Loyd “Gene” Eugene Bean, Margaret Schwartz, David Wayne Grant, John E. Bottger III, George Clitus Shaffer, Carver Ma
Loyd “Gene” Eugene Bean
Loyd “Gene” Eugene Bean, 90, of Russiaville, went home to be with his Lord & Savior on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Hospital in Kokomo. He was born July 21, 1935, in Howard County, the son of the late Walter and Bertha (Ellison) Bean. On June 22, 1957, he married Ethel Robertson in West Middleton, who preceded him in death on July 9, 2020.
Gene was a graduate of Western High School. He retired from Cuneo Press after 28 years of service before becoming self-employed. Gene was a member of Oakland Christian Church. He enjoyed antiquing and attending his gun shows.
Gene is survived by his daughter Julie (Ken) Bauer; grandchildren Jessica (Tyler) Curnutt, Donny (Jesaka) Betzner, Kylie Betzner, and Toni Betzner; great-grandchildren Brayden Curnutt, Logan Curnutt, Cadynce Curnutt, Baylee Curnutt, and Rylee Duell; brother Dan Bean; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife Ethel, Gene was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Tracy Betzner; and five brothers Bill, Bob, Les, Connie, and Garnie Bean.
A funeral service celebrating Gene’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main Street, Russiaville, with Pastor Nick Jaymes officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Oakland Christian Church-Missions Fund in Gene’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Margaret Schwartz
Margaret Schwartz, 77, of Kokomo, passed away at 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at her home. She was born on March 6, 1948, the daughter of John and Marcella (Brands) Kidwell. On January 7, 1968, she married James “Jim” Schwartz at Sacred Heart Church in Fowler, IN, and he survives.
She was a 1966 graduate of Fowler High School. Margaret was a homemaker before working at Western School Corporation, where she worked as a cook for 12 years. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Church. Margaret enjoyed reading, baking, and traveling. She also enjoyed crocheting blankets.
Along with Margaret’s husband Jim, she is survived by her children Tammy (Chris) Avery, Brandon (Karla) Schwartz, and Chad Schwartz; siblings Angie (Wally) Curwick, Mary Barrett, Jeanne (Leon) Greives, Pat (Jim) Besse, Marce Stineburg, and Joe (Melinda) Kidwell; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents John and Marcell Kidwell; siblings John Kidwell, Dave Kidwell, Tom Kidwell, and Joanne Clark; and brother-in-law Jeff Stineberg.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 1 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo, with Father Peter Vanderkolk the celebrant. Burial will follow in South Union Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the time of the mass at the church. A rosary service will be offered at 10:30 a.m. before the start of visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, 1207 N. Armstrong St. Kokomo, IN 46901. Arrangements have been entrusted with Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes. Messages of condolence may be left online for the family at www.shirleyandstout.com.
David Wayne Grant
David Wayne Grant, 61 years old, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:52 p.m. Saturday November 29, 2025. He was born in McLeansboro, IL, on May 26, 1964, the son of Robert and Luwanda (Britt) Grant. On March 2, 1984, he married Camille Kirby, and she survives.
David was passionate about being a truck driver and last worked for Bird Bros. Trucking. He was born to be the best dad and grandpa to his family. He was a loving man and always showed it. He will be remembered for his strength, bravery, and standing up for people who could not stand up for themselves. He was the best provider to his family and had an amazing sense of humor. David’s favorite hobbies were talking and spending time with his grandchildren, buying, selling, and trading cars, and fishing.
In addition to his wife Camille, David is survived by his children Samantha (Jason) Galligan, Crystal (James Robertson) Grant, Anthony “Tony” Grant; grandchildren Xavier Galligan, Camille Grant, Daviana Robertson; nieces and nephews Robin, Felicia, Frankie, and Dustin; cousins Rosetta (Steve) Cooper and her family, the Duvall family; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Robert Arnold Grant Jr., Frank Grant, and Deborah Grant; niece Luwanda Kay; and nephew Bobby Grant.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. A memorial service celebrating David’s life will begin 3:30 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
John E. Bottger III
John E. Bottger III, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the age of 70, in Kokomo, Indiana. He was born on October 31, 1955, in Madison, Wisconsin, to parents J. Edward and Barbara Bottger.
John grew up in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, and graduated from Whitnall High School, Greenfield, Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, he moved with his family to Goleta, California, and graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara where he earned a BA degree in Economics. While attending UCSB John was initiated into Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He attended Bible studies sponsored by Campus Advance for Christ, a ministry of the Turnpike Road Church of Christ. On May 4, 1978, he was baptized into Christ in the Pacific Ocean. Living out his faith, John was an active member of the church and the campus ministry in Santa Barbara.
John met Wanda Easterwood through Campus Advance for Christ in May 1978 and married her in 1982 in Santa Barbara. In 1986, they adopted a baby girl, Heather Anne. After graduating from UCSB, he worked as a mechanic. He applied to Delco Systems Operations in Goleta and completed a four-year apprenticeship in 1986 to become a Journeyman Experimental Machinist, showcasing his meticulous skills and dedication to his craft.
In 1993, John moved his family to Kokomo, Indiana. After completing an apprenticeship program through Delco, he became a Journeyman Tool and Die Maker. He also received training to become a Dimensional Metrologist. He was always wanting to learn new skills and earned an HVAC Technical Certificate and completed courses in Welding from Ivy Tech.
A devout member of the Center Road Church of Christ in Kokomo, John actively enjoyed meeting with friends in Bible studies, life groups, and other activities. His faith played a significant role in his life and provided him with a community of support and friendship.
John had a passion for working with his hands, restoring antique clocks, working on cars, rebuilding engines, as well as metalworking and woodworking. While still in California, John and his dad restored his Model A Ford, which was later shipped to Kokomo.
John’s other passion was being a grandfather and spending time with Wes, his grandson. They went for walks in the neighborhood as well as going to the park and to car shows. Grandpa liked whatever Wes liked.
John is survived by his loving wife Wanda, daughter Heather Anne, his son-in-law Adam, and grandson Wes; his sisters Barbara Wisniewski and Virginia Matthews; niece Sara Matthews and nephew David Matthews. He was predeceased by his parents J. Edward and Barbara Bottger and brother-in-law David Wisniewski.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Center Road Church of Christ, 899 W., 300 S., with Bobby Price officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center Road Church of Christ in Kokomo as a tribute to John’s commitment to his faith and community.
John was a responsible and compassionate man who loved his family and the Lord. His legacy of skill, devotion, generosity, and community spirit will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.
George Clitus Shaffer
George Clitus Shaffer, 64 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 6:14 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on July 8, 1961, the son of James R. and Jennifer (Alexander) Shaffer.
George was a 1979 graduate of Kokomo High School. He was formerly employed at McDonald’s and at Bona Vista as a workshop employee. He was a kind, sweet soul who would do anything to help anybody in need. He was a laid back and reserved man, but he’ll be remembered for being the happiest guy. George was a sports fanatic and played basketball, softball, and bowled in the Indiana Special Olympics. He loved attending ball games and rooting for the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Reds. His favorite hobbies were fishing, watching the news daily, and keeping up on weather reports. George was a member of the Kokomo Eagles Lodge.
He is survived by his father James R. Shaffer; siblings Elizabeth “Marie” Shaffer, Lottie J. Shaffer, James L. Shaffer, John L. Shaffer, and Deven M. (Stephanie) Abercrombie; and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his mother Jennifer Shaffer; and brother Ferrold Augustus Shaffer.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A memorial service celebrating George’s life will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home, with Pastor Jeff Haill officiating. A link will be available on George’s obituary page to view the memorial service live at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Contributions may be made in George’s memory to Special Olympics - Indiana. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Carver Ma
Carver Ma, 57, Kokomo, passed away on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at his home, after a battle with cancer. He was born in Hong Kong, on April 16, 1968, to the late Ernest and Victoria (Sparrow) Ma. He faced his illness the same way he lived his life — brave, strong, and unwavering to the end.
Carver graduated from Kokomo High School in 1987. He enlisted in the United States Marines. He was known for his direct nature and his preference for straight truth over polite fiction. He never sugar-coated anything, and people respected him for that clarity. He loved firearms, preparedness, and strategy, and spent many years enjoying war games, tactical hobbies, and the independence that came with living life on his own terms.
Carver is survived by his adopted son Jason Irvin; sister Carin McCameron; and brother Carey Ma.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A private memorial service will take place at a later date. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.