With each passing year, we mourn and celebrate the lives lost of members of the community who made a difference in their places of work, to civic organizations, and to their families and others. We pored through death records and obituaries to find notable men and women who helped shape the Tri-State through their contributions.
Frederick Bumb, 94 — Dec. 30, 2015
Fred established Bumb Farms, Inc., and served as director of the Indiana State Fair board. He was a 4-H leader and president of both the Vanderburgh County Fair Association and the 4-H Center Board. Fred was named “Farmer of the Year,” Mayor Jonathon Weinzapfel proclaimed Nov. 12 “Frederick Jacob Bumb Day,” and he received the designation of Sagamore of the Wabash.
Robert Seibert, 83 — Jan. 3, 2016
One of the first members of the Mater Dei High School wrestling program, Bob raised his son Garren to become a member of the first Mater Dei State Championship team, and many of his grandsons carried on the tradition. After serving in the Navy, Bob returned to Evansville and owned several businesses, including the Copy Bar, AA Roofing, and Foxx Pools.
Phyllis (Igleheart) Kerdasha, 88 — Jan. 15, 2016
A descendent of one of Evansville’s original founding families, the Iglehearts, Phyllis was involved with the YWCA and Reitz Home Museum. She also was a member of the Evansville Museum, Evansville Country Club, and Evansville Kennel Club. She founded the Aline and Edgar Igleheart Foundation, an arboretum, gardens, and bird sanctuary in memory of her parents.
J. Glenn Babb, 90 — Feb. 6, 2016
Glenn served as chairman of the Convention Bureau of the Evansville Chamber of Commerce, bringing in 56 conventions and revenue of about $3 million. He co-founded Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana and served as co-chair of the New Image Committee of Evansville’s Future, Inc. He also was president of Evansville Sales and Marketing Executives, director of the Zoological Society, and chairman of the community fund drive for the Boys Club of Evansville.
Betty Buck, 82 — Feb. 12, 2016
Betty served on the board of directors of the Philharmonic Orchestra for 16 years and sat on the executive committee for a portion of that time. She owned Betty Buck Interior Design, served as president of the Three Arts Club, and was a member of the Weed and Seed Garden Club and Evansville Kennel Club.
Sarah Jessee, 78 — April 5, 2016
As a longtime Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation health and physical education teacher, Sarah coached basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and track. Her passion for golf led her to coach the Reitz High School team for six years. She was a member of both Helfrich Hills and Fendrich ladies golf associations, where she served as an officer. She won several club championships and helped on many tournament committees.
Walter “Siggy” Vanover, 85 — April 14, 2016
Siggy was Central High School’s basketball team captain, football quarterback, and baseball pitcher during winning seasons. He joined the Evansville Police Department at 19 and retired as a lieutenant after 30 years. Siggy also served as the president of Hadi Shriner’s Oriental Band and owned several businesses: Sig Vanover’s Painting and Wallpaper, Vanover’s Lease Your Way Motorhomes, Mom & Pops, The Old Manhattan, Vanover’s, and The Grand Slam.
John “Jack” Chaddock, 85 — April 11, 2016
Jack co-founded Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana, served as Knight Township Trustee, and worked as a real estate professional. He was one of the founders and first president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Evansville, the first male president of Harrison High School PTA, and a president of Evansville Board of Realtors. Jack also worked with Evansville Goodwill Industries, Newburgh Town Council, Evansville Rotary Club, Evansville Boys Club, and Historic Newburgh, Inc.
Alberta Matlock, 71 — April 26, 2016
As city clerk, Alberta secured millions of dollars of child support payments, married more than a thousand couples, swore in countless police officers and firefighters, and taught classes on the election process. She received the Common Woman Award from the local chapter of the National Organization of Women, Governor’s Distinguished Service Award, Vanderburgh County Democratic Party Lifetime Achievement Award, and Albion Fellows Bacon Center Award. She also received a key to the city from three mayors.
Mary Kurtz, 95 — May 1, 2016
Mary opened a dance studio, which eventually became part of Evansville College Music Preparatory School. She later opened Chanticleer Wools in her basement and started an Evansville chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. She gained teacher certifications from the EGA and the American Professional Needlework Retailers, developing and teaching courses, workshops, and seminars. Mary also was a member of the Evansville Stamp Club and Evansville Fine Arts Camera Club.
Irma Friedman, 76 — June 1, 2016
Irma was a co-founder of Victoria National Golf Club and participated in many philanthropic efforts, including the Warrick County Community Foundation Alliance. She was recognized in 2010 by Cambridge Who’s Who for managing Victoria National with dedication, leadership, and excellence.
Alan Nunn, 79 — June 14, 2016
The Purdue University alumnus returned to Evansville to work in the family business and went on to own and operate Nunn Milling Company, Stockyard Feed and Supply, Midwestern Pet Foods, and the Pet Food Centers. He supported the Vanderburgh Humane Society and the Salvation Army.
Dolores “Dee” Browning, 93 — July 10, 2016
Dee was a volunteer with vision who enhanced the Girl Scouts, St. Mary’s Medical Auxiliary, and the Daughters of the Revolution with her talent. Dee, with her husband Charlie, helped found Browning Funeral Home and create their “Gift of Genealogy over the Last Century.” Dee created the biography program “Every Life has a Story to be Told,” which continues today. Dee was named to the YWCA “100 Years, 100 Women,” honoring women who gave significant contributions to our city.
Marvin Gray, 75 — July 27, 2016
Always carrying one of his collection of more than 600 flags, Marvin was known for supporting all Evansville sporting events. He raised the flag and operated the scoreboard at Bosse Field and often wore red, white, and blue.
Dr. L. Charles “Bud” Greif, 87 — Aug. 2, 2016
Upon returning to the U.S. after serving as a captain in the Army and director of a dental clinic in Frankfurt, Germany, Dr. Greif practiced dentistry on Newburgh Road and later worked with the St. Mary’s Mobile Dental Clinic. He was appointed to the Indiana Board of Dental Examiners, was awarded a fellow and masters in the Academy of General Dentistry, and served as president of the Evansville Parks Board.
Thomas Powers, 94 — Aug. 8, 2016
Tom was the oldest living member of the West Side Nut Club. He graduated from Memorial High School, served in the Navy, and went on to own Tom’s IGA.
Frank Robert Krug, 82 — Sept. 1, 2016
Bob spent 30 years with Indian Industries/Escalade Sports and retired as president. He often volunteered with Evansville’s SCORE and ARC chapters. He also served on the Indiana ARC board and the St. Mary’s Medical Center internal review board.
Judith Heiken, 82 — Sept. 14, 2016
Judith and her husband Jack traveled the U.S. and ran the Heiken Puppets for more than 50 years. Judith created all of the puppets and was a master sculptor and puppeteer.
Donald J. Ulrich, 88 — Sept. 21, 2016
Don was the second-oldest registered piano technician in the country. He owned and operated Don’s Music Center and served as a choir director for St. Anthony and St. Mary Catholic churches. Don also was a Boy Scout troop leader and served as president of the St. Henry Society.
Adeline Wallace, 109 — Sept. 30, 2016
Adeline came to Evansville in 1945 and worked at the General Cigar Company factory. She also worked at Jerry’s Market and attended Line Street Church of Christ.
Rev. August Busch, 86 — Sept. 30, 2016
Rev. Busch served the Diocese of Evansville as a pastor for 40 years and then continued as a chaplain and substitute pastor for another 18 years. He attended the first Source + Summit Youth Retreat and continued to support the program until celebrating its March 2016 closing Mass.
Wesley W. Weber, 93 — Oct. 2, 2016
Wesley owned Weber Equipment Co. and worked there until retirement in 1984. He was a lifetime member of Old Tyme Auto Club and a charter member of a Tri-State club for Model A Fords.
James “J.P.” Johnson, 99 — Oct. 11, 2016
J.P. founded and owned Johnson and Son Construction Company Inc., which employed 10,000 people over J.P.’s career and was one of the largest black-owned businesses in the state. He also served as a deacon, trustee, and choir member at Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church. J.P. received the Hoosiers Award and a key to the City of Evansville.
Bonnie Kolb, 99 — Oct. 20, 2016
Bonnie was a founding member, officer, and board member of the West Side Improvement Association. She served 20 years as the first chairwoman of the association’s West Side Nut Club Fall Festival food booth. She also worked for Citizens Commercial Realty and was a president of the Lady Elks.
David Locker, 68 — Oct. 26, 2016
David worked with the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library, Willard Library, and Newburgh Library systems. As manager of the former Central Library, he was instrumental in the development and construction of the current Central Library. With his passion for sharing knowledge, David also led book-discussion groups.
Donald Ingle, 95 — Nov. 12, 2016
Don served in World War II, where he was among the heroes involved in the Battle of Anzio. He later served as president of the Evansville City Council, led the Rotary Club of Evansville, and was instrumental in the development of Roberts Municipal Stadium. Upon retirement, Don took to sculpting. His works include busts of Purdue University presidents, a bust of Governor Robert Orr, and the sculpture of William Tell now at the City Hall square of Tell City, Indiana.
David Rinehart, 46 Sophie Rinehart, 17 Ruth Ann Rinehart, 74 —Nov. 13, 2016
David served as the worship and music pastor at Crossroads Christian Church. He played a major role in organizing the Worship Arts Academy and created the church’s youth choir. Sophie was a junior at Castle High School, where she participated in marching band and show choir. She also led youth worship at Crossroads. Ruth Ann was a member of the YWCA board of directors and taught music in EVSC elementary schools. She also participated in Crossroads Choir and was an accompanist at several churches.
Mary McCullough, 91 — Nov. 21, 2016
Mary and her late husband Harry started H.G. McCullough Designers in 1948. Both also were original members of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. Mary’s love of entertaining was displayed through the many wedding cakes she created over the years.
