Clarence Towns was formerly an endodontist. Such dentists have additional training to specialize in endodontic therapy, which involves treating the inner tissue of teeth. He also taught at the University of Illinois. As a hobby, he was a marathon runner. He ran in the Boston Marathon but didn’t start this hobby until he was 71 years old. His secret to longevity is exercise and having a balanced diet.

Cora Lehe was the first resident of Brownsburg Meadows when the community opened. Born March 4, 1917 in Manistee, Michigan, Mrs. Lehe is a 1935 graduate of Remington High School. She is the widow of Raymond Lehe and has four children, 10 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and two great great-grandchildren.

Her hobbies are gardening, flower arranging and painting. She was formerly very active in her church and the Order of Eastern Star.

Cora Saxon enjoyed volunteering in her church, gardening, baking, dancing, playing bingo and writing letters. She worked in the family farming business before marriage after which she became a homemaker. Mrs Saxon said, “I used to follow my dad while he would take care of business. Mom was so busy, so this helped her out. I always looked forward to going with my dad. At the end of the day, he would buy me a candy bar. I’ve had a great life.” Her advice for a long life: “Trusting in God and keeping busy.”

Dessie Sturgeon is proud to be the mother of two sons, one of whom helped with the first moon walk and the other who is now a college professor. She likes watching the stock market but for years she relaxed by taking winter trips to Florida.

Dora Ross was a smart young lady. She graduated salutatorian and says, “Learning always came easy to me.” Math was her favorite subject, so she went on to become a bank teller for 21 years. Dora’s life advice is, “Life is preparation for whatever comes afterward. I had a lot of happiness and sadness in my life, but it was all for a reason.”

Dorothy Combs loves playing cards. She also loves fashion and dancing. She was employed several years at William H. Block Co. department store in downtown Indianapolis, where she worked in the cashier’s office and at Lazarus in the houseware department. After retiring, she returned to work as a grocery store food sample hostess. She did this until her late 80s, and she drove until she was 92. She was born in Indianapolis and grew up in the Fountain Square area. Her husband, John Combs, preceded her in death in 1987. She has one son, John.

Dorothy Jernigan started her career as a pediatric Navy nurse in Miami, Florida. She continued her career after moving to Fort Wayne, where she worked in a hospital. She finished her career as an assistant director of nursing. Dorothy never smoked or drank alcohol. She always ate a balanced diet and exercised as much as possible. Her faith in God and her strong family values propelled her long journey in life.

Earl was born in Jennings County. He served in the Air Force for four years  during WWII, ending his career as a Sergeant.

Earl loved hunting and going fishing. He was married for over 40 years to the late Helen Schneider. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, especially baseball.

When asked if he had any words of wisdom, Earl said, “Live it up!"

Edith Hallett is an absolute joy to be around. She loves playing games and spending time doing arts & crafts in the community.