Richard Dale Martin, James “Jim” Wilson Hubbard, Myles Lenual Ray Cunningham, Troy Eugene Salsbery, Dr. Alva Larry Jackson Jr., Lanaia Sue Bennett, Patricia M. Butcher, Kevin Michael Slusher
Richard Dale Martin
Richard Dale Martin, 73, of Tipton, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and family. Born on April 28, 1952, in Washburn, Maine, he was the son of Reginald Joseph and Shirley Evilo (Lint) Martin. Richard is survived by his devoted wife Deborah Alice Park, whom he married on March 28, 1986.
After graduating high school in Bangor, Maine, Richard dedicated his professional life as a repairman at the Chrysler Transmission Plant in Kokomo, retiring in 2006. Throughout his life, he remained a devout Christian and was an active member of Beech Grove Baptist Church. Richard cherished the outdoors, relishing opportunities to work with his hands. He enjoyed camping and spent countless hours in his workshop, pursuing woodworking projects and repairing cars. During quiet moments or inclement weather, he took pleasure in watching classic westerns. Richard was also a proud veteran who served in the United States Air Force.
Richard is survived by his wife of 38 years Deborah Martin of Tipton; his children James Wilson of Avon and Misty Wilson of Logansport; and six siblings residing in Hartford, Connecticut. He was a loving grandfather to Nichole, Nathan (Bree), Dylan (Katie), and Brandon, as well as a great-grandfather to Eli, Mackenzie, Adalyn, Daisy, Beck, Liam, and Maverick. Richard was eagerly anticipating the arrival of another great-grandson.
A funeral service honoring Richard's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, with Pastors Jimmy Hunt and Cliff Kelly officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive visitors on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of the service. Young-Nichols Funeral Home is privileged to assist the Martin family during this time. Online condolences may be shared on Richard’s obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Richard's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society at P.O. Box 681405, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46268.
James “Jim” Wilson Hubbard
James “Jim” Wilson Hubbard, 59, of Kokomo, passed away 12:48 a.m. Monday, September 15, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was born in Tipton, IN, on September 2, 1966, the son of the late Wilson Woodrow and Becky Colleen (Hinkle) Hubbard. On February 7, 1985, he married Lee Ann Rhinehart in Kokomo, IN, and she preceded him in death on December 29, 2013.
Jim attended Kokomo High School. He was a funny man who had a great sense of humor. He was a self-employed car mechanic and was great at working with his hands. He enjoyed time spent at Kokomo Speedway, racing cars. Jim adored his wife Lee Ann and loved her dearly. He was filled with joy when he was able to spend time with his kids and grandkids.
He is survived by his children Zachary (Kaniya) Hubbard, Cody Hubbard, and Kasey Hubbard; grandchildren Tyler Hubbard and Brayton Waldron; siblings Tina Reed and Toby (Amy) Hubbard; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents Wilson and Becky Hubbard; wife Lee Ann Hubbard; and sisters Jennifer Cox and Kelly Bunce.
A graveside service celebrating Jim’s life will begin 1 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2025, at Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery, 1300 E. North St., Kokomo, IN 46901. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory – Jefferson Street Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Myles Lenual Ray Cunningham
Myles Lenual Ray Cunningham, of Kokomo, was born sleeping on September 10, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo, the beloved son of Dustie Martinez and Joshua Cunningham.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. A funeral service will follow visitation at 3 p.m., with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Troy Eugene Salsbery
Troy Eugene Salsbery, age 60, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025. He was born December 20, 1964, in Kokomo, to Richard and Patricia (Rosa) Salsbery. He graduated from Western High School in 1984. He was a fiberglass specialist for Harmon Boats and a warehouse laborer for Frito Lay with a strong work ethic.
Troy was a devoted Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts fan and enjoyed the Andy Griffith Show. He had a deep love for his family, music, and animals, especially dogs.
He is survived by his son Andrew Salsberry; his pets Daisy, Buster, Chico, and Sammy; as well as multiple aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Troy was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Patricia and his grandparents.
A graveside committal service for Troy will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 11:20 AM at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. (Close friends and family only, please.)
Memorial contributions may be made in Troy's memory to the Kokomo Humane Society, 729 E. Hoffer St., Kokomo, IN 46902 or at https://kokomohumane.org.
Dr. Alva Larry Jackson Jr.
Dr. Alva Larry Jackson Jr., age 52, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Alva was born in Kokomo, Indiana.
A visitation for Alva will be held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, IN 46902. There will be a time for sharing memories at 1:00 PM before taking him to his final resting place, Kokomo Memorial Park, 1300 East North Street, Kokomo, IN 46901-3190.
Lanaia Sue Bennett
Lanaia Sue Bennett, 52, of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on July 12, 1973, in Tipton, Indiana, to her parents Edward and Elizabeth (Zwiefelhofer) Gamble. Lanaia was married to Tony Bennett, who preceded her in death on February 7, 2021.
A proud graduate of Tipton High School, Class of 1992, Lanaia held several jobs over the years, but her favorite role was being a mom. She poured her heart into raising her children and caring for her family. Lanaia had a special gift with babies. She adored them, and they adored her in return.
Fondly known as the “sitting lady,” Lanaia loved to sit and visit, watch the world go by from her front porch, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, especially watching little ones laugh and play. She was a talented cook who always made more than enough, and nothing ever went to waste. Feeding her loved ones brought her great joy.
Lanaia enjoyed going to truck and tractor pulls, the Tipton Pork Festival, and the county fair. She had a deep love for elephants and collected them throughout her life, even getting a tattoo of an elephant for each of her children.
She was known for her sass and honesty; she spoke her mind and never left anyone guessing where they stood. But above all, she was known for her fierce love. She loved deeply, without hesitation, and that love will echo for generations.
Lanaia will be profoundly missed by all who knew her, but her legacy of love, laughter, and strength will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Those left to carry on Lanaia’s legacy of love are her parents Edward & Elizabeth Gamble; children Shawna (Shane Sexton) Carroll, Josh Carroll, Austin Carroll, and Gracelynn Long; stepdaughter Ashley (Elmer) Barber; granddaughter Gracelynn Long; step-grandchildren Elmer Barber II, Anthony Barber, Melvin Barber, and Azalin Barber; siblings Kimberly Gamble, Edward “Bubba” Gamble II and Tammy Dulworth; loving partner, Jimmy Purnell; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lanaia was preceded in death by her husband Tony Bennett.
A funeral service celebrating Lanaia's life will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton, with Keith & Christina Himelick leading the service. Visitation for family & friends will be held prior to the service from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial donations in Lanaia's honor can be made to the funeral home to help offset funeral expenses. We will have a donation box available at the funeral home the day of the service.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Lanaia’s family in their time of need.
Patricia M. (Hornbuckle) Butcher
Patricia M. (Hornbuckle) Butcher, 74, Kokomo, left this life on Sept. 2, 2025. She was born on July 28, 1951, in Como, Mississippi, to Waid F. Hornbuckle Sr. and Norma Beatrice (Perry) Hornbuckle.
Patsy married LeRoy S. Butcher on Dec. 17, 2002, and he passed away on Aug. 7, 2004.
Patsy was a homemaker whose warmth and style made every space beautiful and welcoming. But more than that, she had a way of making people feel seen, appreciated, and at home. She found joy by staying connected to the people she loved most and was someone who gave generously of her time, her attention, and her heart. Patsy’s life was one of quiet impact – rich in love, beauty, and meaning. Her presence will be deeply missed.
Patsy is survived by siblings Jenette Young, Michael L. (Kim) Hornbuckle, and Lisa Ford; sister-in-law Betty Hornbuckle; nieces and nephews Angie (Jeff) Harrell, Bobby (Lawanda) Young, Shane Hornbuckle, Amanda Nava, Marcelo (Melissa) Nava, Monica Nava, Nathan (Lacey) Nava, Jason (Shana) Ford, Jeb (Robin) Ford, Brian Hornbuckle, and Michael G. Hornbuckle; many great nieces and great nephews; as well as her beloved dog Finley.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Waid F. Hornbuckle Jr., and Mildred Nava; nieces and nephews Tina Rouse, Daniel Hornbuckle, Eddie Nava, and Wayne Hornbuckle; and a great niece Amirra Nava.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until the start of the Memorial Service at 6:00 p.m. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.
Kevin Michael Slusher
Kevin Michael Slusher, 44, of Indianapolis, passed away Monday, September 15, 2025. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana, on January 12, 1981, the son of Michael and Patricia (Ingels) Slusher. On July 5, 2017, he married Desaray Sherman in Indianapolis.
Kevin was a 1999 graduate of Tri-Central High School. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University Bloomington and later achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Indiana University Purdue University–Indianapolis (IUPUI). He was employed at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis as a Developer Specialist and Team Leader.
Kevin was a man of extraordinary talents and passions. Known as DJ 2Deep, he was a skilled turntablist who could move a crowd with his music. He also held a black belt in karate, a discipline that showcased his strength, focus, and determination. Kevin was passionate about social justice issues and loved advocating for others, never shying away from using his voice for what was right. He was a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., where brotherhood and service shaped much of his life.
A true sneakerhead, Kevin’s collection was larger than anyone could count, with each pair a reflection of his unique style and eclectic taste. He was a handyman who could fix anything, a gamer who enjoyed Minecraft, and a music lover with a deep appreciation for all genres, though his heart beat strongest for West Coast Hip Hop.
Kevin leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife Desaray; his children Aiden Slusher, Samuel “Sam” Slusher, Declan Slusher, Kason Slusher, and Nova Slusher; parents Mike and Patricia Slusher; sister Angela Kerner; sister-in-law Carmelita “Shirlita” Carroll; brother-in-law Calloway-John “CJ” Derek Burnett; nieces and nephews Rory Kerner, Liam Kerner, Maxwell Carroll, and Camille Carroll; aunts and uncles Jan (John) Lods, Cathy (Richard) Flynn, Richard (Robin) Ingels, and Dana (David Mount) Kemp; and several cousins and friends who all held a special place in his heart but are too numerous to name.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Richard Ingels, Hazel Ingels, John Slusher, Anne Slusher, and Ann Learch; and aunt Sandy Rowe.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road., Kokomo, Indiana. A funeral service celebrating Kevin’s life will begin at noon at the funeral home, with Pastor Dan Adams officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kevin’s memory to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home C/O Kevin’s children’s education fund. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.