Phyllis Jean (Williams) Goodbred, Jon “Thumper” Scheetz, Kyle Wayne Bauer, Christopher Gaskill

Phyllis Jean (Williams) Goodbred

Phyllis Jean (Williams) Goodbred, 89, of Mt Zion passed away on February 28, 2026, in Decatur, IL, surrounded by family.

A memorial celebration will be held at Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home-Mt Zion on March 14, 2026. Visitation will be one hour prior to services from 10-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Point Pleasant Cemetery in Long Creek.

Born on March 19, 1936, in Assumption, IL, to her late parents Russell and Amanda “Evelyn” (Cortrecht) Williams. She married Albert “Dean” Goodbred on December 28, 1963, in Decatur, IL. Dean preceded her in death in 2005.

Phyllis was predeceased by her son Greggory Goodbred; sons-in-law Tom Rigg and Robert Sorenson; grandchildren Robert Goodbred, Alesa (Barbee) Goodbred, Jayson Goodbred, Kendall Vaughn, and Jerry Lutz; brothers Carl Williams and Larry Williams; nephews Tad Williams and Scott Williams; and her beloved mother-in-law.

Surviving are her children Larry (Doris) Goodbred of Decatur, (Rhonda) Goodbred of Decatur, Dale Goodbred of Decatur, Christine (Jerry) Smith of Decatur, Cheri Sorenson of Kokomo, IN, Jamie Rigg of Dalton City, and Laura (Paul) McKneight of Tucson, AZ; her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; and her brothers Wayne Williams of Decatur, Pete (Sue) Williams of Dalton City, and Merle (Wendy) Williams of Custer Park.

Phyllis worked for Caterpillar for 19 years until her retirement in 1992. She was a member of Long Creek United Methodist Church and enjoyed several years serving as a bus monitor for the Mt Zion School District. An avid reader, she also enjoyed sewing, quilting, baking and spending time with family and friends.

Memorials donations may be directed to the Mt. Zion Fire Protection District, the Mt. Zion Library, and the Long Creek United Methodist Church.

Jon “Thumper” Scheetz

Jon “Thumper” Scheetz was a man of quiet strength, steady hands, and a deeply loving heart. He passed away on March 1, 2026, at 1:35 a.m., leaving behind a legacy of kindness and a family who will forever carry his lessons with them.

Jon found his peace in the things he loved: the crackle of a CB radio, the roar of an American muscle car, and the rhythm of his favorite music. He was a man who appreciated order and took pride in keeping things tidy, reflecting the thoughtful and deliberate way he moved through the world.

Though he was a man of few words, his actions spoke volumes. Jon was the first to step forward if someone was in need, offering help without hesitation or the need for recognition. His children share the same nurturing and protective spirit.

Jon is survived by his children Lisa, Mary, Katie, and Kass; and six grandchildren Meghan, Hailey, Ethan, Elijah, Kinzi, and Cole. His memory will be cherished by his children, who carry forward his compassionate heart. He is also survived by his sister, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and his two loyal companions, his cats Trooper and Fin.

Jon was preceded in death by his mother Ruenell Price and his father Victor Scheetz.

Jon’s steady presence will be deeply missed, but his influence remains in every act of kindness performed by those he loved.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Kyle Wayne Bauer

Kyle Wayne Bauer passed away, surrounded by his family, on February 27, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 68. Born on August 28, 1957, in Huntington, Indiana, to Eugene and Marcella Bauer, Kyle’s infectious smile and generous spirit were evident from a young age. A devoted family man, he leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories.

Kyle’s journey through life was marked by his steadfast commitment to his high school sweetheart and wife of 48 years Kay Ellen. Together, they built a beautiful family, including their daughters Amanda Schultz (Justin) and Lydia Steinsberger (Derek), as well as their adored grandchildren Kennedy Thorpe, Miley Steinsberger, Landen Thorpe, and Peyton Steinsberger, who lovingly called him “Peeps.” His sister Kay A. Bauer and brother Kent A. Bauer will also hold dear their brother’s memories. He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Marcella.

After graduating from Huntington North High School in 1975, Kyle embarked on a career in retail that showcased his impeccable taste and dedication to customer service. Beginning at the age of 16, he honed his skills at Falvey’s Men’s Clothing store, learning to measure men for suits and custom clothing. His passion for retail management took him to various clothing stores, and it was his role at Goody’s that brought him and his family to Kokomo. Later, he transitioned to a role at Waterford Health Campus as a Resident Care Associate, where he continued to touch lives with his kindness and care.

Kyle’s interests were as diverse as they were heartfelt. He was an avid shopper, always ready to find the perfect gift or simply enjoy the experience with friends and family. Both his daughters considered him their personal stylist. His sense of humor was unparalleled, and he had a remarkable ability to make anyone laugh, brightening even the cloudiest of days. Kyle’s friends and family cherished every moment spent with him, as his presence was a source of comfort and joy.

Above all, Kyle was a man of tremendous faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. His love for Jehovah, Jesus, and the hope of life eternal in paradise was a guiding force in his life. He lived his faith through his actions, always ready to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. His loving, friendly, and thoughtful nature made him an inspiration to all who knew him.

During his final days, Kyle received excellent and passionate care from the staff at Compassus. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Paula and Mikeylla for their kindness, dedication, and comfort. Kyle Wayne Bauer’s legacy will be carried on through the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the love he instilled in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. His light will continue to shine in the lives of his beloved family and the countless friends who will miss him dearly.

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

Christopher Gaskill

Christopher Gaskill, 68, Leeton, Missouri, passed peacefully at his home on February 24, 2026, surrounded by music, love, and his family. Chris was born in Kokomo, IN, to George Martin Gaskill and Elaine Ruth (Williams) Gaskill. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Linda J. (Lamb) Gaskill, brothers George M. Gaskill, Dan R. Gaskill, Patrick J. Gaskill, and Gerard Gaskill; and sister Mary K Snyder; along with their spouses and children. Also surviving are mother-in-law Dee Lamb, sister-in-law Terry Young, and brother-in-law Delbert Brookshier, along with their spouses and children. He is also survived by the “Horseshoe Community,” the BCR group, and many family and friends, both near and far.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Timothy and John P. Gaskill, father-in-law Donald (Deedle) Lamb, sister-in-law Melodie J. Lamb, and many dear and true friends.

His early years in Kokomo consisted of baseball, bicycles, brothers, and the neighborhood gang. He attended St. Patrick’s, where he learned his education, values, kindness, and faith. He attended Kokomo High and also completed a year of welding at Ivy Tech, all while honing his musical talents with best friend Sam and the band, the Straw Town Pike.

After a layoff at a factory, a friend suggested coming to Missouri where there was great bass and crappie fishing. Within a week he was employed at CMSU (UCM) and a new career of masonry and carpentry was born. He later worked in roofing and framing and settled into the plumbing industry; talents he was always willing to share, when he could, to help family and friends.

His musical gift, be it sitting around the porch or campfire, strumming on stage, or the State Fair, or just quietly for Linda and his pets, will be greatly missed and treasured by many.

Per his wishes, no services are planned. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. We ask that instead that each celebrate life. Call up an old friend, pet a cat, eat the ice cream, take a walk, throw in a line, feed the birds, play some music, and hold that hug just a few seconds longer.