Paul Edward Givens

Paul Edward Givens, age 87, of Kokomo, Indiana, went to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on May 15, 2024. He was born in rural Wabash County, Indiana, on December 21, 1936, to James R. and Irene (Bone) Givens. The family moved to Amboy, Indiana, shortly after where he spent his growing up years. He attended Clay Township High School.

On September 17, 1957, he married his high school sweetheart Emma Louise Mast in the Amboy Wesleyan Methodist Church. In 1998 he retired from H.E. McGonigal after a long career as manager of the body shop. Soon after, his lifelong dream of moving to Minnesota became a reality when he and Lou moved to Orr, Minnesota, on beautiful Black Duck Lake. They enjoyed everything that the Minnesota north woods had to offer. Paul was the Supervisor for the Camp 5 Township, and he and Lou were active in the Lakeview Baptist Church. They spent 13 wonderful years in Orr before moving back to Kokomo to be near their family.

In his spare time Paul enjoyed fishing, oil painting, and woodworking, along with driving cars for Button Motors. His favorite pastime was getting to watch his grandchildren and great grandchildren participate in sports and activities.

In 1972 Paul gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized in the Indian Heights Grace Brethren Church where he was an active member for many years. Most recently he was a member of Morning Star Church where he was active in the Faithful Followers Sunday school class.

Through ceaseless hard work, he built a permanent nest of safety for everyone he loved, and walked in the shadow of his savior, Jesus Christ, sacrificing his own comfort and much of his life so that his family could peacefully thrive.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, his children Paul Jr. (Debby) Givens, Ron (Pam) Givens and Susan (Tammy) Maxwell. Grandchildren Taylor (Danielle) Givens, Tanner (Alex) Givens, Trisha (Jimmy) Eby, Ashley Sanders, Erica (Chad) Combs, Brianna (Ryan) Mercer, Jessica (Marcus) Salazar, Zeric Maxwell, and Xavier Maxwell. Great grandchildren Desmond, Elsie, Lewie, Elliott, Emmitt, Emma, Elias, Jaden, Amaya, Cole, Cayden, Parker, Gunnar, Lucas, Lillian, Roselynn, Tulio, Nova, Adelaide, James, and Simeon. His half-brother James Givens, Jr., and half-sister Janet Castor.

Preceding him in death were his infant son Ricky and his infant grandson Robert. His parents James Givens and Irene Ashford and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Robert and Mary Mast. His siblings Magaret Biggs and Bob, Don, Bill, Larry, and John Givens.

Paul’s family would like to thank his many caregivers for their quality care and compassion. Special thanks to Regina and Karla from Paradigm Health.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2024, at the new location of Morning Star Church, 2059 North 100 East, Kokomo, Indiana, with Pastor Brady Howell officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the church and one hour prior to the service at the church. Those who desire may make memorial donations in honor of Paul to Morning Star Church 2059 North 100 East, Kokomo, Indiana, or to Williams Syndrome Association 243 Broadway #9188, Newark, NJ 07104. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home in Greentown has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

Nancy J. Batchelder

Nancy J. Batchelder, 90 of Tipton passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024, in Kokomo. Nancy was born in Haverhill, Massachusetts on June 7, 1933, to her parents Martin H. & Evelyn (Peters) Cole. She married Arthur Batchelder on July 25, 1953, and he preceded her in death on January 25, 1986. Nancy had previously lived in Merrimac, Massachusetts, Sebring, Florida, and Mason, Ohio, and in Tipton since 1995.

She was a graduate of Haverhill High School in the Class of 1951. Nancy had worked as an electrical tester for both AT&T and Western Electric. She was an avid walker and was always seen walking around Tipton with her stand-up walker. She worked wonders with cross stitch making many gifts for her family and friends. Nancy always enjoyed traveling and made an exciting trip to Europe, but by far her favorite place to visit was Alaska. She was also a voracious reader and would routinely devour at least 100 mystery novels each year.

Survivors include her two children, Lyn Diamond and husband Harry of Tipton and Thomas Batchelder of Plaistow, New Hampshire; three grandchildren, Katherine Diamond, Benjamin Diamond and Brendon Batchelder and wife Tess Batchelder who is expecting Nancy’s first great-granddaughter. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Joan Cole of Merrimac, Massachusetts. Nancy was preceded in death by her three siblings, Martin Cole, William Cole and wife Fern, and Dorothy Cole.

Funeral services for Nancy will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 21, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home in Tipton. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. After the services in Indiana, Nancy will return home to New Hampshire to be buried next to her husband Arthur in Elmwood Cemetery in Bradford, Massachusetts.

Memorial contributions in honor of Nancy may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105. Condolences for Nancy’s family may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

At Nancy’s request, everyone attending the visitation or funeral should wear bright and happy colors!

Elizabeth Ann (Hightower) Smith

Elizabeth Ann (Hightower) Smith, 57, of Kokomo, passed away Friday, April 26, 2024, at her home. She was born in Howard County on November 5, 1966, the daughter of the late Thomas M. and Hazel Hightower.

Elizabeth held various jobs at different fast-food restaurants. She enjoyed camping and watching the Indianapolis 500. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her friends and family.

Elizabeth is survived by her companion, Steven Smith; daughters, Felicia Beckleheimer, Amanda Hill, and Sarah Michelle; brother, Thomas Hightower; several grandchildren; sister-in-law, Melissa (Joani) Smith; brother-in-law Brett (Barbara) Smith.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister-in-law, Diana Smith.

There are no public services scheduled at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.