Marla Denise Keck, Doyle Edward "Ed" Hayes, Lisa J. Patrick, David L. Hartman, Robert Joseph Crabtree, Nancy Ellen Jewell
Marla Denise Keck
Marla Denise Keck, age 58, a lifelong resident of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, May 11, 2025. She was born January 29, 1967, to Robert and Jewel Keck.
Marla graduated from Kokomo High School in 1985. She then attended ITT and graduated with an Associate degree in Business in 1987. She was currently working as a compliance manager for CNO Financial Group and had been with them for more than 35 years. Marla was a free spirit. She absolutely loved music and would travel great distances to see her favorite musicians. She attended approximately 140 Luke Bryan concerts and made many friends along the way. She never let her wheelchair define her. She went on many of these trips by herself, including flying to California and Mexico. Whenever someone challenged her ability to do anything, she responded with, "Watch me." She expressed herself in many ways, including her purple hair color and extensive wardrobe. She was thoughtful and giving. You may have been one of the lucky ones to receive a confetti bomb card from her. She loved to bake, always participating in the work carry-ins. She devoted herself selflessly to being the primary caregiver to her parents, always giving them the same love and support they gave to her. They all three attended Amana Missionary Baptist Church.
Marla is survived by her parents Robert "Jackie" Keck and Jewel Keck, her special cousins Debbie Owens and Melissa Keck, her best friend Monica Sousa, and their family friend Nancy Morgan.
She is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Elder Robert Williams and Lora Williams and her paternal grandparents Edgar Keck and Garrie Keck.
A visitation for Marla will be held Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM officiated by Pastor Ryan Morgan and Elder Jeff Moran.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marla's memory may be made to We Care, 1700 County Rd E 100 N, Kokomo, Indiana 46901, a foundation that she supported annually, or the Kokomo Humane Society, 729 E Hoffer St, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, in honor of her love for animals.
Doyle Edward "Ed" Hayes
Doyle Edward "Ed" Hayes, 81, Kokomo, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 11, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born September 3, 1943, in Kokomo, Ed was the son of the late Doyle E. Hayes and Elizabeth Ann (Cone) Hightower. On August 21, 1965, he married Sharon Schafer at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Kokomo. Together they shared a life filled with love, laughter, and family.
Ed graduated from Kokomo High School in 1961 and proudly served his country in the United States Army. He retired from General Motors as a millwright and was known for his strong work ethic and dedication. Outside of work, he lived life to the fullest. An avid golfer and member of both the Road Kings and the American Legion, Ed also enjoyed racing motocross motorcycles, coaching little league baseball, fishing, country dancing, and spending time with horses. His sense of humor and love for making people laugh left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Above all else, Ed cherished time with his family. He especially looked forward to gatherings with his grandchildren and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Along with his beloved wife Sharon, Ed is survived by his daughter Ann (Ron) Mickelson, grandchildren Hunter (Allie) Mickelson and Alec (Annalauren) Mickelson, siblings Peggy Spence, Cathy (Dan) Valcke, and Rick Hayes, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law Mike Spence.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Rev. Kyle Neterer officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. The Rosary will be offered at 3:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Ed's memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Lisa J. Patrick
Lisa J. Patrick, 61, Frankfort, passed away at 7:37 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at her home. She was born in Frankfort on October 10, 1963, to the late Fred Stenson and Mary (Utz) Reed. On March 17, 2001, at Union Baptist Church, she married Jeremy Patrick, and he survives.
Lisa graduated from Clinton Central High School in 1982. She was a bus driver for Clinton Prairie School Corp., and she loved the kids on her bus. She loved animals, especially her Koi fish, her Australian Shepherd Eva, and the Arabian horses she raised as a child. She loved reading her Bible and visiting the Outer Bank in North Carolina.
Along with her husband Jeremy, Lisa is survived by her son Sean Michael Patrick, brother Jon Stenson, and niece Amy (Craig) Lawson.
She was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Mary and her stepfather James Reed, who helped raise her.
A memorial service celebrating Lisa’s life will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Faith Family Church, 508 West Green Street, Frankfort, IN, with Pastors Ron Masters and Mark Sanders officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
David L. Hartman
David L. Hartman, 76, of Kokomo, was called from his home on earth to be with our Lord in Heaven on Thursday, May 8, at 3:46 a.m. at Ascension St. Vincent Emergency Room in Kokomo. He was born on November 26, 1948, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Arthur and Opal (Byers) Hartman. He was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church. He married the love of his life Janet A. Prange on August 12, 1972, at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Birmingham, Michigan, by Rev. Peter Prange. They were blessed with 52 years of marriage. They enjoyed going to Shipshewana, family vacations to state parks, Niagara Falls and other waterfalls, going to various zoos, and staying at bed and breakfasts. They took pleasure in hosting many family and friend gatherings.
David was a 1967 Northwestern High School graduate, where he first found his love for basketball on the high school team. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army Reserves and served his country for six years. He was a lifelong farmer. He raised tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, soybeans, wheat, and swine. He loved tilling the ground and working alongside his father, children, and grandson on the family farm in Howard County. It gave him great pleasure to give rides in the machinery to children, grandchildren, and many other family and friends. He was a 10-year Howard County 4-H member. He enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with their 4-H projects for many years. He loved watching his grandchildren play sports, dance, compete in 4-H and many other activities. He was an avid Purdue basketball fan, and he loved his large hat collection of 100 hats. He enjoyed coaching the KASH basketball team for more than 15 years. He viewed this as an opportunity to minister to many young men and their families.
His love for the Lord and his Christian faith were very important to him. He pastored in the Lutheran Church for over 40 years and witnessed to many. David and Janet hosted the King James Bible Conference for more than 10 years, where they fellowshipped with many other believers in the Lutheran faith.
Surviving family include his mother Opal Hartman, his wife Janet Hartman, and his children Jonathan (Christy) Hartman, Elizabeth (Mongi) Farhat, Rebekah (Bryce) Mozzone, Johanna (Josh) Gambrell, Joshua (Sarah) Hartman, Daniel Hartman, Naomi (Travis) Rombold, Sarah (Wes) Pitzer, Benjamin Hartman, and Mary (Jordan) Morkved. David is also survived by 27 grandchildren and siblings Linda (John) Alley, Joyce (Gene) Paschka, Marge Bunn, and Patti (Tom) Stout. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his father Arthur Hartman, daughter-in-law Heather Hartman and grandchildren Skyler Grant, Abigail Hartman, Genesis Hartman, and others loved even before we could hold them.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following organizations: Mission Enablers International (attach a separate note indicating that the donation goes to Josh and Johanna Gambrell with a designation code GJ3904); the International Christian Concern; or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 705 E. Southway Blvd., Kokomo, Indiana 46902 with funeral services to follow Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation one hour before services. Burial will follow in North Union Cemetery in western Howard County.
Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hartman family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Robert Joseph Crabtree
Robert Joseph Crabtree, a man of unwavering faith and boundless generosity, passed away on May 12, 2025, at the age of 66. Born on April 7, 1959, in Anderson, Indiana, Robert's life was a testament to the power of kindness and the joy of giving. He departed this world in Kokomo, Indiana, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness and a community enriched by his presence.
He was a brother to Wanda Key, Jerry Crabtree, Sandy Jarboe, Charles Sedden, and Cynthia Hudson (Randy), as well as Harry Free (Rhonda) and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, his parents, and siblings Nel Saylor, Patricia Lowe, and Paul Crabtree.
Robert is survived by very special friend Connie Lushin-Williams and her family. He wanted a family, and they took him in at the age of 26, taught him life lessons, and allowed him to experience the meaning and love of family and life. This allowed him to accomplish many things in life through his trust in Jesus. God put Connie's family in his life when he most needed it. He is also survived by his neighbors Jody and Marie Campbell, who were Robert's neighbors for many years. They made sure he was fed well and became his good friends. They have been a wonderful support to Connie through the years.
A handyman by trade, Robert could often be found working diligently on anything that needed fixing. His time on a turkey farm showcased his versatility and work ethic, traits that were admired by all who worked alongside him. Robert's hands were rarely still, for he believed in the dignity of labor and the value of a job well done.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Robert was known affectionately as the "TV man" due to his passion for collecting and selling televisions. His hobby was more than a pastime; it was a means of connecting with others. Robert's avid participation in garage sales was not driven by profit but by the pleasure of finding treasures that he could share with those in need. His generosity extended beyond his lifetime, as his collected items found new homes with people who cherished them.
Robert's approach to life was simple: be a friend to all. He never missed an opportunity to strike up a conversation with a stranger on the street, offering a smile and a kind word. His loyalty was unwavering, and his ability to make others feel seen and heard was one of his most remarkable qualities.
Faith-filled and selfless, Robert lived his beliefs every day. He was a man who practiced what he preached, and his actions spoke volumes about the depth of his character. His spirit of generosity was not just a part of who he was; it was the essence of his being. Robert took the next step in his faith when he became baptized at Crossroads Community Church downtown.
As we bid farewell to Robert Joseph Crabtree, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. His memory will continue to inspire us to live with kindness, to give without expectation, and to cherish the connections we make with one another. Though he has left our sight, the impact of his generous spirit will remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, dear Robert, until we meet again.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Robert on June 7, 2025, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at 2005 Capitol Hill Ct. in Kokomo, 46902. City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Nancy Ellen Jewell
Nancy Ellen Jewell, 63, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:44 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at her home. She was born on July 19, 1961, in Livingston, TN, daughter of the late Joe and Barbara “Jean” (Lee) Pardue. On August 15, 1992, she married Anthony Joseph Jewell Sr., and he preceded her in death on March 5, 2022.
Nancy was a 1979 graduate of Kokomo High School and received her associate’s degree as a medical assistant at Ivy Tech. She worked as a medical assistant at St. Joseph Hospital for 15 years. Nancy also worked at Goodwill for four years and American Health Network for 10 years. She enjoyed watching That ‘70s Show and Seinfeld. Nancy was a Colts fan and enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and grandpuppy Oreo.
Nancy is survived by her children James (Amy) Long III, Anthony (Kara) Jewell Jr., and Ernie Long, grandchildren Dakota Hildman, Cameron Hildman, Dustin Long, Alyssa Long, Silas Long, and Braytyn Jewell, siblings Patricia (Ed) Long, Betty (Allen) Sandlin, and Jeff Pardue, and four nephews, six nieces, nine great-nieces, and nine great-nephews.
Along with her husband Anthony, she was preceded in death by her parents and grandson James Long IV.
Services are pending with Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory.