Khalil Rashad (AKA) James Dixon, Mark Dale Rudd, Janet Darlene Miller, Greg Alan Wyrick, Robert Lee Williams Jr., Antoinette (Toni) Johnson, Jane Ann Jones, John Joseph McLaughlin Jr.
Khalil Rashad (AKA) James Dixon
Khalil Rashad a.k.a. James Dixon was born March 8, 1945, to Clinton Dixon Sr. and Emma Lou Cason-Dixon in Pidcock, Brooks County, Georgia. He was raised from four years old by his stepdad James Calvin Williams Sr. and his mother Emma Lou Cason-Williams in Pidcock. They all preceded him in death. James was the second oldest of eight children.
James attended Brooks County schools and graduated from Washington Street High School in Quitman, Georgia.
James joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and Grissom Air Force Base in Kokomo, Indiana. He spent four years in military service to his country.
He met and married Anna Darlene Whitlow in 1968. They were married in Raleigh, West Virginia, and made Kokomo, Indiana, their home. To this union was born a son in 1970, Derick Lamont Dixon, who preceded him in death in 1997.
In 2017, he was united with two other children born to him in Kokomo, Indiana, in 1997 and 1998. Sonia Herring Washington and Byron Smith found him after a 20-year search, thanks to AncestryDNA and their match with his brother Calvin. James was so grateful and super glad to meet them.
Also preceding him in death are brother Clinton Dixon Jr.; sisters Rosa Lee Dixon-Powell, Hattie Dixon, Velma Dixon, and Evelyn Williams-McGhee; and brother-in-law James Frazier.
James later moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he worked for the Airport Authority. He treasured the times when he met celebrities coming in and out of the airport and the huge tips they would give him. He eventually moved back home to Georgia. He was an entrepreneur in a small way and also held employment with other employers.
James grew up in a Christian household, but later chose Islam, thus the name change to Khalil Rashad. He studied it profusely, looking for truth. He had found newness in his life. Late in life, he begun to visit his brother Pastor Calvin Williams’ church, and told him, “Bruh, I’ve never heard the Bible taught like that. I can understand it!” Over time, Calvin led him to Christ and to the Christian faith. He became a member of Church of Perfecting Saints (COPS) in Quitman, Georgia.
James had a heart of gold. He loved animals, especially dogs! But most of all, he loved people. James was so generous. He would give you his last, no matter who you were, and that’s no exaggeration!
He loved his family so very much and told them so every time he saw them! He leaves to cherish his memory: one daughter Sonia Herring Washington of Kokomo, Indiana; one son Byron Smith of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren Ashley Herring and Julian Brown of Kokomo, Indiana, and Markiest Smith and JayDon Smith of Dallas, Texas; great-grandchildren Ashton Herring and Santana Brown of Kokomo, Indiana; great-great-granddaughter Solana Herring of Kokomo, Indiana; sister Viola Frazier of Lake Wales, Florida; brothers Pastor James Calvin Williams, Jr. (Phyllis) and Ronnie Williams of Quitman, GA, Morris Williams (Marty) of Boston, GA, Tyrone Williams (Tyiesha) of Clyattville, GA, and Cecil Williams (Cassandra) of Valdosta, GA; brother-in-law Jim McGhee Sr. of Quitman, GA; and a host of nephews, nieces, so many cousins, and other family relatives who loved him very much. He also leaves behind many sorrowing friends.
Visitation will be Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Stevens-McGhee chapel from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. A celebration of life will be Sunday, January 25, 2026, at 2 p.m. at The Quitman Church of God, with Pastor Calvin Williams officiating. Burial will follow in North End Cemetery.
Continue to pray along with the family during this trying time.
Mark Dale Rudd
Mark Dale Rudd, 68, of Kokomo, passed away at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at his home. He was born on April 10, 1957, the son of Byron E. and Ethel Marie (Mims) Rudd. In 2002, he married Anna “Michelle” Burge at Judson Baptist Church, and she survives.
Mark was a service manager at Richardson Trucking in Lafayette for 26 years. He was a NASCAR fan, and Dale Earnhart was his favorite driver. Mark enjoyed tractor and hot rod shows. He enjoyed attending the James Dean Festival with his family. He loved teaching his son and grandson how to work on cars and restoring lawn mowers.
He is survived by his wife Michelle; children Derek Vandergriff and Amber (Kale) Bostic; grandchildren Genis Bostic and Cody Bostic; great-grandchildren Ivy Carden and one on the way, Hazel Dalea; siblings Vicki (Ron) Moody, Wayne (Sheila) Rudd, and Sondra (Jimmy) Busch; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents Byron and Ethel Rudd; siblings Eugina Pearson, Clarence Leroy Rudd, Daniel Joseph Rudd, Ronald Gale Rudd, and Gregory Dean Rudd; and nephew Brian Rudd.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main Street, Russiaville, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Burial will follow in New London Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, action.lung.org. Messages of condolence may be made at www.stoutandson.com.
Janet Darlene Miller
Janet Darlene Miller, 76, of Middlebury, passed away at 11:43 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. She was born on May 8, 1949, in Peru, to Sam and Amanda (Bontrager) Miller. On June 14, 1969, in Kokomo, she married Amos S. Miller. He survives.
Survivors in addition to her husband are three sons Mike (Kristy) Miller of Decatur, Tony Miller of Middlebury, and Randy (Amy) Miller of Westfield; sister Cindy (Larry) Miller of Amboy; brother Don (Pam) Miller of Science Hill, KY; nine grandchildren Jozie (Kyle) Nanllenweg, Trace Miller, Karsyn Miller, Maverick Miller, Dylan Miller, Derek Miller, Ryan Miller, Weston Miller, and Autumn Miller; one great-grandchild Evren Nanllenweg. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson Daegan Miller; and sister Judy Howell.
At a young age, Janet was diagnosed with polio and spent time in an iron lung. Despite the poor odds, she persevered and was eventually able to walk again. She was a graduate of Northwestern High School. After getting married, Janet worked at Delco in Kokomo and later helped run the family dairy farm. Following her years on the farm and into retirement, Janet and Amos started an Amish taxi service. Janet loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her children fondly remember her driving them wherever they needed to go to attend sporting events. She was a hard worker who took great pride in supporting her family in whatever way she could. Janet also enjoyed working on Sudoku puzzles and reading. One of her favorite pastimes was going to visit with the people in her community.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, at Miller-Stewart Funeral Home, 1003 South Main Street, Middlebury. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, at Clinton Frame Church, Goshen. Services will be conducted by Pastor David Hathaway. Burial will be in Clinton Frame Cemetery, Goshen. Memorials may be given to the funeral home to assist with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be offered at millerstewartfuneralhome.com.
Greg Alan Wyrick
Greg Alan Wyrick, the man who could outwit a wild boar, outlast any piece of broken machinery, and outshine any storyteller, has taken his final bow on Earth. He embarked on his grandest adventure yet on January 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, wisdom, and a garage full of gadgets that “just need a little fixing.” Born on December 15, 1955, in Kokomo, IN, to the late Willit and Norva Wyrick, Greg’s journey began with a twinkle in his eye and a knack for turning the mundane into the extraordinary.
A proud graduate of Carroll High School’s class of 1974, Greg’s thirst for knowledge led him to the hallowed halls of Tip-Wa Welding School, where he honed his skills to become not just a welder, but a true artist with a torch. His professional exploits at Moss Well Drilling are the stuff of legend, having served the company for a quarter of a century with a blend of dedication and mischief. Even after his retirement, Greg couldn’t sit still, lending his expertise to Kokomo Gravel and recalling his youthful days at the Continental Steel Mill Corp with a grin and a glint in his eye.
Greg’s life was a tapestry woven with the love of his family and the great outdoors. He leaves behind his beloved wife Susan (Fisher) Wyrick, his daughter Lauryn, and his son Jeremy (Sheila), who will miss his larger-than-life presence and sage advice. His grandchildren Abby, Weiland, and Alexa, will inherit his sense of adventure and his toolbox of tricks. Greg’s sisters Ann, Kathy, Linda, and Debra, will continue to share the stories of their brother, who could always be counted on for a hearty laugh or a helping hand. He joins in eternal rest his parents, his first wife Gail Smith Wyrick, stepson Dustin Cook, and sister Hilda Sue, who had gone on ahead to set up camp.
An avid hunter, Greg was as stealthy as he was humorous, often regaling friends and family with tales of his conquests in the wild. A jack of all trades, there wasn’t a thing he couldn’t fix or a challenge he wouldn’t accept. His skills as a fabricator were only matched by his ability to weave a story that left everyone in stitches.
To know Greg was to know a man of wisdom, handiness, and an adventurous spirit that knew no bounds. He lived his life like a comedy sketch, always ready with a quip and a smile, ensuring that even in the toughest times, there was a glint of light. As we bid farewell to Greg Alan Wyrick, let’s remember him as he would have wanted: with laughter in our hearts and a mischievous twinkle in our eyes, and a beer in his hand at all times, ready to take on the world with the same gusto he did every day of his remarkable life. So, here’s to Greg—may the forests be plentiful, the game ever challenging, and the tools in the great beyond be in need of just a “little fixing.”
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Robert Lee Williams Jr.
Robert Lee Williams Jr., 67, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on January 21, 2026. He was born on December 10, 1958, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Carol and Robert Lee Williams Sr. Robert played football and graduated from Chesapeake High School in West Virginia. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Army as a Demolition Specialist from June 27, 1978, to June 26, 1981. After his military service, Robert was an entrepreneur at heart, working as a mechanic and eventually owning his own lawn service.
Robert’s family was the center of his world, and he deeply loved his grandchildren. Though he considered himself a “lone wolf,” he had village of people who loved him. In his personal time, he indulged in his passion for cooking, fishing, and hunting. A man of many talents, he had a green thumb, made his own wine, and grew his own food. He was a true Buckeye at heart. Robert was also a music enthusiast, listening to all genres.
Robert is survived by his children Natrika Jackson, Kafiton J. Williams, and Robert Lee Williams III; grandchildren NyreAnnah Wright, Solovelyis Unique Williams, Keseya Scott, Paisley Williams, Romeo Williams; great-grandchildren Xolani Burton-Wright, Zyaire Burton-Wright, MaSello Rogers, Lemuel (Jennel) Wright, and Nazaiela Burton-Wright; first wife Natalie Williams and his second wife Jessica Ingram; special cousins Carl Phelps, Felicia Phelps, Whitney Russell, Chris Russell, Robbie Russell, Keith Russell, and special friend Cheryl Gascho.
In addition to his parents, Robert is preceded in death by his grandson KoBre Q. Wright and cousin Curtis Russell.
The family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date.
Antoinette (Toni) Johnson
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that on January 19, 2026, we lost Antoinette (Toni) Johnson, born August 9, 1935, a beloved mother and grandmother. Our grief is softened knowing that Toni will finally get to reunite with Jerry, her loving husband of 64 years. Eight long years after Jerry’s passing in 2018, Toni is finally back by his side - along with their eldest daughter Kathie - fulfilling her deepest wish.
Toni’s daughters Ann and Amy (Skip), granddaughter Taylor, and grandson Parker (Trista) will certainly miss her dynamic presence and unquestioned love, but everyone is happy that Mom will get to be with Dad again.
Friends and family in Wisconsin, Kokomo, and here in Indy will be happy to know that her pain has stopped and her heart is happy again. We will look for the signs every day and will never stop loving you and remembering the life you shared.
Arrangements were entrusted to Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services in Lawrence, Indiana. In lieu of flowers, please honor Toni with a donation to a charity of your choice.
Jane Ann Jones
Jane Ann Jones, 69, Marion, passed away at 9:20 a.m. Sunday, January 18, 2026, at her home. She was born May 26, 1956, in Kokomo, the daughter of the late Charles R. & Mary Ruth (Ellison) Wininger. Jane lived a life rooted in family, tradition, and simple joys.
Jane graduated from Kokomo High School and went on to attend Indiana University Kokomo. She looked forward to family get-togethers and holiday dinners, where her homemade cheeseballs were a symbol of her warmth and generosity. Jane was an avid reader and found solace and inspiration in books. She also had a deep passion for football and rarely missed a game on television—especially when cheering on the Indianapolis Colts or watching her favorite quarterback Peyton Manning.
Jane is survived by her daughter Amy (Jonathon) Ferren; grandchildren Dannye L. Sullivan and Johnathan P. Sullivan; siblings Diana Wilson, Peggy Welborne, Tracy (William) McCartney—all of Kokomo—Jim Wininger of Marion, and George (Vickie) Wininger of Galveston; as well as several nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart; and special cousins, Kevin Ellison, Scott Moiser, and Cheryl Pugh.
Jane was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Penny L. Jones; and brothers Michael Wininger, Timothy Wininger, and Fred Wininger.
In keeping with Janes wishes, no services will be held. Hasler & Stout Funeral has been entrusted with cremation.
John Joseph McLaughlin Jr.
John Joseph McLaughlin Jr., 82, of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025. He was born on December 16, 1943, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, the son of John Joseph and Mary Louise (Silvestre) McLaughlin.
John worked as a furniture salesman starting in the ‘60s for Sears & Roebuck. Over the years, he worked for many furniture stores, including Levitz Furniture, Platt’s Furniture, Badcock & More, Rooms to Go, Dillman’s Furniture, and most recently Walls Furniture. John enjoyed target practice with his 1911-style handguns and visiting his favorite local restaurants, like Jim Dandy in Tipton, the Breakfast House, Frittatas, and Subway. He loved his 2000 Corvette and kept it meticulously clean. John was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
John is survived by his dear friends Austin Walls of Kokomo, Indiana, Ron Salvatore of Melbourne, Florida, and Dave Bitner of Melbourne, Florida.
Along with his parents John & Mary McLaughlin, John was preceded in death by his son John Michael McLaughlin.
A private memorial Mass will take place at a later date. Cremation has been entrusted to Stout & Son Funeral Home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.