The following obituaries were received Monday –
William J. “Bill” Donaldson – Bedford
William J. “Bill” Donaldson, 89, of Bedford, passed away Saturday evening at his birthplace. he was born February 15, 1922 to James and Elisabeth (Selkirk) Donaldson. He was a 1939 graduate of Bedford High School and a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Following his high school graduation, he attended Indiana University and worked at Montgomery Ward. He joined the Air Corps during WWII and was stationed in New Delhi, India, for three years. He served his country as a cryptologist, decoding invaluable messages to protect our country. Upon an honorable discharge, he returned to work at Montgomery Ward and married Elisabeth (Libby) Cannon, who preceded him in death.
He was very interested in architectural and interior design, so he enrolled at Purdue University and completed his degree in the design field. For many years, he was employed by Triangle-Leahy, where he sesigned numerous kitchens for residences in and around Lawrence County.
His sister Jessie, then owner of Jay Donaldson Real Estate, convinced him to get a real estate license and work with her in 1978. Following her death in 1987, “Mr. Bill” as his friends knew him, took over the business, which became Bedford’s largest real estate agency in the mid-1990s and where he worked until his death.
Surviving are a step-daughter, Peggy Andis, nephew Tom Burks and step-granddaughter Susi Stevens and her husband Mark and family, all of Indianapolis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Libby; four sisters; Ephamia, Alyce, Jessie and Elsie Donaldson Burks; one brother, Gordon.
Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20th at the Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home in Bedford. Burial will be in Cresthaven Memorial Gardens. Friends may call Tuesday, November 29 at the funeral home from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mr. Bill will be forever loved and missed by his real estate agents and close friends. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fergusonlee.com.
Leona Faye Stroud – Mitchell
Leona Faye Stroud, 72, of Mitchell, passed away at 6:20 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2011, at her residence.
Born April 13, 1939, in Mitchell, she was the daughter of Robert and Mary (Treadway)
She had been employed at Mitchell Manor for 20 years.
Survivors include her sons; Doyle Stroud, of Anderson, Gary Stroud, of Williams; Donavon Stroud, of Greenwood, Robert Stroud, of Statesville, North Carolina, Eric Stroud, of Mitchell; daughters Darla Puffer, Aurora, Colorado, Rhonda Randolph, of Virginia Beach, Virginia; 18 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; brother, Robert “Buddy” Kent, of Mitchell, Joseph Kent, of Mitchell, Roger Kent, of Bloomington, David Kent, of Mitchell, Donald Kent, of San Francisco, of California; sisters Agatha Kinble, of Mitchell, Regina Long, of Camby,
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Donna Stroud, sister, Ruth Kent.
Funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 29, in Haverly Chapel at Chastain Funeral home, with Rev. Steve Jones officiating. Burial will be in Mitchell Cemetery.
Friends may call from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday and from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service.
Jeanna S. Heckman – Bloomfield, KY.
Jeanna S. Heckman (Arthur), 54, of Bloomfield, KY., and formally of Springville, passed away Wednesday Nov. 23, 2011 at 3:40 p.m. at Kindred Hospital Louisville at Jewish Hospital. Born Sept. 19, 1957, in Bedford she was the daughter of Roy and Virginia (Meadows) Arthur.
She worked as a call center supervisor at L&N Credit Union in Louisville. She graduated from Bedford North Lawrence in 1975 and attended Sullivan Business College.
She is survived by her father, Roy Arthur, of Springville; two sisters, Tina and her husband Chuck Moore, of Springville, Tiana and her husband Terry Caraway, of Springville; two brothers, Robin and his wife Nancy Arthur, of Springville, Roy Dennis Arthur, of Springville; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her mother and one nephew, Kyle Davis.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home with Frank Ira officiating. Burial will be in Byers-Rainbolt Cemetery. Friends and family may call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, November 28th at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Jeanna Heckman. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fergusonlee.com.
Morris “Wes” Norman
Morris “Wes” Norman, 76, of Bedford, passed away at 12:40 a.m. on Friday, November 25, 2011 at his home.
Born September 8, 1935, he was the son of John and Dorothy Helen (Crouch) Norman. He married Sharon Morron on August 22,1961 and she survives.
He was a quarry worker and had worked for M.J.B. and Norman Plastics. He served in the U.S. Army for two years and the National Guard for two years. During this time, he was stationed in Germany for 18 months. He was a member of the Old Chapel Hill Church and loved to hunt, fish and spend time with his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He loved bluegrass music played by the Norman family.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon, of Bedford; two sons, Mark W. Norman and wife Kristi and Timmy Norman; one daughters, Melissa Norman-Barrett, all of Bedford; six grandchildren: Tegan Hall, Brittany Norman, Brandi Barrett, Bryant Norman, Sarah Norman and Emily May Norman; five great grandchildren, Sierra, Carmine and Cole Salazar, Brooklyn Boone and Leighton Norman; two brothers, Gerald Norman and wife, Susan, of Heltonville, Clarence Norman of Greenwood, Shirley Hearth and husband, Lebert, Judy Quebbeman and husband, Ronnie, all of Bedford; a daughter-in-law, Patricia Norman, of Bedford; a son-in-law, Doug Barrett, of Bedford.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Wayne and Everett Dale Norman; two sisters, Marge Todd and Glenda Sowders.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, November 29th in the Elm Wood Chapel of Day & Carter Mortuary with Rev. Norman Evans officiating. Burial will follow in the Hawkins Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded at the graveside by members of Gillen Post #33 American Legion. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 28th and from 10 a.m. until the hour of service on Tuesday, November 29th at Day & Carter Mortuary.
The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to Hospice of IU Health Bloomington Hospital, the Old Chapel Hill Church or Lawrence County Cancer Patient Services.
Family and friends are invited to sign the guest book and light a candle I memory of Morris “Wes” at www.daycarter.com.
