Wayne Michael Stanley, Karen Sue Hendershot
Wayne Michael Stanley
Wayne Michael Stanley, 38 years old, of Kokomo, passed away at 4:18 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on May 17, 1986, the son of Michael W. Stanley and Dorinda (Bowe) Davis.
Wayne was a 2004 graduate of Kokomo High School. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Franklin College in 2008. After graduating, he began his career in Washington, D.C., working for longtime Hoosier U.S. Senator Richard G. Lugar. He went on to serve as Director of Communications for the American Land Title Association (ALTA), where he oversaw the launch of the Homeowner Outreach Program (HOP), making a lasting impact on the real estate title industry.
In 2017, Wayne returned to his hometown and founded Bowe Digital, a marketing agency named in honor of his grandfather. Under his leadership, the company quickly became a trusted partner to small businesses and title companies nationwide. Wayne’s vision, creativity, and passion for storytelling shaped Bowe Digital into one of Indiana’s Best Places to Work and a respected name in the industry. More than that, he was deeply loved, admired, and respected by his team, not only as a leader but as a friend and constant source of encouragement.
Wayne was a frequent speaker at title industry conventions nationwide and was twice named a Rising Star by HousingWire for his leadership and contributions to the field.
He is survived by his parents Dorinda and Kirk Davis, siblings Johnnie Rinehart, Glen Stanley, Kija Davis, Koko Davis, and Breeann (Trent Stapleton) Stanley, niece and nephews Vincent Shepherd, Bennett Cooke, and Mackenzie Cooke, aunt and uncles Shari Worthman, Brad Davis, and Jon (Teresa) Bowe, canine companions Sampson and Shadow, and countless friends that he considered as family.
He was preceded in death by his dad Michael W. Stanley, mom Cindy Stanley, grandparents Elizabeth Ann Davis, Glen and Shirley Bowe, and Wayne and Rhoda Stanley, cousin Shane Myers, and nephew Blaine Stapleton.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. A funeral service celebrating Wayne’s life will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the funeral home with Franklyn Pottorff officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Wayne’s memory to the American Cancer Society or the Love Pet Project, 11818 Sycamore St., Zionsville, IN 46077. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Karen Sue Hendershot
Karen Sue Hendershot, 85, of Kokomo, peacefully passed away on May 5, 2025, at her home. She was born on June 30, 1939, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Obadiah and Velma (Quick) Butler. On February 29, 1964, she married Wayne Miller, and he preceded her in death on September 9, 1986. On October 2, 1993, she married Ralph N. Hendershot, and he preceded her in death on April 12, 2018.
Karen graduated from Kokomo High School in 1957. She retired after 20 years of working at and later owning Wayne Miller Travel. Karen had previously worked for the Kokomo Public Library. She enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states, the Holy Land, Europe, and the Caribbean. She loved mission trips with Ralph to C.A.M.P. in Costa Rica. Karen enjoyed music and was a member of many choirs and ensembles from high school onward, including Sweet Assurance Women’s Trio for more than 15 years. She was a member of Altrusa, Howard County Choraliers, and the Mothers of Twins Club, where she was previously Indiana Mother of the Year. Karen was a current member of Bible Baptist Church and a previous member of First Baptist Church for 45 years.
Karen is survived by her children Warren (Dawn) Miller of Hillsdale, MI, Jane (Richard) Kinnamon of Holly, MI, Julie (Traci Elliott) Miller of Indianapolis, IN, and David (Elizabeth) Miller of Roswell, GA, stepchildren Peggy (Tom) Willis of Tucker, GA, and Greg (Susan) Hendershot of Kokomo, IN, grandchildren Wayne Lucas (Mackenzie) Miller, Charles Daniel (Haley) Miller, Nathaniel Miller, Joseph Miller, Benjamin Kinnamon, Andrew Kinnamon, Timothy Kinnamon, Rachel Kinnamon, and Kaitlyn Miller, step-grandchildren Breanna (Caleb) Strom, Jaycey (Chase) Cottle, and Justin (Shaundra) Brewer, two step-great-grandchildren with another on the way, and sister Carol Lantz.
Karen was preceded in death by her husbands Wayne L. Miller and Ralph N. Hendershot, parents Obadiah & Velma Butler, step-grandson Reese Hendershot, and brother Jack Butler.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd. Kokomo, with Pastor Keith Treadway officiating. The service will be live streamed. The link will be available on her obituary page. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Baptist Church, C.A.M.P., or a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.