Shelby County Indiana History and Genealogy, Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Gunning

The Shelbyville News
Saturday, October 14, 1995
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Margaret J. Gunning, 92, Shelbyville, died at 1 p.m. Friday at Major Hospital.
Born in Shelby County on March 23, 1903, she was the daughter of Willis Marion and Phoebe Jane (Holton) Phelps. She married Clarence Fischer, who died in 1952. In 1954, she married William Gunning, who died in 1956.
Mrs. Gunning worked at Hook's drugstores in Indianapolis and Shelbyville and at Linne's Pastry Shop. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Survivors are five grandchildren, Bonnie Smiley, Flat Rock, Shirley Wilkins, Shannon Ross and Walter Wilkinson, all of Shelbyville, and Mari-beth Petersen, Palmer, Alaska; and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, two brothers and three sisters.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Bishop Darrell Evans officiating. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Johnson County. Friends may call from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Carmony-Ewing Harrison Street Funeral Home.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Monday August 14, 1995
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Joseph Earl Gunning, 79, died Sunday, Morristown Manor.
Born March 10, 1916, in Shelby County to Strauder and Eva (Hauk) Gunning.
Married April 23, 1939, Lourene Beaumont, who survives in Waldron.
Lifelong Shelby County resident and most recently lived in Waldron.
Worked as stock buyer and truck driver, retiring in 1980.
Founder and charter member of the Shelby County Western Riders Saddle Club.
Belonged to Waldron Baptist Church.
Survived by a sister, Mrs. Lotis (Hazel) Linville, Shelbyville.
Three brothers preceded him in death.
Glenn E. George Funeral Home, St. Paul, with the Rev. Harvey Weaver officiating.
Burial: Bennett Cemetery, Shelby County.
Contributions: any senior center or Waldron Baptist Church.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Tuesday, February 11, 1975
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Mr. Gunning found dead
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Gilbert Gunning, 49, RR6, Shelbyville, found dead in his car Monday evening at Sider's Steak House; believed to have died Sunday.
Born in Shelby County Dec. 3, 1925, s/o Ruben and Eva Spurlin Gunning.
Survivors: son, David Gunning, Hartsvill; daughter, Mrs. Darlene Pushkowski, Manhattan, Kansas; staepfather, Emerson Barngrover, Aurora; three step-brothers, Earl Barngrover, Shelbyville, Garnet Barngrover, Greenfield, and Darrell Barngrover, Florida, and two step-sisters, Mrs. Betty Sue Clark, Florida, and Mrs. Darlene Jack, Greenfield.
Four-year Navy veteran.
Member Abundant Life Church and Masonic Lodge in Indianapolis, and the V. F. W. Post here.
Four years ago, moved here from Indianapolis, back to his childhood home with Mrs. Ruby Bassett.
Murphy Mortuary.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming for Darlene Gunning Pickron

The Shelbyville News
February 26, 1952
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RETIRED FARMER
DIES SUDDENLY
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Funeral services will be held Tuesday morning for James Orson Gunning, retired farmer, who died suddenly at his home north of Manilla Saturday evening at 6:00 o'clock. Mr. Gunning, who was 85 years of age, had been in failing health but his death, caused by a heart condition, was unexpected. He was a member of the Manilla Methodist Church and had served for 30 years as a teacher in the church Sunday school. He also was a member of the Rushville Masonic lodge.
BORN IN UNION township on January 7, 1867, he was the son of Sinclair and Clementine (McCombs) Gunning. On January 7, 1904, he was married to Adlema H. Mack who preceded him in death in 1949. A daughter, Mrs. Carl Kuhn, with whom he resided, is the only survivor other than nine children.
Funeral services will be held at the Carmony Funeral Home in Manilla at 10:30 o'clock with Rev. David Shepherd and Arthur Bentley officiating. Interment will be at Forest Hill cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday, February 19, 1946
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GUNNING RITES ON WEDNESDAY
Mrs. Alma Gunning, 60, Dies at Brother's
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Mrs. Alma Gunning, age 60, of 739 Morris Ave., died at 10:30 p.m. Sunday at the home of her brother, Samuel K. Walker, at 244 west Taylor St. She had been ill for the past five weeks, and death was due to heart disease.
She was born in Addison township on November 21, 1885, the daughter of Jesse C. and Sarah N. Walker. Twenty-five years ago she was married to Reuben Gunning, who died on December 8, 1943. Her parents and three sisters also preceded her in death. Surviving with the brother at whose home she died is a step-son, Gilbert Gunning, who is in the navy, and another brother, Carey E. Walker of Cincinnati. Mrs. Gunning attended the local First Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Loren H. Murphy funeral home with Dr. J. W. McFall officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery. Friends may call at the Murphy funeral home at any time.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming for Darlene Gunning Pickron

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday, December 9, 1943
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DEATH FOLLOWS LONG ILLNESS
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William Reuben Gunning, 60, died at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday at his home, 937 Morris avenue, after a long illness.
The son of William Oliver and Melissa Gunning, he was born Aug. 26, 1883 in Union township. His marriage to Alma Walker took place June 14, 1913. He was a member of the First Christian church. During World War I, Mr. Gunning was employed as munitions inspector at Marion, Ind. In later years he was a salesman for the G. I. Case Company and the International Harvester Company. for the past two years he was employed as government inspector at the Cummins Engine Works at Columbus.
Surviving are the widow; a daughter, Mrs. Lawrence Parker, of Elwood and three grand children. A son, Gilbert Gunning, died Dec. 28, 1928. three brothers, Dawson and Clarence Gunning, of Rushville, and Herbert, of this city also survive.
Funeral services will be held at the home at 2:30 p.m. Friday with Dr. J. W. McFall officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery in charge of Loren H. Murphy. Friends may call at the home after 4 p.m. today.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming for Darlene Gunning Pickron

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday April 12, 1940
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JOHN GUNNING RITES ARE SET
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County Native and Former Flat Rock
Resident, 78, Dies at Hospital
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Ill for the past three weeks, John H. Gunning, 78-year-old Shelby county native, died at 8 a.m. Thursday at the Major hospital. Death was attributed to complications.
Mr. Gunning was born in Union township on March 21, 1862, the son of William and Cynthia Gunning. On July 26, 1885, he was united in marriage with Vira Fisher. They had made their home in Flat Rock until last November, when they moved to the home of a daughter, Mrs. Ralph [Ethel Belle] Brown, in Union township.
Survivors are the widow; the daughter, Mrs. Brown; one brother, Albert A. Gunning, of Shelbyville; a sister, Mrs. Luella Goodrich, of Union township; five grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Brown, in Union township, wit the Rev. J.C. Klingeberger, pastor of the First Evangelical church, officiating. Burial in the Bennett cemetery will be in charge of L. V. Hauk.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday October 3, 1932
Page 2 column 1
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PARALYSIS FATAL
TO AGED RESIDENT
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James Gunning Passes Away Sunday Night
at Home In Ray’s crossing
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WIDOW, DAUGHTER SURVIVE
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In failing health for a matter of five years, James M. Gunning, resident of the Rays Crossing neighborhood, died at his home at 11:00 o’clock Sunday night. Paralysis was the immediate cause of death.
Mr. Gunning was born September 27, 1854, in Union township, a son of John and Mary Jane Gunning. At the time of his death he was aged seventy-eight years. He had celebrated his birthday last Thursday. Mr. Gunning had spent his entire life in Union township.
United in marriage to Miss Minnie Shepple, December 31, 1879, Mr. Gunning became the father of three children. Only one daughter, Mrs. Bert [Jessie Mae] Linville, of Marian township, survives. There are seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, one brother, Lysander Gunning of New Hamdon, Missouri, and one sister, Mrs. Bert [Clara] Wicker, of Union township. Mrs. Gunning also survives.
Funeral services will be held at the Christian Union church at Rays Crossing, Wednesday morning at 10:30 o’clock in charge of Rev. I.B. Morgan and burial will take place in the family lot in the Bennett cemetery in charge of C. F. Fix and Son, funeral directors.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Daily Democrat
Saturday, December 29, 1928
Page 8
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GILBERT R. GUNNING DIED FRIDAY NIGHT
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Widely Known Young Man Passed Away at Home
in Marietta After Long Illness
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Gilbert Reuben Gunning, 24 years old, a resident of Shelby county during most his lifetime, died at 7 o'clock Friday evening at his home in Marietta following an extended illness due to tuberculosis. The young man had been afflicted with the disease for two or three years and had recently returned from Albuquerque, N. M., where he had gone for the benefit of his health.
Funeral services are to be held at 10 o'clock Monday morning from the Trinity M. E. church with the Rev. Mrs. Josephine Campbell, pastor of the church, and the Rev. W. H. Lee Spratt, of the Marietta m. P. church, officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery, iwth Carmony Bros., funeral directors, in charge. The doby was brought today to the home of his father in this city where it will remain until the hour of the fueral services.
Mr. Gunning was the son of Reuben Gunning, of this city, and Mrs. Roy Snider, of Fairland. He was born in Shelby county in 1904 and, with the exception of the time spent in Albuquerque, had always resided in Shelby county. On Oct. 27, 1923, he was united in marriage with Miss Edith Spurlin, who, with a son, Gilbert Jr., survives.
He also leaves his parents; the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Headlee, of this city; a sister, Marguerite Parker, and a half-sister, Mary May Sandefur, of Fairland.
He had been a member of the First Baptist church for many years.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming for Darlene Gunning Pickron

The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday, December 29, 1928
Page 1
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YOUNG COUNTY RESIDENT DIES
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Death of Gilbert R. Gunning, Age 24 Years,
Occurs At Home in Marietta
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Gilbert Reuben Gunning, age 24 years, died at his home in Marietta last night at seven o'clock. Death was due to tuberculosis from which he had been ill for the past two years. His condition became worse a week ago.
Mr. Gunning was born in this county in 1904 and had spent his entire life here. He is the son of Reuben Gunning, of this city, and Mrs. Roy Snider, of Fairland. On October 22, 1923, he was married to Miss Edith Spurlin and one son was born to them.
He is survived by the widow, the three year old son, Gilbert Junior; the father and mother; the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Headlee, of this city; one sister, Mrs. Marguerite Parker, of Shelbyville; and one half sister, Miss Mary May Snider of Fairland.
The deceased was a member of the First Baptist church in this city. The body was brought to the home of the father here today. Funeral services will be conducted at the Trinity M. E. church Monday morning at ten o'clock with the Rev. William Lee Spratt and the Rev. Josephine Campbell officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Hill cemetery in charge of Carmony brothers.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming for Darlene Gunning Pickron

The Shelbyville Republican
Tuesday June 7, 1927
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FUNERAL WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY
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Services For George William Gunning
To Be Conducted at Blue River Church
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DEATH OCCURRED MONDAY
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Funeral services for George William Gunning, age 37, whose death occurred at 12:45 o’clock Monday afternoon at his home near Ray’s Crossing will be held at Little Blue River Baptist church at two o’clock Wednesday afternoon with the Rev. I. B. Morgan officiating. Interment will be in the Bennett cemetery with C. F. Fix and Son in charge.
Mr. Gunning had been ill for the last five weeks and in a critical condition for several days. He was born in Union township, February 11, 1890 and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Gunning. He has spent his entire life in Union township with the exception of six years during which time he lived in Shelbyville. He was married February 23, 1911 to Miss Florence Cherry, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Cherry, who with one daughter, Gladys Irene, survives. He is survived by his aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Gunning of Union township and one sister, Mrs. Burton Linville of Marion. Before his death, Mr. Gunning made confession of faith and plans for his funeral arrangements. He was a member of the Eagle’s lodge of Shelbyville which will take part in the service.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday September 20, 1924
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AGED LADY DIED SATURDAY MORN
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Mrs. Cynthia Gunning Passed Away
At Her Home in Union Township
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FUNERAL SERVICE TUESDAY
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Mrs. Cynthia Gunning, aged eighty-four, one of the well known residents of the northeast part of the county., and long a resident of Shelby county, died Saturday morning at five o’clock at her home in Union township. Her death was caused by a complication of diseases.
Mrs. Gunning was the daughter of Simeon and Margaret Kynes. She was born November 18, 1839. On October 27, 1858, she was married to William Gunning. Mr. Gunning died April 18, 1905.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Idilla Barnes, at home, and Mrs. Ella Goodrich, of Union township; two sons, John Gunning, of Flat Rock, and Elbert Gunning, of Waldron; and one sister, Mrs. Anna M. Zike, of Morristown. Eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services will be held at the home Tuesday morning at ten o’clock, the Rev. Benjamin Ingram officiating. Burial will be made in the Bennett cemetery, Ralph J. Edwards in charge.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday November 15, 1923
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David H. Gunning, retired farmer of Union township, and a resident of that community during his entire life died at 2:30 o’clock Friday afternoon at his home, five miles northeast of Rays Crossing. He was stricken with paralysis last Tuesday and had remained unconscious since that time. Being a large landowner, Mr. Gunning was known throughout this community and his death will be received with great sorrow in all sections of the county.
Funeral services will be held at the Little Blue River Baptist church at 1:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon. The Rev. Benjamin Ingram, of Louisville, Kentucky, will officiate. Burial will be made in the church cemetery, in charge of R. T. Stewart, undertaker.
Mr. Gunning had been in failing health during the past several months, resulting in the stroke last Tuesday. He lived alone on his farm near Rays Crossing and was found several hours after he had suffered the stroke, lying on the floor in an unconscious condition. Physicians at that time gave little hope for his recovery, and he remained in a state of coma until his death, Friday afternoon.
He was the son of the late John J. and Mary Jane Gunning, and was born in Union township December 23, 1847, being at the time of death, seventy-five years, ten months and sixteen days old. He had spent his entire lifetime in the township where he was born and was one of the highly respected citizens of this county. He was a member of the Little Blue River Baptist church and had always taken active part in political and public affairs of his home community. By hard work and constant effort he had acquired one of the finest farms in this section and only retired from active farming a short time ago.
He is survived by four brothers, James W., Robert E., Lysander T., and W. O. Gunning, all of Union township, and two sisters, Mrs. Capitola Talbert, of Kokomo, Indiana, and Mrs., Clara J. Wicker, of Union township.
Following his death the body was taken to his sister’s home where it will remain until the hour of the funeral service Sunday.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Democrat
Wednesday, March 8, 1922
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PNEUMONIA CAUSED
WOMAN'S DEATH
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Mrs. Bertha Gunning Died At
Home in Union Township
---Funeral on Friday
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Mrs. Bertha Belle Gunning, 30 years old wife of HerbertGunning died at their home north of Rays Crossing, in Union township at 8 o'clock this morning. Her death was caused pneumonia from which she had suffered for only a few days. Funeral services will be conducted at the Mt. Pisgah church Firday morning at 11 o'clock the Rev. O. J. McMullen assisted by the Rev. John Reece, officiating. The burial will be made in the church cemetery in charge of Carmony Bros., funeral directors. The body will be taken to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John H. Fagel, of Union township, Thursday evening and friends may call at the Fagel residence from 8 to 10:00 o'clock Friday morning.
Mrs. Gunning was born in Union township in 1892 and had spent practically all of her life in Shelby county. Early in life she was united in marriage to Mr. Gunning. To this union three hcildren were born. They are Beatrice, Mildred and Kenneth. She was a devouted member of the Mt. Pisgah church and was a woman of admirable character.
Besides the husband, children and parents mentioned, she is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Goldie Cotton and Miss Mary Fagel, and a brother, Fred Fagel, all of whom reside in this county.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday February 5, 1920
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MRS. MELISSA GUNNING
ANSWERED FINAL CALL
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Prominent Union Township Woman
Victim of Neuralgia of the
Heart
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Mrs. Melissa R. (Ash) Gunning, 65 years old, one of the prominent and highly respected elderly ladies of the northeast part of the county, wife of Walter Oliver Gunning, died at their home in Union township, at five o’clock this morning, from neuralgia of the heart.
The end came almost without warning as she had been ill only a short time. She began ailing Sunday, but yesterday she was feeling better, being up and around her home.
Mrs. Gunning was born August 20, 1854, near Wheeling West Virginia, but most of her life was spent in the community in which she died, as she came to this county with her parents, the late James W. and Elizabeth Ash, when a small girl.
The marriage to Mr. Gunning took place October 23, 1875, and their life together had been one of happiness. To this union four sons, all of whom survive, were born. They are Dawson, Herbert and Clarence, of Union township, and Reuben, of this city. Other surviving relatives are two sisters, Mrs. Frank Teague, of Indianapolis, and Mrs. Frank. P. Brown, of Union township, and two brothers, Jesse V. Ash, near Carthage, and James C. Ash, of this city.
Soon after her marriage to Mr. Gunning they were baptized in membership in the Little Blue River United Brethren Church, but later in life changed their membership to the Little Blue River Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Ladies’ Aid and an ardent worker for the cause of her Master.
In sickness or distress her neighbors always found her a kind and a willing worker to relieve the situation, and the news of her death will be mourned by all who knew her.
The funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 10 o’clock at the Little Blue River Baptist Church, the Rev. I. B. Morgan, assisted by the Rev. James L. Brown, officiating, and burial will be made in the Bennett cemetery in charge of Stewart & Fix.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, June 13, 1918
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WELL KNOWN MAN
DIED AT NOON TODAY
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Straud Gunning Passes Away At Home
Near London -- Lived There 3 Months
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From Monday's Daily.
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Straud Gunning, a prominent young farmer of Shelby county, died at his home near London, at 12 o'clock noon today, after a very brief illness from tuberculosis. He was about forty years of age and had been a resident of Shelby county all his life.
Mr. Gunning was born in Union township and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James M. Gunning. After his marriage, he took up residence on the Harry DePrez farm, southwest of this city, where he remained for practically twelve years. He is survived by his widow, and he also leaves four sons and one daughter, all of whom reside at home. His father and mother in Union township also survive him.
Just this spring, in March, Mr. Gunning and his family moved to the farm where he died, near London, and he had started work there in the same manner in which he had so faithfully worked for years. He was a splendid man, well known and esteemed by his fellow men and his death will be a sad blow to his many acquaintances.
Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Ralph J. Edwards , undertaker.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Democrat
Tuesday, June 11, 1918
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Funeral services for Stroude Gunning, who died Monday afternoon at his home in Moral township, will be held Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Little Blue River Baptist church. Burial will be made in the Bennett cemetery. The cortege will leave the Gunning home at noon.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Democrat
Monday, June 10, 1918
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TUBERCULOSIS
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Caused Death of Stroude Gunning, of
London, This Afternoon.
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Stroude Gunning, a resident of London, died at his home there shortly after the noon hour today. Mr. Gunning was 38 yearof age. He had been ill with tuberculosis for more than a year. He is survived by his wife and five little children. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Ralph Edwards, who is in charge of the burial.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Monday April 3, 1905
Page 1 column 2
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WILLIAM GUNNING DEAD
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Mr. William Gunning died at his home in Union township on Saturday evening at 9:45 o’clock ages sixty-six years. His wife and two daughters, Mrs. William Barnes and Mrs. Richard Goodrich, and two sons, Elbert and John, survive him. Mr. Gunning was well known in this city and highly respected.
The funeral will be held from the late home at 2 p.m. today, interment in the Bennett cemetery in charge of Edwards & Hageman.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Daily Evening Democrat
Wednesday February 28, 1883
Page 1 column 3
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CORONER’S VERDICT
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(State of Indiana, Shelby County)
I, Robert Badger, Coroner of Shelby county, Indiana, having viewed the remains of John Gunning, deceased, a resident of Union township, Shelby county, Indiana, and having heard the testimony of witnesses in the case, do find that said deceased, John Gunning, came to his death from heart disease.
Robert Badger, Coroner     Attest: G. E. Toner, Clerk
February 28, 1883

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Ibid.
Tuesday February 27, 1883
Page 1 column 5
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(Ray’s Crossing, February 27, 1883)
John Gunning, whose sudden death was recorded in today’s Democrat, was one of our most prosperous farmers, and an old citizen. He was the father of thirteen children, eleven of whom are living. He was one of the solid democrats, and will be greatly missed.
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Ibid.
Monday February 26, 1883
Page 1 column 6
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FOUND DEAD
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(Manilla, Indiana February 26, 1883 11:46 a.m.)
This morning after breakfast Mr. John Gunning, of Union township, Shelby county, was found dead at his corn crib. Mr. Gunning went out to do his feeding as usual, and not coming back the folks mistrusted something, and sent a little boy out to the crib and found him lying there, with his cap off at some distance from where the body was lying. Mr. Gunning had as usual eaten a hearty breakfast. The Coroner will hold an inquest this afternoon.
Contributed by Barb Huff

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