Barbara Mae Ward, Leslie Ann Mund, Michael Thomas Belcher, Paul Maurice Jaecques, Cheryl Susan McCool
Barbara Mae Ward
Barbara Mae Ward, 81, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, with her loving family by her side. She was born on November 9, 1943, to her parents John Marcum and Carrie (Jones) Marcum in Monticello, Kentucky.
Barbara graduated from Wayne County High School in the class of 1961. She married Robert Grayson Ward on September 2, 1967, and the two enjoyed many years together before Robert passed away in 2013. Through the years, Barbara dedicated her life to taking care of her family. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Barbara had a simple approach to most things in life, and many appreciated her genuine and loyal heart. She was very strong in her faith and was a proud member of the Church of Christ in Tipton for many years.
In Barbara’s spare time she enjoyed reading, especially books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. She also enjoyed watching old western stories on television.
She loved nothing more than to watch the annual Kentucky Derby. Her family knew all too well that when that race was on, they had better be quiet. More than anything Barbara loved spending time with her dear family. She will be greatly missed for the positive impact she made in so many lives.
Those left to carry on Barbara’s legacy of love are her children Paul Ward (Deanna) and Phil Ward (Darcy), grandchildren Andrew Grayson Ward, Abigaile Ward, Gabrielle Hayward, Amber Ward, and Morgan Ward, great-grandchildren Elena & Esme Hayward, siblings Donald S. Marcum and Betty Faye Marcum, as well as her beloved grand pugs.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Robert Ward, parents John and Carrie Marcum, siblings Charlie Robert Marcum, Flonnie Marie Guffey, Iva B. Simpson, Golda Jewell DeRossett, and Johnny Everett Marcum.
A service celebrating Barbara’s life will take place on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton, with Pastor John Ankrum officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be held immediately following the service at Brookside Cemetery in Windfall, Indiana.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ward family in their time of need.
Leslie Ann Mund
Leslie Ann Mund, 50, of Galveston, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born December 28, 1974, in Goshen, Indiana, to Charles M. “Mick” and Kathie (Snyder) Minor. She worked in restaurant management for several years and loved taking care of her grandchildren.
Surviving family includes her mother Kathie Minor of Galveston, longtime companion Richard Knarr of Galveston, her children Katie (Curt) Riley of Greentown, Landon Knarr of Kokomo, and Michael, Vincent, and Ridge Knarr, all of Kokomo as well. She is also survived by grandchildren Ella Riley, Madelyn and Amelia Knarr, and two grandsons on the way: Jensen Riley due in June; and Oliver Knarr due in September. One sister survives, Amy Schlafman of Galveston, and a niece Melanie Schlafman. She is preceded in death by her father Charles M. “Mick” Minor and her grandmother Phyllis Synder.
A memorial visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to help cover funeral expenses. No gift is too small, and your support would be greatly appreciated. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. http://www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com/
Michael Thomas Belcher
Michael Thomas Belcher, 72, of Tipton, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, while surrounded by the love of his family. Michael was born on Monday, January 19, 1953, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to his parents Raymond Orebaugh and Carolyn Belcher. He married the love of his life Vicki Jean McMichael in 1994, sharing 31 years of marriage.
Michael attended trucking school after high school and drove a truck for a living. Over the years he drove for Kroger and Red Gold. He enjoyed nothing more than being on the road, whether it was in a truck, car, or any sort of vehicle.
Michael was a simple guy who liked the simple things in life. He never wanted to feel like he was a bother to anyone, so he often kept to himself. While he was a quiet fellow, his family always knew his deep love for them. He enjoyed being out in nature and fishing. He walked his little dog Petunia every chance he had. They had such a special bond; wherever he was, Petunia was right beside him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Those left to carry on Michael’s legacy of love are his wife Vicki Belcher, daughter Dawn Manning, brother Randy Belcher, aunt Phyllis Cain, 10 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and his loyal dog Petunia Beatrice Belcher.
Michael was welcomed into Heaven by his parents Raymond Orebaugh and Carolyn Belcher.
Out of respect for Michael’s wishes, no services are planned.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Michael’s family in their time of need.
Paul Maurice Jaecques
Paul Maurice Jaecques, 81, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025.
Paul was born on May 21, 1943, in East Moline, IL, to Maurice and Clara Corthier Jaecques. Throughout his life, Paul deeply admired the skill and work ethic of his father, who was a master molder for John Deere.
Following high school, Paul spent four years in the U.S. Navy, before spending his adult life in the Kokomo, IN, area, working as a respected firefighter, mechanic, and welder.
Paul was a gifted man, taking great pride in producing quality work. He was also highly intelligent and curious, becoming an expert on anything that interested him.
As his health declined in his later years, he chose to live a secluded life, enjoying projects, movies, and beer. He found peace and companionship from his pet homing pigeons and their gift of knowing how to find their way home.
Paul's passing was eased by the expert care of the nursing staff at Community Howard, who surrounded him with compassion in his final days.
Paul is survived by his sons Wess and Jeremiah Jaecques, five grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Cheryl Susan McCool
Cheryl Susan McCool, 66, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, March 29, 2025. She was born March 13, 1959, in Kokomo, the daughter of the late John P. & Mary Louise (Ogle) Hayes. On July 26, 2001, Cheryl married Jeffrey Allen “Jeff” McCool, and they shared 15 years together before his passing on September 25, 2016.
Born and raised in Indiana, Cheryl dedicated much of her life to caring for others. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in several nursing homes throughout Howard County, where her compassion and dedication touched many lives.
Cheryl found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, fishing, camping, and spending time with friends. Her beloved dog Sissy was a constant companion and source of comfort.
Cheryl is survived by her three children Angela (George) Miller, Jeremy Steele, and Amber (Nathaniel) Hocker, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Cheryl also leaves behind several nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jeff, six brothers and two sisters, a grandson, and a great-grandson.
In keeping with Cheryl’s wishes, no services will be held. Cremation has been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory. Memorial contributions may be made in Cheryl’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society.