Phillip Gene Spencer, Evelyn Faye Shifflett, Edgar Theodore Schulenburg, Kenneth Edward Mulkey, Randolph Meriwether Jr.
Phillip Gene Spencer
Phillip was born November 30, 1939, to Ova “Obie” and Dema (Treadway) Spencer. He loved his heritage and had fond memories of his childhood. He loved spending time with his friends and family and was especially proud of his father being a retired Kokomo Police officer, who stood at 6’6”.
He was a graduate of Kokomo High School in 1957 and went on to serve in the United States Navy, having fond memories of his time on the USS Ranger aircraft carrier. He later was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, where his daughter Rene’ was born. He was on a bowling team in Okinawa and in the U.S. for Delco Electronics, where he was employed as an electrician for 36 years after his time in the Navy.
He became an avid bowhunter as well and owned and operated Broken-Bo Archery in Kokomo and Russiaville, Indiana, where he patented the first LED hunting site, called the Opti-Site. He also was a member of the Professional Archery Association for many years, winning tournaments all over the U.S. He also started an Archery Explorer Post 1279, where he mentored youth and formed a traveling tournament team. He was a member of Isaac Walton and Galveston Archery League. He also enjoyed wood carving later in life.
In 1976, Phil met the love of his life Shirley Plummer, and they were married Feb 14, 1977. Together, they had a blended family and moved from Center Road to the property they called Bolero on the Little Wildcat Creek in Russiaville, Indiana. They built a cord wood building which housed Broken-Bo Archery. Bolero was their sanctuary where they accepted Jesus in 1985, committing themselves to full-time ministry and traveling to places like Russia, Romania, Mexico, and Jamaica.
They started Spirit Wind Ministries, where they developed teachings, with a passion to see people young and old find their giftings and calling in life. They both had associate degrees in theology and had several prison ministries. One such member of their congregation had a passion to feed people not only spiritually, but physically, where she was allowed to operate Soul Food Café at their church on the corner of Webster and Defenbaugh. They were active in Women’s Aglow in Kokomo, and they had a TV program for a while called “Prepare the Way,” which was filmed in Indianapolis. There are many stories of people whom God touched through their ministry.
Phillip had two daughters Rene’ (Curtis) Spivey, Nanette (Michael) Walker and two bonus daughters Valerie (Edward)Little, Kimberly (Reid) Crow. He has three grandchildren Jesse (Amanda) Crow, Jacob Crow, and Alex Spivey, and a great-granddaughter Eliana Crow, who loved sharing snacks with great-grandpa.
Kim and Nanette had to sell their dad’s home after the death of his beloved wife Shirley. He was a resident at Waterford- The Legacy where he lived for almost three years. Phil was a beloved husband, dad, papaw, and great-grandpa who was surrounded by loving family, and a caring team at Waterford along with Paradigm Health Hospice Service where he transitioned to his forever home. He would use the military term “BINGO” multiple times, which has various meanings, but the one meaning I like is “it is time to go home.” Well, dad, you had your final “BINGO.” Rest well dad, papaw, and great-grandpa. We love you!
Phillip was preceded in death by his parents Ova and Dema Spencer (Cox), his wife Shirley Spencer, his sister Carol Coate, his daughter and son-in law Rene’ (Curtis) Spivey, son-in-law Michael Walker, and many of his aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Association Indiana chapter alz.org/Indiana or food4souls.org, which is a faith-based organization that provides hot meals to the homeless, clothing, hygiene products, as well as Bombas Socks.
A funeral service celebrating Phillip’s life will take place at 11 a.m., Friday, January 30, 2026, Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Rev. Reid Crow officiating. Burial will take place in Marion National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Marines and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Evelyn Faye Shifflett
Evelyn Faye Shifflett, born on September 28, 1939, passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 86. Evelyn was a resident of Greentown, Indiana.
A visitation will be held on January 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, located at 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, United States.
The funeral service will follow on January 29, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the same location. Evelyn will be laid to rest immediately following her funeral service at Grant Memorial Park Cemetery, 1606 W. 26th St., Marion, Indiana.
Edgar Theodore Schulenburg
Edgar Theodore Schulenburg, 79, of Tipton, died peacefully at The Waters of Tipton on Saturday, January 24, 2026. He was born in Elwood on March 14, 1946, to Orville A. and Esther (Beck) Schulenburg from Tipton. Ed married Sue Wolfe on October 23, 1976, and they spent 36 years together prior to her death on May 13, 2012.
Ed served his country with the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam era, being stationed in Germany. Besides spending his life enjoying farming, he worked at Quaker Oats in Tipton prior to becoming owner and operator of Ed’s Auto Parts in Tipton and then transitioning to Elwood with the operations of Bob’s Auto Parts. He was a faithful member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Tipton.
Survivors include his son Eric of Tipton and granddaughter EllieMae Sue Schulenburg. His siblings include sister Evelyn Benning (husband Carl J.), brother Carl L, (wife Linda), and his sister-in-law Patricia Schulenburg. He was preceded in death by his brothers Ken and Norman. Ed’s family also included several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be on Friday, January 30, at 2:00 p.m. at the Emanuel Lutheran Church in Tipton with Rev. Dr. Robb Roloff presiding. Visitation will also be on Friday beginning at noon at the church. Burial at Fairview Cemetery will occur at a later date.
Kenneth Edward Mulkey
Kenneth Edward Mulkey was born on June 18, 1959, in Harlin County, Kentucky, and passed away on January 24, 2026, at the age of 66. He was a resident of Kokomo, Indiana.
Visitation will be held on January 30, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, located at 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.
The funeral service will follow at the same location on January 30, 2026, starting at 2:00 p.m.
Burial will take place at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, located at 2097 W Alto Rd, Kokomo, IN 46902, on January 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Randolph Meriwether Jr.
Randolph Meriwether Jr., lovingly known as Randy, was born on December 31, 1948, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Arletta B. McKeage-Rice and Randolph Meriwether Sr., and stepmother Louise Meriwether, all of whom preceded him in death. Randy peacefully answered the Lord’s call and entered eternal rest, embraced by God’s grace and the promise of everlasting life. He was preceded in death by his sister Pauline Meriwether-Tinder, twin sister Allene Meriwether, and brothers Steven Meriwether and Mark Rice.
Randy leaves to cherish his memory his siblings and their families: Stanley Meriwether (Judy) of Indianapolis, Indiana; Greg Beck (Kristie) of Marion, Indiana; Tina Meriwether Rink of Kokomo, Indiana; Lorraine Ellis; and his stepsister, Lisa Conyers.
A devoted father and grandfather, Randy treasured his family and considered them one of God’s greatest blessings. He leaves behind his children: Jacquelyn Patterson (Warren) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Chad McGuire (Alicia) of Vancouver, WA; Angela Huleen (J.D.) of Seattle, Washington; Whitney Meriwether (Michelle) of Durham, North Carolina; Anthony Meriwether of Seattle, Washington; and Evan Meriwether (Erika) of Savannah, Georgia.
His legacy continues through his grandchildren: Chelsea Simmons (great-grandchildren Zion, Zaniya, and Zeke Simmons), Parker Patterson (great-grandchild Phoenix Patterson), Asher Patterson, Abigail Patterson, Julia McGuire (great-granddaughter Malia McGuire), Mariah McGuire, Jack Huleen, Alicia Huleen, and Wes Huleen.
A proud United States Air Force veteran, Randy served his country with honor. He later found joy in fishing along the Snake River, tending his yard and garden, traveling, and spending meaningful time with family and friends.
Later in life, Randy faced Parkinson’s disease with strength and dignity, and a determination to live every moment to the fullest. This included attending sporting events, concerts, good food, and making his well-known and much-requested homemade barbecue sauce.
Randy loved to dance, laugh, and have a good time. His infectious laughter and big, warm smile could light up any room. He was a man of fine taste, always sharp and well-dressed, and turned many heads in his day, hence his nickname “Slick.”
One of Randy’s proudest accomplishments was finally fulfilling his longtime dream of living in the Northwest; a place he truly came to call home.
Randy’s life was a testimony of perseverance, faith, love, and joy. While we mourn his earthly passing, we rejoice in the Word of God, which assures us: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8).
His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, until we meet again in the words of Randy, “Peace out!”
A funeral service will be held for Randy on Tue., Feb. 10, at 11 a.m., at Seed of Abraham Pentecostal Church, 246 N. Wells Ave., Renton, WA. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. in Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, WA.