Verna L. Downam

Verna L. Downam, age 66 of Marion passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Verna was born on October 25, 1954 in Marion, the daughter of the late Alonzo and Guenevere (Nall) Whelchel.  She was a short order cook at Indiana Wesleyan University, Waylon’s and Richard’s Restaurant.  Verna loved her grandbabies, camping, and collecting Blueware Glass.  She loved the 60’s and 70’s music, was a Sci-Fi fan and enjoyed reading all types of books.

She is survived by a son, Brian (Jamie) Downam of Hartford City; a daughter, Lucinda “Cindy” (Larry Jr.) Burns of Marion; a brother, Kevin “Sam” (Debbie) Whelchel of Bitely, Michigan; a sister, Linda (Jim) Crosby of Marion; 7 grandchildren, Brian II, Isaiah, Deshea, Elijah, Jocelyn, Maddox and Britany (Jenna); and one great-granddaughter, Harmony-Jo.

She was also preceded in death by four brothers, William Whelchel, Lon Whelchel, Von Whelchel and Rick Whelchel; and six sisters, Sue Kreig, Karen Downam, Kathy Phelps, Loretta Bilbee, Wilma Rohrer and Annalee Alexander.

Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Raven-Choate Funeral Home, 1202 W. Kem Road, Marion, Indiana.  Funeral Services will begin at Noon with Pastor Johnny Armes officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Services of Grant County, 305 S. Norton Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46952; or to the Marion-Grant County Humane Society, 505 S. Miller Avenue, Marion, Indiana 46953.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com