Jack Gordon Winegardner, Cynthia Marie Whitehead, Farel Y. “Butch” Becker, Jr., Lois Elaine Hoban, Carolyn Sue (Jackson) Johnson, Jay Leonard Kelly, Donna Kay Williams, James Richard “Jim” Shockley
Jack Gordon Winegardner
Jack Gordon Winegardner, 87 years, of Logansport, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 6, 2026. He had been fighting a brave battle with cancer at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis.
Born January 12, 1939, at home, in Cass County - around Twelve Mile, Indiana - he was the son of the late Walter L. and Edith M. (Conrad) Winegardner. At the time, their neck of the woods was called “7 Sections.”
On July 19, 1956, Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy. A member of the Class of 1958, Jack earned his G.E.D. from the United States Armed Forces Institute in Madison, Wisconsin. For the most part of the next four years, Jack served on the U.S.S. Lake Champlain VA 39 from 1956-58, traveling in many countries in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1959, he sailed in the Northern Atlantic. In 1959, his days at sea were over, and he was honorably discharged July 10, 1962.
Jack came home to Indiana and began a career at the Chrysler Transmission Plant at Kokomo on March 18, 1964, retiring 40 years later on February 29, 2004. He was a proud member of the UAW Local 685.
On April 16, 1971, he was married to Eleanore (Willy) Winegardner. She preceded him in death on August 22, 2020.
Jack enjoyed growing vegetables in his backyard. He enjoyed helping Ellie can and freeze their harvest. He always put out birdseed in the front and back yards for the squirrels and the rabbits because she liked to watch them. In the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Jack was an active member of Bridge City Square, traveling to events and competing in square dance gatherings.
The Hillcrest Baptist Church was a very important part of his life, having served as usher for many years. Jack and Ellie had great times bowling together in the church league. For five years, Jack served as a leader in the King’s Kids program at church. He also served as Cub Scoutmaster for Pack 3208 and Boy Scoutmaster for Troop 203. During that time, Jack was privileged to help lead a group of many boys, along with other Scoutmasters, to the BSA High Adventure base in New Mexico called Philmont Scout Ranch. In 1990, it gave him great pleasure to present the award of Eagle Scout to his son Darin Winegardner.
Surviving are: one son Darin Winegardner of Twelve Mile; three daughters Christina Ann Gillaspy of Kokomo, Victoria Winegardner of Royal Center, and Jackie (Forrest) Hamilton of Walton; stepson Mark Modricker of Chicago; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and their families.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his stepdaughter Kathlerine Ann Modricker; son-in-law Mark Gillaspy; seven brothers Bob, Victor, Burl, William “Bill,” Harold “Fuzz,” Melvin Winegardner, and Ronald Winegardner; and his sister Wanda Kirkham.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, August 11, in Fisher Funeral Chapel from 4-7 p.m.
A funeral service celebrating Jack’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, in the funeral chapel, with Pastor Carl Lindermon officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
You may share memories and offer condolences on Jack’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com
Cynthia Marie Whitehead
Cynthia Marie Whitehead, 79, Kokomo, passed away at 2:10 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, at Silver Birch of Kokomo. She was born December 13, 1946, in Chardon, Ohio, the daughter of the late Jerry A. & Marguerite L. (Prusa) Pfeiffer.
Cynthia was a graduate of Bennett High School in Marion, IN. She worked as a bookkeeper for a bank, a legal secretary, for the Kelly Girl Temp Agency, a waitress, and a CNA for home healthcare. She enjoyed camping, traveling, small-lake fishing, canning veggies, cooking, and Bible studies. Cynthia loved classical music, especially her favorite conductor Andrea’ Rieu.
Cynthia is survived by her daughters Rebecca (Brian) Fye and Suzi (Graham) Roe; brother John (Dee) Pfeiffer; grandchildren Avery (Emily) Fye, Tirzah Fye (Eduardo Vazquez), Joey Sutton, and Ryan Castillo; several nieces and nephews; and ex-husband Al Whitehead.
Cynthia was preceded in death by her father Jerry A. Pfeiffer; mother Marguerite L. Rodgers; son Steven Jacoutot; brothers Jerry Pfeiffer, Dennis Pfeiffer, and Harvey Pfeiffer; and ex-husband Tom Jacoutot.
A celebration of life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Caleb Maple officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 p.m. until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Cynthia’s memory to Paradigm Health.
Farel Y. “Butch” Becker, Jr.
Farel Y. “Butch” Becker, Jr., 91, of Auburn, passed away Saturday, August 8, at Orwigsburg Center.
Born in Boyertown on November 19, 1934, he was a son of the late Farel Y. Becker, Sr. and Bernice Nettie (Grant) Becker.
Married 71 years, Butch was the loving husband of Dolores (Karlesky) Becker.
He was a member of Covenant United Methodist Church, Schuylkill Haven. He served on the Church Board of Trustees and was Sunday School Superintendent for 50 years.
Butch served as President and co-owned and co-operated Becker Bros. Toyota, with his brother Patrick.
Butch was a past South Manheim Township Supervisor, served on the Child Evangelism Board, Board Member of the former Schuylkill Haven Trust Bank, and belonged to the Studebaker Club of America.
In his spare time, he loved to play games with his family, garden, hunt, fish, and woodworking.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his children Deborah Reager (David) of Pottsville, Farel Becker III (Cynthia) of Freemont, CA, Frank Becker (Suzanne) of Severn, MD, and Doreen Becker (Mary Joy) of Pleasantville, NY; grandchildren Sean Reager (Megan), Neal Reager (Melissa), Jamin Becker (Corey), Reilly Becker, Jacob Becker (Erin), MaryAnn Hazzard (Mark), and Grant Becker; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings Patrick Becker of Lancaster, James Becker (Beryl) of Lancaster, Ruth Fenninger of Ephrata, Herb Becker of Mohrsville, and David Becker (Marie) of Kokomo, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Butch was preceded in death by his grandson Thomas J. G. Becker; sister Joanne L. Jelliff; sisters-in-law Jane and Colleen Becker; and brother-in-law John Fenninger.
A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, August 14, at Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven, with Rev. Jim Hoffman officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:30 AM until time of services. Interment will follow at Schuylkill Memorial Park, Schuylkill Haven.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant United Methodist Church, 215 E. Main Street Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972 or Child Evangelism Fellowship of Schuylkill County, PO Box 486, Minersville, PA 17954.
Geschwindt Stabingas Ebling Funeral Home, Inc., Schuylkill Haven has been entrusted with arrangements.
Lois Elaine Hoban
Lois Elaine Hoban, 100, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Vitality Living in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Lois was born on June 20, 1926, in Peetz, Colorado, to the late A. B. and Vera Olive (Agate) McKain. On August 10, 1947, she married Merrill D. Hoban in Brooke, Indiana. Merrill preceded her in death on March 20, 2013.
A graduate of Huntington High School, Lois earned her Bachelor’s degree from Indiana Central College and later earned her teaching certification. She dedicated many years to education with Northwestern School Corporation, where she worked as a library assistant, substitute teacher, and taught 8th grade English from 1968 to 1982.
Lois was an active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church (now Connexion Church), where she participated in the Builders Sunday School Class. She was also a member of the Howard County Retired Teachers Association and volunteered for several years at St. Joseph Hospital. Lois was an avid reader, loved playing the piano and organ, and treasured traveling across the United States by car with Merrill.
Lois is survived by her children Jane Hoban (John) Nickoloff and James Merrill (Judy) Hoban; her grandchildren Julie (Andy) Price, Pamela (Terry) Reeser, Melinda (Anthony) Patterson, and Megan (Daniel) Balsbaugh; and her great-grandchildren Hannah (Bobby) Burlas, Holly Reeser (fiancé Jaxon Trenum), Michael Towns, Jack Patterson, Mallory Patterson, Bentley Thompson, Zayne Thompson, Cash Thompson, Tyler Balsbaugh, and Bethany Balsbaugh.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her three sisters Esther McKain, Mary Alice Catlin, and Martha Leiter.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Connexion Church, 700 E. Southway Blvd., Kokomo, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery in Kokomo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Connexion Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Carolyn Sue (Jackson) Johnson
Carolyn Sue (Jackson) Johnson, 82, of rural Greentown, peacefully passed away on August 6, 2026. She was born on February 7, 1944, in Kokomo to Wilbur and Dorothy “Jennette” (Kurtz) Johnson.
Carolyn graduated from Eastern High School in 1962. After high school, she attended Indiana Central (now University of Indianapolis) and also played basketball. She married Roger Dale Johnson on November 2, 1963, at Hillsdale Church in Kokomo. She enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom while her children were growing up, assisting Roger with farming, and doing some substitute teaching. After her children were out of the house, she continued her education at Indiana Wesleyan University. Carolyn earned a BS in Elementary Education while receiving an award for Outstanding Student Teaching. She also earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University and received an Outstanding Professional Award from her peers. She taught at Eastern Elementary School for 16 years, and she also was employed by Westat Research, doing assessments in schools. Carolyn was a member of Converse Church of Christ, where she taught Sunday school classes, VBS, and youth groups. She served as an Ark Park director, served on Ministry System Task Force and Ministry Search Teams. Carolyn was a member of women circles and Bible study groups, welcome center ministry leader, senior saints, CCC library committees, and packing team for Oak Hill Blessings in a Backpack
Throughout all of her commitments, Carolyn’s greatest joy was her family and friends. She was a dedicated mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She enjoyed supporting her grandchildren in their sports and extracurricular events. The door was always open for friends and family to stop by for a visit, and her cookie jar was always full of cookies.
She is survived by her husband Roger; children Greg (Beth) Johnson, Brad (Stephanie) Johnson, and Anne (Gary) Phillips; grandchildren Ryan (Chelsea) Johnson, Zach Johnson, Megan Johnson, Jaden (Sierra) Phillips, and Tegan (Daniel) Pellegrine; great-grandsons Hal, Kash, Korbin, and Hudson; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Michael Jackson, and sister-in-law Sandy Jackson.
The visitation will be held from 4 p.m.-5:45 p.m., Wednesday, August 19, 2026, in Converse Church of Christ, 301 East Wabash Street, Converse, Indiana. The funeral will follow at 6 p.m., with Pastor John Clark officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Converse Church of Christ Scholarship Fund or The Ark Christian Ministries, 3522 N 1000 W-27, Converse, Indiana 46919. Online condolences may be made at www.owenweilertduncan.com.
Carolyn will be remembered for her life dedicated to the Lord. She touched countless lives and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Jay Leonard Kelly
Jay Leonard Kelly, 65, Kokomo, passed away at 3:27 p.m. Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis. He was born July 19, 1961, in Denver, Colorado, the son of the late Robert M. & Anita (Hayes) Kelly. On July 20, 1985, in Fort Madison, Iowa, he married Barb Mansheim, who survives.
Jay was a graduate of Eureka High School. He went on to earn his bachelor’s in engineering from Rolla School of Engineering, then received his master’s in business degree from Kent State University. Jay worked for Packard Electric in Warren, Ohio, transferred to Delphi Electronics in Kokomo, then retired from General Motors in Warren, Michigan, in December of 2021.
Jay was a member of Brookside Free Methodist Church, working with the youth groups and had even participated in some sporting events with other church members. He was a strong Christian man who loved the Lord and shared that faith with others. He also played sports with friends at General Motors, enjoyed coaching youth leagues, PAL leagues, AYBT leagues, and his daughter Katie’s basketball team from 3rd to 8th grade. He was an avid fan of Purdue sports, watching both on television and in person. He was also a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos. Jay cherished his time that he was able to spend with his family and friends and especially his grandchildren.
Along with his loving wife Barb, Jay is also survived by his daughter Katie (Eric) Armstrong; grandchildren Rowan Armstrong and Rhett Armstrong; sister Jackie Kelly; brothers-in-law Rick (Jenny) Mansheim, Chris (Cindy) Mansheim, and Tom (Lisa) Mansheim; sister-in-law Brenda (Frank) Lamartine; and nieces and nephews Aaron (Cheyenne) Mansheim, Sandra Mansheim, Izzy Mansheim, Ben Mansheim, Taylor Mansheim, Megan Mansheim, Dan Mansheim, Tessa Lamartine, Kyra Lamartine, Jake Lamartine, and Vinny Korschgen.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved dogs Spike and Charlie; and his favorite pet Sophie.
A funeral service will be held at noon, Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Brookside Free Methodist Church, 190 E. 400 S., Kokomo, with Pastors Jeff Bradley and Doug Benham officiating. Burial will follow in South Union Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until time of service Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jay’s memory to Brookside Free Methodist Church or PAL league. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Donna Kay Williams
Donna Kay Williams, 62, Greentown, passed away peacefully at 1:50 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born June 7, 1964, in Tipton, the daughter of Bobby Brumley & Connie Brumley (now Connie Guy).
On August 25, 1984, she married the love of her life Richard Williams, and he survives.
A graduate of Eastern High School in 1982, Donna furthered her education at Ivy Tech Community College, earning an Occupational Certificate in Medical Assisting in 1983. She worked as a contact lens specialist for Central Indiana Eye Institute for 17 years, followed by Edward Jones Investments for nearly 22 years.
Donna’s hobbies reflected her zest for life and creativity. She had a passion for crafting and painting that brought beauty into the lives of those around her. She and her sister loved spending entire days in antique/vintage shops. She was an avid reader with a particular fondness for Danielle Steele and Freida McFadden novels, and she often traded books with her mother and sister. True crime television shows like “Law & Order” were among her favorite pastimes.
Donna and Rich shared a passion for auto racing and vintage car shows. They were involved in the pit crew for former sprint car racer Gary Fisher, which led to a love of NASCAR, NHRA, and IndyCar. Over the last several years, they showcased their prized 1933 Ford coupe. She was also a devoted fan of the Indianapolis Colts and vigorously cheered for them. She also loved spending time on the water, boating on the pontoon with family and friends. Beach vacations were their favorite getaways.
Above all else, Donna’s heart belonged to her family. She was a loving grandmother to her pride and joy - eight grandchildren as well as numerous foster children - a testament to her boundless compassion and generosity.
Along with her husband Richard, Donna is also survived by her mother Connie Guy; children Gavin Bryce Williams (partner Ona Sailsbury), Tanner Blake Williams (partner Georgie Epp), and Megan Smith; grandchildren Norah, Brayden, Adalaide, Colson, Griffin, Lennon, Georgie, and Nora; siblings Rhonda (Larry) Lindsey and Scott (Angela) Brumley; nieces and nephews Nicholas, Shelby, Lindsy, Caleb, Delaney, Jesse, Gracie, Nicole, Misty, Brett, Joey, Toby, Matt, and Megan; numerous great-nieces and nephews; her mother-in-law Lonita Williams; and sisters-in-law Marcia Gootee, Janis Bell, and Joni Brown.
Donna was preceded in death by her father Bobby Brumley; sister Teresa Brumley-Compton; father-in-law Richard Williams; and Lonita’s partner Ken Black.
James Richard “Jim” Shockley
James Richard “Jim” Shockley, 64, Peru, passed away at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Aperion Care in Peru. He was born November 11, 1962, in Logansport, Indiana, the son of the late Carl & Betty Jo (Hughes) Shockley.
Jim was a graduate of Delphi High School. He had worked for Walmart as a greeter in Louisville, Kentucky. He enjoyed fishing, bowling and participated in bowling leagues while living in Louisville. Jim also enjoyed watching TV, especially animal shows, and listening to county music on the radio.
Jim is survived by his siblings Jerry (Tracy) Shockley, Sherry Kendel, and Jennifer Wilson; along with several nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Kathy Long and Marsha Long.
In keeping with Jim’s wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society.