Tammy Kay Walker, Jacob Hilty Jr., Dale Arthur Martin, Sue Comerford, Billy Bryant, Robert Charles “Bob” Quillen, Debra “Deb” Elizabeth Karabin, Jo Anne Lawrence, Stanley Sawyer
Tammy Kay Walker
Tammy Kay Walker, 67, Flora, passed away at 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family. She was born July 4, 1959, in Lafayette, IN, the daughter of the late James L. Rader and Ellene (Simmons) Davis. On June 25, 1978, at Faith Church of Christ in Burlington, she married Steven B. Walker, who survives.
Tammy was a 1977 graduate of Carroll High School. She went on to graduate in 1978 from Indiana Business College, and in 1986 she earned her LPN from Kokomo Practical Nursing. Tammy worked as a nurse for Dr. Westrom and for Kokomo Neurology for many years. She left nursing and went to work for Chrysler Corp., retiring after eight years of service. She was a member of Solid Rock Ministries, where she loved worshiping the Lord, visiting with her church family, reading her Bible, and where she was baptized in 2009.
Tammy enjoyed having rummage sales and watching the Big Bang Theory. She took pride in caring for her home, her family, and loved doting on her son Matthew. She was an avid collector and consultant for Longaberger Baskets.
Along with her husband Steven, Tammy is also survived by her son Matthew J. (Emily) Walker; siblings Carolyn Martin and Kevin (Brenda) Davis; sister-in-law Julie Clingaman; brothers-in-law Jim B. Walker and Bill Walker, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her beloved fur baby Jensen.
Tammy was preceded in death by her parents; brother-in-law Michael Walker; and father-in-law James Walker.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Stout & Son, Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan Street, Burlington, with Pastor Tony Manis officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Lawn Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12-2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Tammy’s memory to the American Cancer Society, cancer.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Jacob Hilty Jr.
Jacob Hilty Jr., 78 years, two months, and 10 days, of rural Monroe, IN, passed away at 8:45 PM on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at his home in Monroe, IN. He was born on Tuesday, August 24, 1948, in Geneva, IN. He was married to Lovina J. (Graber) Hilty. Jacob worked as a carpenter and was a member of the Old Order Amish.
Survivors include his wife Lovina J. (Graber) Hilty of Monroe, IN; daughters Margaret L.J. (Jake) Schwartz of Kokomo, IN, and Emma L.J. (Alvin) Shetler of Monroe, IN; sons Jacob L.J. (Katie) Hilty of Berne, IN, and Jonas L.J. (Leah) Hilty of Pennville, IN; 33 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brother Sam J. (Martha) Hilty; and sister-in-law Martha L. (Miller) Hilty of Monroe, IN.
He was preceded in death by his father Jacob Hilty, Sr.; mother Emma (Troyer) Hilty; five grandchildren; brothers Andy J. Hilty and Reuben J. Hilty; sister Fannie J. Hilty; half-brothers Menno J. Hilty, Joe J. Hilty, Alvin J. Hilty, and Amos J. Hilty; and half-sister Katie J. Wickey.
Visitation will be held at the Hilty Residence 1108 S., 500 E., Monroe, on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
A funeral service will be at the Hilty Residence at 9:00 AM on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with Bishop Micheal Schwartz officiating. Burial will follow in the East Salem Amish Cemetery in Monroe.
Arrangements are being handled by Downing & Glancy Funeral Home in Geneva.
Online condolences may be made at www.glancyfuneralhomes.com
Dale Arthur Martin
Dale Arthur Martin, 90, of Kokomo, passed away at 9:13 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born September 4, 1936, in Kokomo, to Clyde and Edith (Davis) Martin. On December 23, 1955, he married Marie Elizabeth Fowler. They were married nearly 68 years before her passing on July 2, 2023.
Dale graduated from Kokomo High School in 1954 and went on to serve in the United States Army. Following his military service, he worked for Accurate Parts for more than 30 years before retiring. He also worked for the City of Kokomo in various roles, including positions in the surveyor’s office, street department, and sanitation department. Dale enjoyed hunting and fishing, loved spending time with his family and taking care of Marie, and cherished his grandchildren. He also found joy in feeding the local squirrels and watching college sports. He was an avid I.U. fan as well as a Chicago Cubs fan. He was a member of the VFW and the American Legion.
Survivors include his children Jeff (Tanya) Martin, Tim (Pam) Martin, and Dalena (Ralph) Fershee; grandchildren Jessica (David) Osmond, Lance (Wendi) Martin, Corey Martin, Bailey Martin, TJ Chapley, Matthew (Melissa) Martin, Bradlee (Kayla) Martin, Emily (Travis) White, Alex Nordman, Zack Nordman, Madison Fershee, and Katelyn Fershee; and 15 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife Marie Martin, he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Bernard Martin, Joyce Gilbert, Larry Martin, Patsy Braden, Carol Martin, Wanda Martin, and Max Martin.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Jeff Harlow officiating. The service will be webcast, and a link will be provided on his obituary page at www.shirleyandstout.com. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in Dale’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Sue Comerford
Sue Comerford, 81 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 6:00 a.m. Monday, October 12, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – 86th Street in Indianapolis. She was born on September 14, 1945, in Lafollette, TN, the daughter of Jim Scott Harrell and June (Monday) Harrell. On January 10, 1981, she married the love of her life Clarence Michael “Jocko” Comerford, and he preceded her in death on October 9, 2015, to Agent Orange lung cancer, after 34 years together.
Sue was a 1963 graduate of Kokomo High School. She retired from Delco Electronics after 35 years of service as a clerk. She was the most outgoing and social woman. She was passionate about golfing and supporting Veterans’ organizations, like the creative arts program. She was a devoted member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 6 and held many offices in the unit as well as District 5 President from 2007-2008 and the Department of Indiana. She organized the annual Children’s Christmas Party at the Legion for many, many years, and she helped buy the Christmas gifts for the Marion VA Christmas gift wrap every year with help from the Legion and the Sons’ donations. She was a member of Judson Road Christian Church, the Del Ra Nut Club, and the Hoosier Girls State. Sue stayed active by golfing at the American Legion, and snow skiing out west with Jocko and friends from Valparaiso. She will be remembered for being an advocate for veterans and their organizations.
She is survived by her children Melissa Kubly and David Janner; the light of her life, granddaughter Jennifer Kubly; siblings Yogi (Ruth) Harrell, Carol Lee, and Rick (Susie) Harrell; sister-in-law Susie Harrell; brother-in-law Bob Comerford; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings Andy Harrell, Earl Harrell, Shirley Harrell, Ronnie Harrell, and Billie Monday; and brother-in-law Bill Lee.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Sue’s life will begin at 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Marty Purcel officiating. Burial will follow in Rankin Cemetery in Bunker Hill. Contributions may be made in Sue’s memory to the Kokomo Unit 6 Auxiliary. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Billy Bryant
Billy Bryant, 70, of Argos, passed away on October 13, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Billy was born on August 15, 1956, in Kennett, Missouri, to the late Billy Joe and Mattie Laverne (McClain) Bryant. Billy married Liz Hunter-Bryant on August 15, 1981, in Kokomo, and she survives.
Billy was the co-owner and co-operator of a family business he co-owned with his father and brother called Bryant’s Outdoor Store, which opened in 1984. He also served as the Cruelty Investigator for the Kokomo Humane Society for almost 40 years. Billy thoroughly enjoyed both of his jobs. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and out-fishing his wife while she out-hunted him. Billy loved his tractor and collecting boulders and arrowheads. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, in-laws, and nieces and nephews.
Billy is survived by his loving wife of 45 years Liz Bryant; four sisters Sandra (Ed) Shinkle, Debbie Bentzler, Judy Ridenour, and Peggy (Colin Bauman) Hancock; brother Terry Bryant; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death are his parents; twin brother Jerry Glenn Bryant; and two brothers-in-law Mike Bentzler and Slim Ridenour.
There will be a time of visitation for Billy on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 1:00 PM until time of service at 4:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, IN. Larry McClain will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made in Billy’s memory to Marshall County Humane Society. Envelopes will be provided at funeral home.
Robert Charles “Bob” Quillen
Robert Charles “Bob” Quillen, 69, of Kokomo, passed away on October 12, 2026, following a brief battle with brain cancer. Bob was born on August 15, 1957, in Logansport, Indiana, and he was the son of the late Gerald L. Quillen Sr. and Judith (Johnson) Smith. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents Robert and Arlene Johnson, Cecil and Evelyn Smith, and Clarence “Red” and Amy Quillen.
Bob graduated from Logansport High School in 1976 and later furthered his education at Coyne American Institute in Chicago, Illinois, building the foundation for a career that would reflect his strong work ethic and dependable nature. Bob spent much of his working life as an electrician at the Chrysler/Stellantis Casting Plant in Kokomo, where he was truly dedicated to his work and loved what he did.
His work was not merely a job to him, but a meaningful part of who he was, and he carried himself with the professionalism that earned the trust of others. Those who knew Bob will remember him as an interesting, intelligent, and thoughtful man. He had a genuine appreciation for the simple pleasures in life and found joy in making memories with the people he loved. He especially cherished special moments with his fiancée Nancy, and looked forward to the future they had planned together.
Bob had a kind heart and a natural way with children, always wanting to make holidays and special occasions memorable for them. His kindness and consideration left lasting impressions on those around him. Bob also enjoyed spending time antiquing and collecting things, often finding enjoyment in the search as much as the treasures he discovered along the way. He liked stopping to eat at local places during his outings.
Bob had several collections of different valuable items, he especially took great pride in the Corvettes he collected, and he valued the style, craftsmanship, and enjoyment they brought him. He was a big fan of Led Zeppelin, and he took his brother Jerry for his graduation to see them front and center in 1977 at Market Square Arena. These interests reflect his spirit and the happiness he found in the things he loved.
He is survived by his fiancée Nancy Smith; his brothers Gerald L. Quillen Jr. and his wife Dottie, and Russell E. Quillen; his sister Patricia E. Quillen; his stepmother Janet Quillen; and several nieces and nephews.
Bob’s life was one marked by loyalty and humbleness. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. Rest in Peace “Wire Nut.” We will miss you dearly!
There will be a time of gathering on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Gospel Light Mission, 1407 Belmont Ave., Kokomo IN 46902
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Debra “Deb” Elizabeth Karabin
Debra “Deb” Elizabeth Karabin, née Christoph, passed away on October 6, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was born on September 1, 1960, at Ramstein Air Base in southwestern Germany, the daughter of Ingrid Pace and Franz Christoph, who served in the United States Air Force. Deb was awarded German citizenship at birth, and she grew up speaking both German and English. In 1966 at the age of six, she was naturalized as a United States citizen.
From 1964 to 1966, the family was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert, during the Chuck Yeager era of breaking the sound barrier, where she remembered hearing the sonic booms. The family then moved to Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., where they lived from 1966 to 1969.
Her favorite posting was Aviano Air Base, a vital NATO and U.S. military installation in northeastern Italy, where the family lived from 1969 to 1973. There, she learned Italian, joined the Girl Scouts, and traveled widely to Pisa, Venice, Pompeii, and Rome.
The family’s final posting was Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base in Kansas City, Missouri. It was in Kansas City that Deb met James (Jim) Hanson in high school on a blind date. They married in February 1981 and shortly after moved to Kokomo, Indiana.
Together, they welcomed three children who brought Deb great joy: Aaron, born in 1982; Tiffany, born in 1984; and Sean, born in 1985. Later, she also welcomed a stepson, Blake, into her heart through a second marriage.
Deb worked for many years at the Sunspot Natural Market in Kokomo before enrolling in Ivy Tech’s Licensed Practicing Nurse (LPN) program, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA. She went on to work as an LPN at more than a dozen senior care facilities across Indiana, and most recently worked at Craft Commons Assisted Living at Hooverwood, part of the Jewish Community Campus, where she was a beloved fixture among colleagues and residents alike.
Deb lived her life with a sense of adventure. She swam in cenotes in Mexico, skydived for her 60th birthday, and climbed to the top of Sentinel Dome in Yosemite. She was just as comfortable on top of a mountain as she was in her front yard, blowing bubbles with her grandchildren. That sense of whimsy extended into her everyday life. She kept a “pet skeleton” named Frankie, whom she liked to dress up and keep in the back seat of her car to make other drivers laugh.
She was an avid reader and lover of classic films as well as classic rock music, especially Led Zeppelin.
Deb was also passionate about making sure her hands always stayed dirty in her garden. She loved to cook using the herbs and vegetables she grew herself, and some of her favorite dishes included fresh-baked bread, soups, and homemade jams (plum was a favorite flavor).
She lived by the phrase “kindness matters,” an ideal that informed her strong beliefs in supporting women, children, and immigrants. This mantra was also visible in her devotion to her dogs and family.
Deb was preceded in death by her father Franz Christoph. She is survived by her children Aaron Hanson (Jenny Hanson), Tiffany Hanson, and Sean Hanson (Bridget Gelms); her mother Ingrid Pace; her grandchildren Ruby, Mac, Bruce, Gabe, Katie, and Sadie; her beloved dog Rosie; and her brother Mark Christoph.
The family will host a joyful celebration of life on Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Hooverwood Living, located at 7001 Hoover Road in Indianapolis. There will be a special performance at 11 a.m. followed by a short program and comments. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages friends and family that want to show support to donate to ALS United Indiana in honor of Debra Karabin.
Jo Anne Lawrence
Jo Anne Lawrence, lovingly known as Jo Anne, was a woman whose life reflected love, courage, and passion from beginning to end. She was born on January 9, 1961, in Kokomo, Indiana, and she passed away on October 14, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She lived her life with a steady spirit and a generous heart, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Jo Anne was born to Lovie and Floyd Mince, and from the very beginning she was shaped by the strength of family and the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her brothers Jimmy Mince and Randy Mince, both of whom, along with Jimmy’s wife Sandy, held a special place in her family story. Though she experienced loss, she carried forward with grace, choosing to honor the people she loved by living with purpose and by showing up for others with sincerity and care.
She is survived by her daughter Melanie Lawrence, her brother Larry Mince and his wife Vicki, and several extended loving family members who will forever treasure her memory. Jo Anne was the kind of person who made others feel seen, valued, and supported. Her presence brought comfort, her words carried encouragement, and her love created a lasting foundation for those closest to her. She understood that family is not only about connection, but also about commitment, loyalty, and the everyday acts of showing up with an open heart.
Jo Anne graduated from Haworth High School as a member of the class of 1979. She later attended college and completed some coursework in general studies, building on that foundation to support a career in banking and accounting. She worked for many years in accounting and as a teller, where her reliability and attention to detail earned the respect of coworkers and customers alike. For the last 20 years of her career, she moved into accounts receivable, continuing to serve with professionalism and dedication. Her work ethic was a reflection of who she was. She believed in doing things well, doing them honestly, and doing them with pride.
Her life was also marked by faith. Jo Anne was Christian, and her faith helped guide her through life’s joys and challenges. She lived with the quiet strength that comes from trusting God and from believing that even in difficult seasons, there is meaning, growth, and hope. Her faith was not just something she spoke about. It was something she lived through her kindness, her patience, and her ability to keep moving forward with courage.
Outside of work and family, Jo Anne found joy in the simple and meaningful parts of life. She loved her grand dogs, and they brought her a special kind of happiness that only a true animal lover can understand. She enjoyed listening to true crime podcasts, and she cherished the time she spent with her family. These moments mattered to her deeply because she understood that life is built not only on major milestones, but also on the small, beautiful experiences that fill our days with connection and warmth.
Jo Anne will be remembered as loving, courageous, and passionate. She was a woman who faced life with determination and heart. She did not simply move through the world. She made an impact in it. She encouraged others by example, showing that strength can be gentle, that love can be steadfast, and that a meaningful life is built one faithful step at a time. Her story reminds us to value our people, to work with integrity, to hold onto faith, and to live each day with intention.
Though her earthly journey has come to a close, the influence of Jo Anne Lawrence will continue in the lives she touched. Her daughter, her brother, her extended family, and all who knew her will carry her memory forward with gratitude and love. Her life was a testimony to resilience, devotion, and the power of a loving spirit. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Stanley Sawyer
Stanley Sawyer, born January 17, 1942, passed away on October 13, 2026, at the age of 84, and was a resident of Kokomo, Indiana. He was a proud retired Navy veteran.
Stanley is survived by his wife Tina Sawyer; children Connie Perry (Mark), Stanley Sawyer, and Miracle Sawyer; grandchildren Chelisse Redman (Andrew), Gabrielle Luzon (Jwan), Sebastion Sawyer (Amanda), and Joseph Sawyer (Raina); as well as eight great-grandchildren.
Stanley was preceded in death by his mother Alma M. Sawyer; father Dewey Sawyer; and brothers Wendell Sawyer and Larry Sawyer.
There will be no services at this time. There may be services announced in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either charity in Stanley’s memory:
Disabled American Veterans, 3706 S. Lafountain St., Suite C, Kokomo, IN 46902 https://www.dav.org/
Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Florida 32256 https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/.