James Robert Shepard, Marlys Ann Roegner, Jackie Lee “Jack” Chapin, Donald Lee Flamino, Janice Kay (Mason) Southern

James Robert Shepard

James Robert Shepard passed away on August 16, 2025, at his home, surrounded by loving family after a hard-fought illness. He was born on May 23, 1964, in Kokomo, Indiana, to the late Huston Shepard and the late Nancy Lamb Shepard Heltsley. He married Charisse (Wenger) on August 29, 2018, and built a life together with a lot of love and laughter, adventures, and shared experiences with many friends and family.

Early in life, Jim learned the importance of hard work, and he instilled that same work ethic in his crew and others around him. He joined the apprenticeship program of the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 18 and earned his journeyman’s card in September 2000 under the Indianapolis Asbestos Workers JAC. Known as ‘Shep’ to his peers and others on job sites, he became a lifelong employee of Fargo Insulation beginning in March 2001. Retiring his tools, he finished his career as a Field Superintendent. He was known as a leader and mentor to many who admired his loyalty, dedication, mastery of his craft, and knowledge of the trade.

Weekends were often spent roaring up and down the roads on long Harley rides with buddies and family, often led by his cousin Ken (Cathi) Pritchett and brother-in-law Bob (Denise) Forrest. Destination riding was his favorite, with the destination often leading to a casino within neighboring states. He was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan and could always be counted in for a game of euchre, poker, and cornhole. Many summer days and nights were spent hosting get togethers around the pool with his favorite classic rock tunes blaring.

Jim leaves behind a family who loved him dearly, including his loving wife Charisse, stepchildren Nick (Casey) Thill, Austin Thill, and Kelcie Thill, and son James Shepard Jr., grandchildren Gabriella and Isabella Rivera and Evan Thill, brother Steve (Daphne) Shepard, and sisters-in-law/brothers-in-law Denise (Bob) Forrest and Bunti (Robert) Smith, along with many nieces and nephews as well as countless friends whose lives he touched along the way. He was a source of strength, wisdom, and humor and his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him. Special thanks to life-long friend Pat (Jill) Creighton for your love and support over the last weeks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Greg and Jeff Lamb, David, Joe, and Kent Shepard.

Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary at 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana, on Friday August 22, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with funeral services immediately following at 2 p.m. Jim’s final ride will be to Albright Cemetery in Kokomo, Indiana. Motorcycles are encouraged to join the procession for this destination ride. The family encourages guests to wear Harley-Davidson attire and/or come as you are. He did love a good pair of jeans and sleeveless shirts!

Marlys Ann Roegner

Marlys Ann Roegner, age 83, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 24, 1942, to Robert and Nellie (Hoke) Bowen in Plymouth, Indiana. She attended Manchester College, where she received her BA, and Butler University where she earned her Master’s degree. She knew early on that her passion was to teach, as she used to line up her dolls at 5-6 years old, and pretend they were in her classroom. Marlys taught in Wabash and Claremont, Indiana. She was especially proud that every year she taught, she was always given the most difficult management problems to solve. After teaching, she volunteered as the gift shop coordinator for Howard Community hospital for 15 years.

Marlys was a charitable, loving, and Christian woman. She led by example, showing patience and persistence in all she accomplished. She enjoyed sewing, arranging flowers, and traveling. She was an involved member of several community organizations, including President of the Cheer Guild, PEO of Chapter R, President of the Tri Kappa Sorority, as well as a Charter Board member of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters. She was also involved with Who's New and the Psalms Bible study group. Her proudest personal moments were the births of her children and the blessing of being able to watch their successes into adulthood.

Surviving to cherish Marlys’ memory include her husband Dr. Donald Roegner, Jr.; her children Christopher Lee Roegner and Nicole Marie Roegner; her grandchildren Austin Dishon, Alexis Roegner, and Katie Roegner; and her sister Debbie Bowen McKee.

She was preceded in death by her parents Robert and Nellie Bowen and her brother Ronald Bowen.

Friends and family may visit on Saturday, August 23, 2025, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., the time of her funeral service, at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center. 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo. Marlys will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.

Jackie Lee “Jack” Chapin

A day after celebrating his 89th birthday, Jack was called to his eternal home on August 19, 2025, surrounded by his wife and two daughters.

He was born August 18, 1936, to the late John and Alvena Chapin. He loved being raised in Kokomo and raising his own family in Kokomo. In 1954, he graduated from Kokomo High School, and a year later enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. He spent his entire enlistment in San Diego, California, and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He was proud to have served his country as a marine.

Upon returning from San Diego in 1958, he proposed to Judy (Thrasher) Chapin, and they were married in February 1959. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage. He and Judy had three children: Greg, Jamie, and Jennifer.

Jack retired from Delco Electronics in December 1992 after 38 years of service. He enjoyed working and made many friends throughout his career. Outside of work, Jack loved to golf, work with his hands, attend sporting events, and travel. During retirement, Jack worked as a handyman and rated golf courses for the IPGA with a group of Green Acres golf buddies. He was always supportive of his children’s activities, a fan of Purdue sports, Northwestern High School athletics, and the Green Bay Packers. Jack was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Lodge. He loved his vacations to Crystal Lake, Michigan, and trips to both California and Oregon to visit his cousin. He never met a stranger, looked forward to his Friday luncheons at Louie’s Coney Island, and in his later years enjoyed stopping by his favorite spots and handing out Tootsie Rolls.

Jack is survived by his wife Judy, daughters Jamie Chapin and Jennifer (Mark) Love, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Greg, sisters and brothers-in-law Patricia (Tom) Hendrix, Mary (Juwil) Causey, and Jane (Jim) Sorrell, and his father and mother-in-law Fred and Kate Thrasher.

The family would like to thank the staff at Brickyard Healthcare Facility for their compassion and care over the past six months.

A funeral service celebrating Jack’s life will be held at noon Monday, August 25, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Larry Young officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until service time at the funeral home on Monday.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association and to the American Heart Association. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Donald Lee Flamino

Donald Lee Flamino, 78, Kokomo, passed away at 12:55 a.m. Monday, August 18, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. Born October 24, 1946, in New Castle, PA, he was the son of the late Roger S. & Tresa (Pagani) Flamino. He married Diana on August 16, 1997, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, and she survives.

Donald graduated from New Castle High School before attending Youngstown University. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1971, achieving the rank of SSgt. Following his military service, Donald embarked on a successful career as the Sales Manager for Kokomo Chrysler, where he was respected for his integrity and leadership. He was a cherished figure in his community and a beacon of kindness to all who knew him.

A devout member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, Donald's faith was a cornerstone of his life. He was a man who deeply loved his family, often dazzling his grandchildren with magic tricks and supporting them at every activity. A lifelong Indianapolis Colts fan, he never missed a game, embodying the spirit of a true fan.

Donald's hobbies included golf, bowling, playing cards, and participating in Rock Steady Boxing. He was an active member of Phi Delta Kappa, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion, contributing positively to the organizations.

Donald is survived by his loving wife Diana, children Tony (Lynn) Flamino and Gina (Jeff) Seagrave; stepchildren Derek (Janna) Lynas, Melissa (Bill) Schmadeke, and Kyle (Stephanie) Lynas; 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and brother Roger Flamino.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 22, 2025, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3155 S. 200 W., Kokomo, with Fr. Dominic Petan, celebrant. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, where a final rite by Phi Delta Kappa will be observed at 3:45 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation. Messages of condolence can be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Janice Kay (Mason) Southern

Janice Kay (Mason) Southern passed away in the early morning on August 20, 2025, at her home in Loveland, Ohio after a long illness. Jan was born on July 18, 1948, in the Bedford Memorial Hospital to Betty Jean Mason. Gordon Southern, her husband of 56 years, survives, along with a sister Diana McGlocklin and a brother Billy Joe Goodman. Jan was the proud mother of Aaron (Jolynn), Sean (Michelle), and April (Jeremy). Her grandchildren Audrey, Megan, Samantha, Kara, and Emma were the center of her later life. She was very pleased to be the great-grandmother to Savannah. Jan was a longtime employee at Grissom Air Reserve Base.

Jan loved creating art for its ability to inspire others. She often exclaimed, “Give it a try. You might make something interesting,” before digging into an art project with one of her grandchildren. For many years, she decorated cakes for birthday parties and other events around Walton. Her decorations covered the cakes with flowers, ribbons, balloons, and anything else that might bring a smile to someone. The cakes were delicious and beautiful. Jan painted landscapes in the style of Bob Ross, designed decorations for her home, and created gifts for her grandchildren. She wanted her grandchildren to confront challenges head-on and to pursue meaningful work in their lives, so she often included inspirational sayings in these gifts. They are treasured keepsakes.

Jan will be remembered for her service to the community, for her active involvement in Walton Christian Church, and her volunteer work. There will be no showing or funeral service. At her request, she will have a simple graveside service for relatives and friends at the Walton Odd Fellow Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, pick up a paint brush and create something interesting.