Mattie Lou Coats Brunner, class of 1938, died August 1, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Mattie Lou married Norman Brunner in 1941 and they raised their two sons on Carroll Road in a house they built. She worked at GE for many years including the years Norman was serving in the U.S. Army during WWII. She was a faithful member of the Fort Wayne First Assembly of God Church, founded by her parents. She was the oldest living member at 101. Mattie Lou enjoyed following the sports activities of her sons and grandchildren. She is survived by her two sons, Tom and John; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Calvin C. Rose, class of 1942, passed away June 16, 2021 at Hospice of Butler and Warren Counties, Middletown, OH. Calvin received a B.S. degree in Business Administration at Northwestern University in 1946. He joined his father in business at the Carl Rose Jewelry Store in Fort Wayne. After retiring from the jewelry store, Calvin worked in real estate and volunteered at Parkview Hospital. In 2013 he received the President’s Call to Service Award and continued to volunteer until he was 95 years old. He enjoyed watching and attending games, particularly the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. A highlight for him was attending a 2016 World Series game where the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians. For many years, winters were spent in Las Vegas. Calvin is survived by three daughters, Diane Perriguey, Karen Smith, and Linda Rose; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Virginia Applegate Carter, class of 1943, died August 22, 2021at her home. After high school she attended business school and married Russell Carter on November 11, 1950. He preceded her in death in 2019. Virginia worked for GE, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance, Votaw& Sons Electric, and North American Van Lines. Virginia was very active in her church, Grace Point Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed many crafts and made her daughters’ school dresses when they were young. After retirement, she and Russ would spend their winters in their RV in Florida. Survivors include her sons, Ronald and Mark; daughters, Kathleen Etheridge, and Carol Carter; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren (plus one due in December).
Jean Kern Goeglein, class of 1943, passed away June 25, 2021at her home in Fort Wayne. She was a hostess at Goeglein’s Catering for over 20. Jean enjoyed art and music, including singing in the church choir of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. She is survived by her daughter, Allie Stults; and grandchildren, Colton and Kaley Stults.
Eleanora “Ellie” Christ Moricz, class of 1943, died July 31, 2021 in Fort Wayne. She went on to earn a BA and MA in Business Education from IU. During WWII she worked with the Army/Air Force Motion Picture Unit. Ellie then went on to work at various companies wherever she and her late husband, Joe, were living. Retiring in Florida, she volunteered with the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sand Lake Hospital. Ellie is survived by her son, Michael; daughters, Janet Zegar and Julia Moricz; sister, LaVerne Christ Tsiguloff’50; and granddaughter, Alexandra Zegar.
Helen Camp Prezbindowski, class of 1943, passed away July 20, 2021 in Roanoke, IN. After graduation, Helen married Stanley and became a farmer’s wife and raised five children. Helen enjoyed knitting, watching westerns, and playing Euchre. Surviving Helen are her children, Carol Hover, Steven, Richard, Eileen, and John Prezbindowski; nine grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Wayne E. Smith, class of 1943, died August 6, 2021in Auburn, IN, just 54 days after his wife, Martha Barker Smith ‘45. Wayne suffered several health obstacles starting at age ten. He was diagnosed with Bright’s disease; lost a kidney and missed a year of school; suffered a severe heart condition in high school; and was severely burned by a lye explosion in his face at age 22. Wayne and Martha attended Northwestern Bible College where Rev. Billy Graham was serving as president. Wayne and Martha went on to pastor various churches in MN, MI, and IN. Under Wayne’s leadership, Faith Christian Academy (Lakewood Park Christian School) was started with 33 students and has grown to over 600 students today. Summers were spent at the lake with children and grandchildren. Survivors include his four children, Dianne Mitchell, Scott, Mark, and Brent Smith; seven grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.
Betty Behrman Shuster, class of 1944, passed away August 6, 2021 at Ashton Creek in Fort Wayne. Betty received an Associate’s degree from Fort Wayne Business College and worked as a supervisor at Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. for 25 years. She was an active volunteer and chaired many committees at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Surviving are her sons, Kirk and Thomas Shuster; daughters, Cathy Verhest and Gayle Shuster; three grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Martha Barker Smith, class of 1945, died June 13, 2021 at her daughter’s home in Auburn, IN. Martha’s father was a Pastor/Evangelist, so their family moved many times. She met her husband, Wayne ’43, at Fort Wayne Gospel Temple where she sang in the choir and Wayne played in the orchestra. Besides her work with Wayne at various churches, she was the founder/owner of the Bread Basket Bakery. She and Wayne also took several mission trips to Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
Marilyn Mariotte Miller, class of 1946, passed away May 16, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Marilyn was a secretary-treasurer for FWCS for over 20 years. A faithful member of Trinity Episcopal church for over 30 years, she enjoyed knitting, playing dominoes and bridge, and sewing. Marilyn is survived by her daughters, Peggy Hansen and Marty Kaderabek; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Marilyn Sutton Slagle, class of 1946, died July 24, 2021 at Pine Valley Lutheran Live Village. Marilyn met Dean Slagle ‘46 at South Side and they were married in 1948. They took many camping trips with their four daughters and spent many fun years at their home on Big Turkey Lake. Marilyn had worked at International Harvester, as a baker for FWCS, and also worked for Monsanto. Painting was a hobby of hers, creating several oil paintings and china painting. Three of her daughters survive: Cynthia Newton, Jacquelyn Slagle, and Jill Shanahan; as well as seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Emilie Raatz (Jackisch) Fox, class of 1947, passed away June 6, 2021at Evergreen Village in Fort Wayne. She was employed by Wittenberg University in Springfield, OH and by the Allen County Welfare Department in Fort Wayne. Emilie was a member of Trinity English Church and participated in various choirs throughout her life. Surviving are her children, Rhonda, Paul, and Barry; four grandchildren; and sister, Ann Raatz Spano ’63.
Florence M. Parlee McMahan, class of 1947, died June 6, 2021 in Fort Wayne.
F. Joan Courtney Emerick, class of 1948, passed away August 17, 2021in Hudson, IN. Joan was a homemaker and enjoyed living on Lake of the Woods and riding in her pontoon boat. She was proceeded in death by her husband Harold, in 2008. She is survived by her son, Dave; daughter, Sandy; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Vera Tsiguloff Doner, class of 1949, died May 9, 2021 in Fort Wayne. After graduating from IU, she worked as a business teacher at Churubusco H.S. Vera participated in several guilds and held leadership roles at her church, Trinity Episcopal. Surviving are her children, Steven Doner, and Christine Lucheon; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister, Susan McColley.
Nancy Agnew Bartlett, class of 1950, passed away April 30, 2021 at St. Anne Community, Huntington. Nancy worked as a CNA at Woodview Healthcare for 24 years. Surviving are her sons, Eugene, Samuel, and Timothy; daughter Lonnie; ten grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
Donna Cupp Snook, class of 1951, died June 18, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Donna retired from Lincoln Financial Group in 1997 and was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church. Donna was very instrumental in her class having reunions and kept the office up-to-date on addresses and deaths. She is survived by her son, David; grandson Stacey Curry; granddaughters, Rachel Snook and Emily Frazier; great-granddaughter, Stacey Lee Curry; and daughter-in-law Pam Browning.
Jane Jones Thomas, class of 1951, passed away August 28, 2021 in Fort Wayne. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and her master’s degree from the University of St. Francis. She taught elementary school in Fort Wayne, central Indiana and California. Traveling, reading, playing bridge, and spending time with her family filled Jane’s hours when she wasn’t teaching. Surviving family include her children, Gregory Thomas, Brad Thomas and Nancy Cook; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Helen C. Kern, class of 1952, died May 28, 2021 in Apple Valley, CA. While working at the News Sentinel in Fort Wayne, she met her first husband, George Shugard. After the birth of their first son they moved to San Bernardino, CA to raise their six children. Helen worked for the County of San Bernardino for 23 years. Hobbies included gardening, playing card games, and traveling with friends. After George’s death, she married Mel Modes, who also predeceased her. She has five surviving children, Gregory, George, and Randy Shugard; Kathie Griffin, and Kim Hendrickson; seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Richard D. Lauer, class of 1952, passed away July 26, 2021 at Majestic Care, New Haven, IN. He served his country in the National Guard and was the past vice president of Summit City Moving Company. Dick enjoyed golf, fishing and football. He is survived by his daughters, Diana and Mariann Lauer, and Jean Vogel; six grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Virgie Sims Allmandinger, class of 1953, died August 8, 2021at Kingston at Dupont in Fort Wayne. She worked for Rieke Packaging in Auburn, IN, retiring in 1995. She enjoyed quilting, sewing and spending time with her children, Cindy Hess and Bob Allmandinger; her three grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Marlene Campbell McAfee, class of 1953, passed away May 6, 2021in Fort Wayne. Marlene worked at Hillcrest Bowl for 24 years before retiring and moving to Lake George, Coldwater, MI with her late husband, Jack. They were long-time members of the American Legion and the Loyal Order of Moose. She is survived by her children, Bruce McAfee, and Nancy Rush; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brother, James Campbell ’58.
Carmela “Candy” D’Angelo Meyers, class of 1953, died May 1, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Candy enjoyed bowling, working, cooking, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her children, Michelle Perkins, Tom Meyers, and Linda Hogge; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Josephine D’Angelo Durnell ’58.
Donna Deal Haines, class of 1954, passed away May 26, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Donna had worked at United Technologies for several years. She loved her cats, and was a member of the Chix and Chasers square dancing club. Donna bred and raised her own champion Great Dane show dog. She is survived by her sons, Robert, Rick and John; and several grandchildren.
Ray C. Collins, class of 1955, died August 13, 2201 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Ray attended IU Bloomington where he enjoyed being a member of The Singing Hoosiers and Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. After graduation he joined his father in business at Collins Oldsmobile GMC. Survivors include his three daughters, Sarah St. Charles, Elizabeth Brown, and Mary Martha Collins; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Deloris Weibel Stackhouse, class of 1956, passed away May 21, 2021 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Dori worked at and retired from Magnavox/Raytheon and was a member of their Quarter Century Club. She was also a member of the Orland American Legion Post 423 Ladies Auxiliary, where she formerly served as Sergeant-at-Arms. Surviving family include her children, Carrie Shurtz and Lee Stackhouse; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Arlene Bailey Wagner, class of 1956, died July 27, 2021 in Spencerville, IN. She and her husband, Kenneth, married 65 years, lived 40 years at Little Turkey Lake. They had recently moved to Spencerville. She loved boating, crocheting and spending time with family. She crocheted blankets, hats, and scarfs for local hospitals. They had six children. Collene Cox, Dorene Beverly, Steve and Kenny Wagner survive; as well as 12 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
Richard Baxter, class of 1959, passed away May 17, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Dick was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked at Taylor University for nearly 40 years in Christian service. Dick and his late wife, Ruth, served in a ministry to the people of Jamaica for many years. His son, Jeffrey Scott; and sister, Elaine Baxter Eme ’62 survive.
Mary Lou DislerSchoeph, class of 1959, died July 8, 2021 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home. Mary Lou retired from Portage Middle School where she worked as a sign language interpreter. Her family was the major focus of her life. She brought her family together every week for Sunday dinners. She is survived by her husband, Charlie; daughter, Kelley Hackett Borne; sons, Kerry and Joe Schoeph; eight grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Mary Lou is also survived by her sister, Marcia DislerSchwalm ’62; and brother, Harold Disler ’65.
Thomas H. Barker, class of 1960, died January 1, 2021 in Elgin, IL. For over 40 years, he worked for International Harvester/Navistar. Tom is survived by two children, Debbie Boor and Shelley Quigley, four grandchildren; his sister Ruth Barker Schwarzbach ’65; and a brother, William Barker ’67.
Carolyn Sue Harrold, class of 1960, passed away May 2, 2021 at Life Care Center in Fort Wayne. Carolyn furthered her education at Moody Bible College and Huntington College. She worked with the children at Calvary Temple and Till Road Church. Carolyn excelled in writing poems, painting, playing the clarinet, singing, and was active in many plays. Surviving is her son, Joseph Steinbacher; grandson, Joshua Emberlin; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Patricia Harrold, Gary Harrold ’62, James Harrold ’64, Jack Harrold ’66,and John Harrold ’68.
Lucretia M. “Missy” Burgess, class of 1961, died April 2, 2020 at Ossian Health and Rehab. She lived in Bluffton, IN and retired from Franklin Electric in 2006. Surviving are two brothers, Harold Burgess ’59, and Ed Burgess, and two sisters, Ruth Basinski and Sue Garrett.
Gary L. “Hoot” Gibson, Sr., class of 1961, passed away May 13, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. After graduation, he started at International Harvester as a journeyman machine repairman in the apprenticeship program and continued with the company until 1983 as a tool & die maker. Hoot then worked for Simpson Industries as a machine repair foreman until his retirement. His final retirement was in January 2019 after delivering trucks for Nesco. Hoot spent most of his adult life on Coldwater Lake enjoying fishing and teaching children how to water ski. Survivors include his wife, Jayne “Sam” of Bluffton, IN; daughter Julie Penrod; sons, Gary and Chris Gibson; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Marianne Weiss Henry, class of 1961, died May 18, 2021 in Fort Wayne. She is survived by two daughters, Barbara Karst and Deanna Lincicome; grandson Riley Lincicome; and three brothers, James Weiss ’51, Gary Weiss ’55, and Ron Weiss ’57.
Daniel L. Miller, class of 1961, passed away March 28, 2021 at his home in Lima, OH. Dan retired from the City of Lima and has previously worked as a design engineer with International Harvester. Dan served as a FMF Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Arneb which took an atomic reactor to McMurdo Sound in the Antarctic. He served 18 months with the 1st battalion, 2nd Marines Division, and was at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba when President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. An avid billiard enthusiast, he was the league operator for the Billiard Congress of America 8 Ball League at East Road Billiards. He also taught billiards to area youth. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Pamela; four children, James Miller, Vicki McComas, Kristina Burden, and Kimberly Sandy; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Carol Miller Mociulewski ’56.
Marcel “Rusty” Perrey, class of 1961, died June 13, 2020 in Fort Wayne. Rusty served in the U.S. Army and worked as an electrician with AEP for 32 years. He enjoyed going to car shows, races, and spending time with family. Surviving are his daughters, Jamie Logsdon, and Janet Fitzgerald; seven grandchildren; and siblings, Mary Louise Perrey Nawrocki ’57, and David Perrey ’58.
Beverly Hughes Roberts, class of 1961, passed away July 5, 2021 in Angola, IN. Beverly married William Roberts on March 11, 1967 and he survives. She is also survived by two daughters, Brenda Smoker and Lisa Helmuth; a son, William Roberts; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; sister Benita Bramer; and brother, Kenneth Hughes ’68.
Ann Hechler Jasper, class of 1962, died August 11, 2021 in New Haven, IN. Ann was an active member of AA for over 37 years. In 2015 Ann retired from Quest Diagnostics. She is survived by her children, John Heidenreich, Molly Studebaker, and Ann Ramsey; four grandsons; many step-children and step-grandchildren; and brother Richard Hechler ’59.
John S. Schmitt, class of 1962, passed away June 26, 2021 in Fort Wayne. He worked at his family-owned business, Perfection Varnish Co. before becoming a successful realtor. Surviving John are his wife of 56 years, Jeanne Rondot Schmitt ‘64; children, Cathy Thomas and Larry Schmitt; three grandchildren; and two great-granddaughters.
Karen Miller Elliott, class of 1964, died July 30, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Karen was a creative gardener and needle worker. She enjoyed traveling throughout the world with her husband of 51 years, Thomas. Survivors include her sister, Sandra Miller Hall ’62, and brother, David Miller ’63.
Sue A. Eme, class of 1964, passed away June 23, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Sue worked at GE for 37 years until her retirement in 2001. She was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and enjoyed volunteering in her spare time. She is survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.
Dennis R. Laue, class of 1965, died July 10, 2021 in Tucson, AZ after suffering a heart attack. Denny is survived by his children, Matthew and Sarah Laue and their wives; and four grandchildren. After graduation, Denny went on to earn his mater’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University. He interned for NASA’s Space Program, and was onsite in 1969 when Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon. From there, Denny took a role at General Dynamics (Convair) in San Diego, CA. In the early 1990s he moved to Tucson, AZ to work for Raytheon, specializing in defense. Denny loved outdoor adventures and visited many national and state parks. In retirement, his life centered around his faith, family and church.
Patrick J. Ward, class of 1965, passed away August 14, 2021 in Fort Wayne. He spent his 41-year career in automotive sales. Patrick was a member of various organizations such as the American Legion. Survivors include his children, John Hill, Stephanie Yearbury, Kristina Dreisbach; life partner, Mariann Knotts and her children; and sisters Pam Ward King ’61, and Claudia Ward Ladig ’69.
Deborah Cook Lontz, class of 1966, died unexpectedly July 31, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital. Deb worked for the Fort Wayne National Bank, North American Van Lines, and was a professional nanny. Deb is survived by her husband of 55 years, Keith Lontz ’64; daughters, Denna Clodfelter and Kristin Creason; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
David L. Werstler, class of 1966, passed away July 3, 2021 at his home in Huntington, IN. David was a US Army veteran and worked for 40 years at GE/BAE System, and part-time at Manchester Veterinary Clinic in North Manchester. He married Barbara Gebhart in 1969 and she survives. Also surviving David is his daughter, Dawn Storck; son Gary and granddaughter, Paige Storck.
Colonial “Rail” Evans, class of 1967, died May 4, 2021 at Lutheran Live Village. Rail was a U.S. Army veteran and retired from Lincoln Food Service. Surviving are his wife, Anita Porter-Evans; daughters, Cheron Shabazz and Nikki Hill; stepchildren, Mia Kelsaw and Kevon Porter; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sisters Marva Evans Allen ’64, and Tonya Dawson.
Steven C. Ball, class of 1968, passed away June 29, 2021 in Fort Wayne. He was the owner of the Java Bean Café. In 1982 he married Caryl Armstrong who preceded him in death in 2015. Steve graduated from IPFW with a degree in chemistry and spent most of his professional career working in chemical waste management. This work took him to Indonesia, Hong Kong and Thailand. Steve was an avid handball player, gardener, bike rider, and fisherman. After opening the Java Bean Café, Steve found a second family. Surviving are his three children, Jill Garst, Meredith Ball, and Michael Ball; four grandchildren; sister, Julie Hecke; and brother, Michael G. Ball ’65.
Kay A. Merica Kelly, class of 1968, died August 28, 2021 at Swiss Village in Berne, IN. Kay was an office clerk at Swiss Plaza Hardware and had worked at K-Mart in Decatur, IN. She enjoyed cooking, watching The Young and the Restless and loved her cats. He is survived by her husband, Dean; son, Jeffrey Kelly; daughter, Nicole Plas; three grandchildren and brother, David Merica’73.
Stanley J. Kleeberg, class of 1969, passed away May 29, 2021 at his residence in Wolcottville, IN. Stan served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He then worked at Xanax in Avilla as a maintenance supervisor and retired from Norfolk & Southern Railroad where he was a conductor. Surviving are his wife, Tammy; daughters, Starr Newman and Summer Plaskewicz; sons Shawn and Shannon; several grandchildren; a sister, Diane Seelig; and two brothers, Dave Bowman and Kenny Kleesberg ‘68.
Alice Harper Lamarr, class of 1969, died May 2, 2021 in Grand Rapids, MI. She is survived by her four children, Marsean Harper, Kali Harper, SareetaLamarr, and John Lamarr, Jr; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Donald A. Sinish, class of 1969, passed away in Essex, MD in May 2021.
Howeda Brown Stepp, class of 1969, died July 8, 2021 in Fort Wayne.
Mickie Harpel Becker, class of 1970, died August 27, 2021 in Fort Wayne. She is survived by her husband, Gary Becker ’70; daughter, Michelle Becker; son, Gary Becker II; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Shelly Getts Brunson, class of 1970, passed away July 11, 2021.
Gail Abramson Phillips, class of 1971, died April 18, 2021 in Roanoke after a courageous battle with cancer. Gail had a long career in healthcare for 46 years with Parkview Health. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed home remodeling projects, bike rides with her husband, and taking care of her family. Gail is survived by her loving husband, Kent; children, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Scott Standiford, Renee Moore, and Jill Boice; 13 grandchildren, and her two dogs, Loki and Ava.
Karen Magley Haas, class of 1972, passed away June 22, 2201 at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. Karen worked as a waitress and a cook after graduation. Surviving is a son, Shawn; three grandchildren; and a sister, Beverly Kluck.
David A. Boehme, class of 1974, died April 3, 2021 in Palmetto, FL. He is survived by a daughter, three sons, and five grandchildren.
Virginia Quirk Cartwright, class of 1976, passed away May 18, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Virginia worked in distribution at Lutheran Hospital and K-Mart. Surviving is her daughter, Kakiesha; four grandchildren; and sisters, Pat Ryan, Nancy Cartwright Harmeyer ’71; and Debbie Mignerey.
Erin Harney-Siples, class of 1977, died January 24, 2021 from complications caused by Covid-19 related pneumonia.Erin is survived by her husband of twenty-six years David Siples ‘77, daughter Nicki Siples, and brother Brent Harney’76. The summer after graduating from South Side High School, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. With the help of family, friends, resilience and science she fought and survived despite the doctors expressing that her chances of a typical life had been narrowed. This early experience and fight for her own life influenced her greatly and the following years Erin devoted her time to helping others: first graduating with a degree in Psychology from IPFW and working as a group home “Mom” to dozens of young men and later going back to school for her nursing degree. Erin was a nurse at Parkview for 20+ years helping others while entertaining her co-workers with her infectious chatter. She also had a deep love for community theatre and over the years graced the stages of Fort Wayne—entertaining many with her beautiful voice and wit.
Linda Kay Murriel, class of 1977, passed away May 9, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Linda earned a degree in business/human resources from Indiana Business College/Harrison College. She worked as an administrative assistant for LKQ Pick Your Part for 10 years. Linda is survived by her daughter, Crystal Lamb; sons, Adrian Range and Terrill Murriel.
William R. Sides, class of 1977, died July 18, 2021 at Parkview Huntington Hospital. Will married Barbara Monroe on April 19, 1980 and she preceded him in death on September 2, 2016. Will was a U.S. Air Force veteran serving during Desert Storm. He retired from Blissfield Manufacturing after 15 years of service, and enjoyed living on his farm. Survivors include his three sons, Christopher, Ashley, and Logan; six grandchildren and his brother, Tommy Sides ’82.
Dawn Woods Slayton, class of 1978, passed away June 17, 2021 in Fort Wayne from injuries she sustained in an automobile accident. She is survived by her children, Victor Slayton ’98, andKhamra Slayton ’07.
Joseph C. Billingsley, class of 1983, died May 13, 2021 in Carmel, IN. Joe earned a degree in finance at Indiana University in 1987. He kept a cabin in the mountains of Colorado where he loved to hike and explore the Rockies with his family. Joe also loved the Chicago Bears and was pleased to meet Mike Ditka in Chicago. Joe is survived by his wife, Michelle; his children Samuel and Paige Billingsley; and brothers, John Billingsley ’73 and Jim Billingsley ‘76.
William Golden III, class of 1986, passed away July 7, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Throughout his life Bill worked at various locations in Fort Wayne. He loved listening to music and playing basketball. Surviving Bill are his father, William Golden, Jr; sisters, Amanda Sanders, and Pat Golden ’85.
Calvin D. Wade III, class of 1989, died June 22, 2021 in Fort Wayne surrounded by his family. Calvin worked as a CNA for over 35 years including at American Senior Community. Bowling, music, cars, and family and friends were his joy. He leaves behind many loving family members.
Narvis Lamont Thompson, Jr., class of 1990, passed away May 12, 2021 in Indianapolis after a five-year battle with cancer and recent Steven’s Johnson Syndrome. Lamont attended IU for two years before returning home to Fort Wayne. He then attended barber school but also learned many techniques from his father. Lamont’s faith was also a big part of his life. He is survived by his wife, Gail; sons, Kameron, Narvis III, and Nicholas; daughters Nakita Lowery, Angel Thompson, Doris Gray; and 14 grandchildren.
Bryan K. Young, class of 1999, died unexpectedly May 15, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital. Bryan was in Field Services at Guide Dog Foundation and America’s VetDogs. He dedicated his life to improving people’s lives by training guide dogs and helping people become more independent. Surviving is his wife, Julie; his pets, Fergie, RJ and Gigi; and many other loved ones.
Fredric Kearns, class of 2001, passed away June 9, 2021 in Fort Wayne. Fredric worked as a control programmer and journeyman. He is survived by his wife Holly Wagner Kearns; children, Alida, Dylan, Andrea, Amara Kearns and Xander Lacata; and mother, Camilla Kearns-Grant ‘85.
Dominique L. Gaston, class of 2005, died July 8, 2021 in Fort Wayne. She received her associates degree in medical assistant and billing and coding from Concorde Career College in Texas. Dominique was blessed with two children, Damarion and Damya Rogan, and enjoyed teaching them to cook, watching movies, and just spending time together. Dominique’s twin sister, Demitra Gaston ’05 is among her other survivors.
Daniel M. Nolan, class of 2006, passed away May 2, 2021 at home. He later received a scholarship to play football at the University of Saint Francis. Daniel’s love of music enabled him to produce pieces for several artists. Many of his surviving family members were also graduates of South Side, including his father Daniel Nolan ’67; Brother, Richard Owens ’91; sister, Kyra Nolan-Thompson ’02, and uncle, Thomas “Eddie” Nolan ’78.