Columbus Indiana Obituaries

[Louise Maple]

One quick question--Was there a Habig's fruit market on 7th, 8th or 9th St.?
My memory tells me there was. If it wasn't Habig's what was it?
Louise

[EC]

Louise, There was a Habig Market on 7th street between Hutchins and Cottage Avenues.

[nanc]

Hi again, and yes, there was a Habig's, as well as a Hoosier Market on 7th St. Habig's closer to Cottage, and Hoosier Market there at Maple and the RR tracks. Somewhere---and I can't remember which section, I did post some memories about that area, including the markets. Does that tell you that I probably spend entirely too much time on this site??? ;D But, doggone, it is just so much fun. Read around for my memories and memories of others. Your brain will definitely go into overdrive!!!! And you just sent me down another path, as there were two markets en route from our houses to Garfield----maybe Coleman's and Dietz? That has to wait, I am leaving for Texas, and that plane will take off without me if I don't get my rear in gear. ;D Enjoy!

Nanc

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

You were very important to both of my older brothers. When they would reminisce about Columbus, your name was always mentioned. It is funny that you mentioned Miss Yeager--she just recently died! She was 100 years old. She also was Bertha Maple's aunt.
I have other thoughts and questions so we can get in contact later. OK?
Louise Maple Cummings--My friends in Columbus often called me Sue Maple.
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Hello, Louise,
I am hoping you were able to make connections to this board again. I am curious to know if you are any relation to Lisa Maple, director of Volunteers in Medicine, and her daughter Ann Maple ?? I have Volunteered at the Clinic and know Ann Maple and Lucille King well.
Margo Mc Calip Hughey

[David Sechrest]

Hershel F. Crippen, June 23, 1917–April 10, 2005

I am posting this obit for those of you who do not receive the Republic.

Hershel worked for the Rembusch family, who owned and operated the theatres in Columbus Indiana during the 1960's. Hershel's worked as a projectionist at the Columbus Drive In, and also acted as engineer for the Columbus Zephyr, the train ride at the Drive In.

For those of you who remember the old Drive In ads that were run in the Evening Republican, you might recall the picture of the train they used. Chances seem pretty good that this was Hershel, sitting in the locomotive with the load of kids in the cars.

Here is the complete obit, as published in the Republic, April 13, 2005:

Harry McCawley also wrote an article regarding Hershel's life in the Republic, dated April 14, 2005

[EC]

From today’s Columbus paper:

Cornelius Versteeg, 99, of Valparaiso died Tuesday, May 10, 2005, at Life Care Center in Valparaiso.

Mr. Versteeg taught vocational machine shop in Columbus from 1948 until his retirement in 1971 and then worked as a teacher’s aide in the shop program until 1986. He began his teaching career in country schools in South Dakota and was a civilian instructor for the Army Air Corps at Chanute Field, Ill., during World War II.

He was preceded in death by his wife in August 2004 and his parents.

[David Sechrest]

Cal Brand passed on Thursday, May 19th. The Republic had a very nice article concerning Cal's life in Saturday's paper, and also in Sunday's editorial (Harry McCawley wrote the article in Saturday's paper, and I have a feeling he also wrote the article which appeared in Sunday's editorial section.

Cal was one of those unselfish individuals that did much for the city of Columbus, and his passing is surely felt by many in this community.

From The Republic, Friday, May 21st:

W. Calvert Brand, 87, a Columbus entreprenuer who rose from poverty to become a business, social, and political leader on the local, state, and national stages, died at 4:40 pm Thursday at Four Seasons Health Care Center. Best known by a shortened version of this middle name, Cal Brand emerged from a childhood during which he lived for a short time in an orphanage to become a community activist, and entreprenuer who built a successful business from scratch and a political leader who served as director of the Indiana budget office and a high ranking member in late Presedent Ronald Reagan's administration. He played many roles in his life, beginning in his childhood when he and four siblings were moved from their Brown County home to Columbus by their recently widowed father. In the midst of the Depression, the elder Brand was unable to support his family and custody was awarded to a Bartholomew County courth, which palced them in Frances Comfort Thomas Orphanage. His brother and sisters were adopted by other families but Cal struck out alone with the help of Columbus businessman Valmore McQueen, who gave him odd jobs and helped him find a place to line in a boarding house run by Connie Newcomb. "The arrangement was that I would do chores around the house and pay for $2 a week for room and board," he recalled years later. "That wonderful lady saved every penny I gave her and from that she gave me things. She made sure to tie those gifts to accomplishments." During high school, he and a classmate started a small community newspaper that became so successful it was eventually purchased by Raymond Brown, publisher of the Evening Republican. He graded from Columbus High School and attended Illinois State University at Normal, Illinois. Later he graduated from the Indiana Univesity Executive Development Program. He began working with Dunlap and Company in 1937 as a salesman/truck driver and was transferred in 1939 to Seymour to manage a lumber yard. A WWII veteran, he returned from military service to work at Dunlap, where he became a vice president. He also became deeply involved in community activities, particularly with the Columbus Jaycees and served as its president. He was active with the Boy Scouts and had a leadership role with the Foundation For Youth. In 1954, he was named the first recipient of the Jaycees' Distinguished Service Award. He was active in the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and in 1962 was presented with its Distinguished Service Award. Brand left Dunlaps in 1966 and a year alter headed a group that purchased the Taylor Lumber and Supply Company buildings on California Street. He and his family built Brands' Inc. into one of the community's leading privately owned businesses. In 1971, Brand was named administrative assistant to Governor Edgar Whitcomb. In 1981 he was named as the deputy assistant secretary for policy and budget in the Department Of Housing and Urban Development by President Reagan. In 1993, he and his wife Betty established a $100,000 endowment with the Heritage Fund. In 2001, the large meeting room on the first floor of Columbus City Hall was named in his honor.

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

Thank you, Dave,
For posting Cal's obituary. Columbus will certainly miss this fine man!
He rose from humble beginnings, to become one of the most generous men,in the Columbus Community. He never forgot the city of Columbus, when he became prominent in Political affairs in Washington.
He did not care much for publicity, and a lot of his Charity Work, will remain anonymous, which is the demeanor of the man.
God has a new special flower in His Garden, and Cal will be sorely missed !! Thank you, Lord, for allowing us the priviledge of knowing him , even for such a short while. Blessings, Margo

[dannymcqueen]

This may or may not be relavent to the topic, but I'll take a shot anyway. OK my fathers' name was Danny Lee McQueen, as is mine. He died in '78. I think he was about 25 at the time. He was found shot in the chest, so I've been told, in our apartment in Hartsville. I was only 4 or 5 years old at the time. I wasn't even allowed to attend the funeral. His death is so mysterious to me. My mother would never talk to me much about the incident or even much about him. Through the years I've had next to no contact with his side of my family. It seems like my family didn't even know him well. Maybe where I was pretty young I either forgot what they told me or I just didn't ask the right questions, I don't know but I have a lot of unanswered questions about him and his death. One thing I would like to know is was he killed or did he do it himself? What makes me so curious is,what I've been told on a couple of occausions, was that the night of his death he had been drinking heavily and there were gin and beer bottles all around, and that he could not stand to drink gin. Far as I know there was not much of an investigation. I don't want to solve a case, I just need some closier is all. If anyone has any, ANY, information about him or his death I would be so thankful to know something. Thank You

[David Sechrest]

Hello Danny... and welcome to the Historic Columbus Indiana Message Board (from here on out known as the HCIMB)...

I didn't live in Columbus in 1978. I was one of those that wanted to leave town when I was 18, as I felt that Columbus didn't have very much to offer me at that time.

If I can make any suggestion at all, since it sounds like you're a resident, I would suggest you pay a visit to the local library and go through the newspaper files they have on microfiche tape. I would also be sure to check out the obituary columns of the time, as family members and other information can be found out from these columns.

Good luck

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

Danny,
I was just reading this update when I saw Dave's suggestion for you. I HIGHLY RECCOMMEND the Public Library's service, just ask at the reference desk. The personnel are all very knowledgable ,and extremely helpful.
I would scan the newspapers the day of your father's death, and several issues after that. If you don't have an exact date, I can't contact my friends at The Republic to send me a copy of the obituary.
If you do learn it, just let me know, and I will see what I can do.
May I expend my condolences for the loss of your father. We had a member of our family die with mysterious circumstances also, and I hope one day to have closure on him. Blessings ,Margo John 1:16

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

Guest-Debbie Sexton Brock
My brother, Gary Brock, passed away November 20, 1999. Gary graduated from Columbus High School in 1966. Gary played Little League with Dean's brother, Dennis. Our families spent a lot of time together in those days. I am sorry to hear about Dean. My thoughts are with his family.
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If this is the Debbie Sexton I made her bridal dress for her wedding, please contact me at [e-mail]

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

Actually, Danny,

I had a brother who went by Jr, or Jim Turpin, and his father's name was James. T. Turpin. So it's not too unusual.

Were you able to find the date of your father's Death?

Do you wish a copy of it from the Republic, or were you able to obtain a copy from the Library? If you know his birthdate, and if he was born here in Bartholomew County, you may go to the Courthouse and see if they have a record for him. They are very helpful in there, also.It may establish what name is actually on his birth certificate. Blessings ,Margo

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

Do you know if he is buried in a local cemetary? They may have the date of birth on his grave marker. If you like I can email my contact at the Republic and see if she can pull up his obituary. It should definitely state his birthdate.
No, I'm really not awesome, but I appreciate the kind words. I have a dear friend who is into Geneolagy and I know a lot through First Call for Help, Love Chapel, and serving as the Hot Meal sites co-ordinator for our local Ecunemical Assembly of Churches.

Another thing, if you were able to locate the Funeral Home that handled the arrangements, they could provide you with a copy of his death certificate , and any other info you might care to know.
Let me know about contacting the Republic. Blessings, Margo CHS Class of 55

[David Sechrest]

Monday's Republic had an obit for Jane Dunham, a resident of Edinburg. I told myself to put that paper aside, but forgetful me, well, it's probably at the city dump by now.

Jane Dunham was one of the very first to loan me a picture back when the Historic Columbus Indiana website was just getting going, and what a picture it was! The interior of G C Murphy and the candy counter. While I never figured out what year the picture was taken, I am thinking it was possibly taken around WWII.

Jane took time from her busy schedule to come into Cummins Bookstore to search me out and loan me the picture. I made a note that she brought the picture in on February 15, 2002.

I'm saddened by the fact that she's no longer with us.

Thanks to Jane Dunham, you can see that picture in the "More Columbus Indiana Pictures" section of the website. It's on page 5...

[BobLane]

Friends, If you have missed Margo's notes, she has been attending her sister in her health needs. Shiela Anderson White went to her heavenly home this Wednesday. If you know Margo, a note of encouragement would be a blessing to her at this time. Bob Lane

[nancs]

Thanks, Bob, for the update, and several of us were quite concerned about Margo, as she had not posted in some long while.

I will send a note to Margo, and will be keeping her and her family in my thoughts and prayers during this time of family sorrow and loss of her sister.

God bless.

Nanc

[Babs]

Bob Lane, Thanks for the comment on where Margo was; we were all missing her and concerned for her whereabouts. Saw the obit about her sister and will get off a note to her. Cards and notes from people will help her through this time I am sure and she will be glad to know we have all missed her.
Babs

[Margo CHS Class of 55]

Sheila McCalip Anderson White, 69, of Georgetown, formerly of North Vernon, died at 9:28 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2005, at her home.
A memorial service will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 31, at the home of Timothy Anderson, with visitation from 2 p.m. until service time.

Mrs. White worked several years for Muscatatuck State Developmental Center as a caregiver and qualified medical assistant. She also worked at WNVI Radio Station in North Vernon. She was a former member of Jennings County Coordinating Council and received the Jane Award in 1978. She was an active participant in starting Jennings Villa Children’s Home and was involved in the Foster Parenting program.

Born in Columbus Feb. 4, 1936, she was the daughter of Edwin Rex and Nellie Pearl Cox McCalip. She married David T. Anderson II on July 4, 1953. He preceded her in death. She married Robert S. White II on Sept. 26, 2001. He survives at Bolivar, Ohio..

Other survivors include six sons, David T. Anderson III of Vancouver, Wash., Rex T. Anderson, Ralph V. Anderson, Timothy M. Anderson and Bruce E. Anderson of North Vernon, and Mark A. Anderson of Columbus; three daughters, Ruth Ann Nickell of Escondido, Calif., Barbara J. Furey of Georgetown and Margaret E. “Peggy” Bishop of North Vernon; three sisters, Margo Hughey of Columbus, Leanna Aly of Orlando, Fla., and Linda Reading of Wheeling, Ill.; 30 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her first husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, James T. Turpin and Bill Turpin, and her twin, Sheldon Ray McCalip.

Memorials may be made through Dove-Sharp & Rudicel Funeral Home in North Vernon to Jennings Villa Children’s Home and the Nellie McCalip Learning Center, in care of First Baptist Church,3300 Fairlawn Drive, Columbus,In 47203

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To all my dear friends on this site...
I wish to say how grateful I am for all the many prayers, messages and support especially since the first of June, when Sheila's health started to deteriorate .
You are such a wonderful caring group, and those prayers and messages helped me so greatly while I was a caregiver in Georgetown,In for her !!
She slipped away quietly at her daughter, Barbara's home on July 6th with her son, Tim Anderson, and myself by her bedside. Her family will miss her sorely but we know for a fact she is celebrating her " Easter Morning" in Heaven and in our gracious Lord's arms. Thank God for victory over death through Jesus Christ our Lord !!!
Her sister, who misses her deeply, Margo

[David Sechrest]

We lost another of our 1970 classmates this Saturday.

Myron Glick, 54, from Columbus, passed away on Saturday, July 16th. The paper stated that Myron died unexpectedly, and of natural causes.

Myron Glick was a partner in L&M Glick Seed Company, and Glick Seed Service.

Myron was married to Marybeth VonFange. Marybeth is also a 1970 CHS alumni.

My condolences to Marybeth and her family...