Thomas Smith, Glenn Lee Taylor, Genevieve “Genny” (Valadez) Root, Robert “Bob” Ernest Evans, Gabriel David Clifton

Thomas Smith

Thomas Smith, age 77, of Frankfort, Indiana, passed away on February 16, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of service, faith, and deep love for his family and community. Born on January 6, 1949, in Kokomo, Indiana, Tom was the son of Archie and Zorada Smith. Growing up on a farm, Tom discovered his mechanical inclination; a trait that would shape both his career and his calling.

From his marriage to Patricia Young (Kingery), he was blessed with two beloved sons: Michael Smith and Nicholas Smith. They were a constant source of pride to him, and he took great joy in watching their lives unfold.

On June 30, 2007, he married his loving wife Kristie Smith (Wright), with whom he shared 18 wonderful years. Through their marriage, Tom gracefully embraced Derek McCleary, Matthew McCleary, and Sean McCleary (Brittany) as part of his family, loving and supporting them wholeheartedly.

Tom was a veteran who served as a mechanic in the United States Navy. He later owned and operated his own auto shop for many years before continuing his career at Caterpillar for 20 years, earning a reputation for honesty, skill, and a willingness to help anyone in need. His passion was hot rods, restoring them and attending car shows whenever he could. For Tom, working on cars was never just a job, it was both a craft and a calling. Retirement did not slow him down. In recent years, he devoted his time and talent to Godsend Garage, a ministry that provides essential vehicle repairs to single mothers, widows, and elderly neighbors who could not otherwise afford them.

For Tom, this work was never just about engines and transmissions. Reliable transportation meant safety, employment, independence, and dignity for the people he served. He saw each repair as an opportunity to love his neighbor in a tangible way.

Whether under the hood of a car or offering a quiet word of encouragement, Tom served with humility and steady compassion. Through this ministry, he helped restore not only vehicles, but confidence and hope to many in the community.

Those who knew Tom will remember his generous spirit, his steady faith, his practical wisdom, and his willingness to show up whenever someone needed help. He believed deeply in serving others and lived that belief faithfully.

He is survived by his devoted wife Kristie Smith; his children Michael Smith (Megan) and Nicholas Smith (Kara); his stepchildren Derek McCleary, Matthew McCleary, and Sean McCleary (Brittany); nine grandchildren Zachary Smith, Justin Smith, Adele Smith, Alex Smith, Valor Smith, True Smith, Dane McCleary, Conor McCleary, and Crew McCleary; sister Jane Hill (Robert); brother Mark Smith (Diane); mother-in-law Jeannie Wright; sister-in-law Beth Andrews (Ed); brother-in-law Ron Wright (Becky); and many friends, fellow volunteers, and neighbors whose lives were better because of him. He was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Keith Wright, and brother-in-law Larry Wright.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Crossroads Community Church in Kokomo, Indiana. The visitation will be held from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., and the service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests honoring Tom’s memory by supporting Godsend Garage donate here https://pushpay.com/g/ecrossroads?src=hpp&r=monthly or by extending practical kindness to someone in need, just as he so faithfully did.

Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smith family.

Glenn Lee Taylor

Glenn Lee Taylor, 82, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Monday, February 16, 2026, under the care of Heart to Heart Hospice.

He was born on December 9, 1943, in Frankfort, Indiana, to Glen M. and JoAnn Taylor. Glenn was a graduate of Western High School and soon signed up to join the United States Army, where he served two years in Vietnam. Glenn returned to the states and worked in Washington D.C. in the basement of the White House. While on a leave back home, he met his loving wife Beth Ann White. After many weekends of driving back and forth from Kokomo to D.C., the couple married on May 4, 1969. Soon after, Glenn accepted a job at Delco Electronics and they moved back to Kokomo, where they lived for the next 52 years that they were married.

In July of 1972, just three days after Beth’s birthday, Glenn and Beth welcomed their only daughter Kelly into the world. Glenn was proudly involved in all his daughter’s school activities, especially when she joined the KHS Marching Wildcat Band. Glenn and Beth became chaperones and attended every competition and concert. Glenn later went on to become Vice President of the band boosters club and could be seen each marching band season weekend hauling equipment onto competition fields.

Kelly married the love of her life Jody Babbs on October 11, 1997, and Glenn could not have been prouder.

Glenn and Beth attended Calvary Baptist Church, where he looked after the maintenance of the church. They both also helped his mother with custodial duties there.

Glenn loved his family and friends. He enjoyed camping, cook-outs, and game nights with the “Friday Night Gang,” a special group of friends. For many years, Glenn and Beth attended numerous sporting events and concerts for nieces, nephews, and friends’ children.

Like his father, Glenn was quite the craftsman. He greatly enjoyed woodworking and stained glass, among other things, and made many beautiful pieces that are still being cherished by family and friends today.

In August of 2000, Glenn was blessed with his only grandchild Katie Marie Babbs, a beautiful baby girl who quickly became his little “squirt.” Glenn enjoyed spending most of his time with her working outside or in the garage, going on walks and bike rides, and enjoying ice cream trips. Glenn and Beth were overjoyed when Katie joined the Western Marching Panther Band, and they never missed a competition.

Katie married the love of her life Christian Harding on August 19, 2023. Christian quickly became his “favorite grandson-in-law,” and the two teased each other to no end.

In July of 2024, Glenn was even more blessed by the birth of his great-grandson Owen Taylor Harding, who quickly stole his heart.

Glenn is survived by his daughter Kelly Babbs (Jody) of Alexandria, granddaughter Katie Harding (Christian) of Muncie, and great-grandson Owen of Muncie. Surviving also is a brother Larry (Pam) Taylor, and sisters Debbie (Tim) Edwards and Mary (Ken) Joyner; several brothers- and sisters-in-laws; numerous nieces and nephews; and many special friends and their children.

Glenn was preceded in death by his wife Beth in 2021 and by his parents. Glenn will be remembered as a man who would do anything for anyone. His heart was in serving people and doing it with a smile on his face. His love for his family and friends was evident in the way he teased them and laughed with them.

Glenn’s family will greet guests on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and one hour before the celebration of life service on Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11 a.m. The visitation and service will be held at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, IN 46902.

Burial with military rites will follow at Albright Cemetery, 3910 Albright Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Marion General Hospital and Heart to Heart Hospice for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Glenn’s honor to Heart to Heart Hospice of Marion, 1614 North Baldwin Avenue, Suite A, Marion, Indiana 46952. More information can be found at https://hearttohearthospice.com/location/central-indiana/.

Genevieve “Genny” (Valadez) Root

Genevieve “Genny” (Valadez) Root, 86, of Kokomo, passed away on February 17, 2026, at 2:10 AM at her residence surrounded by her family. She was born on January 4, 1940, in San Antonio, Texas, to the late Jesus and Margarita (Cavozos) Valadez. She married Robert Joe Root on July 3, 1958, and he passed away on May 22, 2019.

Genny graduated from Kokomo High School in 1958. She then worked at Delco Electronics for many years before retiring. She was a member of the UAW #292. Genny was a lifelong member of St. Joan of Arc and St. Patrick Catholic Church. She volunteered at the cafeteria at St. Joan of Arc and participated in the Christ Renews His Parish weekend.

Survivors include daughters Jamie (Larry) Cabello of Lafayette; Sherry McKee of Kokomo; Vickey Root of Henrico, VA; and Penelope Tyler of Cape Coral, FL.; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; two sisters Josie Valadez DeSchamps and Lolly Mickelson; two brothers Raymond Valadez and Gilbert Valadez; and several nieces and nephews.

Genny is preceded in death her loving husband of 60 years Robert Joe Root; her parents; and seven siblings Lisa Ferren, Rudy Valadez, Jesse Valadez, Eudelia Sofia “Helen” Taylor, Jane Keller, Gavina Ford, and Betty Hopkins.

There will be a visitation for Genny on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial for Genny will take place on Thursday, February 26, at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 1204 North Armstrong Street, Kokomo, IN. Rev. Fr. Peter Vanderkolk will be celebrating. Entombment will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.

Robert “Bob” Ernest Evans

Robert “Bob” Ernest Evans, 89, of Forest, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at his home. He was born in Vermillion County, IN, on May 1, 1936, the son of the late George Franklin and Namoi Louise (Dickens) Evans. On May 29, 1955, he married Judith L. Smith in Michigantown, IN, and she preceded him in death on May 20, 2008.

Bob was a 1955 graduate of Frankfort High School. He held employment at Glover’s, Culligan, and ultimately retired from Chrysler Corp. as a Job Setter after 37 years of service. Bob was a very kind, helpful, and ornery man. He loved driving his old tractors. His favorite hobbies were gardening, squirrel watching, woodworking, and working in the yard. He was a Sunday school teacher at Michigantown Christian Church. He will be missed by his buddies in their breakfast club at the coffee shop and gas station. Bob will be remembered for assisting with the fish fry and driving his golf cart around Forest.

He is survived by his children Patricia (Brian) Newlon of Russiaville and Carolyn (Jim) Lybrook of Mulberry; grandchildren Amanda Lybrook, Adam (Shelly) Lybrook, Benjamin (Corrina) Newlon, Jonathan (Trisha) Newlon, Abby Evans, and Emily Evans; great-grandchildren Mason (Maddie) Carr, Samantha Carr, Corbin Newlon, Henry Newlon, Tabitha Newlon, Malakai Newlon, Travis Lybrook, and Brandon Lybrook; great-great-grandchild Malakai Carr; and siblings Deanna (Alvin) Laughner and Skip Evans.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sons Robert D. Evans and Michael R. Evans, and siblings Sandra Hines and Phil Evans.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A funeral service celebrating Bob’s life will begin 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Carl Kercheval officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to West Point Christian Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Gabriel David Clifton

Gabriel David Clifton, 47 minutes old, passed away and entered into the arms of Jesus at 12:32 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born February 15, 2026, the son of Dustin & Liana (Gurney) Clifton, who deeply wanted him and love him.

Following an unexpected early delivery at 17 weeks, Gabriel spent 47 precious minutes being held and loved by his parents before becoming an angel in Heaven. His life, though short, brought immense joy to his parents even through this tragedy and left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who waited so expectantly for him.

Along with his parents, Gabriel will be forever missed by his grandparents Quentin Gurney, Lillian Gurney, and Brian Allen Clifton, Sr.; aunts and uncles Angelina (Joshua) Williams, Julia Gurney, Sara Gurney, Amber (Sam) Toppin, and Brian Allen “JR” Jr. (Becky) Clifton; cousins Malachi, Maribelle and Melanie Williams, Layla Woodruff, Daniel, Rachel and CJ Toppin, and Jason and Shania Clifton.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” -Matthew 19:14

A private graveside service will be held in Heaven’s Hands Cemetery at Crossroads Community Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.