James E. Morgan, Ernest “Ernie” Leroy Cottingham, Robert J. “Bobby” Pencek, Robert Lee Netro, Mary Sue Kussmann, John P. Clester
James E. Morgan
James E. Morgan, 96, of Kokomo, passed on October 29, 2026, at 6:06 AM, at The Brickyard Sycamore Village. He was born on September 27, 1930, in Roanoke, Indiana, to the late Griffith and Mary (Tetrick) Morgan. James married Coralee “Corky” (Nealis) Morgan in 1954, and she survives.
James served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War from 1951 until 1955. After his military career, he went on to work for Jewel Tea Co. as a successful salesman, retiring after 34 years. He was No. 1 salesman in the nation for multiple years and loved his job. After retirement, he opened his own business, Sarducci’s Pizza, which was a dream of his for many years. James was a member of Brookside Free Methodist Church for many years.
James is survived by his loving wife of 73 years Corky; son Gregory Morgan; daughter Teresa (Jack) McGrew; son Michael (Ellen) Morgan; 10 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by two sons James Morgan Jr. and Kenneth Morgan.
There will be a time of visitation for James on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM at Brookside Free Methodist Church, 190 East, CR 400 South, Kokomo, IN 46902. Pastor Jeff Bradley and Pastor Doug Benham will be officiating. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Full military honors will be performed by the United States Air Force and VFW Post #1152 Military Rites Team. Memorial contributions may be made in James’s memory to Brookside Free Methodist Church. Envelopes will be provided.
Ernest “Ernie” Leroy Cottingham
Ernest “Ernie” Leroy Cottingham, 75, Kokomo, passed away at 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his home. He was born on November 20, 1950, to Ernest Earl and Betty (Bridgewater) Cottingham. He married Susan Butcher on October 11, 1994, and she survives.
Ernie graduated from Kokomo High School in 1969. He worked for Cuneo Press, Carnation/Nestle, RCA/Thomson, H & R Industries, and Enterprise Marketing Productions. After retirement, he worked for his son at Cottingham Concrete. He was a member of First Congregational Christian Church and had attended Abundant Life Church. His athletic career included Little League, high school football, and softball, where he enjoyed being an umpire. He loved their cottage on the river, where he fished and played cards with his special friends. Ernie was most proud to watch his grandchildren participate in sports. He and his wife enjoyed cruises, traveling, festivals, black Friday shopping, kayaking, and being a Kokomo Wildkat and I.U. fan. Most of all he was a true family man.
Along with his wife Susan, Ernie is survived by his children Brian Cottingham, Brad (Heidi) Cottingham, Christy Glenn, Charlie (Caitlin) Springer, Jennifer (Eric) Springer, and Beth (Michael) Fuller; sister and brother-in-law Donna & Doyan Eades; sisters-in-law Kim (Mark) Herr, and Julie (Jesse) Bloomfield; brother-in-law Jim (Chrystal) Butcher; mother-in-law Karen Caylor; and step mother-in-law Michelle Butcher; 22 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Kay Hintz, brother-in-law Bill Hintz, granddaughter Sydney Glenn, great-grandson Calais; father-in-law Jim Butcher; and stepfather-in-law Jerry Caylor.
A funeral service celebrating Ernie’s life will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road. Friends may visit with the family from 1 p.m. until the start of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Ernie’s name to the American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org, or to the Kokomo Humane Society. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Robert J. “Bobby” Pencek
Robert J. “Bobby” Pencek, 88, of Kokomo, went home to be with the Lord at 9:20 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born June 23, 1938, in Monessen, Pennsylvania, to Anton and Anna (Kuzniar) Pencek. He married Karen S. “Tudie” Buettner on January 5, 1980, in Kokomo, and she survives.
Bob was a graduate of the Norman Rockwell’s famous artist school in Westport, Connecticut. He was a very gifted artist in drawing and painting. He also enjoyed woodworking and playing golf.
In his younger years, he worked with his father in wallpaper hanging. Bob retired from Precision Alloy Co. (PALCO) of Scottstown, Ohio, with 32 years of service in 2012. He was an avid Indianapolis Colts fan and enjoyed season tickets with his wife Karen for many years. His most prized possessions were his Lionel train set and his 1949 Ford truck called “Mater.” Some of his favorite foods were beans, wieners, pierogies, cabbage rolls, croissants with peanut and jelly, meat, potatoes, and gravy, and don’t forget the bread and cranberry celebration salad. Bob and Karen were also members of First Church of the Nazarene, now One Church, in Kokomo.
Surviving family include his wife Karen Pencek of Kokomo, brother-in-law Jimmy Buettner of Galveston and many, many, many nieces and nephews. Bob is preceded in death by his parents and eight siblings.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 6, 2026, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston, with Pastor David Leeder officiating. Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. until service time at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Center UB Cemetery near Young America.
Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Robert Lee Netro
Robert Lee Netro, known affectionately as Bob, passed away on October 28, 2026, in Wabash, Indiana, at the age of 44.
Bob was born on September 4, 1982, in Marion, Indiana, and he carried the spirit of his hometown with him throughout his life. He was a graduate of Wabash High School, and he built a life marked by kindness, steady dedication, and a genuine love for the people and interests that brought him joy. Those who knew him will remember him as a friendly, loving, and intelligent man whose presence could brighten a room and whose easygoing nature made others feel comfortable in his company.
Throughout his working life, Bob was known for his reliability and strong work ethic. He worked for 5-hour Energy Drink and also served as a supervisor for Schwan’s, where he was respected for his responsibility and the calm, capable way he handled his duties. He took pride in doing his work well and in being someone others could count on. His career reflected the same qualities that shaped so much of his life, and he approached each responsibility with sincerity and care.
Bob had many interests that brought him happiness and reflected his personality. He was an avid gamer and especially enjoyed playing World of Warcraft, where he could immerse himself in a world he loved. He deeply loved music and had a natural gift for it, as he could play the bass guitar by ear. Music was not simply a pastime for him, but a meaningful part of who he was. He also found peace and enjoyment in watching his fish swim in his fish tank, a quiet pleasure that brought comfort to his days. His dog, Finney, held a special place in his heart, and the bond they shared was one of the many simple joys that made his life so full.
Family was important to Bob, and he is remembered with love by his mother Julia McElveen, his deceased father Bernard F. Netro, his aunt Elizabth E. Middelton, and several cousins. The relationships he shared with his family were part of the foundation of his life, and he will be remembered in their hearts with deep affection and gratitude. His family and friends will forever carry the memory of his warmth, his humor, and the quiet strength of his presence.
Bob’s life was one of connection, character, and heartfelt interests. He was the kind of man who could be trusted, enjoyed, and appreciated for exactly who he was. He had a way of making others feel welcome, and he left behind memories that will be treasured by all who knew him. Whether through his work, his love of music, his time spent gaming, or the companionship of his beloved dog, he lived in a way that was true to himself.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Though his time on earth was far too brief, the impact of his life remains in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Robert Lee Netro will be remembered for his friendly spirit, his loving heart, and his intelligence, as well as for the many ordinary moments that made his life extraordinary to those around him.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Mary Sue Kussmann
Mary Sue Kussmann, 77, a resident of Irving, Texas, died on the 24th of October 2026 at home following a long illness. She was born to parents Everett Herbert Kussmann and Mary Katherine Deweese Kussmann on October 27, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Mary received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Emporia State in Emporia, Kansas, and an MBA from the University of Dallas in Irving, Texas. She then went on to enjoy her professional career as a Payroll Specialist.
Mary loved cats and had 10 or more of these loving fur-babies that meant the world to her during her lifetime. Mary’s last cat Wally has been re-homed and survives her. She is also survived by her two-legged family who will miss her terribly, including her sister Sharon Livingston and her husband David of Kokomo, Indiana; brother Herb Kussmann and his wife Barb of Olathe, Kansas; nieces and nephews Mike Naylor and wife Sheri, Nick Livingston and wife Michelle, Kris Kussmann and wife Jennifer, and Katie Goodrick and husband Chris.
A private family memorial will be held in Kansas City, Kansas, when Mary is interned in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Kansas City, Kansas, at a future date.
John P. Clester
John P. Clester, 81, passed away at 7:32 a.m. Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at IU Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie.
He was born in Kokomo, the son of the late Carl and Margery (Russell) Clester.
John attended Miami grade school, where he was in 4H Jr. Leaders and worked on his family farm. He graduated from Clay Township High School in Miami County in 1962, where he was also the class president.
He furthered his education at Manchester University, earning a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education, IPFW, earning his Masters in Education, and then IUPUI, earning his Doctorate of Education.
John was a life-long educator. He became a teacher for several years, and was a mentor and coach for the basketball and football teams. He advanced his career to become a school principal for 25 years, mostly in the Eastbrook School Corporation in Grant County.
After his retirement, John became the President and Operations Manager for the Indiana Eyeglass Recycling Center for more than 20 years, where he worked tirelessly, doing God’s work, to distribute more than 33 million pairs of used eyeglasses free around the world.
John was later introduced to DOCARE International where he made lifelong friends traveling to Guatemala. He always traveled where there was a need, going on a total of 89 eyeglass missions. His outreach assisted thousands of people to see again and improve their daily lives. His love for mission work brought him to other organizations such as RAM, with whom he also volunteered.
He was a member of the Matthews Lions Club and Lions Club International for more than 40 years.
John is survived by his daughter Kimberly (Wynette) Ruiz of Fishers; brother Joe (Robin) Clester of Florida; sister Karen Cedars of Kokomo; and three granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years Arlene F. Clester; his parents, and a brother Dewey (Linda) Hoppe.
John’s wishes were to be cremated. He will be eternally in our Lord’s presence as he was joyfully reunited with his love Arlene.
Dad had a passion for feeding animals, donating hundreds of pounds of food to the local shelters. You can honor his memory by donating to any local animal shelter of your choice in his name. He would’ve loved that.