Brian Dunn Saltsman

Brian Duane Saltsman was born on October 19, 1963. He was a very special person, the kind who enjoyed life; a person that had an unwavering faith; a person who loved is family and was willing to sacrifice everything he enjoyed to make his family happy.

            Brian was born in Winamac, Indiana to Ray and Shirley Saltsman Sr., who survive, and he resided in Medaryville most of his life. Brian is survived by one brother, Ray Jr. & Pam Saltsman; and one sister, Gina & Tod Masters both of Medaryville. Brian graduated from West Central High School in 1982. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Hallie and Edna (nee: Brick) Saltsman and Charles and Opal (nee: Laird) Shelton Best. He is also survived by 4 nieces, Holly & Darin Owens, Leticia and Sydney Saltsman and Kristen Masters.

            Growing up Brian enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, sports, and spending time with friends. He worked at the local grocery store and was an expert at everything he set his mind to do. He camped regularly at Lake Cicott campgrounds in the summers.

            After driving semi  and other various jobs, Brian was hired on at the Braun Corporation. He was employed there about 16 years. He was a faithful employee until his sickness disabled him. He also worked for the Pulaski County Library System.

            In 1988, Brian was born again and baptized. He was a member of the Teaberry Hill Estates Church. Along with being in the choir, he was vary active in the church and especially loved the youth camps, which brought him so much joy. He would be planning for camp months in advance and obtained many genuine friendships with brothers and sisters from all over. Brian loved the people of the church dearly and considered them his family. Brian looked up to Brother Elmer Conley as a pastor, mentor, and friend. First and foremost Brian was a Christian and his desire was to serve and please the Lord. He had a child like faith and nothing came before this in his life.

            On Valentine’s Day in 1992, Brian married his beautiful wife, Gina Lynn McCarty (daughter of Jerry McCarty and Linda (nee: Overton) McCarty) at their home church. He loved her with all his heart and loved and raised her 4 children as his own. He is survived by them: Jeri & Ben Chapman of Rensselaer, Brandon & Elyse Williams of Medaryville, Rylee & Travis Rodriguez of Francesville, and Nathan Williams. Brian and Gina were blessed to have celebrated their 16-year anniversary just before his death. Brian was preceded in death by 3 grandbabies. A very proud grandfather of 8 grandchildren, Mason, Quinton, and Jamison Chapman, Zion, Josiah and baby (still on the way) Rodriguiez, and Lily and Isreal O’Brian Williams.

            Brian is also survived by one brother-in-law, Rick & Terry McCarty and 2 sister-in-laws, Sharon & Marc DeMoss, and Lisa & TR Mahaffey. He is survived by 8 nieces and nephews, Brandi McCarty, Isaiah, Amy, and Noah DeMoss, Hannah and Liz DeMoss, Candace and Bradley Warner, Caty and Canaan Mahaffey. Brian also had many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

            Brian was diagnosed with a large brain tumor over 5 years ago. He was disabled shortly after his surgery and treatments. He was in fairly good health and able to make many precious memories with his loved ones. In July of last year Brian was diagnosed with a larger more aggressive tumor recurrence. After much effort, his health took a huge decline and Brian was called home to be with his savior, grandbabies and many other loved ones. On February 24, 2008. We were so thankful for being able to have this time at home with Brian. The family would like to thank all the hospice team and his nurses, Jenny MeLin and Aunt Diane Reeder.