Karen Marie Barnes, Sarah L. (Daniels) Lear, Michael “Mike” Anthony Slayton, Billy DeWayne Williams, Joseph “Joe” Francis O’Brien, Michael Jack Lovegrove, Crystal K. Rinehart
Karen Marie Barnes
Karen Marie Barnes, 64, of Kokomo, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2025, at IU Methodist Hospital – Indianapolis. She was born on November 27, 1960, in Hartford, CT, the daughter of Robert and Mary (Hyatt) Koerber. On May 13, 2000, she married David Barnes, and he survives.
Karen, graduated from Bacon Academy High School in 1978, Word of Life Bible Institute in 1979, and Cedarville College in 1983. She later went to Indiana Institute of Technology where she earned a bachelor’s degree. She retired after 37 years of being a juvenile probation officer from Howard County. Karen enjoyed hiking, sewing, cooking, reading, traveling, and baking cakes. She was a caring mother, and her grandchildren were the center of her world. Karen was a member of Crossroads Community Church.
Along with her husband of 25 years David Barnes, she is survived by her children Tyler (Gretchen) Barnes, and Kebrina (Josh) Harrison; grandchildren, Wyatt, Isla, Piper, Archie, Willow, and Cora; and brother Jim (Michele) Koerber.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents Robert & Mary Koerber and sister Cindy Koerber.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Crossroads Community Church, 4254 S 00 EW, Kokomo, with Pastor Dave Welsh officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Karen Barnes Memorial Fund – Foster Care in the care of Crossroads Community Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Sarah L. (Daniels) Lear
Sarah L. (Daniels) Lear, 84, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 10, at 10:50 PM, at Kokomo Place. She was born April 8, 1941, in Kokomo to Russell and Agnes (Kiger) Daniels. She graduated from Kokomo High School in 1959 and on September 28, 1963, married Lloyd Eugene Lear, who preceded her in death, in a ceremony officiated by the Reverend C. Raymond Earle at Wayne Dale United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Sarah was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a full-time homemaker until March 1987, when she began working as secretary for the 4-H programs at the Purdue-Howard County Extension Office. She served the community with dedication until her retirement in 2004, leaving a lasting impact on local youth and families.
She was also an active member of Main Street United Methodist Church, where she joyfully participated in the choir and the bells ensemble, sharing her love of music and fellowship with her church family.
Sarah is survived by her four children: Michelle Sanders of St. Louis, MO; Tamara (Michael) Alfred of Lexington, KY; Christopher (Dustina) Lear of Raleigh, NC; and Matthew (Kelli) Lear of Garrett, IN. She is also survived by grandchildren Bradley (Samantha) Lear, Zachary (Megan) Alfred, Kaitlynd Lear, Nathan Lear, Nick (Charlotte) Bryan, Cody Bryan (fiancée Madelynn Wetzel), Britton (Jordin) Hardy, Jacob (DomUnique) Lear, Briley Shellman, Madeline Hardy, and Boston Lear; and great-grandchildren Alexis Marie Lear, Adonis Hardy, Dawson Lear, Drayson Lear, Daelan Lear, Jace Alonzo-Bryan, Zachary Bryan, Jaxson Bryan, Kaeson Bryan, Kanan Bryan, and AvaLynn Bryan.
Also surviving are her sister Paula McBay of Greensboro, NC; sisters-in-law Katie Daniels of Winona Lake, IN, and Patricia Lear of Kokomo, IN; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law Lloyd James and Bertha (Reynolds) Lear; sisters and brothers-in-law Barbara and Reed Shelby, and Phyllis and Darlton Lavengood; brother Dale Daniels; and brother-in-law Charles A. Lear.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 14, 2025, between 12-2 PM followed by a brief service at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Entombment will follow. Memorial contributions may be made in Sarah’s memory to Main Street United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Michael “Mike” Anthony Slayton
Michael “Mike” Anthony Slayton, 71 years old, of Kokomo, IN, passed away Wednesday August 6, 2025, at his home. He was born in Indianapolis, IN, on September 18, 1953, the son of the late Carl and Lois (Tuttle) Slayton. On November 30, 1985, he married Tami (Barker) in Indianapolis, IN, and she survives.
Mike was a graduate of Tech High School in Indianapolis. He retired from General Motors after 30 years of service as a machine operator. Mike was the most kind and sweet man that you would ever meet. He took the best care of his wife, their children, and their grandchildren. He loved them dearly. Mike was an avid sports fan and liked cheering for the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, and Indiana University basketball.
In addition to his wife Tami, he is survived by his children Chad Myers, Kim (Jeremy) Stephens, and Kenny Myers; brothers Terry Slayton, Ron Slayton, Jeff Slayton, and Tony Slayton; grandchildren CJ Myers, Natalie Stephens, Ben Stephens, Madison Myers, Mackenzie Myers, and Hannah Myers; and great-grandchildren Renesmee and Grayson.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Lois Slayton.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. A memorial service celebrating Mike’s life will begin 3 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Grant officiating.
Billy DeWayne Williams
Billy DeWayne Williams was born on June 1, 1952 in Chicago, IL, to Claudia Mae Williams and William “Bill” Sidney Douglass.
Billy D served in the United States Air Force and settled in Kokomo, IN, after being stationed at Grissom Air Force Base. Billy D loved to cook for his family and friends and prided himself on his barbeque and greens; especially his custom infamous barbeque sauce. He would often say, “You could put my sauce on a rock and eat it.”
Billy D was a huge advocate for veterans and workers. His labor advocacy was brought to the forefront during the COVID crisis when he felt workers at his place of employment were not being treated fairly.
Although faced with numerous health issues, Billy D wanted to live the rest of his days on his own terms. His annual Father’s Day cookout was the highlight of his life, and he put everything he had into his final cookout in the summer of 2025. Billy D went home to his heavenly reward on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 in Kokomo, IN.
To cherish his memory, Billy is survived by his five children DeAngela Roberson, Brian (Melissa) Williams, LaCandra Barbary, Tiffany Williams, and LaBradford (Mercedes) Williams; eight grandchildren Jade Williams, Jada Roberson, DaShaun Barbary, Bakari Williams, Amari Barbary, Aliyah Barbary, Braylen Williams, and Jaemin Williams; two great-grandchildren Aiden Roberson & Sa'Layah Barbary; five sisters Kim Douglass, Linda White, DeAnna Epps, Anita Roberts, and Lois Hayes; four brothers Michael Williams, Kenneth Sims, Brian Douglass, and Keith Douglass; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Billy D is also survived by his former wife Robin (Parham) Gaillard, who helped him tremendously in his remaining days.
Billy D was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ronald Williams, Anthony “Tony” Williams, Laurice Williams, Stanley Douglass, Bruce Douglass, and Rufus "Junior" Jenkins; and sisters Shari Douglass & Ruby "Jeanne" Johnson.
A memorial service for Billy will take place Sat., Aug. 16, from 11 a.m. until noon at Mt. Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 1599 E. Sycamore St. N.L. Bluitt, Jr. Funeral Chapel, Inc., was entrusted with the arrangements. www.bluittandson.com
Joseph “Joe” Francis O’Brien
Joseph “Joe” Francis O’Brien, 80, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia, surrounded by family and friends. He was born August 30, 1944, the youngest of seven children in Vanceboro, Maine, the son of the late Chester D. & Velma M. (Grass) O’Brien. Joe graduated from Vanceboro High School in June of 1962 and joined the United States Navy the very same month. Thirteen years after high school, he earned his BBA in just three years from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.
Joe had a strong work ethic and passion for life and travel.
At 10, he mowed yards to earn money for a new bicycle (and stylish clothes). Joe had a long tenure in management for Bellsouth (AT&T) and retired in 2002 at 58.
Joe was a stylish dresser in his youth, known to wear plaid pants and bright colors. Sunflowers were his favorite flowers. In high school, he loved to dance, and the girls thought he was quite the dancer. Joe collected rooster and Santa Claus figurines and was especially proud of his two dragon tattoos. Joe had a vivid soul with a memorable personality.
In 1970, eager to see the world, he traveled for three months, visiting Europe, Egypt, and India. Later in his lifetime, he visited Russia, China, Australia, and South America, among other countries and continents. In his domestic travels, he sought out county, state, and national fairs and festivals.
In Joe’s travels, a weekend trip to Atlantic City with a group of friends turned into a life-changing encounter. While on the boardwalk, Joe and his friends happened to meet Don (who may or may not have already spotted them on the Boardwalk). They invited him to a casual dinner at McDonald’s (specifically a #1 value meal). While at dinner, Joe shyly invited Don for a stroll on the Boardwalk. From that moment their lives were one, together.
Joe and Don moved to Atlanta in 1979 with a dream to open their own piano and organ retail store. They were unsuccessful in starting a business but found their current home in Atlanta, a dilapidated house that they restored together, doing all the work themselves.
Joe loved working in the yard, and he and Don are well-known in their neighborhood.
Joe is survived by his husband of 53 years Donnie “Don” G. Newby, formerly of West Middleton, Indiana; sister Clarice (Frank) Bettencourt of Sacramento, California; Maxx, his miniature schnauzer; and a large extended family of nieces and nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; siblings Eugene “Pippin” O’Brien, Colby O’Brien, Eddie O’Brien, Martha Fish, and Patsy O’Brien; and mother & father-in-law Loren and Ruth Newby.
Funeral services celebrating Joe’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, Indiana. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12 noon until time of service on Saturday at the funeral home. The funeral service will be viewable via webcast at the time of the service on Saturday on Joe’s obituary page at https://www.shirleyandstout.com, where messages of condolence may also be left.
Michael Jack Lovegrove
Michael Jack Lovegrove passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on August 7, 2025, in Kokomo, Indiana, the same town he was born in on November 17, 1941. His life was a testament to his dedication to his family, friends and work.
Mike was the beloved son of the late Aubrey Hamilton and Nora Elizabeth Lovegrove of Kokomo. He grew up in a busy household with his siblings Linda Dubbs, the late Reba Hall, Carolyn Wenger, and Aubrey, Bill, Tim, Jeff, and Bob Lovegrove, all of whom inherited the family’s warmth and industrious spirit. Mike’s life was forever changed when he met and married his high school sweetheart Linda. They married on November 21, 1959, at Hillsdale Church in Kokomo. Then, together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and lasting memories.
Mike was a graduate of Northwestern High School, the class of 1960. He was known for his friendly demeanor and thoughtful nature. He began his career at the Kokomo Chrysler plant in the heat treat department and ended his career as a tool maker and retired at 50 years old with 32 years of dedicated service to the UAW in 1989. Following retirement, Mike’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own successful business, “Mike Lovegrove Construction Concrete Work” where he continued to apply his concrete skills and strong work ethic. With the support of his wife Linda and his great zeal for working hard, he ran his concrete business until age 83.
Mike’s life was characterized by his devotion to his family, which included his four children, Jack (Jan) Lovegrove, Julie (Phil) Shrock, Rick (Amy) Lovegrove, and Bret Lovegrove. He was a grandfather to 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was a pillar of strength and support to his entire family while instilling in them the family motto … “It’s a Lovegrove thing.”
Over the years, Mike was an active member at church, attending Chapel Hill Christian Church. He also attended Bon Air Church of the Nazarene, and for the past several years Abundant Life Church, all in Kokomo, Indiana. He spent many years serving in various ways and enjoyed giving freely of his time.
Mike will be remembered as a man who lived his life with purpose and passion. His legacy of kindness, hard work, and dedication to his loved ones will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of his family and friends. Mike’s life was a journey of love, faith, and laughter, and he leaves behind fond memories to all who loved him.
The family would like to send a special thank you to the warm-hearted staff of Paradigm Hospice Care for the support and compassion during Mike’s last days.
A Celebration of life for Mike will be held at Abundant Life Church in Kokomo on Thursday, August 21, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a service immediately following. Officiating will be Pastor Charlie Riley and Larry Hale. Mike’s final resting place will be at Sunset Memory Garden Kokomo. In honoring Mike’s wishes there will be no graveside service.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Crystal K. Rinehart
Crystal K. Rinehart, 86, of Walton, passed away Sunday, August 3, 2025, at her home with her family by her side. She was born June 30, 1939, in Francesville, Indiana, to Earl and Opal Myers. She married Richard L. Rinehart, and he preceded her in death.
Crystal worked for Wilson Foods for many years. She enjoyed crochet and knitting in her spare time.
Surviving family include her children Jean Ann Sherman of Tucson, Arizona, and Diana Weir and husband Mike Owens of Walton, Indiana. She is also survived by six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and one sister Linda Birnell of Walton. She was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.
In keeping with Crystal’s wishes, no services are planned at this time. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com