Barry Lee Quackenbush, Michael “Hoppy” Darin Hopwood, Melanie D. Lalonde-Pyle, James W. Downhour II
Barry Lee Quackenbush
Barry Lee Quackenbush, 53, Greentown, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at his home. He was born on February 12, 1973, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Larry D. and Jill A. (Sartain) Quackenbush.
Barry worked as a welder at Wiley Metals and, in recent years, at American Woodmark. He loved music and enjoyed playing baseball in his youth. Known for his generosity, he also enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities.
He is survived by his son Brian (Shaliegh) Quackenbush; stepchildren Corey (Beth) Bryant and Shauna (Craig) Jones; mother Jill Quackenbush (Tommy Williams); siblings Brandi (David) Lawhorn, Breann McCorkle, and Brian (Stacy) Quackenbush; grandchildren Brilynn, Peyton, Drayden, and Makenna; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncle, and cousins; and mother of his son Marcie Bright.
Barry was preceded in death by his wife Rhonda Quackenbush; father Larry D. Quackenbush; daughter Linsey Leann Quackenbush; grandmother Beverly Sartain; and dogs Cowboy, Chloe, and Peanut.
Friends may visit the family from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Jerome Christian Church, 9535 County Road E, 100 S, Greentown. A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m., with Pastor David Stokes officiating. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to Jerome Christian Church, Ark Camp, and the Children’s Education Fund in Barry’s memory.
Michael “Hoppy” Darin Hopwood
Michael “Hoppy” Darin Hopwood, 64, of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his home in Kokomo. He was born July 14, 1962, in Evansville, IN, the son of the late Thomas Hopwood and Sharon (Hayes) Hopwood. On May 28, 2016, he married Katherine “Kathy” (Shanko) Hopwood in South Haven, Michigan, and she survives.
Hoppy was a 1981 graduate of Western High School. He graduated with a degree in physical therapy from the University of Evansville in 1985. Over the years, he served tenures as a PTA at various places, such as Replay Physical Therapy, Select Physical Therapy in Anchorage, AK, Athletico Physical Therapy, and Team Rehabilitation. Hoppy also served as team trainer for Western High School for 15 years, and coached youth baseball for Team Replay at UCT. He was a member of the American Legion Golf Club Men’s league. Hoppy enjoyed fishing, camping, grilling, and playing basketball and volleyball. He was known to many as a “euchre master.” Anyone who knew Hoppy knew his love and admiration for his Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs.
In addition to his wife Kathy, Hoppy is survived by his children Megan (Corrigan) Kardatzke, Colton (Tiana) Hopwood, Aeryn Hopwood, and Aidan Hopwood; step-children Leah Zuver, and Bradley Leonard; grandchildren Scarlett, Remington, Bear, and Rowen Kardatzke, Mila and Duke Hopwood, Kayden Gutierrez, Brylee Turlilngton, Silas Prater, and Paxton Leonard; great-grandchildren Khloe and Kason Gutierrez; siblings Derk (Ann) Hopwood, Eric (Nina) Hopwood, and Brian Hopwood; and mother-in-law Margaret Shanko.
Hoppy was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. The family requests, on behalf of Hoppy, those who attend to wear your Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, or Team Rehab attire. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Melanie D. Lalonde-Pyle
Melanie D. Lalonde-Pyle, born on May 20, 1977, in Mishawaka, Indiana, and passing away on November 2, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, lived a life marked by love, intelligence, generosity, and a spirit that lifted everyone fortunate enough to know her.
She was born to Diana and Benjamin Pierce, and from the very beginning, she carried the strength, warmth, and determination that would come to define her life. Melanie was a woman who understood how to show up for others, how to care deeply, and how to make an ordinary moment feel meaningful. She was Christian in faith, and that faith helped guide the way she loved, served, and encouraged those around her.
Melanie graduated from Winamac Community High School and later completed her education at Wright’s Beauty College. She built a career as a cosmetologist and color specialist, where her talent and eye for beauty allowed her to help others feel confident and seen. She also worked as a tax preparer, reflecting her intelligence, organization, and ability to handle responsibility with care and precision. In every role she held, she brought dedication and a strong work ethic that spoke volumes about the kind of person she was.
Melanie loved singing and music, and she carried that love with her in a way that brought joy into the lives of others. She truly loved doing hair and always made sure her makeup was on, because she believed in presenting herself with pride and purpose. She was very organized, and that quality was part of what made her so dependable and admirable. She also loved spending time with her friends, sharing laughter, conversation, and the kind of companionship that makes life richer. She loved her dogs deeply, including Bear, Boots, Kal, Arayla, Duke, and Peanut, and she carried the memory of the dogs she had lost before her — Tank, Aleyah, and Raheem — in her heart always. She also enjoyed watching dramedy shows like Grey’s Anatomy, finding comfort and entertainment in stories that blended emotion, humor, and resilience, much like she did in her own life.
She is survived by her husband Joshua; her daughters Hannah Gibson and Austin, Angelika Pyle and Josh; her son Braeden Schafer and Abby; her grandchildren Theo, Donny, and JJ Clark, Houston Gibson, and Kashton Schafer; her first granddaughter on the way Abilene Gibson, due in January; and her grandmother Virginia Pierce. These loved ones carry forward her legacy of love, strength, and devotion, and they will continue to feel the impact of her presence in their lives.
Melanie was preceded in death by her son Tyson LaLonde; her first husband Andrew LaLonde; her brother-in-law Louie Pyle; her grandfather Chester Pierce; and her grandparents Elvira Estes and George Estes. Though their absence was felt deeply, her life remained a testament to the bonds of family, memory, and enduring love.
Melanie’s life reminds us that greatness is not always loud. Sometimes it is found in the way a person loves their family, pursues their gifts, keeps their life in order, and brings beauty into the world through both skill and spirit. She was loving, intelligent, and generous, and those qualities were not just words used to describe her. They were the way she lived. She showed that strength can be tender, that beauty can be practical, and that a faithful heart can leave a lasting mark.
Her journey on this earth was meaningful, and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her to live with purpose, to love without hesitation, and to cherish every moment. Melanie D. Lalonde-Pyle leaves behind a legacy that will not fade, because a life lived with love, grace, and conviction continues to speak long after the final goodbye.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
James W. Downhour II
James W. Downhour II, 71, Kokomo, passed away at 4:43 p.m. Friday, October 30, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health, Kokomo. He was born July 4, 1955, in Logansport, IN to James and Opal (Webb) Downhour.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman who was fascinated with dinosaurs as a child. This grew into a love of all wildlife. He enjoyed hunting and learning about weaponry, as well as participating in historical reenactments. Jim enjoyed using the skills required to make clothing and period-specific items used in those events.
He will be remembered for the interests he enjoyed and the experiences that made up his life
He is survived by his sisters Terri Pokraka and Kristy Walden; as well as dear friends Brian and Belinda Foust and Melissa Richeson, who held a special place in Jim’s life and shared many meaningful moments with him.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Currently, no funeral or memorial services are planned. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.