Obituaries, February 18, 2026

Written on 02/18/2026


Debra S. Smith, Anna R. (Otto) Beachy, Michael Forkner, Barbara Gean Hodson, Jeanette Eileen (Wilson) Conn, Donald Bruce Killingbeck, Leo John Scimia, Glenn Lee Taylor, Tammy J. Irwin, Floyd Anderson

Debra S. Smith

Debra S. Smith, 72, of Logansport, passed away at 12:20 p.m., Sunday, February 15, 2026, at home.

Born on June 19, 1953, in Syracuse, she was the daughter of the late Donald and Norma (Klopenstein) Matthews.

Deb retired from Four County in Logansport. She enjoyed gardening, taking care of her flowers, and crafts.

Survivors include her children Shawna Baugh (Robert) of Kokomo and Shane Hall of Peru, stepchildren Lisa James (Chris) of Logansport and Angel Melroy of Logansport, her companion Larry Ritchie of Logansport, brother Jerry Klopenstein (Diana) and grandchildren Matthew Tucker, Dylan Armstrong, Chelsie Hall, and Taylor Hall, and step-grandchildren Noah James, McKenna James, Kassadie James, and Cody and Brooke Tunis. She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her longtime companion Donnie Melroy.

A Celebration of Life will be at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Marocco Chapel.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Deb’s online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.ransfuneralhomes.com.

Anna R. (Otto) Beachy

Anna R. (Otto) Beachy, 89 years, four months, and 17 days, of rural Sullivan, IL, passed away at 12:32 p.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at her residence.

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the HCK West Building, one mile south of Arthur, IL. Bishop Marion Miller will officiate. Burial will be in the Otto Cemetery. Visitation will be held any time after 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the HCK West Building. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Anna was born on September 30, 1936, a daughter of Rudy D. and Elizabeth (Miller) Otto. She married Lloyd Lee Beachy on February 12, 1957, in Arthur, IL. They lived in holy matrimony 48 years, 11 months. He passed away on January 14, 2006.

She is survived by eight children: Mattie Marie Herschberger and her husband Jerry Ray of Kokomo, IN; Cora Louise Miller and her husband Harley of Nappanee, IN; Andy Ray Beachy of Bremen, IN; Esther Fern Miller and her husband Larry of Tuscola, IL; Mary Ann Schrock and her husband Marvin of Sugarcreek, OH; Katie Ellen Miller and her husband Menno Ray of Sullivan, IL; Samuel Lee Beachy and his wife Lisa of Nappanee, IN; and Levi Lavern Beachy and his wife Angela of Nappanee, IN; a son-in-law David Miller of Arthur, IL; 37 grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, nine step-great-grandchildren; eight siblings Cora Otto of Arthur, IL, Esther Mast of Arthur, IL, Sarah Ann Helmuth of Sullivan, IL, Melvin Otto and his wife Annie Ellen of Arthur, IL, Irene Miller of Arthur, IL, Erwin Otto and his wife Millie of Arthur, IL, Dorothy Hostetler of Arcola, IL, and Martha Mast and her husband Andy of Fulton, MO, and one brother-in-law Joe Yoder of Wagoner, SC.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lloyd Lee Beachy, a daughter Lydia Mae Miller, a grandson-in-law, one step-great-granddaughter, one sister Mary Yoder, two brothers Abraham Otto and John Otto, two sisters-in-law, and seven brothers-in-law.

Anna was a member of the Old Order Amish Faith.



Michael Forkner

Michael Forkner, 76, of Tipton, passed away at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis on February 15, 2026. Born on November 30, 1949, in Elwood, he was the son of Dale and Mariruth (Curnutt) Forkner.

Michael graduated from Tipton High School with the Class of 1968. He furthered his education at the General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, in 1972 and then dedicated 30 years to GM-Delco in Kokomo, where he worked as an engineer specializing in plastics.

On July 13, 1985, Michael married Susan E. Reap, beginning a cherished 40-year marriage filled with countless adventures and lifelong love.

In his younger years, Michael enjoyed riding his BMW motorcycle and exploring the continental United States through travel. He held a deep passion for woodworking, reading, and continued adventures in travel. Above all, he treasured time with his family, loving them dearly and finding his greatest fulfillment in their company.

He was an “LVAD warrior,” receiving his device on February 8, 2021. Thanks to this technology, Michael was able to enjoy another five bountiful years of life.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife Susan; his children Jessica Forkner (James), Robert Forkner (Brianna), David Forkner (Christina), and Leanna (Tyler) Fleming; his grandchildren Rosemary, Bobby, Benjamin, Merrin, and Clare; and his siblings David (Geraldine) Forkner and Sue Forkner.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Michael loved his family and will truly and dearly be missed by all who love him.

Visitation will be held at Kemp United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 21, at 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jeanne Rodgers presiding. Memorial Contributions may be made to Kemp United Methodist Church, 228 N. Main Street, Tipton, Indiana 46072.

The staff of Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist Michael’s family in their hour of need. Online condolences may be made on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.



Barbara Gean Hodson

Barbara Gean Hodson, 83, of Windfall, passed away at 9:48 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026. She was born July 6, 1942, in Batesville, Arkansas, the daughter of George and Viola (McCluskey) Barnes. On September 7, 1962, she married Leonard E. Hodson at Normanda Christian Church. He preceded her in death on May 8, 2021.

Barbara graduated from Prairie High School with the class of 1960 and worked as a bookkeeper for several years. Family was the most important part of life for Barbara. She loved the Lord, was a member of Fairfield Christian Church and its Wings ladies’ group and served as a prayer warrior for her family and friends. Barbara enjoyed scrapbooking, decorating homes, and entertaining at Christmas. She also loved playing games with family and friends.

She is survived by her son Jeff (Gwen) Hodson; grandchildren Tori (Zach) Salters, Nathaniel Hodson, and Mariah (Wyatt) Hodson; Chloe (Tanner) Wright, Brogan (Taylor) Bragg, Amelia (Johnathan) Klicker-Wiechmann, and Clare (Eric) Woods; great-grandchildren Anna Jo, Todd, and Leo Salters, Niko Wright, and Isaiah and Eleonore Bragg; her sister Loretta (Harold) Gibbons; her brother-in-law Larry Cooper; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Along with her husband Leonard Hodson, she was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Ruby (Marion) Roberson, Georgetta Cooper, and Guy (Betty) Barnes.

A funeral service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main Street, Russiaville, with Pastor Lyn Coleman officiating. Burial will follow at Normanda Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fairfield Christian Church. Messages of condolence may be left at www.stoutandson.com.



Jeanette Eileen (Wilson) Conn

Jeanette Eileen (Wilson) Conn, of Kokomo, passed away at 11:41 p.m., Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis. She was born October 6, 1936, in Lafayette IN, the daughter of Harold and Olive (Barcus) Wilson. Her mother passed away two years later from tuberculosis. Harold later married Helen (Stearns), who lovingly raised her as her own. On April 14, 1957, she married Richard L. Conn at the First Baptist Church in Delphi. He preceded her in death on July 8, 2021.

Jeanette was a 1954 graduate of Delphi High School. She was a member of the Russiaville United Methodist Church in Russiaville for more than 60 years and held a great love in her heart for her church family. She was active in the United Methodist Women’s group, serving as past President and Secretary for many years. She was a familiar face for many years at their annual bazaar and rarely missed an opportunity to make noodles, mincemeat, and cheer plates with the ladies in the basement of the old church. Jeanette went where God called, singing in the church choir for a time, even though that is something she never would have aspired to do on her own. She truly lived what she believed. Her faith wasn’t just what she spoke about, it was something that embodied her daily. In her kindness. In her strength. In her love. She worked at the Union Health Center in Kokomo for seven years before becoming a full-time wife and mother. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her tulips, irises, peonies and clematis. Throughout her life, she loved working puzzles, often having a card table set up in her living room with one on display.

Jeanette was devoted to her husband during their 64 years together and missed him every day. One of her greatest loves was being a grandma, and there was a special way her eyes would light up whenever she saw them. She had the rare ability to stay positive through anything placed in front of her, and she continued the best she could. She truly found a home at Five Star Residence in Kokomo, forming strong friendships with many of her neighbors, but none more special than the one with Beverly Taylor, who provided her with the love and support she needed to help fill the void left by Dick’s passing.

Jeanette is survived by her son Richard A. Conn of Kentucky; her daughter Joyce Ingle of Sharpsville; grandchildren Richard Ayran Conn of Kentucky and Kelsey Jones of Monticello; sisters Treva (Marion) Rossetter of Delphi, Esther Conklin of Tennessee, Linda (Mike) Reifert of Brookston, and Karen (Terry) Provo of Florida; sisters-in-law Nancy (Dave) Brandt of Logansport, Norma Flohr of Logansport, and Shirley Conn of Florida; along with several beloved nieces and nephews.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her husband; parents; daughter-in-law Rebecca Cain; granddaughter Rani Amber Conn; brothers-in-law Donald E. Conn and John Flohr; and sister-in-law Sharon Su Conn.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Five Star Residence (The Crossings at Kokomo) for the extraordinary care provided to Jeanette. Also, thank you to the staff of Community North Hospital and special thanks to nurses Jessica and Oliva, who supported the family through the last hours. We will be forever grateful to you both.

A funeral service celebrating Jeanette’s life will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday February 21, 2026, at the Russiaville United Methodist Church, 180 N. Union St., Russiaville. Burial will follow in Ever Rest Cemetery in Logansport. Friends may visit the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Russiaville United Methodist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.



Donald Bruce Killingbeck

Donald Bruce Killingbeck, 72, Westfield, passed away at 12:40 a.m. Friday, February 13, 2026, in his home. He was born April 2, 1953, in Kokomo to Earl and Winifred (Fike) Killingbeck. On January 1, 1973, he married the love of his life Judy Lee.

Don was a 1971 Kokomo High School graduate and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business from Indiana University in 1975.

Don and Judy traveled over their 53 years of marriage, including Rome, Italy, Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, and all over the U.S. Don prioritized time with family by planning yearly family vacations. Don was co-owner of Killingbeck Insurance and Tax Preparation and deeply cared for his customers for more than 40 years. His service of others was evident in his time spent in Kiwanis.

He loved model trains. He hand-built and painted many train layouts with great care and accuracy. He would even travel to specific locations in the United States to re-create a specific landscape or train station. This love of trains was passed on to his grandchildren. He loved music and attending concerts with his daughter. Don was an award-winning gardener who took pride in his flower gardens and landscaping. Faith was important, and Sundays were “family days” for the Killingbecks. Don also led a church small group for 20 years and enjoyed planning church monthly movie nights for many years.

He is survived by his wife Judy Killingbeck; children Brian (Grace Baumann) Killingbeck, Jeremy (Jamie) Killingbeck, and Cara (Ben) Fruehling; grandchildren Olivia Killingbeck, Landon Killingbeck, and Wesley Fruehling; siblings Bill (Julie) Killingbeck and Dave (Susie) Killingbeck; and a sister-in-law Glenda Killingbeck.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jim Killingbeck.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road. A private family burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, give.michaeljfox.org. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Leo John Scimia

Leo John Scimia, a long-term resident and member of the Kokomo community, joined his eternal family on February 17, 2026. Leo was born on December 13, 1930 in Buffalo, New York. He was the son of Joseph Scimia and Rita (Fulgenzi) Scimia, and the older brother of Nancy (Choate) and Ada (Glowacki).

He was a star athlete at his high school in Oakfield, New York. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Purdue University in 1953, where he was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity and Skull & Crescent. He was also a member of Purdue’s Big Ten bowling team. Leo served his country by serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Medical Corps during the Korean War.

Leo worked briefly for his college roommate Don Moore at Moore Rexall Drugs before opening Scimia Rexall Drugs in 1959 at the northeast corner of Walnut and Buckeye streets in downtown Kokomo. He relocated his pharmacy to South Washington Street in 1966 and conducted business as Northside Rexall Drugs until he sold the pharmacy in 1983. He continued to work late into his 70s for SuperX, Cubs, Hooks, and others.

Leo is survived by his wife of more than 70 years Betty Lou (Brandstetter), formerly from Batavia, New York. Leo and Betty are survived by their daughter Susan Davis (and her husband Jim), grandchildren Madeleine Moore (and her husband Jeremy) and Matthew Davis (and his wife Blair), and great-granddaughter Emilia Moore; their son Joseph Scimia (and his wife Nan), granddaughter Allyssa Stevens (and her husband Zachary), and great grandchildren Carter Stevens and Rylie Stevens; and their son Jeffrey Scimia (and his wife Linda) and grandson Sam Scimia.

Leo was very proud of his Italian heritage, and family was most important to him. He often spoke fondly of growing up with his two dear sisters and the time they spent with their parents operating the family-owned Royal Restaurant. His devotion to family was further evidenced by the joy and time he spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was dedicated to his profession and developed many friends serving as their trusted pharmacist. He was an avid sports fan and passionately cheered for the Boilermakers. He could routinely be found in the stands at local sporting and community events. He was active in the Kokomo community and was instrumental in the development of local Little League, Babe Ruth and Connie Mack youth baseball programs.

There will be a public visitation to celebrate Leo’s extraordinary life on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from noon to 2:00 PM at the Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home at 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana.

Glenn Lee Taylor

Glenn Lee Taylor, born on December 9, 1943, in Frankfort, Indiana, passed away on February 16, 2026, at the age of 82. He was a resident of Marion, Indiana.

A visitation will be held at Ellers Community Mortuary & Memorial Center, Inc., located at 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, on February 22, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The funeral service will take place at the same venue on February 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.

Burial with military rites will follow at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Road, Kokomo, Indiana, beginning at 12:00 p.m. and concluding at 12:20 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart to Heart Hospice Care, 1614 North Baldwin Avenue, Suite A, Marion, Indiana 46952. More information can be found at https://hearttohearthospice.com/location/central-indiana/.



Tammy J. Irwin

Tammy J. Irwin, a beacon of love and spirited, passion, passed away on February 11, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana. She was born on December 18, 1968, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to the late Gloria G. Tucker and Kyle R. Smith. Tammy’s life was a testament to the joy and warmth she brought to the lives of all who knew her.

Tammy’s early years in Louisiana were filled with the lively sounds of music, a love that would follow her throughout her life. She carried the melodies of her youth to Indiana, where she would eventually lay her roots and raise a family. A dedicated worker, Tammy spent many years contributing to the success of Olympic Foods and Cannon Valley. In her younger days, she was known for her leadership and diligence at Indiana Packers, often taking charge as a line leader.

Family was the cornerstone of Tammy’s world. She is survived by her companion Bruce Becraft of 28 years, her children Zachary Register, Bryan Fitchpatrick (Ashley), Kara Register, Kimber (Justin Camp) Irwin, and Donnie (Andi Luckey) Irwin, along with her bonus children Kasara (Jordan Pollock) Woodring, Tabatha Cooper, and Shannon Blankenship. Her life was also blessed by the presence of her grandchildren, who brought her immeasurable joy: Jayden Irwin, Alley Jordan, Savannah Irwin, Jaelyn Hole, Keziah Fitchpatrick, Zion Fitchpatrick, Elijah Driver, Bryan Fitchpatrick II, Taylor Register, Skylar Mattling, Santagesha Halton, Draivyn Irwin, Alyssa Marie Woodring, Weighlyn Pollock, and Ozziland Flower. Tammy’s legacy continues through her brother Everrett “Adrian” Tucker, and sister-in-law Amy Tucker. She is predeceased by her loving mother Gloria G. Tucker and father Kyle R. Smith; children James Register, Brucie Register, and Ashleigh Irwin, and her brother Eric Reyburn.

Tammy’s zest for life was evident in her varied interests. She found solace in the tranquility of fishing, the excitement of playing BINGO, and the pleasure of sipping her favorite whiskey from time to time. She relished in the memories of traveling with her father and embraced the simple pleasure of knitting. Her love for adult coloring books, dice, and Uno provided countless hours of laughter and competition. Tammy was an excellent cook, known far and wide for her no-bake cookies, chicken and noodles, and lasagna, and she delighted in preparing meals for her family and friends. Even in relaxation, she enjoyed listening to the scanner, staying connected to the world around her.

Those who knew Tammy will remember her for her loving nature, her spirited enthusiasm for life, and her passionate devotion to her family and friends. Her presence was a warm embrace, her laughter and melody, and her spirit a comforting presence that will be deeply missed by all.

Tammy J. Irwin lived a life rich with love, laughter, and the simple joys that make a life well-lived. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we celebrate the indelible mark she left on our hearts and the countless memories that will keep her spirit alive. Her journey on earth has ended, but her story continues in the lives of those she loved and who loved her in return.

Friends and family can visit from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, at Gospel Light Mission, 1407 Belmont Ave., Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Terry Russell officiating.

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



Floyd Anderson

Floyd Anderson passed away on the 8th of February, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and cherished memories. He was loved deeply by family and friends. He will be remembered for the light he brought into the lives around him.