All Obituaries

John J. Vela, Sr., 81, was born September 8, 1937. He was the father of six children, John J. (Juanita) Vela, Jr., Martin Vela, Gilbert Vela, Marie (Luis) Ruiz, Robert (Laura) Vela and Norma (Steven) Villicana. John  was a resident of East Chicago, Indiana for the majority of his life. He retired from CSX Railroad after 52 years of service. John was a member of St. Stanislaus Church in East Chicago. He was very active in the church, he enjoyed serving as a Lector.  John was always...

Clarence “Edd” Payne was called to his Heavenly home on Monday, February 11, 2019.  He passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.  He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Clarence “Dusty” Jr.; brothers, Daniel, Tom, and Jim; sister, Nancy and his mother, Gladys and father, James.  Clarence leaves behind to cherish his loving memories his devoted wife of 58 years, Patricia; daughter, Karen (Rick) Scott;...

Xinh Waddell, age 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 3, 2019 with her loving and devoted family by her side.  She was born to the late Le Van Cung and Trieu Thi Nghanh on June 20, 1935 in Saigon, Vietnam.  She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Orlando Sherwood Waddell, her parents and 3 brothers.   Xinh leaves to cherish her loving memories, 2 sons, Be (Linda) Waddell of Neenah, Wisconsin, Thomas (Shelly) Waddell of Portage, Indiana; 4...

Donald L. Welch, Sr., 85, of Merrillville, IN, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2019 at the Methodist Hospital – Southlake Campus.  He was born July 23, 1933 in Missouri to Vernon and Ethel Welch.  On February 14, 1953; he married the love of his life, Judy (Blade).  Donald survived by his wife of 65 years, Judy; children, Donald E. (Diana) Welch, Jr., Michael Welch, Cheryl Walters and  Christine Lynn Welch; grandchildren, Alyssa Welch, Steven Desmond, Christopher...

Anthony Chaunce Burr, age 59, of Gary, IN transitioned peacefully on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at his home with his loving and devoted wife by his side.  He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Archie and Roedean Burr.  Anthony was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and Paw-Paw.  Funeral Service will be on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Anthony Mayo, officiating at the River of Life Church, 609 Madison Street, Gary, IN 46402  Minister...

 Willie West, age 77, passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Methodist Hospital – Southlake Campus with his loving family by his side. He was born to Jake and Luvenia West on March 24, 1941 in Chicago, IL. Preceded in death by his beloved parents, Jake and Luvenia West; daughter, Isabelle; siblings, Mary and Floyd. Willie is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years of marriage, Shirley Adamson West; children, William, Sr., Kenneth (Angela), Brian, Sr....

 Marvin Bell, 87, of Gary, IN passed away at Franciscan Health in Hammond, IN with his loving family by his side. He was born on August 13, 1931 in Blue Ridge, GA to Lawrence and Laura (Forester) Bell. He married Bessie Bell and she survives. Marvin is also survived by his son, Nicholas (Helen Sue) Bell; step- children, Mary Johnson and Carl (Sandra) Wilkening; eight grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; brothers, Harley (Hazel) Bell, Iving Bell and Orland (Gladys) Bell; ...

Alice Mikkelsen-Blakeney passed away suddenly on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at her home. She was born May 20, 1969 to Ronald and Sandra Mikkelsen in Chicago, IL. She is survived by her fiancé, Michael Blakeney; daughter, Jamie (Greg Kerr) Duncan; step-sons, Jonathan and James; grandchildren, Nevaeh, Ariel, and Justin; sisters, Ronda, Eileen (Stan), numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by parents, Ron and Sandy Mikkelsen; sons, Justin and Bradley;...

 Phillip Derr, 82, of Gary, IN passed away Wednesday, January 16, 2019 with his loving family by his side. He was born December 11, 1936 to Edford Derr and Anna Grembowicz in Gary, IN. He is survived by his children, Richard Derr, Randel (Deb) Derr, and Kimberly (Jeff) Stotts; grandchildren, Alicia Derr, Jacob Herron, and Jared Herron; great-grandchildren, Jocelynne, Haily, Peyton, and Joshua; sister, Joanne McGuire; many other nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in...