http://www.hitefuneralhome.com/

Hite Funeral Home, 403 S Main Street, Kendallville, IN (2025)

12/23/2025

Norma Kay (Wert) Wicker, age 84, of Kendallville, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 21, 2025. She was born on February 25, 1941, in Kendallville, Indiana to Norman and Edna (Williamson) Wert. On March 7, 1959, at the Methodist Church in Kendallville, she married the love of her life Robert James Wicker. In 1975, they founded their own business, B&J Specialty, which has since grown into a multiple business enterprise including B&J Medical and B&J International which now employ’s close to 300 people. She loved her family and God and enjoyed quilting and canning the produce her husband raised out of the garden. Robert preceded her in death on August 6, 2024.

Survivors include:
Son, John (Lee) Wicker of Kendallville.
Brother, Ben and Susan Wert of Kendallville.
Sister, Susie and Bill Wallen of Kendallville.

Nine grandchildren: Keith (Stephanie) Wilson of Kendallville, Jessica (Ryan) Slone of Auburn, Kaihla (Braden) Hines of Huntertown, Shawn Wilson of Rome City, Collin Wilson of Nashville, Tennessee, Anissa (Nate) Mueller of Huntertown, Anna (Zach) Brazel of LaOtto, Autumn (Griffin) Parks of Albion and Faith Nakayima Wicker of Kendallville.

Twelve great grandchildren: Elly Cossairt, Charlie Streb, Gentry Wilson, Bennett Mueller, River Hines, Cree Wilson, Mila Hines, Navy Parks, Mallen and Millie Brazel, Isla Parks and Everett Mueller.

Close family and friends Ze, AJ, Elysia and Alani Heureuse, Chloe, Deirdre, Brian, Fiona Schoonover, Jenepher Nansamba, Elli Jensen and caretaker Shelly-Ann Reid.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Joe, Lantha and Nancy; and three brothers, Dale, Ray and Walt.

Visitation will be held Friday, December 26, 2025, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at Orange Cemetery near Rome City. Casket bearers will be Nate Mueller, Keith Wilson, Zach Brazel, Braden Hines, Ryan Slone and Seth Wright.
Preferred memorial donations may be made to the Albion Food Pantry.

12/18/2025

Terence Wayne McCann, age 78, of Marion, Indiana, passed away December 16, 2025, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. Terry was born in Marion, Indiana, on January 25, 1947, to the late Marion Carl McCann and Donna Jean (Huston) Harris. He graduated from Mississinewa High School and entered into the United States Army where he honorably served his country from 1966-1968. He married Sherry Carvin on March 20, 1971, in Gas City, Indiana. Terry was retired after more than 30 years of service with Delco-Remy. After his retirement, he employed as a custodian at Mississinewa High School in Gas City.

Survivors include:
Wife, Sherry McCann of Marion.
Daughter, Kara and Clint Callahan of Anderson.
Daughter, Tara Columbus and Brian Garret of Jonesboro.
Son, Micah McCann and Lorena McKillip of Jonesboro.
Nine grandchildren, twelve step grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.
Sister, Debbie and Jim LeChance of Gas City.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Marion McCann and Donna Harris and a son, Joshua McCann in 1979.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 12:00 noon at the chapel on the Marion V.A. Medical Center campus with visitation at 11:00 AM prior to the service.
Burial with military honors will follow at 1:00 PM at Marion National Cemetery committal shelter.

12/16/2025

Jerry A. Garrison, 91, of Hudson, Indiana, passed away on December 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on January 29, 1934, to Lyman C. Garrison and Mary E. (Herman) Garrison, Jerry lived a long, steady life marked by quiet integrity, devotion to family, and a craftsman’s eye for detail.

Jerry grew up on Boone Street in Fort Wayne and graduated from Central High School, Class of 1952. He married Shirley M. (Gantt) Garrison on May 22, 1954, and together they shared 69 years of marriage. Shirley was the love of his life, and their devotion to one another remained a steady constant through every season of their life together.

Jerry entered the United States Air Force on March 23, 1953. He served honorably until March 22, 1957, earning the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. His final duty station was Lowry Air Force Base in Colorado. Jerry carried a lifelong respect for service, discipline, and country—values he lived, not merely spoke.

After completing his military service, Jerry spent 38 years working as a draftsman for Navistar, retiring in 1993. His precision, patience, and pride in his work were evident in everything he touched, whether on the job or at home.

Two years before retiring, Jerry, Shirley, and their youngest son, Chuck, moved from Fort Wayne to McClish Lake in Steuben County, a place that quickly became home. The lake, the quiet, and the surrounding farmland gave Jerry a deep sense of peace and belonging.

Following retirement, Jerry and Shirley—along with Chuck—spent their winters in Arizona, and later in Florida, enjoying the warmth, sunshine, and slower pace of life.

Jerry was a lifelong admirer of classic cars and a lover of music, especially the voice of Eva Cassidy. He could identify the make, model, and year of any classic car long before he could remember what he went into the kitchen for.

Jerry especially loved living on the lake. The open water, the changing light, and the easy stillness of country life brought him deep contentment. He spent countless hours in his shop crafting birdhouses and whirligigs with the quiet focus of a man who found peace in working with his hands—perfecting the art of sneaking a cigarette despite telling everyone he quit in 1993, and saving every scrap of lumber “just in case.” Many friends, neighbors, and family members cherish those handmade pieces—small reminders of his creativity, patience, and gentle personality.

Jerry is survived by his children: Allan (Kim) Garrison, Brian (Treena) Garrison, Charles (“Chuck”) Garrison, and Joleen (John) Klotz; as well as seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Donald L. Garrison and Thomas K. Garrison; and his former wife of 69 years, Shirley M. Garrison, who passed away in February of 2023.

Jerry spent the final chapter of his life at Orchard Pointe in Kendallville, where he received thoughtful, compassionate care. His family is deeply grateful to the staff who treated him with dignity. They also wish to extend heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Cherish Hospice, whose kindness, attentiveness, and compassion brought comfort and preserved Jerry’s dignity in his final days.

Though the last years brought challenges—including vision loss from macular degeneration and the lingering effects of a stroke—Jerry continued to hold on to the small rituals of life, the presence of his children, and the music he loved. He sometimes lost track of the day of the week or misplaced his phone for the umpteenth time, but he never lost his good humor, his kindness, or the steady warmth that defined him.

He will be remembered for his steadiness, his loyalty, the way he held his family together across miles and decades, and the quiet beauty of a life lived with care and intention.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” — Psalm 23:6

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home, 403 South Main Street, Kendallville.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home with visitation at 10:00 AM prior to the service.

Jerry will be laid to rest with military honors at Wright Cemetery in Hudson, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jerry’s honor to The Arc Noble County Foundation.

12/13/2025

Pastor Jack Loren Thompson, age 82, was called Home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Friday morning, December 12, 2025.

Jack was born in Washington, Pennsylvania on February 2, 1943, to Annie Emma (Scarborough) Thompson Spencer and Wray Thompson. Jack graduated from Washington High School, then served five years in the United States Marine Corp. Jack held degrees from Garrett Theological Seminary and Purdue University.

Pastor Jack retired after thirty-two years in the pulpit as a United Methodist minister, serving charges in York, Alvarado, Goodland, Independence, Wesley Chapel, Mishawaka and Mentone. Jack served as the camp director at Camp Lakewood (UMC) in South Milford for seven years. During his time in Lagrange County, Jack served as a first responder/firefighter for the Stroh Volunteer Fire Department. Jack was proud to be chosen as the volunteer of the year for the Whitley County Historical Society.

Pastor Jack loved to make people laugh. He and Esther enjoyed playing Christian clowns, Tippy and Telly for bible schools and nursing homes. Jack loved to smoke ribs. His Fat Jack’s BBQ trailer was a favorite around Whitley County. Jack was also a devoted Pittsburgh Steeler and Purdue basketball fan.

Jack married Esther Jane McDowell at East Buffalo Presbyterian Church, Buffalo Township, Pennsylvania, on October 26th, 1963.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-two years, Esther Thompson of Fort Wayne.
Son, Keith and Amy of Howe.
Daughter, Cathy and Troy of Fort Wayne.
Son, Ron and Chasity of Auburn.
Jack joined his daughter, Sharon, in Heaven.

Pastor Jack is also survived by his brother, Dale, ten grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers, Wray, Wayne and Norman.

There will be a memorial service held in Jack's honor on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 2:30 PM at St. Matthew's Community Church, 1460 E. 500 N., Columbia City, Indiana. The service will be officiated by Pastor Doug Lucker and Pastor Stuart Mutzfeld.

Jack will be laid to rest with military honors and private committal service on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Independence Cemetery, Attica, Indiana. Pastor Michael Dillon will conduct to committal service and military honors will be presented by the United States Marine Corps and American Legion Post 52, Attica.

12/05/2025

Sylvia Terry, age 87, of Lake of the Woods, passed away on December 3, 2025, at Lutheran Life Villages in Kendallville. Mrs. Terry was born in Hindman, Kentucky, on November 3, 1938, to the late Ellis and Cora (Terry) Ritchie. She married Dallas Ray Terry on March 3, 1956, in Hindman, Kentucky and he preceded her in death on October 5, 2008. Sylvia was a devoted wife, and loving mother and homemaker. She was a member of Independent Baptist Church in Helmer. She worked in area factories over the years, and she spent more than 15 years waitressing at Elmira Turkey Lake Tavern. Her grandkids often stayed with her, and she loved spending time with her family. Her family and her church were the most important things to Sylvia. She also loved camping at Atwood Lake and playing cards.

Survivors include:
Daughter, Debra and Doug Borden of Churubusco.
Daughter, Diane and Glen Nagel of South Milford.
Daughter, Theresa and Don Harper of Lake of the Woods, Hudson.
Son, Doug and Lisa Terry of Stroh.
Ten grandchildren: Bradley (Junko) Borden of Plainfield, Illinois; Jill (Michael) Carlson of Spring Lake, Michigan; Monica Nagel of Goshen; Heather (Ronald) London of Walnut Cove, North Carolina; Michael Harper of Lake of the Woods; Tyler (Marissa) Terry of Hudson; Taylor Terry of Big Long Lake, Wolcottville; Tianna (Dustin) Cross of St. Joe, Indiana; Tressa Terry of Moberly, Missouri; and Trevyn Terry of Stroh.
Twelve great grandchildren: Kylee Borden, Ewan Borden, Olivia Carlson, Ella Carlson, Braxton Elliott, Kambria Elliott, Cora Clinton, Sylas London, Sylvia Carlson, Tacoma Terry, Sadie Cross and Avonn Kelley.
Five great-great grandchildren.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, Ellis and Cora Ritchie; her husband, Dallas Ray Terry; six sisters, Gladys Franklin, Mercedes Dobson, Mabel Napier, Clydia Schellenberg, Edith Powell, and Stella Baxter; and two brothers, Golden Ritchie and Canada Ritchie.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 8, 2025, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home with Rev. Rick Davis officiating.
Burial will take place at Lake Bethel Cemetery in LaGrange County.
Casket bearers will Doug Terry, Glen Nagel, Doug Borden, Don Harper, Brad Borden, and Tyler Terry.
Memorial donations may be made to Stroh Volunteer Fire Department or Helmer Independent Baptist Church.

12/05/2025

Jeffrey Allen Chapman, age 61, of Auburn, passed away December 3, 2025, at his home in Auburn. On the morning of December 3rd, my dear husband and father of our son, Chris, received the call that it was time to come home. He is now pain free and in the arms of Jesus, surrounded by friends and family in that glorious place.

Jeff was born in Toledo, Ohio, on October 31, 1964, to the late Jerry Chapman and Rose Kundrath Chapman. He married Susen Ann Duehmig on January 11, 1993, in Bluffton, Indiana. He is survived by his wife, Sue Chapman of Auburn; son, Chris and Rayanne Chapman of Auburn; and two sisters, Darlene Sue Saunders and Kim Frosce both of Toledo, Ohio.

Jeff was a humorous and kind guy, fun loving, and never knew a stranger. He took his responsibility as the provider for his family as one of his commissions. He found his passion in fishing and loved going out on the lakes with his family on his time off. He loved his church and church family. He faced death with a courage that only a man of strong faith could have done. I watched a man at peace with his final moments, caring for all of our needs before finally resting. His mission is not complete and that is to proclaim the saving power of Jesus Christ and for as many as will accept him to meet up again on those streets of gold. He planned this memorial service for all of us to glorify the Lord.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 2:00 - 6:00 PM at Harbor of Love Baptist Church, Kendallville with an evening service at 6:00 PM.

Visitation will also be held Monday, December 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 noon at Harbor of Love Baptist Church.

Funeral services will take place Monday at 12:00 PM with Pastors Charlie Mosley, Matt West, and Jamey Owens will officiate the services.

12/03/2025

Martha Ann Fisher, age 82, of Angola, passed away November 29, 2025, at Parkview Noble Hospital in Kendallville. Mrs. Fisher was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 16, 1943, to the late Harold R. Long, Sr. and Ruth F. (Manners) Long. She married James G. Fisher on March 22, 1969, in Fort Wayne. Jim preceded her in death on May 10, 2014. Martha was a devoted wife, loving mother, and dedicated homemaker. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Angola. Martha loved painting, gardening, cooking, baking and singing. She loved watching old television western shows. She adored her pets, her dog, Harley and her two cats, Daisy and Padme.

Survivors include:
Son, Ephraim Fisher of Ashley.
Daughter, Jacklyn (Bryce) Everett of Angola.
Daughter, Ivey Fisher of Ashley.
Grandsons, Brandon Everett and Tyler Everett
Sister, Nancy Tulley of Durango, Colorado.
Brother, John Long, preceded her in death.

Visitation and funeral services for Martha will be held Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Hite Funeral Home, 403 South Main Street, Kendallville, Indiana. Visitation will begin at 9:30am followed by the funeral service at 10:30am.
Burial will follow at 1:00pm at Marion National Cemetery, Marion, Indiana.

11/29/2025

Philip Kay White, age 83, of New Haven, passed away November 23, 2025, at Cedarhurst of Fort Wayne. Phil was born at home in Payne, Ohio, on February 4, 1942, to the late Harry Raymond White and Martha Marie (Bailey) White. He graduated from Payne High School and married Judith Ann Thompson on June 30, 1962 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven, Indiana. He was employed many years with International Harvester and Lincoln Food Service.

Survivors include:
Wife, Judy White of New Haven.
Son, Kevin Lee (Sharon) White of Hoagland.
Son, Gregory Dean (Loriann) White of Fort Wayne.
Seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Karl White and Robert White.

There will be a memorial service held Saturday, December 6th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green Street, New Haven, Indiana with calling at 10:00 AM prior to the service.

11/26/2025

Rachel Renae (Marker) Slone, age 58, passed away November 19, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Rachel was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 27, 1967, to Roger Lee Marker and Rebecca Mae (Embree) Marker. She was an East Noble High School graduate. She loved her cats, Stella Rosabell Slone and Archie DJL Slone.

Survivors include:
Daughter, Trisha Renae (Marzion) Peacock, Rachel's granddaughter, Riann Ramer and grandson, Harrison Peacock.
Son, Eddie Slone, III of Fort Wayne.
Mother and father, Rebecca Mae (Embree) Marker, who preceded her in death September 20, 1972, and her Roger Lee Marker of Kendallville.
Grandparents, Charles and Virginia Embree and Dale and Ermajean Marker.
Stepmother, Iris Marie (Maynard) Marker
Sister and brother-in-law, Cindy (Marker) Shepherd who preceded her in death October 13, 2021, and her husband, Steve Shepherd, and nieces and nephews, Brittney (Leitch) Harmeyer and Troy Harmeyer, Chelsea Leitch and Tom, Alexander Leitch, Meredith, Olivia, Catherine, Elizabeth, and Caroline Shepherd
Brother, Mike Marker and niece, Maleah Marker.
Sister and brother-in-law, Audrey (Marker) Howe and Lance Howe, and nephew, Matthew Howe and his wife, Taylor.
Sister, Robyn (Marker) Funk, and nephews, Travis Funk, Nickolas Holliday, Desmond Holliday
Sister, Rhonda Marker and Chad Overfield, and nieces and nephews, Cain Slone, Becca Patton and Kelsey Ramer, Grace (Patton) Robinson and Brandon Robinson
Aunts, Vicki, Dode, Mickie, and many more loving aunts and cousins.

There will be a celebration of Rachel's life at a later date.

11/23/2025

Dale Roger Parker, age 82, of Warren, passed away November 20, 2025, at Parkview Huntington Hospital. Mr. Parker was born in Huntington, Indiana, on December 30, 1942, to the late Vaughn Jefferson Parker and Alma Wilcoxson Parker. He honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1960-1962. He married Rebecca Jo Hummer and he was a retired postmaster with the United States Postal Service.

Survivors include:
Wife, Rebecca Parker of Warren.
Son, Michael and Jacquie Parker of Andrews.
Son, Tony and Amy Parker of Warsaw.
Daughter, Kathy and Scott Jacquay of Andrews.
16 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Stepsons, Todd Rohrabough and Jeffrey Rohrabough of Huntington, and Timothy Rohrabough of California.
Brother, John Parker of Oklahoma.
Brother, Don and Sandy Parker of New Haven.
Sister, Martha and Patrick Bickel of Lancaster, Indiana.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Vaughn and Alma Parker; one brother, Vaughn L. Parker; and four sisters, Rose (Joe) Wyatt, Ruth (Ross) Engle, Letitia Smotherman, and Judy Barton.

Visitation and funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at Solid Rock United Methodist Church, 485 Bennett Drive, Warren, Indiana. Visitation will be held at 11:00 AM followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. Pastor John Boyanowski will officiate the funeral service.

Burial with military honors will take place at Gardens of Memory, Marion.

11/20/2025

Sherry Lynne (Meacham) Hurlbut, age 78, of Kendallville, passed away November 19, 2025, at Kingston Healthcare, Fort Wayne. Sherry was born in Plainwell, Michigan, on August 6, 1947, to the late Richard Leonard Meacham and Elizabeth Evelyn (Wahmhoff) Meacham. She married Donald Earl Hurlbut on December 10, 1965, in Otsego, Michigan. Don preceded her in death August 11, 2020.

After many years of being a legal secretary in LaGrange, she retired from Starcraft RV as an executive secretary in Topeka. After retirement, she enjoyed family vacations and family gatherings. She loved spending time with her family and her grandchildren, having lunch with friends and was very active in the planning of her Class of 1965 reunions.

She and her husband were married for 54 years and had three children that were her world. She was a loving mother and grandmother, and family meant everything to her. She was a kind and caring person and loved doing things for others.

Survivors include:
Daughter, Debra and Tony Lower of Kendallville.
Son, Douglas Hurlbut and Armani Winters of Carmel, Indiana.
Daughter, Lisa and Skip Harmeyer of Kendallville.
Four grandchildren: Ryan Lower and his fiancé, Jamie Till both of Fort Wayne; Caleb Harmeyer of Kendallville; Hannah Harmeyer of Kendallville; and Fiona Hurlbut of Carmel. One great granddaughter, Elyssa Lower.

Sherry was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Elizabeth Meacham; her husband, Donald Hurlbut; three sisters and their husbands, Bonnie and Harvey Esman, Janice and Bob Gerhart, and Karen Clingan; one brother, Rick Meacham and his wife, Sharon; and a grandson, Justin Lower.

There will be a gathering of family and friends to celebrate Sherry's life on Monday, November 24th, 2025, from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Preferred memorial donations may be made to Paradigm Hospice.

11/14/2025

Kaitlinne Joy LeGault, age 22, of New Haven, passed away to her eternal home with Jesus on October 16, 2025, at home. Kaitlinne was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 7, 2003 to James Ryan LeGault and Denise Rene (McCoy) LeGault. She loved God, her church, her family and friends, and working at Fort Wayne Children's Zoo.

A memorial service celebrating Kaitlinne's life will be held Friday, November 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Pathway Community Church in Fort Wayne with visitation from 10 - 11:00 AM.

Hite Funeral Home

12/23/2025

12/18/2025

12/16/2025

12/13/2025

12/05/2025

12/05/2025

12/03/2025

11/29/2025

11/26/2025

11/23/2025

11/20/2025

11/14/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category