Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services

05/27/2026

Lon Wayne Minnich, age 69, of Wolcottville, IN passed away on May 20, 2026, at his residence. Mr. Minnich was born on September 1, 1956, in Goshen, IN to the late Ralph A. and Mary L. (Barron) Minnich. He graduated from Goshen High School in Goshen, IN. Lon was previously employed as a laborer for Turtle Top. He loved being outdoors, fishing, hunting, and mushroom hunting.

There are no services scheduled and cremation will take place.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.

View Lon Wayne Minnich's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/26/2026

Did you know that “monument” comes from a word that means “to remind”? The purpose of a burial monument is to remind us of a unique individual by establishing a physical location where important details about their life can be inscribed and recalled.

Monuments are often slabs of granite or limestone, but they can be unconventional—a newly planted tree or a perfectly placed bench. Inscription details can consist simply of name, lifespan, and epithet, or include religious quotations, personal interests, or pop culture references.

If you would like to learn more about how monuments can be personalized as permanent locations dedicated to remembrance, stop by or give us a call at 260-336-4659.

05/26/2026

Clinton “Wayne” Smith, age 57, of Arcola, IN, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at his residence. Still loving his are his mother, Janet Smith, and 3 sisters, Kendra, Dena, Ann, and a few select friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Flavel Smith. There are no services scheduled at this time and cremation will take place upon the family’s wishes. Arrangements and care entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.

View Clinton "Wayne" Smith's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/25/2026

Grant “Nash” Aleksander Reef, age 38, of Fort Wayne, IN, formerly of Parchment, MI, passed away on Thursday, May 21, 2026. He was born on July 14, 1987, in Kalamazoo, MI, to Stacy Micah Wicks and Tiffany Ann (Reef) Owens.

Nash graduated from Martin High School in Martin, MI, in 2005. On September 2, 2023, he proposed to the love of his life, Emma Johnston, at the Mackinac Bridge in Mackinaw City, MI, creating a memory the two would forever cherish.

For many years, Nash proudly owned and operated Honest Mechanical and Nash Auto Werks. Prior to building his own successful businesses, he worked in the Oil and Gas industry. He was known for his strong work ethic, mechanical talent, and willingness to help anyone in need.

Nash was a Harley enthusiast who loved riding his motorcycle and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed target practicing at his personal shooting range, off-roading in his four-wheel-drive vehicles, collecting dragon figurines, and watching mythical and fantasy films. Above all, Nash was deeply caring and selfless, always making sure others were taken care of, even if it meant going without himself. He lived boldly and passionately, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He was a star whose light burned brightly and intensely, and like all stars, his light was extinguished far too soon. Be free now, sweet boy, and soar.

Survivors include his mother, Tiffany (Mike) Owens; fiancée, Emma Johnston; daughter, Kailey; son, Landen “Lando”; brother, Garrett; maternal grandparents, Bonita and Roger; paternal grandmother, Cheryl “Willie;” along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Stacy Wicks; and grandfather, Charlie Wicks.

In keeping with the family’s wishes, cremation will take place and no formal services are scheduled at this time.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Fort Wayne, IN.

View Grant "Nash" Aleksander Reef's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor the lives of those who have given their lives for our country and our way of life. "Thank you" just isn't enough, but nevertheless, thank you - with all our hearts. If you would like to honor a specific veteran, please share their story with us in the comments.

05/24/2026

Larry L. Mock, age 82, of Auburn, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Betz Nursing Home in Auburn. Born on March 1, 1944, in Portland, Indiana, Larry lived a life defined by hard work, independence, and a wide range of talents and interests.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Army, carrying with him the values of dedication and perseverance throughout his life. In 2016, he married the love of his life, Judy Allen, at their home in Butler, Indiana.

Known by many as a true jack-of-all-trades, Larry spent his life mastering many skills and occupations. He worked as a heavy machine operator, operated campgrounds, and even spent time touring as a guitarist with Chad Adkins. Whether working with his hands, fixing and tinkering with projects, or enjoying the peace and quiet of solitude, Larry found joy in living life his own way. His independent spirit, creativity, and hardworking nature will be remembered by all who knew him.

Surviving are his loving wife, Judy Mock; daughter, Alisa (Shawn) Rawel; sons, Bryan Chadwell, Rick Chadwell, Joe Mock, and Billy Joe Mock; four step-children; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and nephew, Lonnie (Kathy) Mock.

In keeping with Larry’s wishes, cremation will take place and no services are scheduled at this time.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

View Larry L. Mock's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/23/2026

Patricia Allen Memorial Servicess

05/23/2026

Congratulations to all our graduates! You've worked hard, and now, you're finally done. Best wishes for what's next!

05/22/2026

This Memorial Day, we want to honor and remember the courage and sacrifice of the countless men and women who have given their lives to preserve and protect our nation. You are remembered, and you will not be forgotten. As a tribute, we invite you to read this article about the Vietnam Women's Memorial, which honors and highlights the role of women in the Vietnam War, especially the women who lost their lives.

As we remember our fallen heroes this Memorial Day, consider looking into the history of Vietnam Women's Memorial and how it came to be.

05/22/2026

Always nice to make a new friend! My high school chemistry and my middle school science teacher’s canine companion Tucker showed out today! May be a nice recruit for our staff. His personality was great! 🙂🐾🐶

05/18/2026

Carlos Heredia-Parra, age 58, of LaGrange, Indiana, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Carlos was born on October 7, 1967, in Michoacán, Mexico, to Salvador Heredia and Elvira Parra. On December 21, 1988, he married the love of his life, Eva Avila, in Simiroa, Michoacán, Mexico. Together, they shared many years of love, devotion, and cherished family memories.

A hardworking and dedicated man, Carlos faithfully worked for Culver Duck Farm in Middlebury, Indiana, for over 20 years. He took great pride in providing for his family and was admired for his strong work ethic and kind heart. Outside of work, Carlos found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved tending to his garden, caring for his vegetables, spending time outdoors, and watching birds in nature. Above all else, Carlos was a devoted family man whose greatest happiness came from spending time with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered as a loving husband, caring father, proud grandfather, and loyal friend whose warmth and generosity touched many lives.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Eva Heredia of LaGrange, Indiana; his mother, Elvira Parra of Mexico; daughter, Elizabeth (Saul) Reyes; sons, Jonathan (Alejandra) Heredia and Noe (Jackie) Heredia; grandchildren, Jayden Reyes, Melany Reyes, Stephany Reyes, Mathio Reyes, Briseida Heredia, Alonso Heredia, Carlos Heredia, Lucia Heredia, Adilene Heredia, Valerie Heredia, and Nicholas Heredia; brother, Salvador (Lourdes) Heredia; sisters, Sylvia Heredia, Salud Heredia, Dolores (Mario) Heredia, Rosa Heredia, Adriana Heredia, and Enes Heredia; brother, Lucio (Alejandra) Heredia; along with many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with visitation taking place two hours prior from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Father Osman Ramos will officiate the services.

Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Hess Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

View Carlos Heredia's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.