Edward James Putman

Edward James “Red” Putman, 92, of Rensselaer, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2014 at Jasper County Hospital Alternacare. He was born in Rensselaer Sept. 21, 1921, son of the late Charles and Ethel (Hill) Putman. Red was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Rensselaer High School with the Class of 1941. On Jan. 18, 1942, in Rensselaer, he married Margaret Price.

Red joined the U.S. Army on June 10, 1942. He traveled on the Queen Mary for five days, landing in England with thousands of troops. He served with Gen. Mark Clark, 5th Army, Medical Battalion. After landing in England, he went to North Africa, all the way across to the boot of Italy. He was wounded just outside of Rome. He received a Purple Heart when he was wounded in Italy. He also received the Cross of Italy for helping remove the dead and wounded. He was a litter-bearer, and he never had a furlough. He came home on the Joseph G. Cannon, with only 100 men aboard. The trip took 27 days. Arriving home in Indianapolis, he mustered out on Sept. 2, 1945. He was then first introduced to his children who were three years old. He served two years in the National Guard and four years in the service.

Red worked for the City of Rensselaer Light Plant as an operator and superintendent. He was affiliated with the First Christian Church of Rensselaer, American Legion Post #29, VFW Post #1279, the Sheriff’s Association and the Eagles. He enjoyed being outdoors fishing, hunting and golfing. He also loved basketball and football.

Red is survived by his loving family: wife Margaret Putman of Rensselaer; one son, John E. (Helen) Putman of Rensselaer; one sister, Louise (Willard) Wilkens of Fowler; sister-in-law Edna Putman of Rensselaer; four grandchildren: Christina (Jeff) Jordan of Fishers, IN, Matthew (Lindsey) Putman of Carmel, IN, Nancy (Marty) Hall of Rensselaer, and Michael (Heather) Putman of Rensselaer; 15 great-grandchildren: Aidan, Ryley and Keegan Lynch of Fishers, IN, Madelyn and Maxwell Putman of Carmel, IN, Nikki (Tony) Luttrell, Brandon House (friend: Kim Conley), Skyler Shamp, Marty Hall, Jr., all of Rensselaer, Harrison and Sadie Jordan of Fishers, IN, and Tabetha Bumbleburg of Rensselaer; and three great-great grandchildren: Jaiden, Shelby and Tyler Luttrell of Rensselaer. He was preceded in death by: his parents; three brothers: Oscar, Forrest and Sidney Putman; and one son, James M. Putman.

Friends may call on Saturday, July 26, 2014 from 10 a.m. until noon at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Funeral services will be held at noon at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer with Rev. Elizabeth Hartmann officiating. Interment with military rites will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the organization of the donor’s choice. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.