Tracy Lynn Brown, Willie Mart Owens Sr., James Edward Umbarger
Buddy's Home Furnishings, located on 931 behind Applebee's, knows a thing or two about Lease-to-Own in Kokomo! Whether you're looking for living room furniture, bedroom furniture, or dining room furniture we've got you covered! There's MORE! We also offer appliances, TVs, laptops and GAMING SYSTEMS! Come see us Monday thru Friday 10-7 or 9-6 on Saturday! Check us out at www.buddyrents.com or call us at 765-553-6327!
Tracy Lynn Brown
Tracy Lynn Brown, 63, of Greentown, passed away at 6:21 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo, Indiana. Born February 25, 1962, in Kokomo, she was the daughter of Robert "Bob" Miller and Deloris (Kling) Wilson.
Tracy graduated from Taylor High School in 1980 and went on to dedicate more than three decades of service to the Chrysler Casting Plant before retiring on June 30, 2023. A member of Jerome Christian Church, Tracy was known for her vibrant spirit and love of the outdoors. She had an active lifestyle and found joy in hiking, caring for her dogs, tending to her flowers, and sharing her culinary talents. In her younger years, she enjoyed working with horses and later became known for crafting elaborate gingerbread houses for competitions at Conner Prairie. Tracy had a magnetic personality—she never met a stranger and was often the life of the party.
Tracy is survived by her mother Deloris Wilson, siblings Kent (Dawn) Wilson, Rae (Joe) Maus, and Juanita (Josh) Roy, significant other Tom Morecraft, nieces and nephews Taylor (Austin) Shepherd, Josh (Shannon) Maus, Jason (Holly) Maus, Joshua Roy, Carmen Roy, Sydnee Roy, Tanner Roy, Tyler (Lindsey) Wilson, Travis Wilson, Kylee (Andy) Snow, Ciera (Adam) Vega, Leah (James) Conwell, and Chelsea (Adam) VanCamp, along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Tracy was preceded in death by her father Robert Miller, stepfather Glen Wilson, and brother Kris Wilson.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Bond Cemetery in Amboy. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Tracy’s memory to Indiana Canine Assistant Network (ICAN) at icandog.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Willie Mart Owens Sr.
Willie Mart Owens Sr., affectionately known as "Pops," passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 75. Born June 6, 1949, in Prestonburg, Kentucky, to Orville and Martha Owens, at age 3, Jackson, Michigan, became his home. Willie's life was characterized by his enduring love for his family, his strong faith, and his sense of humor. Let’s not forget the streak of stubbornness that occasionally showed through.
Willie was a man of many interests, but none were as dear to him as his family, His children Willie Mart Owens Jr. and Mathew David (Mitasha) Owens recall their Pops as a beacon of love and support.
Papa/Grandpa’s life was also blessed with the joy of his grandchildren Skylar (Crystal), Kelsi (Elijah), Connor, Alissa "Sissy" (Ethan), and Jackson, who will carry forward his legacy of kindness. His great-grandchildren Iam and Wynna added another layer of happiness to his life over the past few years. Willie was a true family man, and the memories they created together will be cherished forever.
Though he now joins his deceased parents Orville and Martha Owens, his sisters Dory and Betty, and brothers Ralph, Oakley, Eddie, and Luther, Willie leaves behind a family that is grateful for every moment they shared with him, including his brother Orbin Owens.
Willie spent many years as a dedicated maintenance worker at Arby’s, where he was not only a reliable and hardworking employee but also a friend to all who knew him.
Willie's talents extended to the strings of his guitar and singing, which he performed with heartfelt emotion for the residents of local nursing homes. His music brought joy and comfort to many, a testament to his desire to brighten the lives of others. When he wasn't sharing his music, Willie could be found working on his own cars.
Pops’ life was a beautiful melody, composed of moments of service, laughter, and unwavering love to many. As we bid farewell to a man who was the heart of our family, we take solace in the knowledge that his spirit will continue to guide and inspire us.
The family of Willie Mart Owens Sr. will hold a private service to celebrate his remarkable life per his request. Pops's life was a testament to the beauty of a well-lived life, and though he will be deeply missed, his memory will be treasured always.
Willie Mart Owens Sr.'s story is one of unwavering devotion, and it is with heavy hearts but profound gratitude that we say goodbye to a man who truly embodied the best of us. Willie would want all of us to find comfort in the memories and continue to feel the love he shared with us.
City of Firsts Cremations by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
James Edward Umbarger
James Edward Umbarger, age 84, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Howard Community Hospital after an illness of several months. He was born March 5, 1941, in Walton, Indiana, the son of Kenneth and Donne (Merrick) Umbarger. He was a resident of Cass and Howard counties all his life. Jim served two years in the Army and retired as a Millwright from Chrysler after 34 years.
Surviving are his ex-wife Midge Dennis, daughter Shannon (Matt) Dowden, brother Jack Umbarger, granddaughters Katelyn Dowden and Molly Dowden, nieces and nephews Kent Umbarger, Janice Lefebvre, Joyce Burk, Cinda Smith, Jeffery Burk, Katy Burk, Meredith Burk, Hannah Umbarger, Mary Umbarger, and Audrey Lefebvre, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Sherry.