UPDATE: Coroner locates man’s next of kin

Update, as of Thursday, Sept. 28.

The Putnam County Coroner has located next of kin for a Greencastle man found deceased last Friday.

Early this week, Coroner Dave Brown contacted the Banner Graphic regarding the death of Marvin Shoultes Jr.

Shoultes died alone at his south side Greencastle home last Friday.

As of Tuesday, no next of kin had been located, but that changed following a Wednesday news article.

Brown said a relative from the Terre Haute area has stepped forward to take charge of Shoultes’ arrangements and estate.

The coroner had arranged for a pauper’s burial but was able to cancel those plans on Thursday.

While ultimately happy to have someone taking charge of Shoultes’ affairs, Brown said this emphasizes the need for identifying one’s next of kin.

“We had to wait a week to do anything for this man and that’s not right,” Brown said.

He emphasized the importance of keeping next of kin information in one’s wallet, purse, car or even a child’s backpack, should the unthinkable happen.

The Putnam County Coroner’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying the family of a deceased Greencastle man.

Marvin Shoultes Jr. died Friday at his south side Greencastle residence. He was unattended at the time of his death.

The investigation is ongoing as Coroner Dave Brown and his staff try to identify Shoultes’ legal next of kin.

“It’s a real sad situation and we don’t suspect foul play,” Brown said.

Investigators believe that Shoults has a nephew in the Brazil area and a niece who may live in California.

The Coroner’s Office is seeking any information about surviving family, their names and their location.

Anyone with information about Marvin Shoultes, is asked to contact the Putnam County Coroner’s Office at 653-5115.