Paul William Hendrix, Teresa Mays, Janet Kay Trine, Paul E. Kepner, Ginger Coleen Bliss, Charles Leander Hummel Jr., Kenneth Ray Morgan

Paul William Hendrix

Paul William Hendrix passed away on February 2, 2026, at Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, at the age of 52 years old. He was born in Kokomo, Indiana, on the 13th of June 1973 to Roger L. Hendrix and Brenda (Ward) Hendrix. He is a father to two children; a son named Colbin and a daughter named Halley.

He attended Kokomo High School and graduated in May of 1991. He was a member of the football, wrestling, and track teams. Throughout high school, he maintained all requirements for the Presidential Academic Award, and he was also an active member of the local Lions Club and Habitat for Humanity. After graduation he entered basic training in December of 1992. While in basic training, he maintained the position of element leader from day one to graduation.

From the beginning of his military career, Paul exhibited his leadership qualities in every facet of his life on and off duty. Among the many achievements in his military career, he was very proud to have worked directly with NASA for 12 rocket launches. He was in charge of broadcasting each launch and press conference. He was very proud to have worked with so many great friends in Combat Camera; he was also a player on the intramural softball and football teams. While in the Air Force, he attained his associate’s degree in information technology.

During his military service, Paul did four tours where he was stationed in Germany, Afghanistan, Iraq, and South Korea. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 2012. After retiring from the Air Force, he went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in business administration. He held a position at WOW! Internet as a regional Headend Manager. Then he worked for FOX WTAT as Assistant Chief Engineer, and his last occupation was with iHeartMedia as the Regional Engineer.

He was preceded in death by his sister Annette Hendrix and his grandparents Robert and Sue Hendrix, Lonnie Ward, and Gearlene (Ward) Whittemore.

Surviving are his fiancée Kelly Michael; his children Colbin and Halley; his mother Brenda (Ward) Edwards; his father Roger (Robin) Hendrix; two nieces Alexa Pierce and Alana (Cody) Thompson, and lots of other family members.

Paul enjoyed Life and being with his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. He leaves behind his two dogs Apollo and Zeus.

We will be having a Celebration of Life gathering for Paul on Saturday, February 7, from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the VFW, the address is 10154 Bellwright Rd. Summerville, SC 29483.

Mr. Hendrix is entrusted to Kelvin F. Lewis, the funeral director, and the Lewis Crematory & Funeral Home staff of Myrtle Beach, SC. (843) 294-0011.

Teresa Mays

Teresa Mays, 64, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, at The Brickyard in Kokomo, Indiana.

Teresa was born on September 15, 1961, in Tipton, Indiana, to Billy and Betty (Lange) Mays. She attended Tipton High School and spent her life rooted in the community she proudly called home.

Teresa will be remembered most for her warm and friendly nature. She had an easy smile that she shared freely with friends and strangers alike, along with a sassy spirit that never failed to bring a smile to those around her. That spark—equal parts kindness and spunk—was one of her most endearing qualities.

In her later years, Teresa cherished the time she spent with her brother Kenny Mays. Together, they worked on crossword puzzles and played BINGO each day, sharing laughter and companionship. They were not only siblings but best friends, and their bond was truly special. It brings comfort to imagine their joyful reunion in Heaven.

The following poem was written in loving memory of Teresa by her dear friend, Gabby Anderson:

Poem for My Sweet Friend
I didn’t know you long,
yet somehow it was enough
to leave a forever-shaped space in my heart.
Every time I walked through those doors,
down that long, quiet hall,
there you were—
sitting in the dining room,
your smile already waiting for me,
the brightest thing in the building.
I’m glad we got the time we did, but it went too fast, like losing you.
Visits measured in moments,
but filled with meaning.
You mattered more to me
than you ever knew.
I dreamed of taking you for a drive,
just you and me,
fresh air, moving roads,
freedom beyond those walls.
But instead, we shared what we could—
bingo cards, crosswords,
freshly painted nails,
and laughter tucked into ordinary days.
You were loved there.
By friends who will miss your seat,
your voice, your presence.
Loved by all of us
who only had to meet you once
to feel it.
I’m thankful for our last hug,
for the warmth of your hand in mine,
for the words I love you
spoken softly and meant completely.
Now you are at peace,
with your family,
held by heaven in a way
no place on earth ever could.
I’m grateful for the short time we had,
for the light you gave so freely,
for the way you smiled at me
like we were family… and we are.
ALL God’s family.
Goodbye, sweet friend.
You will always be remembered.
— Gabby Anderson
Those left to cherish Teresa’s memory include several cousins, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by her gentle heart and friendly spirit.

Teresa was welcomed into Heaven by her parents Billy and Betty Mays and her beloved brother Kenny Mays.

A graveside service celebrating Teresa’s life will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Fairview Cemetery, 418 Fairview Drive, Tipton.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mays family during this time.

Janet Kay Trine

Janet Kay Trine, born on February 25, 1950, in Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 75. She was a resident of Kokomo, Indiana.

A visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, located at 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, on February 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the funeral service beginning at 3:00 p.m. Janet will be laid to rest immediately following her funeral service at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.

Paul E. Kepner

Paul E. Kepner of Kokomo, IN, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Main Street Terrace, Lancaster, OH. He was 96 years young. He was born November 6, 1929, in Kokomo, to Orba A and Hazel B (Knight) Kepner. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 62 years Judith (Dutchess) Kepner, and his sons-in law Dan Boyle (Geneva, Switzerland) and Ernest Martin (Circleville, OH).

Surviving him are his two daughters Ann Boyle (Geneva, Switzerland) and Karen Martin Kepner (Lancaster, OH). He also leaves behind his younger sister Roma (Kepner) Chism and her two children Kent (Isabelle) Chism and Kim (Chism) Spray, as well as Roma’s grand- and great-grandchildren, all of whom are in the Kokomo area. Ann and Karen are deeply grateful to all the nearby family and friends for their care and support for Paul in his later years. Moreover, they sincerely thank the staff of Main Street Terrace and of FairHoPe Hospice for their care and compassion during his final months.

Paul graduated from Clay Township High School (now Northwestern) and from New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He served in the U.S. Air Force for three years. He and Judy were then married, and the newlyweds set up housekeeping in New Mexico so Paul could earn his master’s degree at NMSU. While teaching at the university’s School of Engineering, Paul and Judy welcomed both daughters. They eventually moved their little family to South Bend, IN, where Paul worked at Bendix, Mishawaka, and its successor entities as a Manager of Marketing in the Aerospace Sector. Over the years, Paul’s work took them to Virginia and Maryland, then back to South Bend. Upon retirement, Paul and Judy returned to the Kokomo/Galveston area where they settled for good.

They were members of Christ Lutheran Church, South Dixon Road, Kokomo. A memorial service will take place there in mid-April, and his cremains will be interred in Galveston around the time Judy’s wildflowers will be in bloom.

Ginger Coleen Bliss

Ginger Coleen Bliss, 82, Kokomo, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at Brickyard-Sycamore Village in Kokomo. She was born August 23, 1943, in Tipton, the daughter of the late Dewayne & Bertonna (Vawter) Pumphrey. On May 2, 1964, she married Thomas Joe Bliss, who preceded her in death on December 21, 2015.

Ginger was a 1961 graduate of Prairie High School.

Ginger is survived by her children Robin Byers and Thomas Bliss; and sister Gloria Maxwell.

Ginger was preceded in death by her parents; husband Thomas; and son-in-law Mike Byers.

In keeping with Ginger’s wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ginger’s memory to Indiana Donor Network, www.indianadonornetwork.org. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.

Charles Leander Hummel Jr.

Charles Leander Hummel Jr., 97, of Greentown, passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Century Fields Healthcare. He was born on July 25, 1928, in Kokomo, the son of Charles L. Hummel Sr. and Bertha (Pearcy) Hummel. Charles married Carol (Morrison) Hummel, and she preceded him in death.

Charles graduated from Kokomo High School in 1946. He then went to serve in the United States National Guard. Charles retired from General Motors and previously worked for Delco Electronics, Chrysler, and a car wash in Terre Haute. He was a very social chatterbox who loved people. Charles enjoyed spending his time camping, swimming, and playing cards. He moved to Ft. Myers, FL, before 2020 and lived there for many years. Charles will be remembered as a man who loved his family, always had a smile on his face, and loved the Lord.

Charles is survived by his children Dedra Clymer, Jody (Steve) Beeler, and Donivan Hummel; grandchildren Lori (Patrick) Stiner, Stefani (Aaron) Stout, and DJ Hummel; great grandchildren Finley, Beckham, and Jaxson; sister Elizabeth Ann Wolf; best buddy Soloman Patchett; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife Carol Hummel, Charles was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Dorothy (Dr. Frank) Hummel Lewis, Jane (Dr. Maurice) Hummel Snyder, and Mary Ellen (Herschel) Moss; brother-in-law Harold Wolf; and many dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home at a later date. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

Kenneth Ray Morgan

Kenneth Ray Morgan, born on October 14, 1960, passed away on January 23, 2026, at the age of 65.

Kenneth was a resident of Kokomo, Indiana.