Dedric Gene Harrell

Dedric Gene Harrell, 88, of Winchester, IN, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, IN, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born December 18, 1932 in Winchester, IN. Dedric is a veteran of the United States Navy. He worked for the Winchester News Gazette, in Winchester, IN for over 40 years, where he started sweeping the floors at 10 years of age and was a Pressman by the time of his retirement. Dedric enjoyed gardening, bee keeping, woodworking, he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the conservation club in Farmland, IN, where he won several awards with the local Boy Scout Troops. He was a member of the Ball State Archaeological Society and participated on many digs with them. He loved hunting and collecting Native American arrow heads. Dedric had a passion for rocks; he loved finding, collecting, and knowing what type of rock it was. He loved sharing his knowledge of his collections with his grandchildren. Dedric dearly loved the time spent with his daughter and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife Madge Harrell of 61 years; his only daughter Betsy Draper (Kevin Small), Upland, IN, 3 grandchildren; Blakeleigh Draper (Tyler Abney) Fowlerton, IN, Blissfulle Draper, Las Vegas, NV, Dan Draper III (Alexis Marsh), Muncie, IN. Sister Betty (Paul) Carpenter; the Brumley family, sister-in-law Norma, Rex, Sandy, Greg “Lefty” (Monica), Vonda and Larry Detro, Terri (Derek) Phelps; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Russ and Carol Smith, Rob and Wendy Heathcote, and Terry and Amy Sommer. His beloved “Nanny” Caregiver, Debbie (Tim) Croyle. Debbie lovingly always called Dedric “Sunshine”.

Dedric is preceded in death by his brother Norman Brumley; Nephew Chuck Brumley; and Son-in law Dan Draper Jr.

Friends and Family are invited to call Thursday, August 5, 2021 from 5-6 PM with funeral services following at 6 PM at Walker Funeral Home in Winchester, IN, with Pastor Teresa Collins officiating. Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Walker Funeral Home in Winchester is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerswinchester.com.

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