Our knowledgeable staff are passionate about providing families guidance and support during the funeral planning process and well after the funeral. Together, we can honor your loved one’s life while beginning your grief journey.
John M. Storey
John M. Storey, 81 of Marion, finished his race at 8:38 pm in his residence.
John was born in Muncie, Indiana on October 19, 1940 to Mark and Ruth (Silvers) and they preceded him in death. John was raised in a church parsonage in Evansville, IN, graduated from Shawswick High School in Lawrence County, IN, and is a graduate of the Indiana College of Mortuary Science. He became a licensed funeral director in Indiana and moved with his wife, Joy, to Gas City joining the Jay and Swift Funeral Home in 1960. In 1963, John acquired part ownership in the firm and the name was changed to Jay, Swift, & Storey Funeral Home and, in 1979, became the sole owner. In 1987, John and Ben Needham merged Jay, Swift, & Storey Funeral Home and Needham & Son Funeral Home to form Needham-Storey Funeral Service. In 2000, the name was changed to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service.
John was a member of Lakeview Wesleyan Church, served on the board of the Wesleyan Investment Foundation for 35 years and the Board of Trustees of Indiana Wesleyan University for nearly 35 years as well. Additionally, he served on the boards of World Gospel Mission, Marion General Hospital, the Kiwanis Club of Gas City, as well as numerous boards and committees of church, civic, professional, and educational organizations.
Survivors include his wife, Joy (Hardman) of Marion; daughter, Beth (Dr. Dan) Driscoll, Winston Salem, North Carolina; son, Mark (Molly) Storey, Gas City; six grandchildren: Tom, John and Leanne Driscoll, Ava, Suzanne and Heidi Storey; and sister-in-law, Becky Storey, Anderson.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Rev. Jim Storey.
Viewing will be on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lakeview Wesleyan Church 5316 S. Western Ave., Marion, IN.
A funeral service to celebrate John's life will begin at 2:00 pm. with Rev. Mick Simpkins and Rev. Jim Sonnefield officiating. Burial will be at Grant Memorial Park, Marion.
Memorial contributions may be directed to IWU Wesley Seminary, 4201 S. Washington St. Marion, IN 46953 or to the charity of your choice.
Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Storey Chapel 400 East Main St., Gas City, IN is handling the arrangements.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
J. Mark Storey II
Mark was born and raised in Gas City, IN, and is a 2nd generation funeral director. A graduate of Mississinewa High School, Indiana Wesleyan University, and Cincinnati School of Mortuary Science, he joined NSW in 1987. Growing up in Gas City has given Mark the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with the community he serves.
Mark currently serves on the Board for the Marion/Grant County Senior Citizens, The Marion/Grant County Chamber of Commerce in which he is the Vice President and Love on a Leash (a local group that increases public awareness of the benefits of pet-provided therapy). He has also been a member of the Gas City Rescue Squad since 1982.
He is married to Molly, and they have three daughters; Ava, Heidi, and Suzanne, who were all born in 2004. Also part of the family are their two dogs, Banjo, a Sheltie/Poodle mix, and Nero, an english black Lab, who is the therapy dog for the funeral home. Mark and his family are members of College Wesleyan Church in Marion. He collects antique fire engines and antique fire memorabilia, and he enjoys traveling and camping with the family.
John Potter
John and his wife, Shari, are residents of Sweetser. They have a son, Matt; a daughter, Emily; and a grandson, Teo. John joined the company in 2007.
Joseph Brown
Joseph was born and raised in Gas City, Indiana, and has been a resident of Grant County throughout his life. After marrying his wife, Katelyn, in 2006, he moved to Swayzee. Joseph graduated from Mississinewa High School and pursued further education at Ivy Tech Community College. His dedication to community service began in 2004 when he joined NSW.
Currently, Joseph and his wife serve as the interim student pastors at Greater Life Church, where their family is actively involved. With his prior experience as a licensed minister with the Assemblies of the Lord Jesus Christ, Joseph contributed to ministry at both the local and district levels.
In recognition of his commitment to the community, Joseph was appointed as an ambassador with the Greater Grant County Chamber in 2023. Alongside this new responsibility, he was invited to join the board of Habitat for Humanity of Grant County, furthering his involvement in philanthropic endeavors. He has served on the Swayzee Days volunteer committee as the parade coordinator. Joseph has previously served on the Gilead Ministries board, demonstrating his dedication to supporting important causes.
Beyond his work for the church and community organizations, Joseph finds joy in landscaping and camping adventures with his wife and their children, Rosalyn, Nathaniel, and Josephine. These outdoor activities allow them to create lasting memories together while appreciating the beauty of nature.
Heather Teegarden-Davis
Heather was raised in Upland, IN. She is a 1993 graduate of Eastbrook High School and a 1996 graduate of Vincennes University, where she majored in Mortuary Science. Heather received her Funeral Director’ License in 1997. She joined NSW in 2004 with eight years prior experience.
Heather and her husband, Jason, were married in 2000. She enjoys fishing, hunting, and raising her beagles.
Jason Fafinski
Jason Fafinski was born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. When he was 13 years old, he experienced the importance of funeral service after the loss of his grandfather. Jason always imagined himself working as a funeral director. Following graduation from Lake Park High School in Roselle, IL, in 2001, Jason attended general education classes at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. He graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, IL, in September of 2004. In December of 2010, Jason relocated to Marion, IN, from a funeral home in Southeast Chicago to become a member of the NSW team.
Jason enjoys spending time with his two daughters, Penny and Etta. He is a member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Marion and, in his free time, enjoys fishing, watching movies and working on projects.
Ben Blankenship
Ben Blankenship was born and raised in Anderson, IN. In 2013, he graduated from Ivy Tech Community College with an A.S. degree in Mortuary Science. He began working with NSW in August of 2014 and relocated to the Marion area in April of 2016. Along with Mark Storey, he is a Certified Owner/Handler of NSW’s working therapy dog, Nero.
Ben enjoys time spent with family, being outdoors, camping, and taking long walks with Nero. He loves adventure and never turns down an opportunity to taste new and unique cuisines.
Amber L. Richards
Amber was born and raised in Gas City. Amber is a 1998 graduate of Mississinewa High School. She graduated from Vincennes University with her degree in Mortuary Science in August 2016. Amber began her internship with NSW in March 2017.
Amber is a full time police officer for the City of Marion and is currently Captain of 2nd Shift Patrol. When not working at either job, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching sports, and traveling, especially to Tennessee.
Sarah Turner Justus
Sarah was born and raised in Hartford City, IN and graduated from Blackford High School. She attended Ivy Tech Community College where she received her A.S. Degree in Mortuary Science in 2013. Sarah served families in Delaware County as a funeral director for six years before joining the NSW staff in 2020.
Sarah loves to travel and enjoys going to CrossFit. She and her husband, Brad, live in Alexandria.
Bill Thompson
Bill Thompson was born in Princeton, IN and raised in Marion, IN. He is a 1982 graduate of Marion High School and grew up working at Thompson and Sons Body Work in Sweetser, IN. Bill was ordained and pastored in the Wesleyan Church for thirty two years and in 2018 graduated from Ivy Tech Community College with an A.S. degree in Mortuary Science.
Bill and his wife Susan were married in 1986 and have two grown children, Raelyn and Austin. They enjoy traveling near and far and attending live music performances of all types.
Jordan Bennett
Jordan is a passionate funeral director who cares deeply for the families he serves. After spending seven years in the U.S. Coast Guard, Jordan moved back to his hometown, Kokomo, in 2016. He began working in funeral service at this point and subsequently earned a degree in mortuary science from Ivy Tech in 2019, receiving coveted national and state scholarships while studying there. Jordan joined the NSW team in 2022. When he's not working, Jordan enjoys being with his wife and son, hiking, and working outdoors.
Mick Simpkins
Mick was born and raised in the Grant County area. He has degrees from Tennessee Temple University and Vincennes University. He has pastored in the Grant County area since the early 1990s and is currently the pastor at First Baptist Church in Marion.
Mick has been with the NSW since 2010 and is currently a Family Service Advisor serving in Advance Planning. He loves to work at NSW and considers it a great privilege to serve the families of Grant County.
Mick and his wife, Ellen, were married in 1988, and they have three children, Mickey, Lindy, and Luke. They also have two Beagles, Max and Murphy. Mick loves to spend time with his family, and he enjoys fishing and hosting fish fry’s for his friends. His goal in life is to grow old with his wife and to become a nice, old man.
Dan Van Cise
Dan was born in Wabash, IN, on June 8, 1971. He started working at NSW in March 2012, and he received a Master’s of Divinity degree from Indiana Wesleyan University in April 2014. He has been Pastor at West 8th Street Wesleyan Church in Marion since 2008. In 2022, Dan began working with families in making their prearrangments.
Dan and his wife, Alana, have been married since 1993. They have three children, Carissa, Ethan, and Brianna. Dan enjoys disc golf, playing piano, and table games.
Lori Moore
Lori is a Grant County native. She is a graduate of Mississinewa High School and Indiana Wesleyan University where she earned her degree in Criminal Justice. She worked at Indiana Wesleyan for 16 years before joining the Needham-Storey-Wampner team in March 2019. Her desire is to help meet the needs of hurting people as she walks with families after the loss of a loved one.
Lori is an active member of Lakeview Wesleyan Church spending much of her time investing in the lives of single pregnant women through the Embrace Grace ministry. Her perfect day is filled with Jesus, sunshine and a little bit of sweet tea. Lori’s greatest blessings are her four children, their spouses, and her practically perfect in every way grandchildren; Addison, Boston, Lincoln, Collins, Eleanor and Quincy.
Elizabeth Domani
Elizabeth joined the NSW team in 2020. Due to the pandemic, NSW needed to find a better way to do aftercare with our families. Elizabeth now leads our text message aftercare program. This is another way we are able to reach our families and better serve them with grief support.
Kathy Hinds
Kathy is a native of Huntington County and a 1970 graduate of Huntington North High School. She attended Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University) and has lived in the Grant County area since 1972. She is a member of Lakeview Wesleyan Church and enjoys being a part of the Lakeview Choir music ministry. A passion for prayer partner ministry has led to her involvement with Chapel Ministries Outreach and serving on the Board of Directors for Awaken Ministries, Inc.
On March 13, 2000, Kathy joined the NSW team and loves serving families and working alongside our staff to make a difference in their funeral experience.
She and her husband, Dave, have been married since 1972, and they have two adult children—daughter, Kristi (Kelsy) Zumbrun and their three sons, Justin, Zachary, and Carter, in South Bend, and son, Matt (Andrea) Hinds and their children, Ella Rose and Elijah Matthew, in Huntington.
Spending time with family, especially with her grandchildren, is Kathy’s greatest joy. She also enjoys the outdoors and horseback riding, as well as taking motorcycle trips and farming with her husband.
Angie Boone
Angie is a lifelong resident of Grant County. She grew up in Gas City and graduated from Mississinewa High School. She attended Asbury College in KY for a year before returning home and completing her education at Indiana Wesleyan University in 1992 (A.S. in Christian Education) and in 2001 (B.S. in Sociology and Criminal Justice). She joined the NSW team in July of 2014.
Angie enjoys watching nearly any sporting event. She also loves traveling and working outdoors. She loves to encourage others and make people laugh.
Latisha Ivory
"Tish" was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. In 1991, she moved to Grant Count to attend Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. She is married to Mark and has 2 children, Hannah and Noah who are both attending IWU. She lives in Jonesboro and is a member of the Jonesboro Park Board and Westview Wesleyan Church. She previously taught school and also worked for Family Service Society, Inc. in Marion. She enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her husband. She joined the NSW team in 2018.
Buck Varney
Buck grew up in Van Buren and graduated from Eastbrook High School in 2006. He has been a resident of Grant County since 1995. Buck met his beautiful wife Brittain in 2003 and they were married in 2012. The couple welcomed their first child, Turner, in February 2019. Along with their son, they have two pit bulls named Peanut and Valery. Buck joined the NSW team in 2018.
Buck is a huge sports fanatic and loves the Atlanta Braves. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, watching sports, and playing golf.
Caily Klenke
Gary Green
Gary was born and raised in Bluffton, IN. After graduating from Bluffton High School, he studied Christian Ministries at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he graduated in 2014. After working in the funeral industry for a few years Gary went back to school and graduated from Vincennes University with an Associate’s Degree in Funeral Service in 2022. Gary enjoys spending time with his family, camping, and playing sports. He married his wife, Asa, in 2015, and they have two daughters Ocie Mae Green and Armatha “Arie” Ivey Green. He also has a German Shepherd Dog named June.
William "Bill" House
Bill graduated from Tri-Village High School in New Madison, OH. He then went into farming for 35 years before deciding to attend Edison State College in Piqua, OH, where he graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Human Services. After being in the work force for a couple of years, he decided to return to college at IU East in Richmond to get his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. He graduated from IU and continued his studies at Bethany Theological Seminary, where he received his Master’s of Divinity Degree.
Bill joined the NSW staff in 2006 as a part-time associate and later became a full-time employee. He has also been a pastor since 1991.
He and his wife, Sue, have five children, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. They have a cat named Kitty and two dogs, Sampson and Toby. Bill loves meeting new families and interacting with our big family, the staff.
Raymond Daniels
Raymond Daniels was born in Mattoon, Il. He and his wife Kathy have three sons. Raymond has done many things throughout his life from driving bus for Mississinewa school, to being a sheriff's deputy, a pastor of the Salvation Army, and an EMT. His calling and passion is helping those who are dealing with the passing of a loved one. His plans include finishing mortuary school at Mid-America school of Mortuary to become a funeral director.
Stephen A. Smithley
Steve was born and raised in Marion, IN. He graduated from Marion High School in 1973. He attended Taylor University and graduated with a degree in Political Science/ Pre-Law in 1977. Steve is retired from banking and real estate. He currently is President of the Marion Redevelopment Commission and Chairman of the Board of Carey Services. Steve has served on numerous boards of community organizations throughout his career.
Steve married his high school sweetheart, Patsy, and they have been married 40 years. They have one child, Parker. He is married to Careena and they have blessed Steve and Patsy with five wonderful grandchildren, Adrianna, Rylan, Jehren, Norin and Trevor.
An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoys watching all sports and participated in his younger days as a Marion Giant and Taylor University basketball and tennis player. He is also the PA announcer for the Marion Giant Varsity Football and Basketball teams.
Shawnn Pettiford
David Ring
Mark Ivory
Cheryl Logan
Cheryl was born in Midland, MI, into a pastor’s home. Being a PK (Preacher’s Kid), her family pastored in different states, including Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Dieruff High School (Allentown) in 1979. In 1980, Cheryl moved to Indiana to attend Marion College (now Indiana Wesleyan University), and she graduated in 1984 with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. Following graduation, she was employed with Marion Community Schools as a teacher, spending the last 23 years as a 2nd grade teacher at Kendall Elementary before retiring in May of 2014. She joined the NSW staff as a Lounge Hostess for the North Chapel in September of 2014. She loves serving families as a whole in this capacity, but this ministry also allows her to continue to be with children and to see former students of hers.
Cheryl is a member of Chapel Pike Wesleyan Church in Marion, where she is the custodian, a sound tech, and Sunday School Superintendent. She is an avid sports fan, enjoys working in the yard, decorating, traveling, shopping, going to rummage sales, and spending time with her friends and church family.
David Parker
David grew up in Warren, IN, and graduated with a B.S. degree in Christian Ministries from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1990. When both of his parents died, NSW handled the funeral arrangements and he was impressed with their professionalism and care for his family. Because of that, he became interested in serving at NSW. In July of 2013, he was hired as an associate to serve families.
David has been in pastoral ministries since 1989. He and his wife, Tammy, currently serve the congregation of Faith Community Church in Phlox, IN. David and Tammy have been married since May 30, 1987, and they live in Sweetser. They have one daughter, Mackenzie, and two cats, Missy and Sugar Doodle. They love to camp, take walks, and go on bike rides in their leisure time.
David is a sports enthusiast with his favorite teams being the Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Reds, and Indiana Hoosiers. He enjoys bowling and carries a 150 average. He also participates in fantasy sports leagues.
Ty Saunders
Nero "Fred"
My name is Nero! I’m a registered AKC English black Labrador retriever that was born in Russia on July 2, 2015. I’ve been working as a certified therapy dog with NSW since February of 2016. Before working at NSW, I completed my Companion Dog Training Course. I trained with Master K-9 trainer, Julie Case, with Ultimate Canine Dog Training in Westfield, IN. I belong to a local club called “Love on a Leash”, where my fellow canines and I visit health care centers, schools, libraries, and many other organizations to bring smiles to faces.
I have been featured on the front page of local papers; The Chronicle-Tribune in Marion, IN; The News Times, Hartford City, IN, Our local radio station; WBAT 1400 AM, Marion, IN. Radio Station WBCL, 90.3 FM out of Fort Wayne, IN did a live interview with my owner, Mark about me and therapy dogs in funeral service. Have been interviewed by Fox 59 News out of Indianapolis. WANE 15 TV out of Fort Wayne, IN and CBS 4 out of Indianapolis, IN did a story on me visiting with our local female inmates and staff at the Grant County Sheriff"s Department and Jail. Patty Spitler, host of Pet Pals TV, a syndicated show that airs in 16 states across the country and is based in Indianapolis, interviewed me and my owner, Mark. I have traveled across the State of Indiana giving seminars to Funeral Directors about the value of Therapy Dogs in funeral service. A news article about me was published in "The Director", a monthly publication for the National Funeral Directors Association highlighting my visits to our local jail. Professors from Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN have invited me to talk about therapy dogs to their students. I have been invited by local Judges to assist in Adoption Day for young boys and girls. I have even traveled to Ohio to assist my fellow canines in their events at local schools.
Being around people is what I enjoy doing the most. When I’m at work, I greet those who come in and I try to put a smile on the faces of our families that are grieving. I also play and love to chase balls and get treats. I take naps throughout the day and have been told that I do snore some.
You can also visit me on my own Facebook page at “Nero the Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service Therapy Dog”. I'm also on Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. Find me and say "HI" and "like" me. Woof, Woof!!
Steve Struck
Steven J. Struck, age 54, of Marion, Indiana, formerly of Loogootee, Indiana, passed away on December 9, 2013 at Marion General Hospital in Marion, Indiana.
He was born on August 11, 1959 in Evanston, Illinois to Wilbert Struck and Winnifred 'Flagg' Struck. He married Cathy Jones on January 31, 1986 and she survives.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Steve was a member of the Southwest Indiana Walk to Emmaus, a 1984 Graduate of Mid-America College of Funeral Service, former Martin County Coroner and a 1977 Graduate of Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana.
He was a funeral director at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service in Marion, Indiana.
He is survived by his wife, Cathy 'Jones' Struck, Loogootee, Indiana; (3) sons, Zachary Struck, Milford, Ohio, Spc. Andrew Struck, Colorado Springs, Colorado, Matthew Struck, Schererville, Indiana; (2) brothers, Ken Struck, Tucson, Arizona, Jim Struck, Barrington, Illinois; (2) sisters, Karen Struck-Fulton, Tucson, Arizona, Margaret Brown, Tucson, Arizona.
Jeff Overmyer
Jeffery "Jeff" L. Overmyer, 60, Marion, died in his home at 3:25 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2017. He was born in Muncie to Eddie and Mary Jo "Jody" (Alexander) Overmyer. He married Cindy Shanks on December 2, 1977, and she survives.
Jeff served the Marion community for 38 years as a Shift Captain with the Marion Fire Department. In 2007, he joined Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service as a part-time associate. It was his desire to work full-time at the funeral home after his retirement from the fire department. Jeff was actively involved with the Ducktail Run for many years. He loved music and did some D.J. work on the side. Jeff also loved basketball, and he especially enjoyed watching the Boston Celtics.
Jeff always spoke highly of his family, of whom he was very proud. He loved his grandbabies and he could never say enough about his "lovely bride".
He will be missed by his parents, Eddie and Mary Jo" Jody" Overmyer; his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Cindy; son, Aron (Molly) Overmyer, Gas City; grandkids, Audrey and Catcher; brother, Eddie (Tamara) Overmyer, Sweetser; sister, Debbie (David) Norris, Martinsville; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Gary (Margaret) Shanks, David (Theresa) Shanks, Patty (John) Stebbens, Denny (Diana) Shanks, Tony (Sharon) Shanks, and Bradley (Crystal) Shanks; and many nieces and nephews.
His brother, David Overmyer, preceded him in death.
Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service Locations:
North Chapel
Phone: (765) 664-5030
1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN
Planning Center
Phone: (765) 664-5030
1337 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN
Storey Chapel
Phone: (765) 674-8036
400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN
Rybolt Chapel
Phone: (765) 922-7979
314 N. Washington St., Swayzee, IN
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