Burton Lee Munsey, Darwin C. Nelson, Maria Pflueger, Jacqueline “Jackie” Dillman, Edward “Ed” Odie Meyers, Robert Kenneth Edwards

Burton Lee Munsey

Burton Lee Munsey, age 52, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. He was born January 31, 1973, to Richard Munsey & Jeannie Jarrell. He married his high school sweetheart Heather (Evans) Munsey on June 14, 1997.

He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1991 and Ferris State University in 1994, obtaining a Master of Opticianry in 1997. He loved coaching youth baseball and was an avid Indianapolis Colts fan. Burt took pride in being called "the Chef," preparing his own recipes and hosting numerous cookouts.

Burt is survived by his wife Heather and their children Colt, Hutch, and Cora, parents Richard Munsey and Jeannie Jarrell, brothers Rich (Karen) Munsey and Aaron (Kelly) Munsey, several loving nieces and nephews, and the entire Evans family.

He was preceded in death by his good friend and brother-in-law Heath Evans.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Bible Baptist Church 2635 S Dixon Rd, Kokomo, IN 46902.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations directly to the family if you wish to express your condolences.

Darwin C. Nelson

Darwin C. Nelson, 80, of Kokomo, passed away at 1:24 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at his home. He was born on February 16, 1945, in Estelline, SD, the son of Lyle C. and Pearl E. (Veneklasen) Nelson. On January 16, 1966, he married Barbara J. Harmon at Parr Memorial Church in Kokomo, and she survives.

Darwin graduated from Lake Norden High School in Hamlin, South Dakota. He worked on his family’s farm before going into the Air Force where he was a loadmaster and was stationed in Vietnam. He worked in Assembly at Chrysler after his time in the Air Force, retiring in 2004. Darwin enjoyed hunting pheasants and deer along with fishing. He liked to watch NASCAR racing, especially Dale Earnhart.

Along with his wife Barbara, he is survived by his daughter Tina (Chris) Wall, grandchildren Jessica Pennington, Jordon Pennington, and Garrett Swank, great-grandchildren Kane Boller and Journi Johnson, brothers Roger (Pat) Nelson and Larry (Rose) Nelson, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lyle and Pearl.

A graveside service will be held at Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery, Monday, March 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Darwin’s memory to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Maria Pflueger

Maria Pflueger, 83, Kokomo, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025. She was born in Edinburg, TX, on September 14, 1941, to the late Daniel and Dominga (Garza) Cuellar. At Southside Christian Church on March 20, 1970, she married Ronald Lee Pflueger, and he preceded her in death on July 19, 2015.

Maria was an incredible woman who lived a life full of love, joy, and service. She was a devoted wife and mother and had a vibrant personality. She had a deep connection to her faith as a prayer warrior to add to her beautiful legacy. She made a lasting impact on everyone she encountered, from her family to her church community, and even those she comforted in nursing homes.

Her love for her Mexican heritage and the joy she brought with her “spanglish” to the family gatherings created such special memories. Her talents — quilting, sewing, and researching healthy living — showed how deeply she cared for those around her, always thinking of ways to share and help.

She and Ron were blessed with many travels, even the ones she was "reluctant" about, yet each one added a beautiful chapter to her life. She leaves us with an image of her dancing in heaven, free of pain, which is comforting to her family.

Her sweetness, faith, and spirit will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of all who knew her, as she is praising and marveling at being with Jesus.

Maria is survived by her children Cindy (Pat) Golembieski, Pam (Dave) Mobley, Lisa Pflueger, Kim Pflueger, Jennifer Bontrager, and Jim (Shauta) Walker, grandchildren Nikki (Garrett) Roberts, Alyssa (Brian) Goncales, Casey (Krysten) Cline, Courtney (Brett) Talley, Caitlin (Adam) Shotwell, Caden “Bubba” (Ashleigh) Cline, River Bontrager, Phineas Bontrager, Vivian Walker, and Max Walker. She also has 18 great grandchildren, siblings Bertha Smith, Margaret (Max) King, and Linda Smith, brother-in-law Danny Sutton, sisters-in-law Connie (Chris) Christofanelli and Jaoquina Cuellar, special friend Patricia Dick, caregivers Gloria & Mattea Pickering, Diann Langley, Cala J. Crist, and others, as well as Dr. Lance Washington and the team at Southern Care Hospice.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings Chema (Velma) Cuellar, Della (Leonard) Shoup, Danny Cuellar, Marie (Bill) Dyer, Pepe Cuellar, and Esther Sutton, and aunt and uncle Rodriguez.

Come and honor Maria’s life! A celebration of Maria’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Crossroads Community Church, 4254 S 00 EW, Kokomo, with Pastor Kalee Barnes officiating. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Friends may visit with family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Exodus Refugee Immigration, exodusrefugee.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Dillman

Jacqueline “Jackie” Dillman, 72, of Kokomo, passed away 1:27 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Northwoods Village in Kokomo. She was born on October 16, 1952, in Kokomo, IN, the daughter of the late Romeo Harvey and Evelyn (Hickman) Cisney.

Jackie formerly worked at the Breakfast House as a waitress and at Cannon Valley Woodwork. She had a funny sense of humor. She loved to laugh, found joy in playing jokes on people, and was very resilient. She was a free spirit and fiercely protective of her family. She liked camping, dancing, and going on walks. She had a skill for crocheting. She was a nurturing and loving mother and grandmother. Jackie prioritized her family and loved any time that she was able to spend with them.

She is survived by her children Shirley Thompson, Samuel (Kelsey) Aldridge, Deborah (Garrick Dikos) Aldridge, siblings Jeanette Rosemont, Jim (Karen) Cisney, and Julia Corsair, grandchildren Ashley Meshach, Nicole Yard, Romeo Aldridge, Tyler Yard, Taylor Yard, Allison Yard, Christopher Aldridge, Jason Aldridge, Quinn Thompson, Maris Duchateau, Cyrus Aldridge Emmaleigh Aldridge, Conner Aldridge, Cara Aldridge, Paisley Aldridge, and Vayda Aldridge, and best friend Merry Duchateau.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son Donald Aldridge, siblings Joan Smith, Jason Cisney, Jennifer Rose, Janice Cisney, and Jeff Cisney, and grandson James Vann.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home – Jefferson Street Chapel, 414 W. Jefferson St., Kokomo, IN 46901. A memorial service celebrating Jackie’s life will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Contributions may be made in Jackie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Edward “Ed” Odie Meyers

Edward “Ed” Odie Meyers, 94, Russiaville, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at Northwoods Village. He was born in St. Charles, MO, on August 5, 1930, to the late Odie Edward Meyers and Sunday (Baker) Sehnert. In Italy in July of 1955, he married Lida M. Sainati, and she preceded him in death on January 2, 2015.

Ed worked for Associated Grocers as a supervisor and retired after 25 years of service. He served his country in the United States Army. He was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and hunting. Ed is survived by his daughters Cynthia (Roger) Kaschmitter and Laura Hudd, granddaughter Tara Hudd, great-granddaughter Kelsie Hudd, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Bob Hudd, sisters Maxine Schneider and Marlene Rowe, and brother Don Meyers.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Star and Tiffany for all that they’ve done.

In keeping with Ed’s wishes there will be no services at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be made online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Robert Kenneth Edwards

Robert Kenneth Edwards, known affectionately as Kenny to his friends and family, embarked on his final adventure on February 24, 2025, in Peru, Indiana, after a life that was as full of laughter as a stand-up comedy club on a Saturday night. Born on August 29, 1944, in Birmingham, Alabama, Kenny's early days were spent under the loving guidance of his parents, Robert and Katherine Edwards, who surely instilled in him the humor and warmth he was known for.

Kenny's life was a rich tapestry of experiences, woven with threads of joy, generosity, and a touch of mischief. After graduating from Banning High School, he proudly served his country as a Marine, where he was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, as a cartographer during the Vietnam War. His military service was as honorable as his sense of humor was irreverent, and he often joked that his maps were the only ones that could lead you to the treasure and back in time for dinner.

Post-service, Kenny found his way to Steel Parts in Tipton, Indiana, where he worked diligently and became as much a part of the fabric of the community as he was of his beloved family. Speaking of which, Kenny's family was his pride and joy, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter with his wife Pamela, his daughter Andrea Crosley, his son Brian Edwards (Elizabeth), as well as Stacie Burbank and Nicholas, Michael, and Christopher Burbank, and his treasured grandchildren Ethan, Maria, Adlyn, Tyler, Gabriella, Khloe, Wesley, Carol, Joann, and Dustin. His siblings Donna Wagner and Chet Edwards will carry on the family tradition of humor and heart.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Leonard and Ronnie Edwards, who no doubt welcomed him with open arms and a cosmic punchline or two.

A man of many interests, Kenny loved nothing more than a good football game, especially if his Colts were playing. He was a fan of wrestling and had a soft spot for old westerns, where the good guys always won and the bad guys knew how to take a fall. Kenny was also known for his love of gambling, whether at the casino or over a game of cards, where his poker face was as legendary as his one-liners.

But it wasn't all fun and games; Kenny cherished the time he spent with his kids when they were younger, creating memories that would last a lifetime and stories that would be told and retold at family gatherings, each time with a little more embellishment, much to everyone's delight.

Kenny's sense of humor was his hallmark; he was the kind of guy who could find the funny in any situation and leave you laughing even when you didn't want to. He was funny, friendly, and generous, always the first to lend a hand or a joke, whichever you needed more.

As we say goodbye to Kenny, we remember a man who lived life with a twinkle in his eye and a joke on his lips. He was a beacon of light-heartedness in a world that often takes itself too seriously. Kenny's laughter will echo in the hearts of those who knew him, and his spirit will continue to bring smiles to our faces when we least expect it.

So, here's to Robert Kenneth Edwards—Kenny—a man who taught us that life is better when you're laughing, that generosity is its own reward, and that the best way to face the world is with a smile and a quip ready at hand. Kenny, you may have left the stage, but your punchlines will remain with us forever.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com