Burkhart Funeral Home

Burkhart Funeral Home Providing meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones. Thank you for visiting us online. Carl Burkhart
Craig Burkhart

Our family and staff are committed to providing meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones with dignity and care. By making available a wide range of service and merchandise options, we personalize our services to meet the needs of each family. To speak with us about planning ahead, or have any questions about funeral, burial or cremation arrangements, call anytime or email us at BurkhartFH@gmail.com.

Sherry Lee Allen July 24, 1949-Nov. 18, 2025With great sorrow we announce the passing of Sherry Lee (Hunt) Allen, 76, of...
11/20/2025

Sherry Lee Allen
July 24, 1949-Nov. 18, 2025

With great sorrow we announce the passing of Sherry Lee (Hunt) Allen, 76, of Crawfordsville. Sherry passed away Tuesday, Nov. 18th at home with her husband and family by her side.
Sherry was born July 24, 1949 in Crawfordsville and was the daughter of James and Eula Hunt. Sherry married her loving husband, Larry Allen July 29, 1988 and all her love and attention was towards him and their children and grandchildren.
Sherry graduated from Crawfordsville High School in the class of 1967 and played a huge role in organizing, planning and (Facebooking) most of the class events. She is loved by her many classmates and enjoyed her short trips, playing cards, shopping and getting together with her close friends. Sherry is a member of Whitesville Christian Church.
Sherry started her career after high school at Impex for many years and moving on to CSI. She retired to be able to spend more time with family and friends.
Sherry is survived by her husband, Larry Allen, her sister, Janice Hunt of Bloomington, her children, Jeff Allen, Laura (Allen) Howell, Brooke (Gooding) Brewer, and Stacy (Gooding) Rossok. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Charlotte and first husband, Gordon Gooding.
Her many grandchildren who helped her through her final days include: Kennedy Weliever (Chuy Murillo), Ariel (Tyler) Webster, Chantel Allen, Tyler Harkrider, Korey Harkrider (Bailee), Megan (Ewoldt) Busenbark, Brittany (Howell) Thomas, Breanna Howell. Sherry also has 12 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Saturday, Nov. 22nd from 3 PM to 6 PM at Burkhart Funeral Home. Private burial will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Riley Hospital Children Foundation, P.O. Box 3356, Indianapolis, IN 46206-3356.

Lureaine StephensNov. 10, 1936-Nov. 17, 2025Lureaine “Lue” Stephens of Crawfordsville passed away in her home one week a...
11/19/2025

Lureaine Stephens
Nov. 10, 1936-Nov. 17, 2025

Lureaine “Lue” Stephens of Crawfordsville passed away in her home one week after turning 89.
She was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She liked gardening, sewing and watching the birds from her front porch.
Born Nov. 10, 1936 in Jefferson City, Missouri, she was the daughter of Willie Greer and Jewel Greer. She grew up in Arkansas and when her family moved to Indiana, she attended school at Frankfort. She married Walt Stephens on Jan. 1, 1956 and he passed away Dec. 5, 2020.
Surviving family includes: three daughters, Lorena Elmore (Jim), Diana Stephens, Susan Stephens; son, Mike Stephens; sister, Rosie Pruett; brother, Greg Greer; two grandsons, Lee Elmore (Kim) and Patrick Elmore; three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by: her husband, Walt; son, Sam Stephens; grandson, Shane Elmore; two brothers, Bill and Joseph; sister, Vera and an infant sister, Peggy Sue.
Visitation will be from 10 AM to Noon Saturday at Burkhart Funeral Home, 201 West Wabash Avenue. Services will begin at Noon, led by Chaplain Clint Fink. After the service, she will be laid to rest at Indian Creek Hill Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.

Larry Barton BonwellJanuary 23, 1951 – November 14, 2025With heavy hearts, we share that Larry Bonwell, of Crawfordsvill...
11/19/2025

Larry Barton Bonwell
January 23, 1951 – November 14, 2025

With heavy hearts, we share that Larry Bonwell, of Crawfordsville, Indiana, passed away on Friday, November 14, 2025, following a lengthy illness.
Larry was born in Crawfordsville on January 23, 1951, to Thelma (Smith) and Binford Bonwell, both of whom preceded him in death. Proudly enlisted as a Marine in the late 1960s and early ‘70’s, Larry carried the spirit and loyalty of the Corps with him throughout his entire life. That unwavering pride was matched only by the love he held for his grandchildren. His grandson’s Tristen Hood and Brayzen Campbell, and granddaughter, Aynslee Campbell, were the light of his world. He spent every moment he could with them, cherishing their laughter, their energy, and the joy they brought to his life.
Over the years, Larry worked hard as a truck driver, in construction, and in whatever role was needed to provide for his family. He lived simply, loved deeply, and gave generously of his time and his heart.
Larry is survived by his sisters, Connie West, son Jay (Angie) and Barbara (Butch) Graham, son Craig (Angie), and by his daughters: Aysa Bonwell, Kodi (Jon) Lemon, Corey (Ryan) Orr, and Kista Fritts. In addition to Tristen, Aynslee, and Brayzen, Larry was blessed with five other grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great- nephews; each one a source of pride and joy.
A memorial service to honor Larry’s life will be held at Burkhart Funeral Home on Monday, November 24, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Gregory Allen CarlsonMarch 5, 1948 - November 15, 2025Greg Carlson of Crawfordsville passed away Saturday night at the a...
11/18/2025

Gregory Allen Carlson

March 5, 1948 - November 15, 2025

Greg Carlson of Crawfordsville passed away Saturday night at the age of 77.

Carlson was a graduate of Wauwatosa West (Wis.) High School and earned an undergraduate degree in Physical Education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. He held a Master of Education degree in Physical Education from the University of Oklahoma.

He was the head coach of four football programs, leading Wabash College for 18 years from 1983-2000, starting the football program at St. Scholastica (Duluth, MN) from 2008-2013, and at Whittier College (California) from 2003-2005. At Wabash, Carlson compiled a 112-57-2 record and won four conference championships as the head coach, after spending three previous seasons as the program’s Defensive Coordinator.

His additional coaching resume includes stops with the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League (DL/LB), Ball State (Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator), the University of Illinois (Director of Football Operations), the University of Evansville (Defensive Coordinator), and at Metairie Park Country Day School in New Orleans (Head Coach).

He was also an active member of the AFCA (American Football Coaches Association).

Born March 5, 1948 in Lansing, Michigan, he was the son of Allen and Nathalie Carlson. He married Laura Helwig Carlson on August 8, 1970 and she preceded him in death on May 5, 2022.

Surviving family includes: daughter, Meghan Kannegieter; son, Matt Carlson; two grandchildren, Bodhi and Indiana Kannegieter; companion, Shirley Buck; brother, Scott Carlson; two sisters, Deb Fueger (Jon-Marc) and Karen Younker; sister-in-law, Lynne Helwig; along with many men who had the privilege to play for Coach Carlson.

Visitation will be from 1 PM to 3 PM Monday, Nov. 24th at Salter Concert Hall of Wabash College. Services will be held at 3 PM. After the service, he will be laid to rest at Indian Creek Hill Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Burkhart Funeral Home.

Allen G. MelvinMarch 30, 1943-Nov. 14, 2025Allen G. Melvin passed away Friday at IU Arnett at the age of 82. Al was an A...
11/17/2025

Allen G. Melvin
March 30, 1943-Nov. 14, 2025

Allen G. Melvin passed away Friday at IU Arnett at the age of 82.
Al was an Army veteran, serving in Korea and Vietnam. He worked at R.R. Donnelley for 30 years and after retiring, worked several years as a security guard for Securitas. He was a member of Woodland Heights Christian Church, Eagles, VFW and was a former member of the Moose. He liked watching wrestling and westerns. He bowled in league for many years and was an avid Cubs fan.
Born March 30, 1943 in Crawfordsville, he was the son of Frederick Melvin and Mildred Pickett. He attended Crawfordsville schools. He married Rita Devitt on Sept. 3, 1966 and she passed away Sept. 14, 1994.
Surviving family includes: two sons, Mike Melvin (Kim) and Daniel Melvin; daughter, Amy Molina; four grandchildren, Selena, Alexis, Noah, and Sebastion; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley Busse.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Melvin, and two brothers, Dale and Jerry Joe.
Visitation will be from 2 PM to 4 PM Friday, Nov. 21st at Burkhart Funeral Home. Services will begin at 4 PM, led by Pastor Steve Wilke. After the service, he will be laid to rest at the Oak Hill Mausoleum.

Jonathon Shields-JohnsonMarch, 18, 1989-Nov. 7, 2025Jonathon Shields-Johnson of Crawfordsville passed away suddenly on F...
11/11/2025

Jonathon Shields-Johnson
March, 18, 1989-Nov. 7, 2025

Jonathon Shields-Johnson of Crawfordsville passed away suddenly on Friday, Nov. 7th. He was 36.
Jonathon was a very loving and caring person. He loved fishing and being outdoors. He enjoyed spending time with his nephews and all his family.
He was born March 18, 1989 in Danville, Indiana to Gary Johnson and Rhonda Shields Johnson.
Surviving family includes: mother, Rhonda Shields Johnson; father, Gary Johnson; grandmother, Bonnie Rice; grandfather, Jerry Johnson (Kathy); three brothers, Justin Shields, Philip Johnson and Colten Johnson; aunt, Teresa Baumgardner (Ray); three nephews, Riley, Blayze and Kayne Shields along with several additional nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Paul and Evelyn Shields, uncle, Jimmy Johnson and paternal grandfather, Wallace Rice.
Visitation will be from 2 to 3 PM Friday, November 14th at Burkhart Funeral Home, 201 West Wabash Avenue, Crawfordsville. Services will begin at 3 PM. After the service, he will be cremated.
Online condolences may be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.

David “Wayne” Branstetter, a quietly loyal man who devoted his life to his family, passed away at the age of 91.Born on ...
11/07/2025

David “Wayne” Branstetter, a quietly loyal man who devoted his life to his family, passed away at the age of 91.
Born on June 23, 1934, in Darlington, Indiana, Wayne was the son of Alma and Welby Branstetter. He grew up learning the value of hard work on the family dairy farm. After graduating from Darlington High School, he proudly served his country by joining the U.S. Navy. Following his military service, Wayne attended Indiana University, graduating with a degree in Business.
He had a successful career as a Credit Manager for Midstates Wire until his retirement in 1998. He was perhaps best known, however, for his devotion to his family. He was a loving and steadfast caretaker for his wife, Sandy, for more than 50 years.
A quiet person by nature, Wayne enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He loved to play cards and golf, and he kept his mind sharp by reading and working word puzzles.
Wayne was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sandy, his mother, Alma, his father, Welby, and his brothers James and Barton.
He is survived by his children, Vince Branstetter and Sarah (Scott) Wallace, and his two cherished grandchildren, Claire and Ethan Wallace, along with several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 11th from 1 PM until 2:30 PM at Burkhart Funeral Home, Crawfordsville. Services will begin at 2:30, led by Pastor Brian Campbell. After the service, he will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery in Darlington.
The family would like to specifically thank the entire staff at Ben Hur Rehabilitation and Anew Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care they provided.

Dianna WayeJune 9, 1948-Nov. 4, 2025Dianna Rose Waye of rural Waynetown, passed away in her home with her husband by her...
11/06/2025

Dianna Waye
June 9, 1948-Nov. 4, 2025

Dianna Rose Waye of rural Waynetown, passed away in her home with her husband by her side at the age of 77.
Mrs. Waye was a hairdresser for 25 years. She later worked as the office manager at R. Bee Furniture and retired from the office of Dr. Ledgerwood. She was a graduate of Alamo High School and beauty school in Lafayette.
Born June 9, 1948 in Crawfordsville, she was the daughter of Lewis Fruits and Rachel Myers Fruits. She married her caring husband, Ronald Waye.
Surviving family includes: husband, Ron Waye; sister, Verda Mills (Gene); brother, James Fruits (Reni); two sisters-in-law, Shirley Fruits and Judy Fruits; two brothers-in-law, Steve Waye (Susan) and David Waye (Cely); several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, Dema Delp, two brothers, Russell Fruits and her twin brother, Dennis Fruits.
In keeping with her wishes, there will not be any public services. Arrangements were entrusted to Burkhart Funeral Home.
Donations in memory of Dianna Waye may be made to the Alamo Christian Church, P.O. Box 53, Alamo, IN 47916-0053.

Amber Jo HartAugust 18, 1981-Nov. 4, 2025Amber Jo Hart of Waynetown passed away Tuesday night at home.  She was 44.Amber...
11/06/2025

Amber Jo Hart

August 18, 1981-Nov. 4, 2025

Amber Jo Hart of Waynetown passed away Tuesday night at home. She was 44.

Amber was first and foremost a wife and mother and was happiest in doing so. In addition, she worked many years at the F & F Mart in Waynetown and the Ladoga Academy. She liked crafting, reading, and was a big fan of reality TV, especially “The Challenge.” Most of all, she loved her family and spending time with them.

Born August 18, 1981 in Crawfordsville, she married Vernon Hart on Dec. 27, 2002.

Surviving family includes: husband, Vern Hart of Waynetown; three daughters, Skylynn King (Kyle), Aliyah Caudill and Eriyana Hart; sister, Tina Pitman; brother, Mike Largent; sister-in-law, Marcia Hart; father, Reggie Hutchison; biological father, Keith Williams; uncle, David Largent; along with many extended family members and friends. Amber was loved by a lot of people.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Deborah Hutchison and grandmother, Barb Norris.

Visitation will be from 1 PM to 3 PM Saturday, November 8th at Burkhart Funeral Home, 201 West Wabash Avenue. There will be a service beginning at 3 PM.

11/06/2025

Connie Y Pearson

December 24, 1948 to November 5, 2025

Connie Pearson, age 76, passed away on November 5, 2025 at Franciscan Health Lafayette.

Born December 24, 1948 to Stancil and Elsie Taylor Scott in Crawfordsville, Indiana. She married Garry Pearson and he preceded her in death.

Surviving family includes, sons; Scott (Julie Hall) Pearson, Garry W. (Lori) Pearson, and Chass Lee Pearson, granddaughters; Layton (Christian) Fettig and Kari (Josh) Landwerlen, and great-granddaughters; Gemma and Julya.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her granddaughter Ariel Pearson.

There will be no public services. Cremation arrangements entrusted with Burkhart Funeral Home

Shanna Jo Taylor, 43, of Indianapolis passed away in her home due to complications from her recent heart surgery. Shanna...
11/05/2025

Shanna Jo Taylor, 43, of Indianapolis passed away in her home due to complications from her recent heart surgery.
Shanna was born on December 27, 1981, in Crawfordsville to the late Sherrie Staton-Taylor and Jerry Taylor. She was a 2000 Crawfordsville High School graduate and later went on to attend Ivy Tech Community College. She then gave birth to her daughter, Alexus, in 2003, which was the absolute light of her life.
Shanna enjoyed attending Christmas gift and Hobby shows, doing crafts, she always loved trying new foods, and her favorite food was anything ice cream! Most of all she loved spending time with her beloved daughter and the love of her life, Mark, with whom she shared 10 beautiful years with. She was big on family and she would do absolutely anything for her friends. She was loyal to the fullest and ad blunt as they come. She was a fighter and no matter what life threw at her, she stood tall and always faced it head on. She left behind a family that loved her dearly and that will forever have a gaping hole in their hearts without her here.
Shanna worked as a full-time waitress and bartender for the past several years at Olive Garden with people that became like a second family to her.
Surviving family includes: daughter; Alexus McCaskill, soon-to-be son-in-law; Cole Price, partner; Mark Hedge, siblings; Travis (Amber) Taylor and Misty (Kevin) Taylor, father; Jerry (Angie) Taylor, maternal grandparents; Russell and Bonnie Staton, nephews, and nieces; Alec, Eli, Emma, and Ashlyn, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her beloved mother; Sherrie Staton-Taylor, and her paternal grandparents; Archie and Maria Taylor.
A graveside service will be on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11 am at Oak Hill North Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made directly to Alexus in honor of Shanna, whom got left behind so young at Venmo- or Cashapp .
Online condolences can be made at www.BurkhartFH.com

10/31/2025

Elaine D. Lawton
Sept. 3, 1949-Oct. 28, 2025

Elaine D. Lawton, 76, of Crawfordsville, passed away from this life and into her heavenly home on Oct. 28, 2025.
Elaine was born on Sept. 3, 1949 in Crawfordsville to the late Thomas and Anna Day. Elaine married William Lawton, the love of her life, he precedes her in death.
Elaine leaves behind a sister, Cheryl A. Tibbett of Crawfordsville; several nieces, Laura (Dale) Gatlin, Kimberlie (Doug) Moore, Traci (Skip) Eads, Anna (David) Scaggs, Brandi Byrd and a nephew, Frank (Kara) Galbert.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Lawton, both parents, Thomas and Anna Day, two sisters, Pamela Maloney and Terri Billingsley.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements were entrusted to Burkhart Funeral Home.

Address

201 W. Wabash Avenue
Crawfordsville, IN
47933

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