Wingate – Neva Mae Fitzwater Dowden McCorkle, age 85, a life resident of the Wingate area, died 9:25 a.m. Monday, December 17, 2012 in Rosewalk Village, Lafayette, following a year long illness. She was born in Montgomery County, May 26, 1927 daughter of the late Walter R. and Ila A. Hansell Fitzwater. Neva was first married to Dwaine Dowden on December 10, 1946, he preceded her in death September 1963. She later married Don Wilson McCorkle on February 23, 1966, he preceded her in death July 2004.

Neva graduated from Linden High School and had been employed by Coal Creek Central School as a playground supervisor and in the kitchen. Following her marriage to Don she was actively involved on the farm and enjoyed breeding and raising Belgium Draft Horses. She was active as a Girl Scout Leader for 20 years, member of the American Legion Auxiliary, the Shawnee Mound Home Missionary Society, Board member of Coal Creek Fire & Rescue Ambulance Service, Wednesday Club and Wingate Community Club. She was a swimming instructor for Red Cross. Neva was involved in Binky Patrol, helping make and distribute over 1000 blankets to police and fire departments for children involved in domestic situations.

Neva was the driving force behind organizing the Rib Eye Steak Sandwich booth, as a fundraiser at the Indiana State Fair, she was awarded lifetime membership in the Indian Beef Cattle Assn in recognition of her contribution to that still successful endeavor. Neva along with Edna Legg organized the Indiana CowBelles, now Indiana Cattlewoman's Assn. She was also active in the Belgium Draft Horse Assn. of America. Neva was proud of her involvement in Indiana agriculture. She was never at a loss for an opinion and enjoyed good hearted bantering with people of the opposite position.

Surviving are two daughters: Helen (Ronnie) Brown of Darlington, Laura (Kevin) Gross of Wingate. Son: Norris 'Bud' (Pat) Dowden of Wingate, a brother: John (Luanne) Fitzwater of Boise, ID. Eight Grandchildren: Melissa Wilcox, Jeff Brown, Jamie Brown, Tom Cope, Beck Higgins, Brian Gross, Dwaine Dowden, Andrew Dowden. Eight Great-grandchildren. Son-in-law Doug McCain of Hattisburg, MS.
She was preceded by both husbands, two daughters; Donnis Stockton and Mary Lou McCain. Two granddaughters: Jennifer Lynn Dowden and Bonnie Jo Gross.

Visitation 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at Family & Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. Funeral service, 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 20, 2012 with Brother Steve Padgett officiating. Burial will follow in Meharry Cemetery, Wingate. Memorial contributions to Wingate Community Club, with envelopes available at the funeral home. Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to leave a condolence or share a memory