Greensburg — Jon L. Oldham, 72, of Westport, passed away Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility in Columbus.

He was born Nov. 17, 1940 in Indianapolis, the son of Glen and Francis (Talbott) Oldham.  

He was raised in Jackson Township and was a lifelong resident of Decatur County.

He graduated from Jackson Township High School in 1958 and from the Indiana State Police Academy in 1965. Mr. Oldham was an Indiana State Police Trooper from 1965 to 1995.

After six years as a trooper, he became a detective in 1974.

As a detective, he worked all manner of crimes including statewide auto theft and “CHEMSCAM”.

He served as a homicide investigator for Decatur, Ripley and other surrounding counties. He was elected to and served two terms (1995-2003) as Decatur County Sheriff.

From 2004 to 2011, he worked as an investigator for the Decatur County Prosecutor’s office.

He was a member of the Mt. Aerie Baptist Church, the Westport Masonic Lodge # 52 F & A.M., the Fraternal Order of Police and the IOOF Lodge # 681 of Westport.

He had been named Police Officer of the Year by several different organizations, including the Greensburg Optimist Club, Columbus Exchange Club, Sunman American Legion and the Batesville American Legion. Jon enjoyed traveling, watching his grandchildren’s ball games, working outdoors and spending time with his friends and family.

He married Marilyn Jean Black in North Vernon Dec. 18, 1959. She survives along with his son, Andy (Karen) Oldham of Greenfield, his daughters: Diana (Sam) Miller of Westport and Angela (Todd) Swails of Greenwood: his sisters, Monette Clark of Columbus and Cammie (Jerry) Smith of Edinburgh; his brothers,  

Robert (Mona) Oldham of Prineville, Oregon, Jim (Brenda) Oldham of Hartsville, Phillip (Linda) Oldham of Greensburg; his seven grandchildren: Zachary & Shelby Oldham, of Greenfield, Josh, Shayne & Samantha Miller of Westport, Kirby & Rylie Swails of Greenwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Melinda Oldham; his brother, Glen Oldham and twin grandchildren, Andi & Ashley Oldham.  

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 3 at Westport Baptist Church, Rev. David A. Scaggs officiating.

Burial will be in Westport Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 2 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at Westport Baptist Church with a Masonic memorial Service at 9 p.m.

Bass & Gasper Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made through the funeral home to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.bassgasper.com.