Lehmon Herston Hale, Lenora ‘Nori’ Jean Boyd, Timothy “Tim” Michael Farkas, Mary Katherine Peel, Dianne Joyce Roach, William James “Billy” Thompson Jr., Meladene “Melody” Williams, Barbara Jane Harlow
Lehmon Herston Hale
Lehmon Herston Hale, 79, Kokomo, passed away at 4:28 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Waterford Health Campus in Kokomo. He was born in Glasgow, KY, on November 7, 1946, the son of the late Woodrow and Ruth (Jenkins) Hale. On March 14, 1970, he married Judith “Judy” (Corbit) Hale, and she preceded him in death on March 9, 2004. On November 28, 2009, he married Norma (Walker) Lunsford-Hale, and she survives.
Lehmon graduated from Western High School in 1965. After high school, he enlisted with the Indiana National Guard. He retired from Hollingsworth Lumber after 15 years of service. He was a member of Honeycreek Missionary Baptist Church, where he would visit countless people in nursing homes as part of their ministry. He enjoyed fishing, attending church, and spreading the Gospel.
Along with his wife Norma, Lehmon is survived by his children Lacey (Donnie) Goodrum and Mike (Kari) Hale; stepchildren LaDonna Bookout and Thomas (Christy) Lunsford; grandchildren Stephanie Goodrum, Jacob Goodrum, Kolton Hale, Tori Bookout, Braden Bookout, Bryan Bookout, Chelsea Nutter, and Tommy Lunsford; great-grandchildren Isiah Mason, Danielle Mason, Evelyn Mason, Zedakiah Lunsford, and Beau Nutter; and nephew Justin Wagner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, the mother of his children Judy; and sister Juanita Wagner.
A funeral service celebrating Lehmon’s life will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Honeycreek Missionary Baptist Church, 250 Nashville St. Russiaville, IN, with Pastors Bill Fields and Jim Stevenson officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Friends may visit the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Lehmon’s name to the Honeycreek Missionary Baptist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Lenora ‘Nori’ Jean Boyd
Lenora ‘Nori’ Jean Boyd, 90, of Tipton, passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2026. She was born in Ottawa, Kansas, on January 29, 1935, to William and Ethel Lacy. She married Don Sandman on May 26, 1954. He preceded her in death on March 28, 1973. On June 5, 1977, she married Gene Boyd. He preceded her in death on May 19, 1990.
Nori loved being a housewife and helping on the farm. She helped raise dairy cows, pigs, and chickens. She also enjoyed being a bank teller for many years at First Federal Savings & Loan. Nori didn’t know a stranger and loved the interactions with the community. She loved being around children and animals. She had a special bond with her grand dog Rosco.
Her greatest passion was her family. She attended countless sporting events, cheering on her grandkids. For many years, she belonged to a euchre club and never turned down the chance to play with family. UNO and Skip-Bo were also favorites of hers. Nori loved to garden and kept one up as long as she could. She enjoyed spending her downtime working on word search puzzles. Nori was a huge Elvis fan and attended his last concert in Indianapolis in 1977. She loved watching game shows, especially The Price is Right. Her faith and her love for the Lord were evident in her everyday life. She was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church.
Nori is survived by her son David Sandman (Penny Barnes), son-in-law Joe Smith, stepchildren David Boyd, Donna Richardson (Marion), Linda Tragesser (John), and Emily Wilson, stepdaughters-in-law Donna Boyd and Carla Boyd, grandchildren Jennifer Sandman (Rob Higgins), Angela Stromberger (Steve), Courtney Taylor (Andy), and Lora Kinyon (Dave), and siblings Wilbur Lacy (Nancy) and Wilma Dane. She is also survived by several step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Nori was preceded in death by her daughter Deborah Smith, stepsons James ‘Jim’ Boyd, Lex Boyd, and Robert Boyd, grandson David Sandman, and brothers Junior Lacy and Curtis Lacy.
Nori’s family would like to thank Autumnwood Village in Tipton for providing her with a loving home for the last eight months, especially her caregivers in her final days.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with the funeral immediately following at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Robb Roloff officiating. Nori will be buried at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 1385 S. Main Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with Nori’s care. Messages of condolence for her family may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Timothy “Tim” Michael Farkas
Timothy “Tim” Michael Farkas, 73, of Kokomo, passed away at 7:40 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026. He was born on June 17, 1952, the son of Eugene and Lois (Dykema) Farkas. On March 1, 1979, he married Judith “Judy” Birdsell, and she survives.
Tim was a 1970 graduate of Muskegon Heights High School and graduated from Muskegon Community College in 1985. He attended Ivy Tech to learn how to be a skilled trades machine repairman. From 1971-1976, he served in the United States Navy, earning the rank of electrician’s mate 3rd Class. Tim received a National Defense service medal. He worked as a machine repairman at General Motors for 20 years. After retirement, he started the job he cherished the most, which was babysitting part-time for his two granddaughters Amelia and Hallie for the last six years.
Tim was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church and a previous member of Kokomo Men of Note, UAW 292, and retired union brother of 2209. He enjoyed umpiring for little league baseball in all of Howard County. Tim’s hobbies included golfing, fishing, playing cribbage, hunting, gardening, and thrifting with his wife. He also loved playing the guitar and singing. Tim took pride in teaching his sons and grandchildren how to play guitar and even created his own family band. He enjoyed boating and being on the beach in Michigan with his family. He also looked forward to any opportunity to dance with his wife.
Along with his wife of almost 47 years Judy Farkas, he is survived by his children Nick (Cara) Farkas, Mike (Jenny) Farkas, Becky (Bart) Oyler, Joe (Tabby) Farkas, and Jake (Abby) Farkas; grandchildren Molly, Camden, Blake, Grant, Sam, Olivia, Ben, Max, Jack, Marci, Amelia, Simon, Warren, Hallie, Linus, Leo, and one more due in July; brother Tom (Paulette) Farkas; and stepmother Susan Farkas.
He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Lois Farkas, and father and mother-in-law Carl and Jean Birdsell.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 County Road S, 200 W. Kokomo, with Fr. Peter Vandenkolk as the celebrant. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW. The Rosary will be offered at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, and friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday January 22, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. Messages of condolences may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Mary Katherine Peel
Mary Katherine Peel, 91, of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Primrose Assisted Living. She was born on January 14, 1935, the daughter of Clarence L. and R. Maude (Francis) Orem. On September 28, 1958, she married Max Eugene Peel in Kokomo, and he preceded her in death on January 28, 2021.
Mary was a 1953 graduate of Kokomo High School. She worked as a church secretary at First Baptist Church and Parr United Methodist Church. Mary was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene and was active in her Sunday School class and Bible study.
Mary is survived by her children Michael Peel of North Carolina and Nicole Peel of Kokomo, and grandson Christian Peel of Raleigh, North Carolina.
She was preceded in death by her husband Max Peel; sister Wayoneta Kemp; and brother Jim Orem.
Nicole would also like to thank all of the staff at Primrose Retirement Community for the excellent care that Mom received over the past 2½ years and Paradigm Hospice Care for their care the past year.
A funeral service will be held celebrating Mary’s life at 1 p.m., Friday, January 23, 2026, at One Church, 2734 S. Washington St., Kokomo, IN, with Pastor Gary Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to One Church or the Kokomo Humane Society. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Dianne Joyce Roach
Dianne Joyce Roach, 82, of Peru, passed away at 12:02 p.m. on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at her home. She was born on June 4, 1943, the daughter of Wayne and Geneva (Kline) Schaaf. On September 26, 1970, she married Carroll Wayne Roach in Marion, IN, and he survives.
Dianne was a 1961 graduate of Eastern High School. She worked in setup and production at Delco Electronics for 30 years. She was a member of Abundant Life Church in Peru. Dianne loved flowers and working in the yard. She was very active, enjoying walking on the beach, snow skiing, and biking. Dianne enjoyed cross-stitching, sewing, and spending time with her grandkids. One of her passions was collecting frogs, with a collection of more than 600. Dianne and Carroll enjoyed traveling as well as wintering in Florida for 21 years. Dianne loved her family and was a caregiver for her mother for many years.
Along with her husband Carroll, Dianne is survived by her children Brett Roach, Mark (Renee) Roach, and Christi (Pete) Watson; grandchildren Matt Roach, Jeremy (Melissa) Roach, Lauren (Mauro) Peralta, Danielle (Justin) Norman, Gabby Huppenthal, McKenzie (Jacob) Hawkins, Charlie Watson, Annie Watson, and Katie Watson; 12 great-grandchildren; brothers Dean (Susie) Schaaf, Dale (Cindy) Schaaf, and Dwight (Ganiece) Schaaf; brother-in-law Logan Sparling; and several nieces and nephews.
Dianne was preceded in death by her parents Wayne and Geneva Schaaf and two sisters Bonnie Sparling and Donna (Charlie) Guge.
A special thanks to Dr. Frappier and her staff, Rea, Shyanna, and the rest of the Compassus Hospice staff, Melissa Carter and Rebecca Meeks.
A funeral service celebrating Dianne’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, with Pastor Dustin Smith and Pastor Logan Sparling officiating. Burial will follow at Mast Hensler Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Abundant Life Church-Peru Campus, www.goalc.com/give or Compassus Hospice, www.compassus.com. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
William James “Billy” Thompson Jr.
William James “Billy” Thompson Jr., a man whose laughter was as contagious as his spirit was adventurous, embarked on his final adventure on January 19, 2026, in Miami, Indiana. Billy, who was born on September 12, 1991, in Kokomo, Indiana, to William James Thompson Sr. and the late Ellen Leona Thompson, spent his 34 years on this earth spreading joy and creativity wherever he went.
Graduating from Maconaquah High School in 2011, Billy was the class clown who never quite outgrew the role. Instead, he refined it into an art. He was an avid video gamer, a title he wore with the same pride as a knight would his armor. His love for music and live entertainment was as vast as the worlds he explored in his games. Billy’s passion for travel took him on countless adventures, each one more epic than the last. He always carried with him his trademark sense of humor.
Billy’s trips to the movie theatre were legendary, often turning a simple movie night into an impromptu comedy show for the rows in front and behind him. His laughter was a soundtrack that played over the dull moments of life, turning them into cherished memories for all who knew him.
Those left to cherish his memory include his father William James Thompson Sr., his sisters Katie Garmon (Michael) and Sara Saulmon (Geoffrey), along with his adoring nieces Kaylee Saulmon and Renee Harris (Patrick). His great-nephew Zeplin Harris and great-niece Amora Harris will grow up hearing tales of their uncle’s legendary exploits and the laughter that followed him like a shadow.
Billy was the light in every room, the spark in every conversation, and the punchline to every joke. He was preceded in passing by his loving mother Ellen, his grandparents, and a host of aunts and uncles who surely welcomed him with open arms and a comedy roast befitting his arrival.
Billy’s life was a mosaic of hilarious moments, stitched together by the love and warmth he had for his family and friends. He was adventurous, always charting new paths; creative, turning the mundane into the extraordinary; and funny, oh so funny, with a wit that could slice through tension like a hot knife through butter.
As we say goodbye to Billy, let us not forget the essence of his being – the laughter, the love, and the light-heartedness that made him the man we all cherished. His legacy will live on in every game saved, every song played, and every story told with a twinkle in the eye and a mischievous grin. William James “Billy” Thompson Jr., here’s to your final curtain call, may your encore be as grand as the life you’ve led. Keep the heavens laughing, Billy, until we meet again.
There will be a Celebration of Life on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the UAW Local 1166 Union Hall, 2761 North, CR 50 East, Kokomo, IN 46901. Please wear purple as it was Billy’s favorite color and bring a side dish if you would like!
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Meladene “Melody” Williams
Meladene “Melody” Williams, 86, of Frankfort, Ind., passed away January 19, 2026, in her home. She was born on March 18, 1939, in Russel Springs, Kentucky, to Veller and Veda (Eades) Randolph. She married Lawrence “Dudley” Williams in 1972 in Kokomo, and he survives.
Melody was a graduate of Kokomo High School and worked for 29 years at Delco/Delphi Electronics in Kokomo, retiring in 2005. She was a member of the UAW. Melody was an easy-going person who enjoyed life every day. She loved animals, interacting with people, and was a great “bargain hunter.”
Surviving along with her husband Dudley are her daughter Lynn and Stephen Byrne and her three grandchildren James, Ashley, and Stephanie Byrne. She was preceded in death by her parents.
In accordance with Melody’s wishes, there will be no services held. Archer-Weston Funeral & Cremation Center and Clinton County Crematory, 501 East Clinton Street, Frankfort, are honored to assist the family with arrangements.
Barbara Jane Harlow
Barbara Jane Harlow, a beacon of love and selflessness, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026, at the age of 76, in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on July 24, 1949, in Blackwell, Missouri, Barbara was the cherished daughter of the late Clarence Roderick and Mary Celestine Bequette. Her gentle spirit and unwavering kindness profoundly impacted all who knew her.
Barbara was a proud graduate of Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro, Missouri, where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. She had a particular fondness for painting, a hobby that brought her immense joy and allowed her to express her creative spirit. Barbara also found solace in the pages of books, where she would lose herself in stories and adventures.
Family was the cornerstone of Barbara’s life. She was a loving mother to her daughter Rebecca (Eric) Gunion and son Christopher (Bill) Harlow. Her siblings Mary Jo Southcott, Jane Potillo, Phillip Roderick, and Larry Roderick will remember her as the sister who always extended a hand of support and a listening ear. Barbara was predeceased by her sister Sharon Bourbon and brother Wayne Roderick, whose memories she held close to her heart. She shared a special bond with her sisters-in-law Marguerita (Dale) Malin and Carol (Mike) Bequette, as well as her brothers-in-law Robin (Deb) Harlow and David (Robin) Harlow. She was preceded in passing by her sister-in-law Pamela Harlow and brother-in-law Rick Harlow.
Barbara’s legacy will live on through her grandchildren Morgan Brew, Tori Brew, and Colin Brew, loving pet Dozer, and Norman whom she adored beyond measure. She also had numerous nieces and nephews. Her love for them was boundless, and she cherished every moment spent in their company. She was the matriarch who instilled values of kindness and generosity, and her lessons will continue to guide them through their lives.
An avid camper, Barbara found peace in the great outdoors. The tranquility of nature was a backdrop for cherished family memories, as she loved nothing more than spending time with her loved ones surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness.
Those who knew Barbara will forever remember her as a gentle soul who approached life with a loving and selfless heart. She touched many lives with her warmth and compassion, leaving a mark that will not be forgotten.
Barbara Jane Harlow’s life was a testament to the beauty of a life well-lived and the power of a kind heart. As we say farewell to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the love she gave so freely and the grace with which she lived her life. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those she loved and in the many lives she touched. Barbara’s memory will be cherished, and her presence sorely missed, but the love she shared will resonate for generations to come.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com