OBITUARIES

Shirley Ann Downton

Shirley Ann Downton

Jan 10, 2026

Shirley Ann Downton, a beloved matriarch and devoted member of the Indianapolis community, passed away on January 10, 2026, at the age of 83. Born in Trafalgar, Indiana, on July 12, 1942, Shirley was known for her outgoing personality and determined spirit, qualities that endeared her to all who knew her.

A dedicated professional, Shirley spent 31 years at Herff Jones...

John Edward Gruner

John Edward Gruner

Jan 10, 2026

John Edward Gruner, 81, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2026 at St. Francis Hospice House. Born on September 20, 1944, in Indianapolis to the late Wilbert R. (Fritz) and Patricia (Woirhaye) Gruner. He dedicated much of his life to education and sports, notably during his lengthy tenure at Franklin Central High School. From 1966 until his retirement in 2000,...

Keith Alan Lunn

Keith Alan Lunn

Jan 9, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Keith Alan Lunn, a remarkably thoughtful and generous man, who blessed this world with his kind spirit. He was born on September 10, 1963, in Beech Grove, Indiana, and peacefully departed from this life on January 9, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Keith’s life was one of hard work and dedication....

Dana Ann Kay

Dana Ann Kay

Jan 9, 2026

Dana Ann Kay, born March 15, 1947, passed away peacefully after a battle with Parkinson’s disease on January 9, 2026, at the age of 78.

Dana devoted her professional life to nursing, a career that reflected her deep compassion, steady strength, and lifelong commitment to caring for others. She approached her work the same way she approached life—with quiet resolve, empathy,...

Christine Klave

Christine Klave

Jan 9, 2026

Christine Klave, a beloved figure in her community, passed away on January 9, 2026, in Franklin, Indiana, at the age of 76. She was born on November 5, 1949, in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she developed a strong-willed personality that endeared her to all who knew her.

Christine dedicated many years of her career to the Professional Licensing Agency for the State...

Thomas Walter Barnes

Thomas Walter Barnes

Jan 8, 2026

“Everyone's dad” Tom Barnes passed away suddenly from heart issues early January 2026. Born in California, he met his wife Carol after college while working at a summer camp in Lake Arrowhead. Tom taught English, Math, and Computers for over a decade before following his sister to Indiana in 2006, leaving behind where he grew up to chase bigger opportunities...

Jack E. Barber

Jack E. Barber

Jan 8, 2026

Jack E. Barber, 72, of Knightstown, Indiana passed away suddenly following an ongoing illness.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Barber; his children, James Barber, Jessica Emmel, Kasey Barber, Christopher Barber, and Keith Barber; his siblings, Charles Barber and Virgil Barber, Jr.; and by several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil Barber and Betty...

Douglas Lynn Peacock

Douglas Lynn Peacock

Jan 8, 2026

Douglas L. Peacock, age 68, of Fortville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 8.

Doug was born on March 9, 1957, in Greenfield, Indiana, to Buck and Gwen Peacock, who preceded him in death. A lifelong Hoosier, Doug built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

For 38 years, Doug dedicated himself to education as a teacher and football...

Donna Jean Cummings

Donna Jean Cummings

Jan 7, 2026

Donna Jean Cummings, born on December 9, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, passed away on January 7, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was the daughter of John and Josephine (Barowski) Dixon, who predeceased her.

Donna had a distinguished career with the Internal Revenue Service, where she served as a Financial Agent for many years before retiring. A dedicated professional, her work was...

Denise Marie DeBoy

Denise Marie DeBoy

Jan 6, 2026

Denise Marie DeBoy, 69, of Indianapolis, passed away on January 6, 2026. She was born on August 11, 1956 to George and Wanda DeBoy.

She graduated from Brownsburg High School, where she was Homecoming Queen. She had an Associate's Degree in Medical Assisting. Denise worked 16 years with American United Life Insurance, and then retired from her career at the Indiana...

Eric Mathew O'Riley

Eric Mathew O'Riley

2026

Eric Mathew O’Riley, 58, passed away on January 6, 2026. He was born on October 5, 1967.

Eric was preceded in death by his father, Walter Louis O’Riley Sr. He is survived by his children, Chelsea O’Riley and Ryan Swearingen; his beloved granddaughter, Claire Swearingen; his mother, Mary O’Riley; his brothers, W.L. O’Riley, Kelly O’Riley, and Pat O’Riley; and his sister,...

Bernard Smith

Bernard Smith

Jan 6, 2026

Bernard "Bernie" Smith, a beloved figure in his community, passed away on January 6, 2026, at the age of 83. Born on August 6, 1942, Bernie led a life characterized by a deep commitment to service, family, and friendship.

Bernie proudly served as a Sargent with the Indianapolis Police Department (IPD) for 20 years, where his charisma and sense of humor...

Clentis T. McClendon

Clentis T. McClendon

Jan 5, 2026

Clentis T. McClendon, born on January 9, 1936, passed away on January 5, 2026, at the age of 89. Clentis was a resident of Indianapolis, Indiana.

A visitation will be held at Progressive Baptist Church, located at 4625 W. 59th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46254, on January 17, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The funeral service will follow at the same...

Lance Corporal Simon A. Cisneros

Lance Corporal Simon A. Cisneros

2026

Simon Andrew Cisneros, 22, of Reelsville, passed away on January 5, 2026, at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina.

Simon was born Danville, Indiana to Amy and John Cisneros Jr on October 27, 2003. He graduated from Perry Meridian High School. Simon enlisted in the US Marine Corps and was a Combat Engineer.

Simon is survived by his mother, Amy Peck; his dad, Kevin...

Carol Ann Sherwood

Carol Ann Sherwood

Jan 4, 2026

Carol Ann Sherwood, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, departed this world on January 4, 2026, at the age of 78, in Plainfield, Indiana. Born on February 14, 1947, in Waukegan, Illinois, Carol lived a life filled with laughter, love, and creative expression that touched the hearts of everyone she encountered.

Throughout her life, Carol created treasured memories with her...

Christopher Ray Harris

Christopher Ray Harris

Jan 4, 2026

Christopher (Frost) Ray Harris, a beloved husband, father, brother, son, and uncle, passed away on January 4, 2026 at the age of 36. He leaves behind a legacy of love, hard work, dedication, laughter, and cherished memories. 

Born on June 14, 1989, Chris was survived by his long time best friend and love of his life, his wife Alexis Cheree (Bovee)...

Edgar Thomas Chesterson

Edgar Thomas Chesterson

Jan 4, 2026

Edgar “Ed” Thomas Chesterson, 90, passed away on January 4, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Born in Indianapolis on February 22, 1935, to Clarence Otto and Callie Bernice (Mudd) Chesterson, Ed was the eldest of seven siblings. Upon graduation from Cathedral High School, Ed began what was a long career working for the U.S. Post Office, a job he worked with...

DaVonna LeAira Kay McLaurine

DaVonna LeAira Kay McLaurine

Jan 3, 2026

DaVonna LeAira Kay McLaurine was born on June 23, 1985, and transitioned from this life on January 3, 2026. She was a woman of strength, laughter, resilience, and deep love-especially for her children.

DaVonna was born to DaVonna Patterson and Walter Robertson. She attended Crispus Attucks High School and later earned her GED, a testament to her determination to keep moving...

LaDonna Lucille Porter

LaDonna Lucille Porter

Jan 3, 2026

LaDonna Lucille Lufcy was born on September 23, 1944 in Lake Charles, LA. She also used the surnames Hobbs and Porter. Her parents are Robert Donald Lufcy Sr and Alma Lucille Gadberry Lufcy.

LaDonna was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed being out in nature. Hiking or camping in nearly all the US Federal Parks. She rode a mule down...

David Lynn Petty

David Lynn Petty

Jan 2, 2026

David Petty was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, and lived a life defined by curiosity, craftsmanship, faith, and an uncommon drive to excel at whatever he set his hand to. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Lowell “Wayne” Petty, and by his beloved daughter, Marcia, who passed away from cancer on May 10, 2022.

In the summer of 1950,...