Francis Edwin Vawter

Francis Edwin Vawter of Columbus passed away December 18, 2021 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana surrounded by his family. Born on February 28, 1942 in Indianapolis, he was a son of Edwin and Kathryn Garrett Vawter and raised by his foster parents Fred and Mary Biehle. He was married to Janice Gerth on June 22, 1963 and she survives.

Other survivors include his three sons Michael (Cynthia) of Fort Wayne, Steven (Carrie) of Columbus, and Robert (Jennifer) of Rock Hill, SC; grandchildren Jason (Ashly), Danielle (Michael), Nathan (Annie), Jessica (Tim), Nicholas, Andrew, and Josie; 3 great-grandchildren Levi, Edwin, and Joseph; brother Delbert Vawter; brother and sister in laws Sister Shirley Gerth, Larry (Jan) Gerth, Diana (Phil) Franklin, Paul (Sue) Gerth, and David Gerth. He was proceeded in death by his parents and foster parents, brother David Vawter, and brother in laws Raymond Gerth, Father Robert Gerth, and James Gerth.

Francis was taken into the Biehle family of Vernon as a young boy and graduated from Vernon High School in 1960. He retired in 2000 after a 35 year career as a route driver for Butternut Bread in Versailles. He was a long time resident of Versailles and member of Saint Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon. There wasn’t a college basketball game that Francis wouldn’t enjoy watching. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 9AM to 11AM at Saint Maurice Catholic Church in Napoleon and mass immediately followed. Burial was held at the Saint Maurice Cemetery. Memorials can be given to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana in Columbus or Catholic Charities of Indianapolis in care of Stratton – Karsteter Funeral Home who will be handling all arrangements.