Category: Deceased

  • Rotarian Bill Ervin Passes Away

    Rotarian Bill Ervin Passes Away

    William C. Ervin (Bill) from Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on December 15, 2023. He was born June 18, 1939, in Terre Haute Indiana to Alberta and William C Ervin. Bill, was married to his wife of 66 years, Joan (Baumann) Ervin.

    Bill was raised in Terre Haute, Indiana, attended Wiley High School and Indiana University for undergraduate and law school where he graduated with a Bachelor of laws degree in 1964 and became a lifelong member of the bar association. He married his high school sweetheart, Joan Baumann, who joined him at IU earning her undergraduate degree and Master of Education.

    Bill, expressed that he never would have imagined that his life would be as richly blessed as it was. He was raised in a caring atmosphere, blessed with lifelong friends from his high school years and challenged and encouraged in his education through college. Along the way he was lucky enough to work at many different jobs and with many people who touched his life. He delivered newspapers, cut grass, caddied, served ice cream, installed seat covers, was a Kroger stock boy, rolled whisky barrels, shoveled snow, loaded anti-freeze, ran a coffee concession, and for six years worked in the pool room at Indiana University and repaired pool tables during which he became the 1961 Intercollegiate Three Cushion Billiard Championship.

    After graduation Bill joined the FBI and the Ervin family commenced moving around the country for the next 26 years. His career in the FBI he labeled knowingly and with great care; challenging, rewarding, frustrating and exhilarating. FBI assignments took the family to New Orleans, Columbia and Aiken, South Carolina, Boston, Washington D.C., Richmond Virginia, Honolulu and Indianapolis. Bill retired in 1990 as Special Agent in Charge of the Indianapolis FBI Field Office. After retiring he continued his interests as an account executive at Dean Witter; Co-founder of 19th Star Productions, a documentary production company, and an adjunct professor at Butler University in the Department of Sociology and Criminology.

    He was a prolific reader with a love for history and especially WWII history.

    The blessings in his life included a 42-year relationship with Rotary International in Honolulu and Indianapolis, 31 years as an Advisory Board member of the Salvation Army, 18 years as a board member of the John Weidner Foundation; being a co-founder in 1987 and Board member since of the Indianapolis World War II Roundtable; and being a Life Master bridge player.

    His relationship with each of these organizations exposed him to people who are the heart and soul of society. He experienced unstinting kindness, a penchant to do good from people he met, so many curious and inventive minds, and unlimited graciousness. His work with these groups contained some of his proudest moments.

    Throughout his life Bill was associated both professionally and personally with many organizations including the Cornerstone Lutheran Church in Carmel ; FBI Citizens Academy :The Federal Executive Association, President; Indiana Law Enforcement Academy; Indiana Communities for Drug Free Youth , Governors Commissions for a Drug Free Indiana. Indiana High School Basketball Historical Society. Hook’s Discovery Learning Center; C.H.A.N.C.E.S for Youth Board.

    As he said. “I am a lucky, lucky man. God has granted me a life richly blessed by family and friends, especially my wife Joan whose patience is unmatched”.

    Bill is preceded in death by his mother Alberta (Schnell) Ervin, his father, William C. Ervin and his younger brother Fred Ervin. He is survived by his wife Joan Ervin; children Catherine E. Costlow (David); Bryan D. Ervin (Suzan) and grandchildren Sarah Ervin and Laura Ervin.

    A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cornerstone Lutheran Church, 4850 E Main St, Carmel, IN.

    Contributions in Bill’s memory may be made to the John Hendy Weidner Foundation for Altruism – Butler University Weidner Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund. Address envelopes to: Office of University Advancement, 4600 Sunset Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208. (Checks may be made out to Butler University with the name of the scholarship fund in the memo line).

    You may also make a contribution to the Salvation Army, 6060 Castleway West Dr., Indianapolis, Indiana 46250. ( https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/indiana/ )

    Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel is assisting with arrangements. To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.

  • Rotarian Mac Fehsenfeld Passes Away

    Rotarian Mac Fehsenfeld Passes Away

    Mac Fehsenfeld (93) passed from this life on Friday, November 17, 2023, son of J. E. Fehsenfeld and Ruth (Barnes) Fehsenfeld. He is survived by his wife Nancy C. (Gore) Fehsenfeld, daughter Debra A. (Fehsenfeld) Baker, daughter Trina L. (Fehsenfeld) Stuk, son-in-law, Steven J. Stuk, son Mark E. Fehsenfeld and daughter-in-law Channa (Bowling) Fehsenfeld, nine grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

    Mac attended Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, graduated from Rose Polytechnic Institute, and was a corporal in the U. S. Army toward the end of the Korean War. He was the youngest of four brothers, three preceding him in death: Frank B. Fehsenfeld, John E. Fehsenfeld, Jr. (Jack), and Fred M. Fehsenfeld, Sr. He worked, along with his brothers, in a family business founded by his father in 1930, serving as President, then CEO, of Crystal Flash Petroleum from 1971 until 2006 when he retired.

    Mac was a devoted husband to Nancy, theirs was a marriage of 71 years, a beloved father, and was loved by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He believed himself to be blessed with a loving family and was at peace with his eventual death, knowing he had lived a good life.

    Mac did enjoy life. A Rotarian, he participated for 61 years in a Rotary bowling league, golfed, was a master angler, and enjoyed raising and racing thoroughbred horses. He loved telling a good joke or a favorite family story and he was a generous philanthropist.

    His wish upon death was to have a quiet family graveside service. For those who wish to honor his life, contributions can be made to Rose Hulman Technical Institute, 5500 Wabash Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47803; Riley Children’s Foundation, 500 N. Merdian Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46204; Gleaners Food Bank of Indianapolis, 3737 Waldemere Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46241; The Patachou Foundation, 4565 Marcy Lane, Indianapolis, IN 46205; or Joy’s House, 2028 Broad Ripple Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46220.

    Arrangements are entrusted to Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North

    A Celebration of Life for Mac will be held on Saturday, December 16 from 1-5 p.m. at 6320 Intech Way, Indianapolis.

  • Long Time Rotarian, George Dingledy Passes Away

    Long Time Rotarian, George Dingledy Passes Away

    November 26, 1923 – March 26, 2023

    Former Wabash mayor George Henry Dingledy, age 99, died unexpectedly March 26, 2023 in Indianapolis. He was born on November 26, 1923, and grew up in Youngstown, Ohio. He was one of 6 children born to Frederick and Florence (Moran) Dingledy.

    Dingledy was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 19 and joined the 164th Infantry (American Division.) He landed on the Solomon Islands on Christmas Day 1943. The unit moved in January 1945 to the Philippine Islands (where MacArthur landed) and then to Cebu Island; both places were Japanese strongholds. World War II ended on September, 1945 and Dingledy, was sent to occupy Japan. Following his discharge after 33 months of active duty in the Pacific Theater, Staff Sergeant Dingledy used the GI Bill of Rights to attend college. Through a visit to the hometown of a fellow student at St. Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana, he met the student’s sister Rita Ann Fedewa whom he married in 1948. He graduated from the University of Tampa in 1950. Dingledy was employed as a sales representative for the Sunbeam Corporation from 1951-1958, in Jacksonville, Detroit and Memphis. He moved to Wabash, Indiana in 1958 when he bought the Fedewa Appliance Store with his brother-in-law Tom Fedewa from his father-in-law Arthur Fedewa. For the next 30 years, Dingledy served his community in a variety of ways. He was president of the Retail Division of the Chamber of Commerce, and also president of the Wabash County United Fund. Dingledy was named the Chamber’s Distinguished Citizen in 1974. Dingledy was a strong supporter of education, serving eight years on the Wabash City Schools board and six on the board of the Upper Wabash Vocational School. He was also on the board of directors and an officer of the Wabash Valley Dance Theater, as well as president of the Honeywell Swim Team Booster Club for two terms. He was a long-time member of the Wabash Toastmasters Club where he served as president, and also served as commander of Post 286, VFW. Dingledy was an avid reader and especially enjoyed history. With this in mind, he became the Oral History Project Director, compiling oral histories of local citizens in Wabash for the public library. These included veterans of wars from the Spanish-American through Vietnam. When he moved to Indianapolis in 1989, there were over 100 accounts on file documenting the city’s history.

    During 1979 Dingledy served as president of the Indiana Oral History Roundtable. Dingledy served four years on the Wabash Carnegie Public Library board of directors, including one as president. In addition, he was a member of the board of directors of the historical society for many years. Dingledy joined Rotary in 1958, and served as President of the Wabash Rotary Club. Dingledy was Rotary District Governor from 1987-1988 in Rotary Zone 30 and was a member of the Rotary Council of Past District Governors. Dingledy remained an active member until his passing. He was the oldest active Rotarian WWII veteran in the state of Indiana. Dingledy served as Mayor of Wabash, Indiana from 1979-83. For this and his other community, business and military service, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb honored Dingledy last August with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award.

    He was survived by his three children, John (Carol) Dingledy of Columbus, Indiana, Thomas (Lucy) Dingledy of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and James Dingledy of Indianapolis, Indiana; seven grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. Dingledy was preceded in death by his parents, his wife (1924-2006), son George Henry Dingledy II (1953-1981) and daughter Christine Thieroff (1952-2020).

    Services will be 10:30 am Friday, March 31, 2023 at the Chapel of Remembrance Mausoleum at Memorial Lawns Cemetery in Wabash, with Father Jay Horning officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery. Friends may call from 5-7 pm Thursday at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash.

    The preferred memorial is the Wabash Carnegie Public Library.

    To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of George Henry Dingledy, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

    VISITATION
    Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Inc. – Manchester Avenue Chapel
    Thursday, March 30, 2023
    5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    1241 Manchester Avenue
    Wabash, Indiana 46992


    FUNERAL SERVICE
    Chapel of Remembrance Mausoleum
    Friday, March 31, 2023
    10:30 AM
    1100 Manchester Avenue
    Wabash, IN 46992


    BURIAL
    Memorial Lawns Cemetery
    Friday, March 31, 2023
    1100 Manchester Avenue
    Wabash, IN 46992

  • John Hague

    John Hague

    We are saddened to notify you of the passing of John Hague on Sunday, July 19. John was a long time Indy Rotarian, a Past President of the Club and Past President of the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation.

    Please keep John’s family in your thoughts and prayers.

    Dr. John D. Hague

    91, passed away July 19, 2020. He was born on June 20, 1929 to parents Girstle and Helen Dawson Hague.

    He was an Electrical Engineering graduate of Purdue University and received three high honors from the University. He was named a Distinguished Engineering Alumnus; an Outstanding Electrical Engineer; and he was awarded a Doctor of Engineering degree in recognition of his management and technological achievements. He held 5 patents in the field of electronic systems.

    Dr. Hague was employed by the Naval Avionics Center for 34 years and served as the Director of Engineering and the Executive Director (COO) of the Center. He chaired a number of Naval Air Systems Commands corporate level studies, including those for Future Avionics Systems and Technologies; Advanced Software Development Concepts; and Quality Management for Complex Electronic Systems. He was active in the field of advanced electronic technologies such as hierarchically architectured, autodiagnostic and auto-reconfigurable systems. He was named a Meritorious Executive of the Senior Executive Service by the President of the United States and was presented with the Navy’s Distinguished Civilian Service Award, which is the highest award that can be granted by the Secretary of the Navy.

    Over the years, he repeatedly remarked that he really enjoyed what he was doing and that he woke up every morning eager to get to work “to see what was happening”. He had a sign hanging in his office that said “Nobody said that this would be easy”. One of his observations was that it is amazing how much one person can accomplish if he or she doesn’t care who gets the credit. He had very high personal, business and ethical standards and was known for the high level of trust that he placed in those who worked with him and for him.

    Following his retirement from the Naval Avionics Center top management position in 1984, he was appointed to the position of President of the Corporation for Science & Technology by Governor Robert Orr. After retiring from that position, he served as Chairman of the Board of that Corporation for a period of three years. For the next twenty years, he served as the President of Management & Technological Consultation Services, LLC, retiring for the third time in 2009. Indiana Governors Orr, Bayh and O’Bannon each bestowed upon him the Sagamore of the Wabash Award.

    Dr. Hague was active in community affairs and served on a number of corporate Boards. He served in many civic roles, including President of the Indianapolis Rotary Club; President of the Rotary Foundation of Indianapolis; Chairman of the Board of Community Hospitals of Indianapolis; Treasurer and Board Member of Union Chapel Cemetery; and a member of the Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, the Consortium for Computer & High Technology Education, the Midwest Technology Development Institute; the Advisory Boards of the Dean of Engineering, Purdue University and the Dean of Education, Indiana University. He was a member of

    Meridian Street United Methodist Church and previously was a 64 year member of North United Methodist Church and served on the NUMC Board of Trustees.

    He especially treasured the time he spent with his wife and family and lived in the home in Broad Ripple Village in which he was raised as a child. He and Rosemary were the third generation to live in that home. He enjoyed his applied research and engineering years, the guiding of troubled organizations back to robust health, the time spent at the family home on Lake Wawasee, and collecting and tinkering with his antique and classic motor cars.

    A lifelong resident of Indianapolis, he was married to his loving wife of 69 years, Rosemary Letsinger Hague, whom he met and fell hopelessly in love with when he was a senior in high school. He was survived by his two children, Susan Hague Machledt (Fredric) and Alan Hague (Heidi); three grandchildren: Maggie Girard (Chuck), Julie Sherrill (Matthew), and John Samuel Hague; two great-grandchildren: Ian and Cecily Rosemary Girard.

    In accordance with the Dr. Hague’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. The family requests no flowers. A private family service will be held at the time of his burial in Union Chapel Cemetery.

  • Robert Wesley Seymour: Celebration of Life this Sunday

    Robert Wesley Seymour: Celebration of Life this Sunday

    Cicero – Robert Wesley Seymour, 79 of Cicero, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2019.

    Bob was born July 26, 1939 in Fremont, OH to the late Robert John and Lenora Estella Seymour. Bob grew up in Sheridan Indiana where his parents owned and operated a Ben Franklin store. He attended and graduated from Butler University where he met his wife Joyce. After graduating, Bob taught music in Edinburgh, IN for a few years. In 1964 he accepted a position with the Boy Scout of America, Crossroads of America Council. He held many positions with BSA over the next 24 years. In 1988 he became Executive Director of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Under his leadership, the club became one of the largest Rotary Clubs in the United States. Rotary was Bob’s true calling. He always referred to the Rotary 4-way Test in his personal life, and his entire professional career reflected the Rotary Motto of Service Above Self.

    For the past 16 years, Bob and his wife, Joyce, wintered in South Texas where he was a tuba player in the Rio Grande Valley Band and Conductor for the Winter Texan Orchestra. He also sang in the Senior Ambassadors Men’s Chorus there.

    Bob is survived by his wife, Joyce; son, David Wesley (wife, Kathy) Seymour; grandchildren, Christopher Michael and Anne Marie Seymour; sister, Nancy Boone; brother, Dan Seymour.

    Donations in his name may be made to either the Boy Scouts of America, Crossroads of America Council or The Salvation Army.

    Published in the The Indianapolis Star on June 30, 2019

    There will be a  Celebration of Life on Sunday July 28th, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Camp Belzer beginning at 2:00-5:00 PM.

    Details from David Seymour:

    “Join us as we celebrate the life of my father and mentor, Bob Seymour. All who knew him are welcome. Come and visit with us and share stories of your friendship with him.

    Immediately following the event, we will proceed to the fire ring area where we will light a farewell bonfire in honor of Bob’s lifetime of service to scouting. Scouts uniforms are welcome if you desire.

    If you have photos or stories that you would like to share, please contact me via messenger or by phone.

    We look forward to seeing everyone!”

  • Special Message from President John Mainella

    Special Message from President John Mainella

    By now, you have likely heard on the local and national news outlets that our beloved Rotarian and Senator Richard Lugar passed away Saturday evening after a short battle with the same syndrome that took his brother Tom.  He was surrounded by his loving wife of 63 years Charlene, four sons, and many other members of his family.

    We honored the Senator as Rotarian of the Century during our clubs centennial celebration and we recently joined with Gleaners to celebrate his work to eliminate hunger in the United States and across the world, as well as his efforts to promote global peace.  Many of us had the privilege and honor of hearing Dick and Tom share their brotherly love and their family’s story at a Tuesday meeting several years ago.  I was fortunate to receive several notes from him during this year as president and will cherish knowing and working with him for the rest of my life.

    To say that our club lost another giant is an understatement.  The entire world lost one of history’s greatest statesmen, advocates for peace, and incredible human being.

    There will certainly be many services and memorials, including something from our own club.  We will keep you apprised on arrangements as details become more clear. In the meantime, if you would like to send a note of condolence to the family, you can do so at The Lugar Center, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 1125, Washington, D.C. 20004.

    Please continue to keep the entire Lugar Family in your thoughts.

    With all best wishes,

    John Mainella
    President, Rotary Club of Indianapolis

  • William “Bill” Douthit

    William “Bill” Douthit

    Long time Rotarian and Past President of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis passes away…..

    OCTOBER 11, 1940 ~ FEBRUARY 21, 2019

    William “Bill” Douthit, 78, of Noblesville, passed away on Thursday, February 21, 2019. He was born to Loren and Irene (French) Douthit on October 11, 1940 in Indianapolis.

    A graduate of PS 84 Elementary School, Broad Ripple High School, and Hanover College, where he was a running back on the football team. He married Alice (Dashiell) on October 2, 1965. Bill was President and CEO of The George F. Cram Company, a family-owned business that made maps and world globes, where he worked for nearly 45 years. He was active at Noblesville First United Methodist Church, Indianapolis Rotary Club, Teacher’s Treasures, and Kids in Need. He was a dedicated and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a music lover with a wonderful baritone voice, and an avid, yet somewhat challenged golfer. For the last 20 years, he also loved spending the colder months in Marco Island, Florida.

    Bill is survived by his wife, Alice Douthit; children, Jeffrey (Mindy) Douthit and Jennifer (Derek) Gerow; grandchildren, Will, Austin, Rylin, and Landon Douthit, and Nicholas and Audrey Gerow.

    He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, John “Jay” Douthit.

    Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Monday, February 25th at Randall & Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road in Noblesville. Services with be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, February 26th at Noblesville First United Methodist Church, 2051 Monument St. in Noblesville, officiated by Pastor Dick Judson. There will be an additional hour of visitation prior to the service. Burial will be immediately following services at Hamilton Memorial Park, 4180 Westfield Road in Noblesville.

    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Teachers’ Treasurers, 1800 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46201, www.teacherstreasures.org; or Noblesville First United Methodist Music Program, 2051 Monument Street, Noblesville, IN 46060, www.noblesvillefirst.com.

    DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO:
    Teachers’ Treasures
    1800 E. 10th Street, Indianapolis IN 46201
    Web: http://www.teacherstreasures.org

    Noblesville First United Methodist Music Program
    2051 Monument Street, Noblesville IN 46060
    Web: http://www.noblesvillefirst.com

  • Leon Mordoh

    Long time member of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis…

    Leon Mordoh of Indianapolis, passed away on February 1, 2019 at the age of 82. Leon was born on July 30, 1936, the youngest of four sons of Lora and Mallah Mordoh. He was preceded in death by his brothers Geon and Sol Mordoh. Leon is survived by his brother Al and sister-in-law Sharlette Mordoh. He was a loving uncle to Laurie Rosenbloom (Stan), Linda Mordoh (Larry), Gil Mordoh, Cindy Davis (Jack), Esther Mauffray (Bill), Mel Mordoh (Ilana), Marlene Jacobs (Neil), Mark Mordoh and Leah Riter (Ken). He is also survived by many great nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

    Leon was the owner of HPS, retiring at the age of 80. He was a life member of Etz Chaim Sephardic Synagogue, a member of Rotary and Sertoma and was a worshipful master in the Masons. Leon was an avid golfer and past president of Broadmoor Country Club. He was extremely active in the Jewish community and enjoyed being chairman of Jewish Family Services. His generosity was known by many organizations and people.

    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Etz Chaim Synagogue or Jewish Family Services.

    Funeral Services will be held on Monday, February 4, 2019 at 1:00 PM in the Laikin Auditorium of the Jewish Community Center, 6701 Hoover Road, Indianapolis, IN 46260, burial will follow in Etz Chaim Cemetery.

    Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary. Friends may leave a message for the family or a memory of Leon by visiting www.arnmortuary.com.

  • Thomas Riley Lugar Memorial Contribution

    Thomas Riley Lugar Memorial Contribution

    If you would like to make a contribution to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation, please click the donate button:

    Rotarian, Thomas Riley Lugar

    Indianapolis – Thomas Riley Lugar passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 9, 2018. He was born in Indianapolis on August 8, 1933 to Marvin & Bertha (Green) Lugar. Tom graduated from Shortridge High School in 1951 and received a M.E. degree from Purdue University in 1955. After college, he briefly worked for Allison/Jet Engine Division until serving in the United States Army. In 1957 Tom joined his family business, Thomas L. Green & Co., Inc., a manufacturer of biscuit and cracker baking equipment founded by his grandfather. He served as president for more than 50 years. The company became a division of Reading Bakery Systems in 2001 and Tom remained active until shortly before his passing.

    Tom married Sarah (Sally) Schnaiter Lugar on April 12, 1958 and they were blessed with three children and five grandchildren.

    Tom was a man of deep faith and lived by simple philosophies – honesty, fairness, service, and love, which he applied both personally and professionally. Throughout his business life, Tom valued long-term relationships which resulted in life-long friendships throughout the world. Within the industry, Tom served as treasurer for the Cookie & Snack Bakers Assn. for more than 40 years and was active within the Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers Assn.

    Tom always displayed a caring concern for others, felt a calling for service within his own community and faithfully lived the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”. Without fanfare, Tom served as President, board member, and foundation board member for the Rotary Club of Indianapolis and had perfect weekly meeting attendance for 42 years. This June, Tom accepted the club’s Lifetime Achievement Award award. Tom also served on the board of Methodist Hospital for 14 years and served as Chairman of the Board for four years.

    In his youth, Tom achieved Eagle Scout status and remained active with the Crossroads of America Council – Boy Scouts of America. He received the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award for his years of service. Additionally, Tom served on the board of the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, remained active with the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and was a long-time member of the John Purdue Club, YPO, IPO and WPO. To honor his community service, Tom received the Sagamore of the Wabash award. Tom was a former member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and was an active member of Meridian Street Methodist Church.

    Tom enjoyed his home life and spending time with family. Affectionately known as “Uncle Tom” by friends and family alike, he could always be called upon for a graceful prayer, a memorable toast or a silly joke in a style only he could deliver. Tom used his humor and wit to make every occasion special.

    Tom raised orchids in his greenhouse, spent years building complex model ships and enjoyed capturing memories through photography—taking, printing and sharing with others. He also loved cheering on the Purdue Boilermakers, playing bridge with friends and watching and participating in the various activities of his wife, children and grandchildren.

    He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sally; sons Todd Lugar (Linda) and Scott Lugar (Teresa); daughter Nancy Lugar Fogle (Paul); grandchildren: Austin Lugar, Ryan Lugar, Benjamin Lugar (Emily), Brandon Lugar, and Megan Lugar; brother Richard Lugar (Charlene); sister Anne (Lugar) Johnson; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Robert and Betsy Carpenter; sister-in-law Sharon Schnaiter; and step sister-in-law Lynn Caldwell; He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Lugar and Bertha Green Lugar Caldwell; step-father Howard Caldwell Sr.; step-brother Howard Caldwell Jr.; and brothers-in-law Harlow Johnson and Warren Schnaiter.

    A visitation will be held Thursday, August 16, 2018 from 3-7 pm at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel, 740 East 86th Street. A funeral service will be held at Meridian Street Methodist Church, 5500 N. Meridian Street at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 17, 2018.

    In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Indianapolis Rotary Foundation (650 N. Meridian St., Indpls., IN 46204), the Crossroads of America Council – Boy Scouts of America (7125 Fall Creek Rd North, Indpls., IN 46256), Meridian Street Methodist Church (5500 N. Meridian St., Indpls., IN 46208), or your favorite charity.

    To share a memory, please visit www.leppert-mortuary.com.
    Published in the The Indianapolis Star on Aug. 12, 2018

  • Long Time Rotarian, Jim Bradford Passes Away

    Long Time Rotarian, Jim Bradford Passes Away

    James H. Bradford passed away on August 13, 2017, at the age of 97. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Jeannette W.; daughter, Barbara Lee “Blee” (Jones) (husband, Noell) Nighbert; son, Daniel W. (Susan) Bradford; daughter, Beth E. (Andrews) (husband, Phil) Kimble; five grandchildren, Julie Bradford (Charles) Dunlap, Michael W. (Rachel) Jones, Matthew W. (Leah) Jones, Steven (Robin) Bradford, Derek Andrews; and nine great grandchildren, Sarah and Sam Dunlap, Lily and Violet Jones, Griffin and Ethan Jones, and Elijah, Makayla, and Mason Andrews. He was preceded in passing by a grandson, Clint Andrews.

    Jim was a WWII veteran, having served with the 8th Air Force as a lead navigator, including on the 2000-plane B17 Armada mission supporting the Battle of the Bulge. As a civilian, he pursued his artistic interests as a teacher and as a commercial artist, partnering with Frank Vietor to form Bradford and Vietor Advertising. He retired in 1992 and in 1995, he created The Toy Workshop with his four brothers and his work partner to make “playable toys from recycled wood”. Jim continued this endeavor until his death. The toys were donated each Christmas to underprivileged children.

    Jim was community minded throughout his life, serving his church in many capacities and served as President of the Rotary Club of Indianapolis and as a District Governor of Rotary District 6560.

    Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, August 17, 2017 at Flanner and Buchanan – Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive, where services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2017. Burial will follow at Carmel Cemetery.

    Memorial contributions may be directed to East 91st Street Christian Church or to Rotary International Foundation. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.flannerbuchanan.com.
    Published in the The Indianapolis Star on Aug. 15, 2017