John Christopher Newcomb, age 52, born on December 11, 1972, in the bustling city of Gary, Indiana, left this world on September 3, 2025, at his residence.

This humble yet remarkable man lived a life punctuated by laughter, dedication, and an unyielding spirit.

A graduate of Salem High School in 1991, John carved out significant chapters in his life, serving with valor in the United States Army, where he took immense pride in his service to his country.

After returning to civilian life, he embarked on a fulfilling career that spanned fifteen years as a police officer, dedicating himself to the safety and wellbeing of others. Following this noble calling, he became the general manager of Seymour Power Sports for over a decade, where his commitment to excellence and hard work shone through.

John was not just a worker; he was a craftsman of memories. He had a profound talent for remodeling and working on projects. He relished the simple joys of life—a good television show, an engaging piece of music, or a sunny day spent grilling up a feast.

His memorable days spent in a band back in Salem were a testament to his vivacious spirit and love for music, filling hearts with his contagious enthusiasm.

Those who were graced by his presence knew him as a beacon of humor. With a hilarious sense of wit, he possessed an innate gift for making people smile, never meeting a stranger along the way.

He is survived by his children, Amanda Dixon and her husband Drew of Bumpass, Virginia; Carissa Newcomb, Gavin Newcomb, and Trevor Newcomb of Seymour, Indiana. John often reveled in being part of their lives, attending their events, and cheering them on in every endeavor—his proudest achievement being the joy he found in their accomplishments.

He leaves behind not just children, but also two beloved grandchildren, Evelyn and Islah, who surely brought him immeasurable joy.

He is survived by his brothers Chuck Newcomb and his wife Melinda of Borden, Indiana; Ken Newcomb and his wife Michelle of Lafayette, Indiana; Tom Newcomb and his wife Melissa of Columbus, Indiana; and his sister Heather Mull and her husband Robert of North Vernon, Indiana.

His departure leaves an irreplaceable absence in their lives, along with his parents, Thomas Newcomb and Cornelia Koll Newcomb, who have preceded him in death, as well as that of his dear niece, Haylie Mull.

A visitation will be held in his honor on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM, both taking place at Christensen Family Funeral Home located at 311 Holiday Square Road, Seymour, Indiana.

Funeral services will be accompanied by full military honors.

As we reflect on John’s life, we remember a man whose laughter echoed in the hearts of many, whose love illuminated the most ordinary moments, and whose legacy will continue through the stories and memories shared by those who were lucky enough to know him. Rest in peace, John Christopher Newcomb. You will be forever missed and cherished.

Friends are invited to leave condolence messages for the family at www.christensenfamilyfuneral.com.

Daniel and Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.

Steven Frank Webb, age 63, of Spencer, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025 at his residence.  Born November 2, 1961 in Wabash, he was the son of the late Billie Webb and Patricia Ann (Cramer) Webb.

Steven is survived by 4 children: Steven Anthony Webb (Amy), Rodney Scott Webb, John Patrick Webb, and Patricia Ann Castleman; and 5 grandchildren: Natalie Webb, Harlie Webb, Isaiah Webb, Lillian Webb, and Lettie Webb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Billie and Patricia Webb, and 3 brothers.

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

Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net

Emily Abernathy, age 85, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025 at Clark Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center.  She was born July 12, 1940.

Emily is survived by her son, Kat Abernathy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Abernathy.

Services will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison, Indiana.

Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net

John Arnold Hoke, of Pekin, Indiana, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the age of 66.

Born January 19, 1959, he was the son of the late Paul Hoke and Nellie (Spears) Hoke.

John graduated from Eastern High School in 1977 and continued his education at Ivy Tech and Indiana University Southeast. He served the East Washington School Corporation as a bus driver for over 20 years – driving countless students over thousands of miles. Additionally, he was the owner and operator of Hoke Insurance Agency, and he was proud to serve on the Board of Directors at Telemedia for 12 years. He had a strong Christian faith and found comfort in watching various pastors and sermons virtually on Sunday mornings while courageously battling his illness.

In his spare time, John enjoyed listening to bluegrass music, playing poker, antiquing, fishing, camping, bike riding, and spending time on his boat. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, watching Survivor, and drinking a hot cup of coffee on the front porch. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, who will deeply miss him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Nellie (Spears) Hoke. He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Judy (Hoskins) Hoke; one son, Tyler Hoke; two daughters, Paige (Hayden) Casey, and Jamie (Anthony) Mosby; six grandchildren – Sadie, Graham, Hadley, Hudson, Caroline, and Natalie – whom he cherished immensely; and three brothers – Paul “Rick”, Charlie, and Kenny Hoke.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Pekin Chapel with Pastor Jason Saylor officiating. 

Visitation will be held Monday, September 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home, and on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow in Mount Washington Cemetery.

www.hughestaylor.net

Billie Jo Aaron Brand, age 79, of Pekin, Indiana passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025 at his home.  He hails from Pinckneyville, Illinois where he wishes to return to be laid to rest alongside his parents.

Bill held many jobs throughout his years.  He was mechanically and artistically gifted, and his handmade leatherworks were beautifully crafted.  He was happiest in his work when he was engaging his entrepreneurial spirit.  Fiercely independent and self-reliant, Bill wished to be his own boss.

He had a cutting wit and unwavering beliefs.  Though sometimes he appeared tough, he had an endless well of kindness for children.  Mostly, Bill was known for how much he loved his family.  He faithfully loved his wife, Christina, for 55 years.  He loved and supported his three children.  And mostly, he loved and adored his grandchildren who brought previously unknown joy to his heart.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Alma Brand; and 2 brothers: Donald Brand and Richard “Dick” Brand.

He is survived by his loving wife, Christina Brand; 2 sons: Bill J. Brand, Jr. and Scott Brand; daughter: Stephanie Brand; 3 granddaughters: Katelyn Brand, Penny Krauss, and Jozie Brand; and 2 grandsons: Nickolas Brand and Remy Krauss.  He is also survived by his brother, David Brand (Beth); sister, Rebecca Garin (Don); and their children; and sister-in-law, Trina Brand, and her children.

There will be a visitation for Bill’s friends in Indiana to pay respects and share memories on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home-Pekin Chapel. 

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. (local time) at Mueller Hill Cemetery in Pinckneyville, Illinois.

www.hughestaylor.net

Robert “Roy” Boyd Boling, age 75, of Salem, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Ascension St. Vincent Salem Hospital. Born September 21, 1949 in New Albany, he was the son of the late Robert Boling and Patricia (Nale) Boling. On November 20, 1981, he married Terri (McCauley) Boling who survives.

Robert was previously employed at Cummins with 30 plus years of service; he was a member of Salem United Methodist Church; and was a member of South Hoosier Street Rods.

He is survived by his wife, Terri Boling; 1 son: Bradley Boling (Dawn); 1 sister: Susan Green (Chet); and 3 grandchildren: Abigail Boling, Nicholas Boling, and Zachary Boling.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Patricia Boling.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Salem Chapel.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 29, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Burial to follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.

www.hughestaylor.net

Amy Lynn Parkerson age 49 of Evansville, Indiana passed away peacefully after a brief illness Saturday August 16, 2025 in Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Hospital.

She had a great personality, always smiling and she enjoyed going to amusement parks and riding the rides. Amy was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Cora Parkerson and one brother Edward Parkerson. Survivors include two sisters Deborah (David) Thompson of Corcoran, Minnesota and Pamela Parkerson of Elk River, Minnesota, one sister-in-law Sue Parkerson, one niece Emily Parkerson, three nephews Daniel Parkerson, Reid Thompson (Bethany) and Tyler (Amanda) Thompson and one great niece Elle Thompson.

There are not enough words to express how much the family appreciates the excellent care and love that Amy received from the staff at Rotherwood Group Home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Easter Seals

621 South Cullen Ave.

Evansville, Indiana 47715

Arrangements made by Dawalt Funeral Home

Helen Jane Morgan, age 87 of Salem, passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025, in her residence.

Born November 15, 1937, in Salem, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Charles S. and Hazel Ione (True) Altemeyer.

She was a retired hair stylist, did upholstery and operated the Cottage at West Point Bed and Breakfast from 2000 until 2012. She was a member of the West Point United Methodist Church and the Women’s Club and had been a life resident of Washington County. Helen graduated in 1956 from Salem High School and went on to attend Cosmetology School.

On June 7, 1958, she married Donald Glen Morgan, who passed away February 14, 2013.

Survivors include: 2 Sons: Dr. Jeffrey G. (Karen) Morgan of Salem and Charles R. (Gail) Morgan of Shelbyville, Indiana; Daughter: Teresa J. (Steve) Risen of Salem; Brother: Donald Altemeyer of Indianapolis;.11 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Stanley Altemeyer and sister, Eleanor Ione Morgan.

Funeral Service: 11:00 am Thursday at Dawalt Funeral Home, followed by interment in Franklin Cemetery.

Visitation: 5 to 7 pm Wednesday and 10 am until the time of the service on Thursday.