Gloria Gayle Tucker

Gloria Gayle Tucker, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and companion, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024, in Indianapolis, IN. She was born on January 26, 1949, in Kokomo, IN, to the late James Opel Fitchpatrick and Lila Mae McCallister-Fitchpatrick, and she blossomed into a woman of great humor, friendliness, and generosity.

Gloria's life was marked by her remarkable talent for drawing, a passion that brought joy to many and a legacy that will live on in her artwork. She had an unparalleled zest for life, often found heartily singing her favorite tunes, and she shared her love for music with everyone around her. Her culinary skills were no secret either; Gloria was particularly famous for her southern-style cooking, with her lasagna being the centerpiece of many family gatherings.

She was a beacon of light in her community and within her family, which she nurtured with love and devotion. Gloria was a devoted member of Gospel Light Mission Church. Her surviving children, Tammy (Bruce Becraft) Irwin, Eric Reyburn, and Everett Adrian Tucker with his wife Amy Royal, remember her as a mother who led by example, teaching them the value of kindness and the joy of laughter.

Her sisters, Karlene Ryan and Deloris Rayls, will fondly recall the countless memories they shared, from the simplicity of childhood play to the complexities of adult life. Gloria was predeceased by her sister Joyce Cox and her brothers Otis Fitchpatrick, Jerry Fitchpatrick.

Gloria's grandchildren Bryan Fitchpatrick, Kimber Irwin, Donald Irwin, Zackary Register, Kara Register, and Jadyen Tucker were the light of her life. She delighted in their achievements and milestones, and they will carry her spirit of fun and generosity into the future. Though her grandchildren Ashleigh Irwin, James Register, and Bruce Register preceded her in death, they remain an integral part of her story and the family's cherished memories. Gloria was also blessed with sixteen great-grandchildren Izzy, Brittany, Taylor, James, Keziah Zion, Elijah, Bryan, Santagesha, Skyler, Savannah, Jayden, Jaelyn, Ozzlend, Draivyn, Alyssa each of whom added a unique thread to the vibrant tapestry of her life.

Pete Ellis, Gloria's significant other, stood by her side as a loving companion, sharing in the joys and sorrows, the everyday moments, and the milestones that made up their time together. His presence brought her great comfort and happiness, and their partnership was a testament to enduring love and companionship.

Gloria will be remembered as someone who could always be counted on for a good laugh, a warm meal, or a sympathetic ear. Her friendly nature drew people to her, and her generosity knew no bounds. To have known her was to know a life enriched by her presence.

Those who had the pleasure of crossing paths with Gloria will recall her fondness for storytelling, her animated expressions when sharing a joke, and the way her laughter could fill a room. Her legacy is one of love, art, and the simple pleasures of life, such as a song sung from the heart or a meal prepared with love.

As Gloria Gayle Tucker's chapter on earth concludes, her story continues through the lives she touched, the memories she created, and the love she shared. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Gloria Gayle Tucker was a treasure to all who knew her, and she leaves behind a world brighter for her presence. May she rest in peace, her laughter echoing in the hearts of her loved ones forevermore.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. Leave a message of condolence by visiting www.cityoffirstscremations.com

Herbert Plake

Herbert Plake, 76, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 21, 2024, with his loving family by his side. Herb was born on August 10, 1947 to his parents, John Plake and Letha (Likens) Plake. On February 12, 1971 Herb married the love of his life, Susan (McNew) Plake, and the two were blessed to share 53 years together.

Herb graduated from Tipton High School in the class of 1966. He earned an associate degree in Carpentry from Ivy Tech. After school, Herb proudly served in the United States Marine Corp. When Herb returned to civilian life, he began working for Delco Electronics; and after 32 years of employment, he retired in 1998.

Herb was a true patriarch and had the respect of his family. Herb and Susan had a busy home, raising five children. They had no other choice but to depend on one another and be a strong team. Of course, no marriage is perfect, but Herb and Susan’s love and loyalty to one another has been an inspiration to their children through the years.

Herb was incredibly committed to his family. His faith was important to him; his gentle spirit and kind ways were always proof of his devotion. He was an animal lover, and always had a dog that he treated as well or better than he did his children. Herb’s soft heart especially showed through later in his life when he became a grandpa. He was so proud of each of his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to brag about them.

In Herb’s spare time, you may have found him fishing, watching stockcar racing, doing yard work, looking after his garden, or feeding his sweet tooth with ice cream or frozen coke. Herb always had a way of putting people at ease. He was easygoing, enjoyable to spend time with, and could always be counted on for comic relief. He has left behind a family who are all very grateful for the impact he made on each of their lives. Herb will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him!

Those left to carry on Herb’s legacy of love are his wife, Susan Plake; children, Tracey (Todd) Fisher, Jodi (Drew) Holmes, Matt (Lydia) Plake, Mike (Annette) Plake, Joe (Heather) Plake; grandchildren, Gavin (Brynn) Fisher, Grace (John) Sherwood, Grant Fisher, Gwyn Fisher, Bailey (Josh) Gue, Riley (Katie) Hawkins, Kylee Mae Holmes, Matt Carter, Brandon Wimsat, Gage Plake, Nick Plake, Kenzie Plake, great grandchildren; Maizy Fisher, Monroe Sherwood, Paul Gue, Mickey Jo Gue, and another on the way (due in August). Herb is also survived by his twin brother, Gene (Pat) Plake; beloved dog, Cookie; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Herb was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, John and Letha Plake; siblings, Sonny Plake, Ann Miller, Rose Brown, Shirley Plake, Sharon Addison, Phil Plake; and beloved dog, Mugsy.

A funeral service celebrating Herb’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 1:00 PM at First Baptist Church, located at 400 Oak St. in Tipton, with Pastor Jared Williams officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the church. Burial, with full military honors, will be held directly after the service at Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Plake family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Herb with his family on his tribute wall.

James “Jim” Eugene Handy

James “Jim” Eugene Handy, 89, of Kokomo, passed away March 22, 2024, at Jefferson Manor. He was born in Jackson, Kentucky, on May 21, 1934, the son of the late Jesse Herbert and Mary (Haddix) Handy. On September 4, 1955, he married Esther May Fisher, and she preceded him in death on July 3, 2016.

Jim was a 1952 graduate of Logansport High School. He proudly served our country in the United States Army from 1956 through 1958. He earned his undergraduate degree from Indiana University in 1972 and earned a Master’s in Education in 1974. He taught special education at Elwood Haynes. Jim was a member of One Church, formerly First Church of the Nazarene in Kokomo, and had a strong faith in his Lord and Savior. He adored his wife, cherished time spent with family, and found joy in caring for babies and young children. He had an amazing sense of humor and enjoyed telling jokes to get a laugh. Jim liked reading, traveling, and he always looked for ways to help and serve other people.

Jim is survived by his children, John (Shirley) Handy, Wheaton, IL, Jerri Handy, Haywood, CA, Janice (Kent) Yost, Upland, IN, Jeffrey (Stacy) Handy, Russiaville, IN; daughter-in-law, Barb Handy; sister, Lucille Ponce; grandchildren, Joe (Katie) Handy, Amy (Sam) Slennett, Joshua (Angela) Turnbull, Amber Castagnola, Erin (Kyle) Wood, Emily (Josh) Wymore, Danielle Handy, Seth (Diane) Handy, Stephen Handy, Ian (Aimee-Nicole) Handy, Kara (Christopher) Short, Karic (Angel) Stemmel; and numerous great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son, Larry Handy; brothers, George Handy, Ben Handy, Orma Handy, Charles Handy, Paul Handy; sister, Mary Elizabeth Costello.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 9:30 am to 11 am Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at One Church, 2734 South Washington Street, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 11 am on Wednesday at the church with Rick Carder officiating. A link will be available to view Jim’s funeral live on his obituary page at 11 am on Wednesday. Burial will follow in Marion National Cemetery. Military Rites will be provided by the United States Army and Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Jim’s memory to the Lowell and Blanche Fisher Scholarship at Indiana Wesleyan University. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.