of Florence, Indiana), passed away on Friday, October 13th, 2023 at his residence.
Roger was born in Madison on February 10th, 1965, the son of the late Christine (Woods) Beach and James Beach. Roger grew up in Pleasant, and was a 1983 graduate of Switzerland County High School.
Roger was the loving husband of Kimberly (Reid) Beach. Roger and Kim were married on October 14th, 2006.
He worked as a truck driver and was warehouse lead for the Aurora and Matthews Casket Company in Aurora, Indiana for 38 years.
He was a member of the Belle River Masonic lodge. Roger enjoyed working in his yard, playing golf and watching NASCAR. He was also a big Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Roger loved spending time with his family and his grandchildren were his greatest joy.
Roger is survived by his wife Kimberly Beach of Rising Sun; by his son Jonathan Beach (Julie), of Perry, Ohio; by his daughter Jennifer Beach of Carrollton, Kentucky; by his step-son Carl Frazier of Aurora, Indiana; by his step-daughter Christi Stewart of Walton, Kentucky; by his adopted daughter Kristina Slayback of Rising Sun; by his beloved grandchildren: Corey, Jaxon, Tucker, Charlotte, Isaac, Ian, Noah, Lillian and Cash; and by his two brothers: Steve Beach (Brenda) of Vevay and Jim Beach (Dottie) of Defiance, Ohio.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents James and Christine Beach; and by his sister Ann Rowlison.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 19th, from 4-6 p.m. at Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 19th following the time of visitation at the funeral home with Masonic services starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 19th.
Memorial donations may be made to the Esophageal Cancer Action Network.