Burkhart Funeral Home, 201 W. Wabash Avenue, Crawfordsville, IN (2026)

06/08/2026

Donald Dowell

November 11, 1969 to June 6, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, Donald Edward Dowell. Donald departed this world peacefully in his home on June 6, 2026, at the age of 56. Born on November 11, 1969, in Crawfordsville, Indiana, Donald was a cherished member of the community whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.

Donald was the son of Paul M. Dowell Sr. and Nancy J. Dowell. He was predeceased by his father, Paul, his brother, Kenny, and his beloved son, Tyler. His memory will forever be cherished by those who survive him, including his devoted wife of 31 years, Teresa M. Dowell, with whom he shared an extraordinary 36 and a half years of love and partnership. He is also survived by his loving children, son Marcus of Auburn and daughters MaKayla Houser (Josh) of Kendallville and Brandy Heile (Tomak) of Florida, along with his cherished grandsons Brennen, Patrick, and Colin, who brought immense joy to his life. Donald’s mother, Nancy J. Dowell, and his brothers, Paul Dowell Jr. (Joyce) and Tim Dowell of Crawfordsville, will carry his memory in their hearts, as will his numerous nieces and nephews.

Donald was a proud graduate of North Montgomery High School, class of 1989. With an industrious spirit and a commitment to excellence, he dedicated 35 years to the corrugated board manufacturing industry, culminating in his role as a manufacturing manager at International Paper. His career journey took him from Inland Container to Weyerhaeuser and finally to International Paper, where he was respected for his leadership and dedication. Recently, Donald began a new chapter of his professional life at Nucor in Waterloo, Indiana, where he continues to inspire those around him with his tireless work ethic and unwavering dedication.

A proud member of the Sons of the American Legion, Donald found solace and camaraderie in his affiliations. He was a man of varied interests, with a particular passion for his beloved Harley Davidson, the thrill of Alabama Football, and most importantly, the precious moments spent with his family and grandsons. His zest for life and his infectious enthusiasm was evident to all who knew him.

Donald leaves behind a legacy of love, Strength, and compassion. He was a beacon of warmth in his community, a steadfast friend and a devoted family man whose memory will be cherished eternally by all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

A service to celebrate Donald’s life will be held on June 12, 2026, at Burkhart Funeral Home, 201 W Wabash Ave, Crawfordsville, Indiana, starting at 3 pm, with visitation beginning at 1 pm. Burial will follow the service at Greenlawn Cemetery, Darlington, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Donald’s memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting his spirit of generosity and care for others. As we say goodbye to Donald, we hold close the memories of his laughter, his love, and the beautiful life he lived. Though he may no longer walk beside us, his spirit will forever guide us, reminding us of the profound impact of a life well-lived.

06/05/2026

Bruce Graham
June 1, 1962-June 2, 2026

Bruce Kevin Graham of Crawfordsville passed away suddenly on Tuesday afternoon in his home, having turned 64 the day before.
Born June 1, 1962 in Crawfordsville, he was the son of Christian Silas Graham and Naomi Ruth Lester Graham. He graduated from Crawfordsville High School on his 18th birthday, June 1, 1980. He worked several places over the years, including Crown Cork and Seal, then later became a contractor with local construction companies, more recently with BK Painting.
Surviving family includes: twin brother, Brian Graham; brother, Charlie Graham (Stacey); sister, Karen Bullock (Garry Cain); his companion, Linda Swank; nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Rita Eutsler and nephew, Silas Kinkead.
There will not be a public service. Cremation and final arrangements were entrusted to Burkhart Funeral Home.

06/03/2026

Alan Ray Barnard
Jan. 21, 1967-May 31, 2026

Alan Ray Barnard of Danville, Indiana passed away suddenly Sunday night at home. He was 59.
Alan was an electrician at Amtrak in Beech Grove for 16 years. Most recently, he worked maintenance for Macy’s Department Store. He was a kind-hearted person that endured many ups and downs throughout his life but would always do what he could to help others.
Born Jan. 21, 1967 in Crawfordsville, he was the son of Harley Barnard and the late Nellie Sandusky Barnard. He graduated from Southmont High School and served his country in the U.S. Army.
Surviving family includes: son, Alex Barnard of Lebanon; father, Harley Barnard of Ladoga; two sisters, Rhonda Kay (Reid) Bell of Newtown and Denise (Roger) Rosentreter of Crawfordsville; several cousins and members of his extended family.
He was preceded in death by his mom, Nellie Barnard, and an infant son, A.J. Barnard.
A graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, June 9th at the Ladoga Cemetery with military rites by the Army and American Legion Post 72 honor guard. Arrangements were entrusted to Burkhart Funeral Home.
Donations in memory of Alan Barnard may be directed to his son, Alex Barnard, 228 E. Green Street, Lebanon, IN 46052.

06/02/2026

Terri Dixon
Dec. 28, 1954-May 30, 2026

Terri Elaine Dixon, 71, was welcomed into the arms of God on May 30, 2026.

Terri was born in Crawfordsville on December 28, 1954, to Engle James “Jim” Dixon I and Audary Lee (Lough) Dixon. Her father passed away on August 16, 1973. She was raised on a farm south of New Market and graduated from Southmont High School in 1973.

Terri worked most of her adult life in the ag business as an admin assistant/bookkeeper, office manager for John Deere, Dekalb, Monsanto, and Nutrien. Post retirement, she worked part-time for Bonnie Plants and Pace Dairy.

Terri’s life was centered around family. In addition to her immediate family, she maintained strong relations with her numerous cousins, aunts and uncles. Terri is survived by her siblings E.J. Dixon II (Janet), Deborah Dixon Pruett-Morales (Danny), Kelly Dixon Bielecki, Mark Chris Dixon (Lisa Ramsey); as well as, beloved nieces and nephews Jennica Dixon Fishero (Luke) and family, Janelle Dixon Mueller (Joe) and family, Elisha Pruett, Trissa Pruett, Ehrin Pruett, Emma “Bethany” Bielecki Alexander (Gil), Zachary Bielecki, Channing Dixon and Connor Dixon.

As a child, Terri attended New Market United Methodist Church and took with her those biblical lessons of love, faith, care and generosity into the world. She loved to lavish others with gifts and found great joy in cooking and baking for others. She was a member of Legion Post 72 Ladies Auxiliary.

Her life’s passion was children. In addition to nurturing her own younger siblings, she financed projects and sponsored awards for numerous 4-H endeavors. She was an avid supporter of the Ladoga Presbyterian Church’s “Wild Wednesday” youth group and Fuzzy Bear Preschool. She furnished food annually to Ironman Raceway’s workers tent, and never turned down any child’s fundraising campaign. She was well known for her seasonal yard decorations and for providing hotdogs, cider, and buckets of candy to Ladoga’s trick or treaters. She became every child’s “Aunt Terri.”

Terri’s 4’10” body largely consisted of heart, soul, and sass, leaving little room for a cancerous invasion. She succumbed to cancer’s relentless grip still recognizing her favorite songs and the voices of loved ones on her final day. Surrounded by her family here, she was escorted by angels into the loving arms of God, her daddy, and other family in Heaven.

At Terri’s request, a visitation-only gathering is scheduled for June 8, 2026, at Burkhart Funeral Home in Crawfordsville from 6:00-8:00 pm. After cremation, Terri’s ashes will be spread at the Dixon family farm where she was raised.

05/30/2026

Carole Head
Aug. 9, 1965-May 22, 2026

Carole Sue Head of Crawfordsville passed away Friday, May 22nd in Lafayette at the age of 60.

Carole loved animals, she liked to crochet and listen to country music. She worked several places, including Pace Dairy, most recently at Cracker Barrel, before becoming a caregiver to her grandchildren.

Born Aug. 9, 1965, she was the daughter of Charles Head and Lois Head. She graduated from Crawfordsville High School.

Surviving family includes: two sons, Sean Rusk and Cory Woodall; daughter, Crystal Woodall; brother, James Head; nephew, Joshua Delks; niece, Barbara Head; five grandchildren, Carson, Lillie, Tacie, Aubrey and Gage.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, June 4th from 3 to 5 PM at Burkhart Funeral Home, 201 West Wabash Avenue, Crawfordsville.

05/29/2026

Dana Sowders
( February 14, 1947 - May 27, 2026 )

Dana Sowders lived a life filled with service, laughter, creativity, and love for his family and community. Whether he was helping save lives, building something beautiful in his workshop, volunteering at church, or capturing candid moments with a camera in hand, Dana made an impact everywhere he went. Above all, he was a man of God who cherished his relationship with his earthly family, as well as his heavenly father. No verse from the Bible represents him more fully than as follows:

“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.”

— Proverbs 20:7

Dana is lovingly survived by his wife and adventure partner, Colleen Sowders, his daughters, Holly Sowders-Benjemia of West Lafayette, IN and Ariana Veach of Owenton, KY as well as his son-in-law Eric Veach of Owenton, KY. He was a proud grandfather to Seif Benjemia and his soon-to-be wife, Cheyenne Cooksey, of Jefferson, GA, and Sophia Benjemia of West Lafayette, IN. He also leaves behind his beloved fur grandbaby, Maui, who always held a special place in his heart.

He is also survived by his siblings: Duane and Beth Sowders of Lafayette, IN; Debbie Kennedy of Lafayette, IN; Charlotte “Chuck” Sowders of Brookston, IN; Reba Koerner of South Bend, IN; Bill and Di Koerner of Long Beach, MS; David and Jack Koerner of Louisville, KY; Kent Koerner of Crawfordsville, IN; and accompanied by 17 nieces and nephews and many great and great-great nieces and nephews who will all carry pieces of Dana’s humor and kindness with them. He is also survived by Becky Larsh of Normandy, TN and Patrick Pushor of West Lafayette, IN and many more family and friends in Georgia.

Dana was preceded in death by his parents, Doyle and Mary Sowders; his brother, Dave Sowders; his sister, Dawn Mincey; brother-in-law Bill Kennedy; brother-in-law Ernie Mincey; his in-laws Yolanda Bee Koerner and Gerald “Jerry” Koerner; brother-in-law Jim Koerner; and his previous wife and dear friend Joann Pushor.

Dana dedicated much of his life to caring for others. He was proud to be part of the original four-man crew that helped bring the paramedic program to Montgomery County, Indiana. After many years of service, he retired as a paramedic with the Crawfordsville Fire Department, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, composure, and a willingness to help anyone in need. Outside of work, Dana’s hands were rarely still. Woodworking was one of his greatest passions, and if you were lucky enough to receive one of his handmade creations, you knew it was built with patience and love. He was also a devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church, where he generously volunteered his time helping with the sound and security systems.

When he wasn’t building or volunteering, Dana and his wife Colleen could often be found planning their next adventure together. They loved exploring new places and making memories along the way. He was a notorious foodie who would try anything once, but he had a soft spot for family traditions and cream-filled donuts which he often shared alongside his daughter Holly. Dana also had an eye behind the camera and rarely missed a chance to document family moments. As Dana would remind us, these pictures would become the memories we treasured most. He especially loved sharing his passion for photography with his daughter Ariana.

More than anything, Dana loved his family. He enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at sporting events, sharing stories, sending “love you” text messages every morning and night, being everyone’s weather man, and simply being present for the people he loved.

Dana will be remembered for his servant’s heart, quick wit, steady presence, and ability to make people feel cared for. His legacy lives on in every life he touched, every memory captured, and every story shared with a smile and a laugh.

I know he would have loved to share his favorite verse with everyone reading this; John 3:16.

There will be a celebration of life for Dana on 6/5/2026 from 11-1 at Friendship Baptist Church in Crawfordsville, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friendship Baptist Church. “Envelopes will be provided.”

05/29/2026

Ruby Marie Richardson

March 12, 1935 to May 28, 2026

Ruby Marie Richardson, age 91, passed away at Whitlock House on May 28, 2026.

Born in Rossville, Illinois to Milo and Minnie Rudolph Fetters on March 12, 1935. On May 30, 1953 she married James Harold Richardson in Aberdeen, Maryland. Ruby was a homemaker and raised four children. She enjoyed her flower garden, crafting and was in a bowling league and a member of the American Legion.

Surviving family includes: daughters, Donna (Michael) Crum of Frankfort, Juanita (Jeff) Valley of Lafayette, and Rose (Tim) Davis of Kingman; son, James Richardson of Crawfordsville; grandchildren, Jason, Joanie, Nathan, Nolan, Jacob, Jessica, Dave, Dan, Kevin, Heather, and Angie; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Harold Fetters; and several nieces and nephews.

Ruby was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Floyd, Earl, Lowell, and Dale; sisters, Freda and Alberta.

Visitation for Ruby will be on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Burkhart Funeral Home starting at 2 PM. Service will begin at 3 PM with burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery North.

Online condolences can be made at www.BurkhartFH.com

05/23/2026

Dutton Jensen O’Neal

May 16, 2026 - May 18, 2026

Dutton was a beautiful and precious baby boy who was deeply loved from the very moment he arrived. He brought light, hope, and joy to everyone who knew of him, and his tiny life left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten. Every second spent with him was a gift that his family will hold close forever.

Though words cannot ease the heartbreak of losing such a sweet child, Dutton’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He was wanted, adored, and surrounded by love every moment of his life.

Dutton is survived by his loving family: Darryl Joseph O’Neal Jr and Hanna Noel O’Neal (parents) Weston James, Delilah Jeane, Rachel June, and Darryl Joseph 3rd (siblings) Harry & Judy Britton, Darryl sr. & Jen O’Neal, Della Durbin (grandparents) and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who will forever carry his memory with them. Though he was only here for a short time, he will always remain deeply loved, greatly missed, and never forgotten.

“Some people only dream of angels. We held one in our arms.”

05/20/2026

Phillip Harold Nicholas
Aug. 4, 1939-May 15, 2026

Phillip Harold “Phil” Nicholas of Crawfordsville passed away Friday, May 15th at home. He was 86.
Phil was a life-long member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Crawfordsville. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 1591, serving as grand knight. He also helped with the Tootsie Roll drive for many years. For a long time, Phil devoted time to the Boys and Girls Club as both a board member and coach for the “Biddy Basketball” league. He started work at the Sportsman Shop, Dellekamps and P.R. Mallory before going to work at California Pellet Mill where he worked 40 years, retiring from there. He loved bluegrass and country music, as well as playing softball and bowling.
Born August 4, 1939 in Crawfordsville, he was the son of Frank Russell Nicholas and Ann B. Nicholas. Phil attended school at St. Bernard through the 8th grade and graduated from Crawfordsville High School.
Surviving family includes: wife, Rhonda Nicholas; daughter, Stacey L. Nicholas; son, Phillip Heath “Tank” Nicholas; daughter, Wendy Whetstone; son, Jarrod D. Nicholas; daughter, Krystal L. Rogers; six grandchildren, Savannah, Raizel, John Phillip, Kaylee, Phillip Hayden, and Chloe; three great-grandchildren, Cleo, Gwen and Jesse; one sister, Cathy (Warren) Marconett; sister-in-law, Rita Nicholas; two nieces, Susie and Michelle.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Mike Nicholas and grandson, James Whetstone III.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 29th at St. Bernard Catholic Church from 10:30 AM to Noon. Funeral Mass will begin at noon, led by Father Michael Bower. Arrangements were entrusted to Burkhart Funeral Home.
Donations in memory of Phil Nicholas may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Montgomery County, P.O. Box 292, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 or the Montgomery – Parke County Special Olympics, c/o Dana Melvin, P.O. Box 177, Russellville, IN 46175.

05/13/2026

Melissa Cain
Oct. 15, 1977-May 12, 2026

Melissa Cain of Darlington passed away Tuesday morning with family by her side. She was 48.
For Melissa, family was her whole life and her whole heart. She devoted much of her time attending the events that her family participated in. She was active with their school activities, the Parent Advisory Council and youth softball. She was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church in Crawfordsville.
Born Oct. 15, 1977, she was the daughter of Earl Heide and Carol Edwards Bates. She graduated from North Montgomery in 1996 and Indiana Business College in 1998. In high school, she started dating Jess Cain and they were united in marriage on April 8, 2000 at St. Bernard’s.
She is survived by her loving family, which includes: husband, Jess Cain of Darlington; son, Conner Cain; three daughters, Elizabeth Cain, Anna Cain and Abigail Cain; mother, Carol Bates; father, Earl Heide and his wife, Janet; grandmother, Jean Edwards; three brothers, Chad Heide, Jeremy Heide and Justin Heide; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, all of whom she loved.
Her family will hold a private service at St. Bernard Catholic Church, led by Father Michael Bower. A public gathering to remember her life will be announced as soon as the information is available. She will be laid to rest privately at the St. James Lutheran Cemetery, east of Darlington. Arrangements were entrusted to Burkhart Funeral Home.

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