Elmer Johnson
Elmer Thomas Johnson, 77, of Vevay, passed away Friday, December 8th, at Swiss Villa Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Vevay.
He was born November 1st, 1929, in Carrollton, Kentucky, the son of Ernest Bales and Susie (Thomas) Johnson, who both preceded him in death. At the age of eight, his family moved to Switzerland County, where he was raised. He was a 1949 graduate of Patriot High School.
He was united in marriage on August 12th, 1950, to Naomi Christine O’Neal in Vevay. Unto this union a son and a daughter arrived to bless their home.
He was inducted into the U.S. Army February 29th, 1952, in Indianapolis and rose to the rank of Corporal. He received his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas and served 18 months in Germany, during the Korean War. He was awarded the Occupation Medal and National Defense Service Medal. He was honorably discharged February 17th, 1954, at Fort Sheridan, Illinois.
He began a career with U.S. Shoe Corporation in Vevay, which spanned 43 years. During his career at the shoe factory he was lasting room foreman and retired as the assistant plant manager. He always made sure that any young person, who needed or wanted a job, could receive employment at the shoe factory.
He was one of the charter members of the Vevay Jaycees. He was also a charter member of the Switzerland County Emergency Unit. He was a member of the Jeff Craig Volunteer Fire Department, Vevay American Legion Post 185, Vevay VFW Post 5396, Switzerland Lodge No. 122 F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis, the Murat Shrine of Indianapolis. He was an active participant in the Boy Scout Troop No. 714. He was an avid fisherman, golfer, outdoorsman and hunter. He enjoyed University of Kentucky basketball, but most of all his family and grandchildren. He was always generous, kind and had a big heart.
Survivors include his wife, Naomi C. Johnson of Vevay; his son, Eddie Joe Johnson and wife Cheralyn of Cincinnati; his daughter, Vickie Ann Johnson of Vevay; his grandchildren, Megan, Molly and Matthew; his sister, June Bolden of Cincinnati; his brothers, Ed Johnson of Aurora and Joe Johnson of Florence; and several nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Doris Dixon; and brother, James Ernest Johnson.
Funeral services were conducted Monday, December 11th, by Reverend Howard Wade at Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home in Vevay. Burial was in Vevay Cemetery with the Honor Guard of Vevay American Legion Post 185 and Vevay VFW Post 5396 conducting military rites at the graveside. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vevay American Legion Relief Fund or King’s Daughters’ Hospital Foundation. Switzerland Lodge No. 122 F&AM conducted masonic services Sunday evening at the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.haskellandmorrison.com.
William Dowdy, Jr.
William “Bill” Dowdy, Jr., 76, of Vevay, passed away Wednesday, December 6th, at his home.
He was born January 26th, 1930, in Indianapolis, the son of William Robert and Florence Louetta (Turner) Dowdy, who both preceded him in death. He was a 1947 graduate of Vevay High School.
He was united in marriage August 26th, 1950, to Norma Jean Sloan in Vevay by Reverend Peters. Unto this union three children arrived to bless their home. Tragedy struck when their first born, Dennis Dale, died of SIDS at two months old. Bill and Jean enjoyed many years of traveling and camping, especially with Jean’s brothers and their families. After a long illness, Jean passed away May 9th, 1987.
He was first employed at Indiana-Kentucky Electric Corporation in Madison for 10 years. He then began a career as a master mechanic at Dow Corning in Carrollton, Kentucky, retiring after 25 years of service in 1991. He was a conservative individual of broad knowledge who family, friends and co-workers looked to for help and advice.
Bill found happiness again after the death of Jean and was united in marriage to Barbara Joann Althoff May 28th, 1988, by Reverend Richard Collins at Olive Branch Baptist Church in Bear Branch. He had been in failing health for several years but with Barb’s love and devotion, he was able to stay in his home to be surrounded by those who were dear to him. He was a member of Switzerland Lodge No. 122 F&AM, National Rifle Association and was very active in the Republican Party.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Joann (Althoff) Dowdy of Vevay; his daughter, Connie Watson and husband Kenny of Vevay; his son, Gary Dowdy and wife Pam of Brooksburg; his grandson, Mark Griffin and wife, Cybil of Union, Kentucky; his granddaughter, Angie Callis and husband Damon of Vevay; his great-grandson, Kennedy Gage Callis of Vevay; his great-granddaughter, Avery Griffin of Union, Kentucky; his stepchildren, Dallas Meeks of Fairview, Pallas Meeks of Brooksburg, Billie Ray of Vevay, and Emily Smith of Moorefield; his step-grandchildren, Kyle, Kaleb, Jessie, Aram, Melissa and Jon; his sisters, Betty Flinn of Bluffton, Ohio and Norma Park of Vevay; several nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.
He was also preceded in death by his son, Dennis Dale Dowdy; his sister, Barbara Dowdy; and his brother, Duane Dowdy.
Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, December 12th, by Reverend Arnold Cutter at Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home in Vevay. Burial was in Vevay Cemetery. Masonic services were conducted Monday evening at the funeral home by Switzerland Lodge No. 122 F&AM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Foundation of Switzerland County for an endowment in Bill Dowdy’s memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.haskellandmorrison.com.
Wilma Moreillon
Wilma Jean (Fish) Moreillon, 76, of Pendleton, Indiana, passed away Monday, December 11th, at her home.
She was born December 4th, 1930, on the family farm in East Enterprise, the daughter of Russel W. and Grace (Alford) Fish, who both preceded her in death. She was a 1948 graduate of Vevay High School.
She was united in marriage to Wilbur Cedric Moreillon March 5th, 1955, in Macey, Indiana. Unto this union a daughter arrived to bless their home.
She was employed early in life for 18 years at the U.S. Shoe Corporation in Vevay and Osgood, where she was crowned Miss U.S. Shoe in 1953. She never had time for hobbies, as she devoted her life to caring for her family. She was a caring, loving, generous and patient lady who took care of everyone above herself. She helped care for her mother, father and mother-in-law until their passing. She also helped raise her two granddaughters and two step grandchildren. The Moreillons had resided in Pendleton since 1972, but kept close ties in Switzerland County.
Survivors include her husband, Wilbur Cedric Moreillon of Pendleton; her daughter, Sharon Kay Fouch and husband Terry of Pendleton; her grandchildren, Krista Lenea Kistler and husband Jason of Pendleton and Carla Jean Crick and husband James of Fredericksburg, Virginia; her great-grandchildren, Grace Lenea Kistler and Ella Camille Dru Kistler; her step grandchildren, William Allen Lane and family of Fort Riley, Kansas and Lisa Lorraine Colbert and family of Noblesville, Indiana.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today (Thursday) by Reverend Arnold Cutter at Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home in Vevay. Burial will be in New Liberty Cemetery near East Enterprise. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Fairview United Methodist Church, New Liberty Cemetery or the Saint John’s Home Health Care or Hospice, 2015 Jackson Street, Anderson, Indiana 46013. Online condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home’s website at www.haskellandmorrison.com.