Bill Ferguson III, Nancy Sue Porter, Kenneth “Kenny” Marion Hamilton, David “Dave” Wayne Kelly, Juanita Powell, Sandra Josephine Brooks, Mark Joseph Garrison

Bill Ferguson III

Bill Ferguson III, a loving and devoted husband, cherished father and grandfather, faithful servant to his community, and devoted churchgoer, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his home in Kokomo at the age of 60. He was born on September 23, 1964, in Kokomo.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Bill Ferguson Jr. He is survived by his beloved mother Jennie Ferguson and his devoted wife Lori Ferguson, the love of his life and steadfast partner. Together, they built a home rooted in faith, love, and unwavering support. Lori stood faithfully by Bill’s side through every season of life, including his courageous battle with leukemia, offering constant strength, care, and compassion.

Bill was a proud and loving father to his biological children Chad Ferguson (fiancée Brianna Towns and her daughter Arya Towns) and Jessica Mapes (husband Merle Mapes). He found great joy in watching his children grow, celebrating their successes, and supporting them through life’s challenges. His role as a father was one he treasured deeply, and his love for his children was constant and unconditional.

He was also a devoted stepfather to Brooke Morgan (husband Devon and daughter Ella Allen) and Lauren Gutierrez (husband Zorro Gutierrez and son Ezra), whom he loved as his own. Bill took great pride in his growing family and especially cherished his grandchildren, delighting in every moment spent with them.

In addition, Bill was blessed with several cherished “bonus children” who held a special place in his heart: Mitch Mallot, April Lee and April’s children, Madison Clark, and Johnathan Clark.

Bill dedicated 25 years of his professional life to General Motors, earning respect through his strong work ethic, dependability, and pride in his work. Beyond his career, he selflessly served his community for more than 18 years as an EMT, EMA member, and volunteer firefighter, answering calls at all hours and putting the needs of others before his own.

For more than a year, Bill bravely fought leukemia, facing the battle with remarkable courage, determination, and an unwavering positive spirit. He fought hard every day, never losing hope and never losing sight of his love for his family. His strength throughout this journey was an inspiration to all who knew him.

Bill was a devoted member of Abundant Life Church, where his faith guided his life. He lived his beliefs through service, kindness, and quiet generosity, leading by example and touching countless lives.

Above all else, Bill was a family man. He was a source of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love—a man whose presence made others feel safe, supported, and valued. His legacy lives on through his family, his faith, his service, and the many lives he touched.

The Ferguson family invites friends to visit Friday, January 16, 2026, at Abundant Life Church Life Center, 865 400 South, Kokomo, 46902 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Celebration of Bill’s Life will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the Church Life Center. Pastor Toph Elkins will officiate. Bill will be laid to rest at Chalmer Cemetery in White County at 12:30 p.m. Memorials may be given in Bill’s memory to Abundant Life Church or the Diabetic association.

For online condolences visit www.wheelerfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Wheeler Family Funeral Home-Baker Chapel in Flora is honored to serve the Ferguson Family

Nancy Sue Porter

Nancy Sue Porter, a beacon of joy and the unofficial queen of Yahtzee, rolled her final dice on January 13, 2026, at the spry age of 78. Born on April 13, 1947, in Lafayette, Indiana, to the late Mitchell and Beverly Bray, Nancy’s early years were filled with the kind of wholesome Midwestern charm that would later become the bedrock of her generous spirit.

Graduating with the Hillsboro High School Class of ‘64, Nancy was as much a student of life as she was of her textbooks. Her Christian faith was the compass by which she navigated her journey, always pointing her towards acts of love and selflessness. Nancy’s heart was as big as her laugh, and both were as infectious as a viral cat video.

Nancy’s love for Western shows was only rivaled by her love for her family and friends. She was known to rustle up a mean batch of noodles, a skill she honed while cooking alongside her mom. Her culinary showdowns were the stuff of legend, and her secret ingredient was always a heaping spoonful of love. She was an avid collector of cardinals and Willow angels.

Nancy was a proud member of not one, but a variety of lodges and clubs. She was the life of every party, and her knack for making everyone feel included was pure magic. As Madame President at the nursing home, she ruled with a benevolent hand, her reign marked by a spike in BINGO games and visits to the nail salon.

Nancy’s nieces Michelle Blair and Stacy Bray and nephew Ritchie Bray, great nieces Katrina Blair (Nathaniel Robinson), Kayleigh Blair, Paige Barnes, Shaylee Roop, and Rylee Bray, great-nephews Kyle Blair and Skylar Bray, great-great-nephews Krew Black, Noah Bray, and Owen Roop, and great-great-niece Nova Roop will carry on her legacy of laughter and generosity. They were the apples of her eye, and she was their rock, their confidante, and their partner in crime when it came to sneaking an extra snack before dinner.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wallace Porter, her siblings Mitchell Bray, David Bray, and Jeanie Hollis, and sisters-in-law Janet and Ginny Bray. Nancy’s departure leaves a void that could only be filled by the memories of her boundless love and the echoes of her hearty chuckles. She was a woman who lived for the joy of giving, whether it was her time, her famous noodles, or a shoulder to lean on.

To say Nancy will be missed is an understatement. She was the kind of person who left a mark on your heart and a smile on your face. She was loving, selfless, and generous to a fault. Her spirit will live on in every game of Yahtzee, every Western sunset, and every perfectly manicured set of nails. Nancy Sue Porter, you were one of a kind, and your final curtain call is met with a standing ovation. Ride off into that sunset, Nancy. You’ve earned it.

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

Kenneth “Kenny” Marion Hamilton

Kenneth “Kenny” Marion Hamilton, born September 13, 1956, of Kokomo, Indiana, lived a life defined by laughter, hard work, generosity, and an unwavering love for family.

Kenny was the beloved son of Shirley Hendrickson and the late Kenneth Earl Hamilton. He was also preceded in passing by his sister Delinda Kay Hamilton and his nephew Christopher Joseph Earl Savoy. He was a devoted brother to Rodney “Dink” Hendrickson, Danny Ray Hendrickson, Mick Hicks, Teresa Sergent, Tonya “Sissy” Neely, and Tina “Bug” Fleury. Family was the center of Kenny’s world, and his relationships were filled with humor, loyalty, and countless unforgettable moments.

He was the proud father of Jeremy Glover and Michelle Paniagua.

Kenny was a hardworking man who spent many years working on oil rigs in Texas, never afraid of long hours or tough conditions. After moving back to Indiana, he continued to put his skills to work digging wells and taking on multiple handyman jobs, always ready to fix, build, or tinker—especially if it meant helping someone else.

His true joy came from working with his hands. Kenny loved working on cars; most often for friends and family and always offered at the well-known “family discount.” He also enjoyed camping, spur-of-the-moment road trips, and playing funny pranks on people just to make them laugh. His greatest gift was his ability to make everyone around him smile.

One of Kenny’s most treasured joys was spending hours in the garage with his “little man,” his great nephew Matthew. Together they tinkered on projects, shared laughs, and learned side-by-side as Kenny patiently taught Matthew about tools and how to use them—creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Kenny is also survived by his great nieces and nephews, as well as great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom were touched by his kindness, humor, and generous spirit.

Even in passing, Kenny’s selflessness continues. He chose to be a donor, allowing others to benefit from the generosity that defined his life. Kenny’s donor walk ceremony took place Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Community Hospital North, surrounded by his family and close friends.

Kenneth “Kenny” Marion Hamilton will be remembered for his big heart, his playful spirit, and his willingness to help anyone in need. His legacy lives on in the laughter he shared, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and always remembered with a smile.

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

David “Dave” Wayne Kelly

David “Dave” Wayne Kelly, 64 years old, of Kokomo, passed away 8:47 a.m. Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his home. He was born in Mississippi on April 25, 1961.

A memorial visitation is pending at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Juanita Powell

Juanita Powell passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on March 26, 1933, Juanita’s life was a tapestry woven with vibrant threads of creativity, kindness, and adventure.

Her artistic spirit found expression in many forms, and she was known for her unique ability to see beauty where others might not. Juanita’s passion for thrifting was not only a hobby but a testament to her eye for hidden treasures and her appreciation for the stories behind them.

Among her many interests, playing poker at the Eagles was a cherished pastime. It was here that Juanita’s sharp mind and warm heart came together, creating lasting friendships over the shuffle of cards and the clink of chips.

Juanita is survived by her son Gary Powell (Eunice), grandchildren Rebecca Gordon (John), Romulas Powell (Bridget), Jennifer Luckey (Donnie), Ameigh Cooper, Elizabeth Lennon (Alan), Jay Powell (Shannon), and Tony Powell. She also leaves behind many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents George and Frances Ameigh, husband Thomas Powell, children Joseph Powell, George Powell, and Kathleen Alley, and sister Betty Ameigh.

Juanita will be laid to rest at a later date.

Sandra Josephine Brooks

Sandra Josephine Brooks, born on October 11, 1952, passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 73. She was a resident of Kokomo, Indiana.

Mark Joseph Garrison

Mark Joseph Garrison (May 27, 1930 – January 1, 2026), born in Kokomo, Indiana, died peacefully in Haverford, Pennsylvania, at the age of 95. He was curious, thinking, humble, creative, innovative, and persevering. No challenge was ever insurmountable. His love of nature was a core element in his life.

Mark used to say that he had three careers – diplomat, foreign policy center director, and blueberry farmer. He mentored, motivated, and inspired countless people throughout his life and throughout each of his remarkable careers.

This obituary was written by, and from the perspective of, his children and their families: Mark E. Garrison and wife Marsha of Ardmore, PA; Eric Garrison and wife Becky of Richmond, VA; Sarah Garrison and wife Jane Bedell of Bronx, NY; posthumously, Libby Behrens, who died in 2013 at the age of 63, and surviving husband Bret of Courtenay, BC, Canada; nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren who loved him deeply; and in loving memory of his wife of 63 years Betty Garrison, who died in 2012.

When asked towards the end of his life what Mark was most proud of, his response was “growing things, like blueberries.” Indeed, he and Betty “grew” a loving family; grew many things on a blueberry farm that they created (the Rocky Point Blueberry Farm) that is still a beloved summertime tradition in Warwick, Rhode Island; helped to grow the careers and lives of many people; and helped to grow a foreign policy institution at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, that contributed – and still contributes – to promoting a just, peaceful, and prosperous world.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Community Musicworks https://communitymusicworks.org/mission/ or Rhode Island Community Food Bank: https://rifoodbank.org/

Mark’s ashes will be joined with Betty’s in a private ceremony. There will be a celebration of life memorial service in Rhode Island at a future date.

Growing up in Kokomo, Indiana

The depression of the 1930s occurred during Mark Garrison’s formative years in Kokomo. His family was poor and struggling but not destitute. He has written that he never felt poor growing up, due to the love and support of his parents, older sisters, and older brother.

In Kokomo, Mark showed early signs of the innovation and creativity that characterized his later life. The Garrison Chemical Company was his creation, supplying a wide range of chemicals (even relatively dangerous ones!) in small quantities to mail-order customers.

In a courageous move, his family bought and moved to an apple orchard east of Kokomo in 1947 (the Garrison Orchard), and as a teenager Mark helped out on the orchard, learning how to build things and whetting his appetite for growing things and a deep appreciation and love of nature.

Mark Garrison graduated from Kokomo High School in 1948. Over the next few years, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Myers, started a family, and earned an MA from Indiana University in Bloomington and an MA from Columbia University in New York City. In 1955, he was hired as a Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. and Career No. 1 officially started.

Career No. 1: Diplomat

Mark Joseph Garrison served for 25 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, during which time he rose to become a distinguished expert on the Soviet Union and made important contributions to reducing the risk of nuclear war and to the end of the Cold War with the Soviet Union. As a diplomat, he served at many posts, including Hong Kong; Sofia, Bulgaria; Prague, Czechoslovakia; and Moscow, then the capital of the Soviet Union.

There were many memorable times throughout his distinguished career, but some do stand out. He helped with the reopening of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Sofia (1960-1962) after many years of no relations with Bulgaria, bringing along his wife Betty and four kids to a challenging country.

His assignment to Prague started in January 1968, which was the beginning of the so-called “Prague Spring” that introduced reforms which removed some of the restrictions imposed by the communist government, and introduced the notion of “socialism with a human face.” The Soviet invasion of August 1968, unfortunately, put an end to the Prague Spring.

During the invasion Mark played an important role in keeping Washington updated with the latest from Prague. He also chased some Russian soldiers out of an apple orchard located on embassy property and helped put out a fire in the embassy that started from the burning of classified material.

Another career highlight occurred in Moscow where he was the deputy chief of mission and charge d’affaires during the Carter Administration. He was in that role when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in December 1979. The ambassador at the time was former president and CEO of IBM Thomas J. Watson Jr., newly appointed.

A friend later characterized Mark’s dealing both with the situation and with an inexperienced ambassador. He described him as a sturdy oak with lofty branches able to adapt and change, to reach out and touch people, but with a trunk that is immovable and deeply rooted. It is fair to say that this is a good way to characterize Dad’s entire life.

Ambassador Tom Watson and his wife Olive became close friends with Mom and Dad, which led to their next career.

Over the course of his State Department career, Mark Garrison became one of the top U.S. experts on the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. A colleague described accompanying Mark on many visits to the State Department. His expertise was so widely and deeply respected in the State Department that, even years after his retirement from the Foreign Service, dozens of top officials would put their work aside when he entered the building to hear his briefings and tap his thoughts. He never took public credit for his work, but he played a massively important role in US foreign policy toward the Soviet Union. A State Department colleague stated that he and Dad were “members of a cadre of professionals that can look back on its role in ending the Cold War with pride.”

During his years in the Foreign Service, when assigned to positions in Washington, Mom and Dad were not content to be just another suburbanite couple. They bought a 50-acre, run-down farm in West Virginia in 1965 and promptly named it the Flying Bullfrog. Dad’s father, also Mark Garrison, had passed down a saying: in response to someone expressing a wish that began “if only...,” he would answer “yes, and if only a bullfrog had wings, he wouldn’t bump his ass when he jumped.” The farm, although a farm in name only, provided many fun and exciting weekend adventures for our family.

Career No. 2: Foreign policy center director

Mark Garrison retired from the Foreign Service in December 1980, following the electoral defeat of Jimmy Carter. Mom and Dad left Moscow on December 17, 1980, after many rousing and heartfelt farewells from friends and colleagues from the embassy staff and staff from other foreign embassies, the Russian Foreign Ministry, journalists, businessmen, and even some Russian unofficial artists. They flew to Logan Airport in Boston and boarded a Bonanza bus to take them to Providence, Rhode Island, and a new life.

In Providence, with support and funding from Tom Watson and support from Brown University, Mark founded the Center for Foreign Policy Development – CFPD, known affectionately by his kids as the “Mom and Pop Foreign Policy Shop.” This small, inauspicious center was established to work on nuclear arms control and U.S.-Soviet relations; the stated mission was to “promote a just, peaceful and prosperous world through research and teaching.”

The CFPD attracted talent from some of the best and brightest minds to focus on critical issues of the day and eventually grew into the Watson Institute and, more recently, into the Watson School of International and Public Affairs at Brown University.

Along the way, CFPD and the Watson Institute developed and implemented a number of programs that were designed to not only influence policy makers in government but to also educate the public about those same policies and potential policy choices (e.g. the Choices Program). Over the years, other programs were developed, including one to study the need for and purpose of the MX missile, the Mutual Security project which worked with Soviet partners to identify ways to avoid nuclear war, the Cuban Missile Crisis program which sought to extract lessons from that near-disaster crisis, and many others.

Mark invited Sergei Khrushchev (son of Nikita Khrushchev, former leader of the Soviet Union) and his wife Valentina Golonka to come to Brown in 1991 for a one-year stint as a Senior Research Fellow. Sergei not only became something of a fixture at CFPD and the Institute, he and his wife became friends with Mom and Dad, sharing interests in Russia and gardening, and Sergei would frequently invite Dad to have a sauna in the basement of his house in Cranston, Rhode Island.

Mark retired from the CFPD in 1993, wanting to devote more time to Career No. 3.

Career No. 3: Blueberry Farmer (Overlapped with Career No. 2)

While busy with the CFPD, Mom and Dad also managed to find time to purchase land, design and build a house, and start a blueberry farm. They purchased several acres of land in Warwick, Rhode Island, with a view of Narragansett Bay and (unfortunately) the Rocky Point Amusement Park with its noisy patrons. The amusement park closed in 1994, and Dad worked with the City of Warwick and the State of Rhode Island to help create what is now the Rocky Point State Park.

Dad took a course in “designing your own home” at the Rhode Island School of Design and designed a spacious and partially solar-heated home with an in-law apartment and plenty of space for visiting children and grandchildren. Mom and Dad acted as their own general contractor to save money. Construction started in September 1983, and they moved into the house in April 1984, followed by a lot of work by them on the interior.

Creation of the Rocky Point Blueberry Farm, partially to lower taxes and partially to cater to Dad’s dream of becoming a gentleman farmer, faced some significant challenges related to the overgrown, swampy area designated for blueberries. After much work clearing and draining the designated area, 2,200 blueberry bushes on two acres were in place, and by 1991 the farm opened to the public as a you-pick-it operation. After unsuccessfully discouraging birds from helping themselves with scary balloons, Dad designed and implemented a unique system for placing netting over the entire blueberry patch.

For the next 20 years, the blueberry farm became a beloved attraction to residents of Warwick and further afield, achieving a record of 13 tons of blueberries sold in the best season. Beehives and a cider mill added honey and apple cider to the available produce to be purchased. Grandchildren spent many weeks in the summertime helping out, including the less popular chore of helping to install the netting. Not satisfied with just blueberries, Dad started a grove of pawpaw trees – the fruit of which became popular with customers.

In 2011, the blueberry farm was sold to new owners. Before finalizing the sale, Dad worked to turn the farm into a conservation easement in perpetuity. Under the subsequent proprietorship of another family, the Rocky Point Blueberry Farm is still producing blueberries and pawpaws when in season and is still a beloved Warwick attraction.

Before moving from the farm, instead of simply buying a new house, Mom and Dad found a vacant lot in Cranston, RI, near Stillhouse Cove with a (closer than Warwick) view of Narragansett Bay. They then designed and built a house to meet their needs. Mom, after a nine-year battle with ovarian cancer, died in 2012 after moving into the Stillhouse Cove house.

Mom and Dad were consummate and indefatigable travelers. After Mom’s diagnosis of advanced ovarian cancer in 2003, they traveled to China (after spending months studying Mandarin), New Zealand, New Mexico, the Grand Canyon, and New Orleans (to name just a few).

In many ways, Mark was a true Renaissance man with a Hoosier pragmatic bent. He designed and built two homes. He designed and built a garage for his John Deere tractor. He designed and built a greenhouse using recycled plate glass from a construction site. Rather than buying a new farm truck, he built an oak bed on a rusty Toyota pickup and “tinkered” to keep it working. Until a couple of years before his death, he was a keen reader and astute observer of politics and thought. AI, Lucretius’ The Nature of Things, poetry, and CRISPR gene editing were just a few of his later interests.

Mark’s love of nature was a core element in his life; from his teenage years on the apple orchard in Kokomo, Indiana; to the weekend family farm in West Virginia; to the Rhode Island blueberry farm, honey bees, apple trees, vegetable garden and pawpaw grove; to his garden at Stillhouse Cove and his leadership in restoring the park and salt marsh across from his house; and, finally, to sitting and watching the Delaware River in Hankins, New York.

Life After Betty

After Betty’s death, Dad continued to travel, including a cross-country drive (at age 85), a trip along the Erie Canal, an ambitious trip to India, Nepal, and Bhutan (at age 89), a Hudson River trip, and many others. With a friend, he started a book club in 2015. In the words of one of the book club members, “Whatever the book, he was consistently the best prepared reader in our group. Mark could always be relied on to identify the core lessons of our assigned reading, using his copious notes to refer us to page and paragraph as necessary.” He also joined a men’s group that met periodically to discuss issues of the day. Dad affectionately referred to the men’s group as the OWLs (Older, Wiser Liberals).

Dad developed deep friendships in Rhode Island, where he provided companionship and counsel to many. A comment from one of those whose career he helped establish says a lot about Mark Garrison and his lasting effect: “What I feel very sure of is that you changed the lives of many people in very important ways - both on a grand scale and close to home with the friendship and mentoring that you provided to so many. How can I (and all of us impacted by you) ever thank you!”

Despite significant losses – Betty and Libby - Dad continued to find quiet joy in life and maintained a wonderful sense of humor. Towards the end, he told us that he was never bored, because he had so many great memories that he could call on to keep him company.

Although Mark Garrison deeply enjoyed nature, his pragmatic side would certainly insist that flowers would only be for the living. Two organizations that he contributed to in the past are: Community Music Works of Providence and the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.