Erwin L. Neier

Erwin L. Neier, 78, Cloverdale, died Friday at Putnam County Hospital.

Born in Putnam County, he was the son of Lewis E. and Ruth (Brown) Neier.

A 1947 graduate of Cloverdale High School, he earned his bachelor's degree from Indiana University, his master of arts in teaching from DePauw University, and completed two short courses in agriculture at Purdue University.

He was a school teacher, farmer and author, contributing articles to the Spencer Evening World, the Bloomington Herald-Times, and Antique Tractor magazine. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany during peace time with the 3rd Platton, Company G, 86th Infantry Regiment, 10th Infantry Division, Operation Gyroscope. He was awarded the Owen County Master Conservationist Award in 2005, and was a member of the Moonon Railroad Historical Society, Owen County Preservation, and Millgrove United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 16 years, Deannie (Crites) Neier; sister Barbara Bates, Greencastle; stepchildren Kathryn (Masten) Clodfel­ter, Taswell, Kenneth Masten and David Masten, both of Greencastle; a nephew, stepgrandchildren, stepgreat-grandchildren and two great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at West & Parrish& Pedigo Funeral Home, Spencer, with Pastor Elaine Prince and Rev. Louis Crouch officiating. Burial with military rites will be in Riverside Cemetery, Spencer.

Visitation is 3-7 p.m. Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Owen County Community Foundation for the Owen County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.westparrishpedigo. com.