Town Marshal Clarence Kistner was shot and killed with his own weapon while struggling with a man suspected of drunken driving outside of a tavern in Farmersburg.

   While assisting other officers, the 37-year-old suspect was able to gain control of Marshal Kistner's .357-caliber revolver and shot him. He was taken to Mary Sherman Hospital in Sullivan where he died shortly after midnight.

   The suspect was then taken into custody by a deputy sheriff who was also struggling with the man. He was subsequently convicted of murder, sentenced to 40 years in prison and later discharged in 2000.

   Town Marshal Kistner was survived by his daughter and sister.

Military Service United States Navy Korean War ▪ Vietnam War Steelworker Petty Officer First Class (SW1) 1952–1965 ▪ 1974–1976

Read more on our research at Honoring Our Fallen Town Marshals.