Shelvy Jean Leighty, Harold Eugene Hartman, William H. Donson, Willa Von “Willy” Christopher-Tully, Keith Patrick Thompson
Shelvy Jean Leighty
Shelvy Jean Leighty, 88, Kokomo, passed away at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Waterford Health Campus. She was born in Tompkinsville, KY, on September 21, 1937, to the late William Hale and Edith (Curtis) Hale. Shelvy married Robert Leighty on April 3, 1983, and he preceded her in death on December 26, 2014.
Shelvy worked for St. Joseph Hospital as an EMT for five years. She enjoyed traveling in her youth, occasional casino trips, and cruises. She loved her kids and grandchildren. She was a member of the Kempton Missionary Baptist Church.
Shelvy is survived by her children Richard Corbit and Tamberly (Rodney) Cate; adopted daughter Debbie Smith; 13 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; and siblings Bill (Shirley) Hale and Betty (Richard) Smith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Katina, adopted son Toby Leighty, and siblings Rex Hale and Sue Redding.
The family would like to thank Waterford Rehab and Legacy for making her last days comfortable. A special thanks to Luanna Mader for six years of love and special care.
A funeral service celebrating the life of Shelvy will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E Main St., Russiaville, with Pastor John Ault officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Harold Eugene Hartman
March 8, 1929 ~ October 10, 2025 (age 96)
Harold was born at home to Harry and Anna Hartman right here in Howard Co. After some uneasy debate, his parents chose to empty their savings and put a down payment on the family farm. Within a short time thereafter, the bank closed and the Great Depression began. His dad often mused the purchase decision was the best one he ever made.
When Harold was in his 80s, a friend asked how long he had been farming. His reply: “80+ years. Back in the day, even four-year-olds had to weed the garden.” He often had to harness up the horses first thing in the morning and was very pleased when tractors became a part of the farm machinery. Once shut off, the tractors did not eat profits nor run to the back 40. The birth of his sisters brought thankfulness since they were then assigned the house duties and meal prep. He was wise enough not to complain about the meals someone else took the pains to prepare.
His high school yearbook has a notation citing him as the one least likely to marry. (He was always a better listener than talker.) He one time recounted a blind date a buddy at Purdue arranged. The “blind” would not even allow Harold to sit next to her that whole evening. It was Missionary Sunday at Zion Lutheran Church that brought Eleonore Kobie into the picture. From that day forward, everyone in the small church knew what the future would be. Those two young people stood on the church steps the whole afternoon visiting. They stood so long that Eleonore was sick from severe sunburn for several days following. Harold recounted years later that Eleonore was “so easy to talk with.” Eleonore was visiting relatives in the area, intending as well to visit an uncle in Denver before heading back to Germany where her mom and dad lived. They never made it to Denver until they had five children in tow.
Shortly after marriage, Harold was drafted into the Army. As boot camp wound down, the inquiry concerning “special talents” arose. Harold declared he could speak German. That comment sent him to Germany while the rest of his platoon went to Korea. Eleonore and their first-born son joined Harold for part of his Germany assignment. Eleonore returned to Kokomo in time for their second son’s birth. While they were in Germany, Harold was assigned to drive his commanding officer to and from the base each day since the commander had off-base housing. Harold and Eleonore did the same, allowing free weekends to explore the countryside. Eleonore often stated she saw more of her homeland because of the U.S. Army than ever before. While Harold and Eleonore were in Germany, Eleonore’s parents immigrated to the U.S. Harry and Anna Hartman stepped up to the challenge of welcoming newcomers with a limited English vocabulary. Fortunately, this dependency turned into a good friendship. When Harold and Eleonore returned, the family structure thrived.
Once back at the farm, the family grew to include two boys and three girls. Poultry production thrived until the local hatchery shut down. The herd of Herefords were also a joy until the cropland became more valuable than pasture. Swine production morphed into confinement operations, allowing for the production of healthier hogs. Harold also took on the task of the Northwestern School Board for a number of years. He attained a private pilot’s license and was working on an instrument license when his appendix burst while flying home from Purdue. Because he was utilizing the Grissom radar, the authorities knew a search was needed. The plane went down in the woods before the runway. The two mature trees on either side removed the wings and thus the gas tanks. The sapling lowered the fuselage to the ground. The searchers arrived minutes after Harold regained consciousness, so fear was not an issue. Sixteen days later, Harold was home from the hospital. Through the years, other hospital stays evolved: two hip replacements, a heart valve replacement, and prolonged blood thinner therapy due to the valve. At each of these stays, the nurses always proclaimed him to be a “sweet guy.” Wonder why it was thought he would never marry.
Harold is survived by an older brother, Leonard, and a younger sister, Marilyn. Five children also survive: Detlef (Pam, Shayla), Arlen (Shirley, Erik, Kyle, Dylan, Shelby, Hannah), Karin, Doris (Kevin, Christopher, Lora), and Kristin (Sharlene). Six of the grandchildren have married, creating the blessing of nine great-grandchildren. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings.
A memorial service celebrating Harold’s victory over death will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 Southway Blvd. East, Kokomo, with Pastor Carl Hingst officiating. Burial will follow in North Union Cemetery in western Howard County with military honors provided by the U.S. Army and the Greentown American Legion Post. Following the burial, the family invites friends to join them at the Hartman Farm for a Celebration of Life gathering from 12:30 p.m. until dark. Contributions may be made in Harold’s memory to Redeemer Lutheran School, 705 Southway Blvd. East, Kokomo, IN 46902. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com
William H. Donson
William H. Donson, 83, Kokomo, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health, Kokomo. He was born on May 22, 1942, the son of the late Harry and Esther Fern (Bryan) Donson. On July 1, 1962, he married Carolyn J. Keim at Kokomo Zion Church, and she survives.
William graduated from Northwestern High School in 1960. He was a lifelong grain and hog farmer, and in his down time with farming and his retirement years he worked for First Farmers Bank for 20 years as a courier. He was a member of Kokomo Zion Church where he served as a Sunday school teacher and on several leadership committees. He was also a member of the Greentown Lions Club. He was active in the Howard County Farm Bureau where he had previously served as the County President. He deeply loved his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their sporting events. He and Carolyn enjoyed traveling over the last several years, especially enjoying several Farm Bureau trips.
Along with his wife Carolyn Donson, he is survived by his daughter LeAnne Donson, son Jeff (Ruthie) Donson, grandson Blake (Kelsey) Donson, granddaughter Breann (David) Meinen, great-grandchildren Lillian Donson, Dean Donson, and Harper Donson; and sister-in-law Winifred Wyant.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Esther.
A funeral service celebrating William’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Kokomo Zion Church, 5051 County Road E 400 N, Kokomo, with Pastor Keith Chanley officiating. Burial will follow in Zion Cemetery. Friends may visit from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the church. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Kokomo Zion-Missions Fund, or the Gideons. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.
Willa Von “Willy” Christopher-Tully
Willa Von “Willy” Christopher-Tully, age 88, of Kokomo, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. She was born June 25, 1937, in Jackson, Mississippi to the late Brooks and Ruby Murchison.
Willa Von’s family moved to Indiana when she was very young. From her very first job at a small root beer stand, Willy established herself as a hard, dedicated worker, demonstrated through her distinguished 33-year career in production at Delco and related GM companies from her beginning in 1973 to her retirement in 2006. Willy loved watching her sons compete at baseball in the Russiaville Little League during the late 1960s, and at sandlot and high school sports in the 1970s. Her family continued to flourish into the 1980s for the next 40+ years with 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Willy was a person of strong faith in God and Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was a marvelous cook, an avid Colts fan, loved to travel for vacations, attend In His Image Church, and socialize in the Red Hat Society. She attended as many high school reunions as her health would allow. There is no way to count the hours she spent nursing floral and landscape designs at home, her most favorite activity. She and her dog Carrie Ann were inseparable until her very last day. Willa was ultimately defined by faith, family, friends and career.
Willy is survived by her three sons Brian Christopher (Rhonda), Bradley Christopher (Margie), and Michael Christopher (Julie), 13 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and her dog Carrie Ann.
In addition to her parents, Willa is preceded in death by two brothers Wilton and Truman Murchison, spouse William Tully, and one son Lonnie Christopher.
A visitation for Willa will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Willa’s memory may be made to Kokomo Humane Society, 729 E Hoffer St., Kokomo, Indiana 46902, or your local humane society.
Keith Patrick Thompson
Keith Patrick Thompson, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2025, in his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. Born on February 16, 1957, to Keith E. and Johanna K. Thompson, Keith’s life was one of dedication, love, and laughter.
A proud graduate of Taylor High School’s class of 1975, Keith furthered his education at Ivy Tech, where he studied Tool & Die Manufacturing. His commitment to excellence and his country was evident through his service in the United States Marine Corps, a period of his life that shaped much of his character and values. Keith’s professional life included 21 years of dedicated work at Chrysler, where he was not only a respected colleague but also a true friend to many.
Keith’s Christian faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding him in his daily actions and providing comfort and strength throughout his journey. His love for reading, solving crossword puzzles, and watching cartoons revealed the simplicity and joy he found in life’s quieter moments. An avid fisherman, Keith’s happiest times were often spent with a fishing rod in hand, especially when he was up at the family cottage in Leiter’s Ford, Indiana.
Family was the heart of Keith’s world. He leaves behind his loving wife Sherry and their devoted son Thomas Thompson, along with his wife Hailey, as well as daughter Errin Wade and son Nicholas Antrim. Keith’s legacy continues through his grandchildren Teyla, Malisa, Maelee, Lauren, Josh, Kirsten, and Kameron, as well as his great-grandchildren Landon, Evelyn, Elizabeth, Blakely, Aaliyah, and Armani, who will miss his playful spirit and tender guidance.
Keith’s siblings Julie Henry (David), James Thompson (Dottie), Richard Thompson (Deana), Elizabeth Miller, Chuck Thompson (Angie), and David Thompson (Laura), will remember him as the loving and funny brother who always brought light into their lives. He was preceded in death by his father Keith E. Thompson and his daughter Angel Thompson, both of whom he now joins in eternal rest.
Those who knew Keith will remember him as a kind-hearted man who never missed an opportunity to share a laugh or lend a helping hand. His presence was a gift to all, and his memory will be treasured by the countless lives he touched with his love and humor.
As we say farewell to Keith Patrick Thompson, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of cherished moments, and marked by an unwavering commitment to family, friends, and faith. His spirit will continue to inspire and guide us, and his memory will forever be a beacon of love and kindness in the hearts of those who loved him.