Virgil E. Utterback, age 86 passed away Monday morning, February 14, 2011 at the Franklin United Methodist Community. He was a resident of Franklin and a former resident of Trafalgar.

Virgil was born March 25, 1924, in Johnson County, to the late Hugh E. and Elizabeth E. (Utterback) Utterback. He married his wife of 48 years Joyce (Atkins) Utterback on August 24, 1962 in Decatur County. She lovingly survives.

Virgil was a 1942 graduate of Trafalgar High School and went on to serve with the United States Navy during in World War II. He was a 63 year member of the Trafalgar American Legion Post # 0416.

Virgil was commissioned in 1962 by the late president John F. Kennedy to become Postmaster of the Trafalgar Post Office, a position that he held for 27 years until his retirement in 1987. He was the National Vice President of the NAPUS (National Association of Postmasters of the United States) from 1982-1983, and was the State President of NAPUS from 1973-1974. He also served as the editor of the Hoosier Postmaster from 1977-1985.

Virgil served on the Johnson County Sheriff's Merit Board from 1981-2006, was a 53 year member of the Franklin Elks Lodge #1818, and a 50 year member and Past Master of the Trafalgar F&AM Masonic Lodge. He also was a 52 year member of the Indianapolis Scottish Rite, 32 Degree Master Mason and a 50 year member of the Murat Shrine.

Virgil was a charter member and served for 44 years on the Trafalgar Volunteer Fire Department from 1954 to1998. He was also named as a Kentucky Colonel in 1993.

Virgil was the loving father to his two daughters: Dia Walker and husband Scott of Morristown & Beth Sheahan and fiancé Kyle Hoffman of Alexandria. He will be missed by his six grandchildren: Web Walker, Ty Sheahan, Makenzie Walker and Cameron, Taylor & Megan Hoffman. Also surviving is one sister: Florence Day of Webster, MA and several nieces and nephews.

Virgil was preceded in death by two sisters: Esther E. Utterback & Margaret A. Utterback; two brothers: Henry C. Utterback and Lloyd E. Utterback.

The Revs. Jeff Johnson, John Eley, and John Bell will conduct a funeral service 10:30 am, Thursday at the Fair Haven Christian Church where he was a long time member, 1476 West 300 South in Franklin. Friends may call from 3:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday at the Church.

Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Virgil to the Fair Haven Christian Church Building Fund, 1476 West 300 South, Franklin, IN 46131 or the Franklin United Methodist Community, 1070 West Jefferson Street, Franklin, IN 46131.