Bruce C. Sigman, 92, of Hope

Bruce C. Sigman, 92, of Hope passed away on Sept. 20, 2020 at Franciscan Hospital in Greenwood, surrounded by family.

He was born February 13, 1928 in Oklahoma, the son of the late Lura (Hadley) and Morsain Sigman. He joined the Merchant Marines in 1944 at the age of 16, graduating from 26R Radio School in New York City, with a second class radio license. He travelled from New York to San Francisco by way of railroad where he was assigned as the sole radio operator on cargo and tanker ships. He travelled around the world by water visiting several islands, countries and ports, including Germany, Aruba, Rio De Janeiro, Belgium, The Philippine Islands and through the Panama Canal.

He returned home and worked for Arvin Industries in Columbus as a radio repairman and farmed. In 1950 he was drafted into the army and fought in the Korean War. He started on the machine gun squad and transferred to the 25th Signal Company as a radio telegraph operator, being discharged in 1952.

Farming was his passion, and he became owner/operator (along with his wife Ethel for 62 years) of a large dairy farm and cash grain operation, which he was still managing at his death. He milked Holstein cows for almost 50 years and received awards for milk production including the Excellent Quality Award for 3 years and Dairyman of the Year. He was a lifetime member of the State and National Holstein Friesian Association of America. He was elected to the board of directors of the Central Indiana Dairyman CO-OP. After merging with the Associated Milk Producers Inc (AMPI), he became a delegate and resolution director for several years. He obtained a private pilot license through Bakalar Air Field, enjoying frequent flights around the area with family and longer trips to farming events.

Bruce is survived by six children Jan Watson, of Lafayette, Don (Barb) Sigman, of Hope, Arlene (Bryan) Dailey, of Columbus, Shirley (John) Wiseman, of Hope, Roxann (Tim) Loyd, of Columbus, and John (Jill) Sigman of Germantown Hills, IL; 11 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren; two brothers Vernon (Pat) Sigman, of Trafalgar, Keith (Mary) Sigman, of Shelbyville, and a sister Lorean Baxter, of Mooresville.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ethel, his daughter Linda Hubbard, 3 son-in-laws, and a great granddaughter.

Visitation will be on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Norman Funeral Home. A private family service will be held. A public graveside service will be on Saturday at 12 p.m. at Hawcreek Cemetery. Please follow social distancing guidelines while in the funeral home and when expressing condolences to the family. Masks are required.

Memorial contributions may be sent directly to the Hawcreek Church Community Center at P.O. Box 194 Hope, IN 47246.02

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