Wayne Lee Franklin, Randall Lee Hunter, Sr., Saundra Johnson, Mable Joan Sparling, Christopher Matthew Hunter, Lawrence Eric Grove, Theodore Joseph Bennett, Belva Jean Spicer, Avery Lou Selzer
Wayne Lee Franklin
Wayne Lee Franklin, 87, passed at 9:44 AM on July 20, 2025, at home with his family by his side. He was born June 5, 1938, in Kokomo, the son of Elsie Mae Wallace and William Thomas Franklin Sr.
He married his one true love and soulmate Judy Ann Dowden on May 19, 1963, in Kokomo. He served proudly in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957 to 1960. He then went on to work for Delco Electronics until his retirement on January 29, 1993, after 28 years of service. He was a past member of the Eagles Lodge and a lifetime member of the Jr. Order of United American Mechanics.
Survivors are his son Perry L. (Shannon) Shelton of Alabama, son Roger K. (Melanie) Franklin of Kokomo, daughter Marletta J. (George) Huddleston of Kokomo, 18 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, three fur babies, sister June Irwin of Kokomo, brother Tom Franklin of Arkansas, sister Diane Beesley of Kokomo, and sister Elsie (Ted) Miller of Kokomo.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one true love and soulmate Judy Franklin, son Doyle Dowler, and sister Kathy Hawkins.
A visitation for Wayne will be held Thursday, July 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, IN 46902, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Wayne will be laid to rest in Albright Cemetery. Per Wayne's request, please come dressed in your favorite sports gear and/or casual attire.
Randall Lee Hunter, Sr.
Randall Lee Hunter, Sr., 69, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his home on July 18, 2025. He was born on November 17, 1955, in Evansville, Indiana, the son of Zenus Hunter and Estel Louise Hancock (Woods). He married Mary "Geneva" (Wagner) Hunter, who survives.
After 30 years of employment, Randy retired from Chrysler in July of 2006. He served as a proud member of UAW Local 685 and retired while serving as a committeeman. He loved upholding the UAW Local 685 contract and worked at always remaining rational, kind, and fair while fighting for the rights of all Chrysler employees. Upon retiring from Chrysler, he began driving a fish truck for Sweetwater Springs Fish Farm. This position allowed him to travel and see the country. It also provided him with a great place to fish. This quickly became his favorite fishing hole where he loved fishing with his family.
Randy had a deep love for dirt track racing and spent many years behind the wheel at Kokomo Speedway, where he earned the nickname “The Backwards King.” In his later years, he could be found tooling around in his garage, repairing lawn mowers or admiring his 1972 Chevelle. He had a real talent for fixing small engines and often did it for next to nothing, just because he enjoyed helping people and staying busy.
More than anything, Randy treasured his family. He was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loving grandfather, and a loyal companion to his dog Smokey.
He is survived by: his wife Mary (Geneva) Hunter; his daughter Wendy (Robert) Woods of Bell Buckle, TN; his son Randall (Julie) Hunter of Kokomo, IN; his grandchildren Gage (Casey) Dane, Nash Hunter, Berkley Hunter, and Brinlynn Hunter; his great-grandchildren Scout Dane, Sebastian Hunter, Parker Hunter, and Leilani Hunter; his sisters Tammy (Bill) Rubow, Durenda (Mark) Mackey, Rena (James) Smith, and Liz (Billy) Bryant; and many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him deeply.
Randy will be remembered for his loving and kind nature, and his storytelling abilities, which frequently made people cry from laughing.
Randy was preceded in death by: his father Zenus Hunter; his mother Estel Louise Hancock (Woods); and his son-in-law Michael Dane.
Visitation for friends and family will be 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services celebrating Randy’s life will be held immediately following visitation at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road Kokomo, Indiana, 46902, with Pastor Charlie Riley officiating. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery in Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Randy by donating to the Kokomo Humane Society.
Saundra Johnson
Saundra “Sandy” Sue Johnson, age 83, of Kokomo, died peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, July 20, 2025. She was born on February 25, 1942, in Kokomo, IN, to the late Glenn E. and Rosemary D. Rodgers (Floyd).
She was a 1960 graduate of Kokomo High School and later went on to become a paraprofessional for the Kokomo School System, providing support to the teachers and students. On May 9, 1986, she married Terry Johnson, and the two blended their families.
Sandy was a beautiful woman with a warm heart of gold. She was never too busy to listen to you or the kids and help where needed. She loved to cook and made the best peanut butter fudge and cookies in this world, often sharing them at family gatherings and other events. Her dirt pudding was well known among her family and friends. Sandy had a creative streak, always making arts and crafts, putting silk arrangements together, helping with a wedding, or simply decorating her walls.
She worked in Kokomo Schools with Dave and Janet, as well as others in the severe and special needs department. She loved her special kids. Sandy was always excited to see the children and had a big hug and a kiss for them. She worried and cared for them all as if they were her own. Sandy will be remembered as being a great wife, a super mother, and a wonderful grandmother!
She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband of 40 years Terry Johnson; children Marla (Jesse) Platt, Laura (Jeff) Randolph, Amy (James Cook) Todd, Michael, and Jason Davis, and Kristena and Dustena Johnson; brothers Glenn “Butch” and Mike Rodgers; grandchildren Allen, Heather, and Ashely Johnson, Amber, Phillip, Robert, and Andy Randolph, Tabetha, Bethany, and Kendra Johnson, Usha Re' Todd, Zade and Jayden Davis, Troy, Dakota, Dylan, Devan, Braydan, and Rylan Johnson, as well as several great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by: her daughter Tammy Carpenter; son Jeffrey Todd; grandson Corey Johnson; great-grandsons Corbin, Caleb, and Declan; and Terry's daughter Terrena Johnson.
Sandy’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Compassus Hospice for the care they gave during her final days.
Visitation will be Friday, July 25, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Northside Village Church of the Nazarene, 2419 N. Locke Street, Kokomo, IN 46901. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM at the church, officiated by Pastor Matt Ellis. Burial will be at Crown Point Cemetery, Kokomo, IN. Flowers may be delivered to the church on Friday between 9:00 – 11:00 AM. For additional information and to view Sandy’s online obituary, please visit www.churchfuneralsdirect.com.
Mable Joan Sparling
Mable Joan Sparling was born on July 3, 1937, to Lloyd and Irene (Murphy) Sparling. On September 25, 1954, she married William (Vern) Lea. They would have been celebrating 71 years of marriage in September. Mable was a wonderful wife and mother. She raised four children, her brother, and granddaughter. She worked at Syndicate Sales and Delco. At Delco, she worked in Fab II and the Test Area in Plant 8. Mable and Vern spent many wonderful winters in Fort Myers, Florida, at Royal Palm Village.
She is survived by: her husband Vern; her four children Sheila (Greg) Flora, Sam (Margie) Lea, Jim (Tina) Lea, and Teresa Lea; nine grandchildren Liz (Mo) Shipley, Ryan Lea & Paula, Michael (Jackie) Flora, Drew Flora, Molly (Chris) Becraft, Chelsea (Levi) Burch, Anna Lea & Steven, Pete (Chloe) Lea, and Lisa (Jason) Dickison; 17 great-grandchildren (and another due in November); sisters Sharon Diceston and Beverley Faust; sisters-in-law Pat Sparling, Edna Lea, and Judy Purkey; brothers-in-law Jerry St. Clair and Nathan Benscoter; and many loved nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death are: her parents; Vern's parents; sisters Ollie Lawson and Barbara Carolyn St. Clair; brother Al Sparling; brothers-in-law Bill Diceston, Terry Faust, Ansel Lea, Lawrence Pyles, and Walter Purkey; and sister-in-law Margaret Pyles Wallace. We would also like to thank Guardian Angels Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Shriners Children's Hospital in Chicago. Vern felt very privileged to drive patients in the Shriner's van. Shriner's Children Chicago Office of Philanthropy 2211 N. Oak Park Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60707 or to the Kokomo Rescue Mission 331 W. Mulberry St. Kokomo, Indiana 46901
Visitation will be Friday, July 25, 2025, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo. Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Mable will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 W. Alto Rd., Kokomo, following the funeral service.
Christopher Matthew Hunter
Christopher Matthew Hunter, 51, Kokomo, passed away at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. He was born on January 2, 1974, in Kokomo to Steve and Donna (Hamblin) Hunter.
Hunter was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local 20 and was most recently employed by Kirk & Blum Manufacturing Company. Before joining the union, he worked for various private contractors.
Hunter enjoyed the simple things in life, from fishing and golf to spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed collecting action figures, attending music concerts, and watching firework shows, as well as having a beer or Patron with friends. Hunter was a loving and kind soul whose final gift to others will live on through his choice to be an organ donor.
He is survived by: his uncles Paul (Carla) Hamblin and Joey (Cathy) Hamblin; aunts Patricia Maxwell and Terri Hamblin; cousins John (Aimee) Maxwell, Ann (Shane) Nesius, Jimmy (Becca) Maxwell, Jeff (Mikki) Maxwell, Justin Hamblin, Craig Hamblin, Chad Hamblin, and Kristen Hamblin; stepsister Kimberly (Don) Peters; stepbrother Scott (Michelle) Lobeck; as well as many other cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother Steve (Pam) Hunter, mother Donna Hunter, and uncle Billy Hamblin.
A celebration of Hunter’s life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a blessing at 4 p.m., at 11655 W. 100 N, Kokomo, IN. 46901. Memorial contributions may be made to Indiana Organ Donors Organization https://indianadonornetwork.org/foundation/. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Lawrence Eric Grove
In the verdant lands of Tipton, Indiana, under the watchful gaze of winter's constellation, Lawrence Eric Grove first drew breath on the sixteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and sixty. His life, a tapestry woven with the vibrant threads of mirth, love, and adventure, was a testament to the joy and beauty that one soul can bring into this world.
Lawrence, a son of the earth, found his solace in the embrace of nature, riding his steed of steel and rubber through the whispering winds, casting lines into the still waters in hopes of a piscine dance, and laying his head beneath the stars whilst the embers of a campfire sang him to slumber. His laughter was a melody that harmonized with the rustling leaves, and his spirit as untamed as the rivers he so cherished.
He was a brother to the moon and the sun, sharing his light and warmth with his kin: the steadfast Diana Day, the gracious Lisa Martin, the spirited Carol Grove, and the noble Thomas Fletcher. A constellation of nieces and nephews orbited him, each a star ignited by his love and joy. Lawrence's journey preceded those of his noble parents, Harold Eugene Grove and Shirley Marie Bitner, and his valiant brothers, Audie Grove and Brett Grove, who now welcome him to the eternal banquet.
The world knew Lawrence as a man of laughter, a jester whose wit could slice through sorrow as a sword through air. His heart, a chalice brimming with love, overflowed and quenched the thirst of all who knew him. Adventurous was his soul, ever questing for the next horizon, the next peak to conquer, the next river to ford. His presence was a balm to the weary, a spark to the listless, and a beacon to the lost.
As the sun sets on the life of Lawrence Eric Grove, let us not don the robes of mourning, but rather celebrate the play that was his life. For in the grand theatre of existence, he played his part with a fervor that would make the Bard himself stand in ovation. Let the curtains fall with a gentle whisper, as we bid farewell to a man whose story was penned with the ink of vitality and whose chapters were graced with the beauty of the natural world he so adored.
And so, on the nineteenth day of July, in the year two thousand and twenty-five, in the town of Kokomo, Indiana, Lawrence Eric Grove did lay down his earthly mantle. Yet, let us not speak of endings, for the essence of a man such as he cannot be contained by the mortal coil. His spirit, now unbound, rides the eternal trails and fishes in the celestial streams, his laughter echoing in the rustle of the leaves and the babble of the brooks.
Fare thee well, Lawrence Eric Grove, son of Tipton, brother of the wilds, and friend to all. Thou hast left this world richer for thy presence, and thy memory shall be a treasure locked within the hearts of those who loved thee, until the stars themselves do fade. City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Theodore Joseph Bennett
Theodore Joseph Bennett was gently placed into the arms of his heavenly Father on Friday, July 18, 2025, at Marion General Hospital in Marion, Indiana. Even though his time was short, Theodore was deeply loved and will always be remembered by those that loved him.
“You never arrived in my arms, but you will never leave my heart.” ~Unknown
Theodore was the cherished son of Randy Bennett & Nachelle Carter. In addition to his parents, Theodore was loved and is survived by his siblings Sarah, Little Randy, Axle, Diesel, Kory, and Barron, as well as grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many cousins.
Theodore was welcomed into heaven by his nana Angie Bennett, uncles Cory Carter and Kevin Carter, and his brother Winston Bennett.
"An Angel Never Dies"
Don't let them say, I wasn't born
That something stopped my heart
I felt each tender squeeze you gave
I've loved you from the start.
Although my body you can't hold,
It doesn't mean I'm gone.
This world was worthy, not, of me
God chose that I move on.
I know the pain that drowns your soul,
What you are forced to face.
You have my word, I'll fill your arms
Someday we will embrace.
You'll hear that it was "meant to be,
God doesn't make mistakes"
But that won't soften your worst blow...
Or make your heart not ache.
I'm watching over all you do,
another child you'll bear.
Believe me when I say to you,
That I am always there.
There will come a time, I promise you
When you will hold my hand,
Stroke my face and kiss my lips
And then you'll understand.
Although, I've never breathed your air,
Or gazed into your eyes...
That doesn't mean I never "was"
An angel never dies.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to care for Winston’s family in their time of need.
Belva Jean Spicer
Belva Jean Spicer, age 81, a lifetime resident of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. She was born April 8, 1944, to the late Eugene and Patty Hite. She married Larry Spicer in 1962, and he survives.
In her younger years, Belva enjoyed traveling and camping, in a camper of course, with her family. Belva was a caretaker at heart. She put everyone before herself, and she did it with a smile on her face. She dedicated her life to others, especially her family whom she loved dearly. She was a great on-on-one conversationalist, always making you feel cared and loved for. She was an exceptional baker of cakes and candies, spending countless hours in the kitchen creating something sweet for her loved ones to try. Belva gained great joy from playing and making up games for her grandchildren. She always remained child-like and youthful.
She loved Jesus and was a previous member of Abundant Life Church and continued her worship through the radio when she could no longer physically attend service.
Belva is survived by her loving husband Larry Spicer, children Tammy Evans and Brent Spicer, grandchildren Shannon Bay, Dustin Spicer, and Duncan Spicer, great grandchildren Junnah Bay, Mahayla Bay, Loxley Bay, Devon Spicer, Eli Spicer, and Wyatt Spicer, and siblings Carol Turner and Wes Hite.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister Pam Mann.
Per Belva's wishes there will not be a public service. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to your favorite animal-related charity, as Belva was a true animal lover.
Avery Lou Selzer
Avery Lou Selzer, 69, Kokomo, passed away at 6:58 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health. She was born on January 11, 1956, to the late David Burge and Wanda (Webster) Greer. On August 12, 1977, she married Douglas Peters, who preceded her in death by cancer on April 3, 2018. On July 22, 2005, she married Patrick Selzer, and he preceded her in death on December 8, 2021.
Avery took pride in caring for her family and home. She loved Hallmark movies, playing games on her phone, and sewing. She enjoyed the simple things, like a good bowl of ice cream, or dipping her Doritos in cottage cheese, combined with an ice-cold Diet Pepsi.
Avery is survived by: her children Zoah Peters, Kerovan (Olivia) Peters, and Ira Peters; grandchildren Donald Marcum, Jayden Rodriguez, Shayla Dominguez, Damien Peters, Zander Peters, Jersey Rayn, Lois Peters, Alana Meyer, and Chole Peters; siblings Audrey Burge, Kim (Joe) Peters, Catherine Wheadon, and Stacy Burge; along with several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Wanda and Harry Greer, and David and Peggy Burge, her husbands, and brother Bruce Burge.
In keeping with Avery’s wishes, there will be no services at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.