Julia "Judy" Leah Sawyer
Julia "Judy" Leah Sawyer, age 91, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born to the late Walter H. and Bernice (Baker) Bailey on November 22, 1932, in Clinton City, Indiana. Judy married Jack Sawyer on September 27, 1972, at their home in Kokomo, and he passed away on July 27, 2024.
Judy was an interior designer and was the owner and operator of Touch of Class Interiors in Kokomo for over 50 years. She loved her home and lived there nearly most of her life. Judy enjoyed traveling, gardening, cooking, sewing, and arranging floral pieces. The only thing Judy loved more than her husband was her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a longtime member of the Southside Apostolic Church. She played a huge role in the church such as decorating and designing the facilities as well as cooking for all the events at the church.
She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Jack; two stepchildren, Kimberly (Don) Sawyer and Linda Sawyer; adopted-son, Keith Mosier; grandchildren, Stephanie (Alexander) Meneely and Joel Andrews; and great-grandson, Joenah Rae Meneely.
Preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Tamara Sloan; her sisters, Norma Vanausdall, Lou Molberg, and Myra Summerville.
There will be a time of visitation for Judy on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM at Southside Apostolic Church, 1716 East Firmin Street, Kokomo, Indiana. Pastor Rev. Keith Mosier will be officiating. Burial will follow to Crown Point Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Judy to Southside Apostolic Church, envelopes will be provided at the church.
Donald R. “Donnie” Watson
Donald R. “Donnie” Watson, aged 68, of Tipton, peacefully passed away at his home the morning of Wednesday, July 31, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Tipton on May 24, 1956, he was the son of William & Betty Jo (Wimer) Watson. On November 1, 1975, he joyfully exchanged vows with Charlotte Duncan, and they cherished a beautiful companionship spanning 48 years.
Donnie was a proud graduate of Tipton High School, from the class of 1974. His dedication led him to work at Chrysler and Carnation in Kokomo before ultimately serving the community of Tipton by assisting in the maintenance of the City Park and grounds. He was a member of both the Tipton Moose Lodge and United Auto Workers Local #685. A skilled bowler, Donnie's passion for the game earned him a well-deserved place in the bowling hall of fame. His leisure hours were often spent camping, boating, fishing, and above all else, savoring precious moments with his cherished family. He delighted in annual getaways to Florida with friends and a recent memorable family vacation to Mexico.
Left to honor Donnie's memory are his beloved wife, Charlotte; his father William Watson (Barb) of Tipton; daughters Katrina Edwards (Chad) of Noblesville and Tabitha Thompson (William) of Tipton; as well as his twin brother Ronald Watson (Teresa) also from Tipton. Additionally, he is survived by his adoring grandchildren Kelby Sullivan, Blake Edwards (Sylvia), Jayce Edwards, Sam Edwards, Korbin Roberts, and Cayman Thompson and several nieces and nephews. Donnie was preceded in death by his mother Betty Jo Beever.
Funeral services for Donnie will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 5, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Robb Roloff presiding. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital at 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
Donald R. “Donnie” Watson will be dearly missed yet fondly remembered for his unwavering love for his family and his commitment to both work and community service throughout his life. Online condolences may be made on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
James “Jim” Gene Boyd
James “Jim” Gene Boyd, 81 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 11:22 p.m. Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born in Elwood, IN, on November 4, 1942, the son of the late Donivon Eugene and Betty Jane (Griffith) Boyd. On June 18, 1966, he married Donna Woodhouse, and she survives.
Jim was a 1960 graduate of Tipton High School. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from General Motors Institute in 1966. He retired from Delco Electronics in 2001 after 40 years of service. Jim was a faithful member of Main Street United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. He was a member of the United Methodist Men and served on the finance committee. He volunteered at Samaritan Caregivers for 15 years. Jim enjoyed watching and participating in sports, especially bowling and golf. He was an avid NASCAR fan, and Jeff Gordon was his favorite driver.
In addition to his wife Donna, Jim is survived by his children, Daniel J. (Amy) Boyd, Thomas M. (Eunice) Boyd, Karin L. (Butch) Yike; grandchildren, Austin (Jenn) Boyd, Adam Boyd, Allyson Saint Conner, Aaron Boyd, Hannah Boyd, Ethan Boyd, Elijah Boyd, Emmanuel (Leslie) Gonzalez, Marissa Hobbs, Hailey Hobbs; great-grandchildren, Royce Gonzalez, Jeremy Gonzalez; sisters, Donna (Marion) Richard, Linda (John) Tragesser, Emily Wilson; brother, David Boyd; brother-in-law, Paul (Phyllis) Woodhouse; stepmother, Lenora Boyd; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Lex Allen Boyd, and Robert Dean Boyd.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Main Street United Methodist Church, 830 S. Main St. Kokomo, IN 46901. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the church with Pastor Julia Pritchett-Gonzales officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens. Contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to Main Street United Methodist Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Dan Bentley
Dan Bentley, 85, of Greentown, IN, passed away July 31, 2024, at Kokomo Health Care Center. He was born on December 25, 1938, in Kokomo, IN, son of Ralph and Violet (Mumaw) Bentley.
Dan graduated from Northwestern High School, Kokomo, IN, in 1957. Dan worked for Delco Electronics until his retirement in 1993, after which he enjoyed dabbling in different odd jobs, moving to Florida and then returning to Indiana to be closer to his family.
Dan is survived by his daughter, Amanda Spencer, Greentown; brothers James Bentley and Roger Bentley of Kokomo; granddaughter Amber Dulin, Kokomo; grandsons Trent (Angel) Dulin, Greentown and Casey Dulin, Macon, GA; two great grandchildren and one great grandchild on the way and many nieces and nephews.
Dan is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Lois Nall, Margaret Porter, Barbara Lord, and brothers William Tooley and Douglas Bentley.
The family would like to thank Kokomo Health Care Center and Paradigm Hospice for the care they provided Dan in his last days.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. In honor of Dan’s wishes, there will be no services held at this time.
Roman Brian “John” Johnson
Roman Brian “John” Johnson, 65, of Kokomo, passed away at 7:14 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at his home. He was born March 21, 1959, in Menominee, Michigan, to Alex and Gladys Johnson.
After graduating high school, John went on to serve in the United States Army. Following his military service, he worked as a concrete finisher for several different companies and had worked the last 5 years for Bergstrom Home Improvement.
Survivors include his son, Jason Johnson, and grandson, Jake Johnson.
In keeping with his wishes, no public services will be held. Cremation has been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory in Kokomo. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Roger Eugene Gosnell
Roger Eugene Gosnell, age 73, of Kokomo, Indiana, went home to play golf with the Lord on Saturday, July 27, 2024. He was born August 17, 1950, to the late Clancy and Laudie (Russell) Gosnell.
Roger was a music fanatic, he enjoyed playing songs on his guitar. He especially favored The Beatles. He also loved watching movies. He spent a lot of his time tinkering in his garage, a hobby he attempted to teach his three daughters. He was the best dad to them, he attended all of their events while they were growing up. He was a social butterfly and loved telling stories, though some of his stories were up for debate on how valid they were. He loved playing golf and told his children that he couldn't wait to go to Heaven to play golf every day. He developed a "slight" habit of ordering stuff off of Amazon and filled his house with his many online finds. He loved food, his perfect meal being a steak, baked potato, and a White Russian.
He is survived by his daughters Kristen Gosnell (Bob Razi), Donielle Borst, and Tiffany Fiore (Jovan), his grandchildren; Maryssa Gosnell, Trace Gaines, Travis Gaines, Morgan Borst, and Marco Fiore, two sisters; Karen Becraft and Josephine Kelch, as well as many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents Roger is preceded in death by his brothers Ronnie Gosnell and James Gosnell, and his sister Patricia Opp.
Ellen Marie Norwich
Ellen Marie Norwich, 91, Kokomo, passed away at 7:12 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at her home. She was born in Marlborough, MA, on May 15, 1933, to the late David and Mary Jane (Keefe) Truedeau.
Ellen attended the State Teacher College of Ball State University. She was the school bus driver for Center Township and Western High School. Ellen attended St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. She loved her family and playing golf.
Ellen is survived by her sons, John Norwich and Mark (Karen) Norwich; grandchildren, Stephanie Norwich, John Paul Norwich, Michacla Norwich, and Joe McCoy, and Jason (Liza) Lamont; great grandsons, Dakota Lamont, and Chandler Lamont.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Ellen will be laid to rest in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Marlborough, MA. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.