Deborah Sue Vanlaningham Lewis, age 74 of Salem, passed away on Thursday March 26, 2026. Born on October 13, 1951, in Paoli, Indiana, she was the daughter of Harry and Marilyn (Moore) Vanlaningham. 

She is survived by the fathers of her children: Terry Hammond and Jerry “Buck” Lewis; one daughter: Autumn Burkhead; one brother: Roy (Melissa) Vanlaningham; one sister: Brenda (Steve) Brown, along with 5 grandchildren and a host of cousins.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, two sons: Bret Hammond and Larry Lewis; and one brother: Ricky Vanlaningham. 

Cremation has been chosen at this time. 

Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net

Michelle W. Beckett, age 58, of Salem, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026.  Born January 7, 1968 in New Albany, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Beckett and Sharon (Gibson) Beckett Arnold.

Michelle was a proud graduate of Eastern High School and dedicated much of her professional life to Koetter Woodworking, where she was a long-time employee. Her work ethic and commitment were evident throughout her career.  Michelle cherished the time she spent with her family and friends. She had a passion for playing cards and bingo, and she never missed an opportunity to enjoy a lively conversation or share a good gossip story. Her warmth and humor brought joy to those around her.

She is survived by her son, Joseph Beckett; sister, Jo Ellyn Reynolds (Jeff); brother, Chad Beckett; niece, Samantha Anderson (Ryan); and nephew, Kyle Reynolds (Patty).

She was preceded in death by her father, Joe Beckett; mother, Sharon Beckett Arnold; and nephew, Jacob Reynolds.

Michelle’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. May her legacy bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

Dixie L. Souder, age 86 of Salem, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Meadow View Health and Rehab.

Mrs. Souder was born January 22, 1940 in Austin, Indiana, the daughter of William H. Taylor and Hazel McCoskey Taylor. She was a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Salem. She was also a member of the Women’s Auxiliary and was a member of a euchre group for years. She retired from the Salem Middle school. 

Mrs. Souder is survived by her sons: Greg G. Souder (Charlotte) of Colorado Springs, Darin L. Souder (Yvonne) of Salem, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Mrs. Souder is preceded in death by her husband, Norman, who passed away in December 2024. She is also preceded by her son Kevin D. Souder, her two brothers, Donald Taylor and Robert Taylor and her parents.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 11A.M. at Weathers Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 1 from 4P.M-8P.M and Thursday morning from 9A.M until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Crown Hill Cemetery.

David A. Engleking age 67 of Salem, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loved ones.

Mr. Engleking was born February 4, 1959 in Greenfield, Indiana, the son of Norvin Neal Engleking and Helen Couch Engleking. He attended Blue River Baptist Church. David was a class of 1978 graduate from West Washington. He was an owner operator for Engleking Trucking, hauling livestock and was a farmer. 

Mr. Engleking is survived by his loving and devoted wife Missy, who he married on May 15, 2010. He is also survived by his sons, Eli Engleking of Salem, Jeremy Shell (Sarah) of Scottsburg and Nathan Bowling (Lauren) of Salem. He is survived by his grandchildren: Laken and Chayton Shell, Wrenley and Luxley Bowling, Kailey, Macey and Keivan Hamilton and many more that called him papaw. He is survived by one great grandson, Stetson. David is also survived by two brothers and two sisters.

Mr. Engleking is preceded in death by his parents.

David will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, uncle, papaw and a friend to everyone who met him. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

John D. Jackson, age 83, of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, surrounded by his family.

John was born on March 20, 1943, in Salem, Indiana, to Wayne Jackson and Maxine Myers Jackson.

He was a graduate of Salem High School, Class of 1961, where he played football all four years. Following graduation, John served four years in the Indiana National Guard while beginning his lifelong career in construction with Ralph Myers Construction. In his early years, he worked as a heavy equipment operator, later advancing into supervisory roles with Triangle Construction, B&LS, and Shand Mining. Along the way, he also completed numerous consulting projects before ultimately retiring after many years with Turner Mining and Mass Excavation. John took great pride in his work and especially enjoyed mentoring young men, sharing his knowledge and experience in construction and mining. He was a lifelong member of the IUOE Local 181.

In his retirement, John found joy in the simple pleasures of life—playing golf, relaxing on his porch while watching wildlife around his backyard fish pond, and spending time with family and friends. He was also an active member of the Tri -State Golf Group.

John is survived by his wife, Cathy Willem Jackson; his children, Aaron Jackson (Kimi), Christina Schroeder (Brian), Karin Van Wey, and Ryan Bailey (Alice); 7 grandchildren, Corey Deckard, Amber Conrad (Dylan), Jade Trueblood (Damon), Haley Raisor (Zach), Ayden Van Wey, Brooklyn Van Wey, and Cody Bailey. He is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren, Gunner Hurst, Camden Raisor, Jack Trueblood, and Teddy Conrad; his siblings,

Donald Jackson, Connie Jackson, and Patricia Walton; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Maxine Jackson; the mother of Aaron and Christina, Mickey Jackson; and his sister-in-law, Wanda Jackson.

In accordance with John’s wishes, a private cremation will take place. No public service is planned at this time; a celebration of life may be announced at a later date.