William Wesley Lawson Jr., Christopher Caleb Reed, Mary Jane Van Ness, Jamie Joan Bitner, Sue Ann (Shedron) Pullen, David John Busch, Hudson Timothy Holt

William Wesley Lawson Jr.

William Wesley Lawson Jr. (Bill), 82, of Kokomo, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 27, 1943, to the late William Wesley Lawson Sr. and Maria Carmella (Cesarano) Lawson. Bill married Roxanne Richardson, and she survives.

He retired from Chrysler after 36 years, and his favorite pastime was working out at the gym five days a week.

In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his children Terry (Tina) Lawson, Stacie (Bob) Bashore, Nicole Lawson, Carrie (Guy) Lawson-Riggs, and Brandon Bashore; nine grandchildren Matthew, Conner, Darrin, Dante, Carter, Mackenzie, Joshua, Isabella, and Dominik; two great-grandchildren Alexander and Kathryn; a sister Linda (Melvin) Spear of Mexico; and a brother-in-law William (Debbie) Richardson of Lakeland, Florida.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law Ann Marie (Kenny) Reed.

Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru. The funeral service will follow at 2p.m., with Pastor Sean Cooper officiating. Interment will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery in Mexico, Indiana.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Christopher Caleb Reed

Christopher Caleb Reed, 48, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on May 27, 2026. He was born on September 23, 1977, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Eric and Linda Donelson (McCrumb). He married Kimberly (Carver) Reed, who survives. Chris was a 1996 graduate of Kokomo High School, where he participated in football, wrestling, and track and field.

He graduated from Ball State University in 2001 with his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He later went on to Indiana Tech to earn his Master’s Degree in business manufacturing. Chris was employed at Haynes for 20 years as a superintendent and was very well respected in that role. He enjoyed fishing and was an avid Cubs and Colts fan.

The most important thing to Chris was his role as a loving and devoted father. He always took every chance he could to be involved greatly in whatever activity his children partook in. He was not only a “Band Dad” but coached many many sports with his children. His devotion to his children was endless. Chris truly had a heart of gold. He earned his “Best Dad” mug time and again.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Kimberly; children Chloe, Jackson, Sydney, and Mackenzie; mom Linda (the late Eric) Donelson; father-in-law Ed (Joan) Carver; siblings Randal (Stacy) Donelson, Douglas (Heidi) Persons, and Derek (Megan) Donelson; nieces and nephews Conner, Tayler, Baileigh, Olivia, Jace, Hayden, and Noah; and great-nieces and nephews Paxx, Joanna, and Tatum.

Chris was preceded in death by his father Eric Donelson; uncle Jeff McCrumb; grandparents Ellen and Gene McCrumb and Betty and Frank Donelson; and mother-in-law Brenda Metcalf.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Kokomo Memorial Park. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

Mary Jane Van Ness

Mary Jane Van Ness, 57, of Kokomo, passed away at 8:28 p.m., Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health Hospital in Kokomo. She was born on July 1, 1968, the daughter of John R. Jr. and Betty A. (Smith) Clark. On November 7, 1987, she married Harry A. Van Ness Jr., and he survives.

Mary worked as a waitress and manager of the Breakfast House for 36 years. She enjoyed socializing by drinking coffee at Breakfast House and playing penny slots on her casino trips. She loved to play BINGO and playing pranks on everybody. Most of all, she loved her grandkids and spending time with them.

Along with her husband Harry, she is survived by her children Zachary (Connie) Van Ness and Sabrina (Carlos Morris) Van Ness; stepchildren Harry A. (Ramona) Van Ness III and Wanda Van Ness; 17 grandchildren Zachary Van Ness II, Riley Van Ness, Maleah Van Ness, Aniyah Van Ness, Serenety Morris, Carlos Morris Jr., Carina Morris, Tatianna Morris, Steven Stewart, Kimberly Bell, Amber Morton, Candace Livesay, Justin Jenkins, Robert Van Ness Jr., Jacob Van Ness, Travis Van Ness, and Katie Van Ness; siblings Patty (Jeffrey) Kohel and James Clark; family friend Ondrea Moulder and her family; and several nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Ashley Van Ness; granddaughter Karli Van Ness; stepson Robert Van Ness; four siblings Glenda Newton, Marsha Langley, Johnny Clark, and Richard Clark; and nephew Russell Anthony.

A funeral service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN, with Pastor Dan Bolinger officiating. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shirley & Stout Funeral home to assist with funeral expenses. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Jamie Joan Bitner

Jamie Joan Bitner, 76, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on May 25, 2026. Born April 5, 1950, in Kokomo, Indiana, Jamie will be remembered for the quiet strength of a life devoted to others, marked by steady work, gentle generosity, and a compassionate spirit that made people feel cared for and at ease.

Jamie graduated from Sharpsville-Prairie High School in 1968. She later devoted 20 years to Gourmet Art, where she worked as an instructor teaching cake decorating and candy making; sharing her skill with patience and kindness and taking pride in helping others learn.

On February 16, 1969, Jamie married her loving husband Paul, at Liberty Baptist Church in Kempton, IN. In the years that followed, Jamie’s devotion to family was evident in the everyday ways she gave of herself through thoughtful care, a steady presence, and the warmth of meals and traditions shared together.

Jamie enjoyed camping, cooking, and baking for the family, and she especially looked forward to her annual Christmas shopping trip with her family; simple joys that reflected her tender-hearted nature and the love she poured into those closest to her.

Jamie is survived by her daughter Melissa Bitner; sister Kathy Rood (Russell Rood); nieces Monica Evans (Jim), Sheri (Corradi) Keller, Susan Corradi, Sandi Corradi, Stacy Bitner, Erica Bitner, and Crystal Haworth (Greg); nephews Tony Rood (Kim), Brian Bitner, and Jeremy Bitner; and brother-in-law Kevin “Mike” Bitner.

Jamie was preceded in death by her husband Paul Bitner Jr.; son Joshua Bitner; parents Donald and Annabelle (Phillabaum) Zirkle; grandparents Henry Otto and Catherine Lenora (Crousore) Phillabaum and Della and Rex Zirkle; stepfather Clifford Phelps; and sister Anita Corradi (Jim). Also preceding in death are many aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as sisters-in-laws who were like sisters Marsha Haworth and Rhonda Bitner.

Visitation will be held at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, on June 3, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will follow at the same location on June 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Jamie will be laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery, 50 North CR 780 East, Greentown, Indiana 46936, on June 3, 2026.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society at cancer.org/dignitymemorial.

The family would like to extend gratitude to the staff of Compassus Hospice for all the care they provided to Jamie.

Sue Ann (Shedron) Pullen

Sue Ann (Shedron) Pullen, 81 years old, of Bringhurst, IN, passed away 5:56 p.m. Sunday May 24, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital 86th Street in Indianapolis. She was born in Frankfort, IN, on October 4, 1944, the daughter of the late Marvin and Opal (Walters) Shedron. On December 28, 1963, she married Dale Pullen Jr. at the Cutler Presbyterian Church, and he survives.

Sue was a member of the first graduating class of Carroll High School in 1962. She earned a secretarial degree from the Indiana Business College. She held secretarial roles at Carroll School Corp. and most recently at Select Seed in Camden. Sue was very active in serving and prioritizing her family. Her favorite hobbies were quilting, gardening, and bird watching. She was a member of Cutler Presbyterian Church. Her favorite trips were spent in Alabama during the winters.

In addition to her husband Dale, Sue is survived by her children Michelle (Scott) Wagoner and Michael Pullen; granddaughters Kylie Wagoner and Emily Wagoner; sister Bon Sheagley; and sister-in-law Beth (Ed) Schimmel.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Jack (Julia Jo) Shedron and Joe (Sharon) Shedron; brother-in-law Dean Sheagley; and stepmother Juanita Shedron.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan St., Burlington, IN 46915. A memorial service celebrating Sue’s life will begin 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, at the funeral home, with Pastor Daniel Stephens officiating. Contributions may be made in Sue’s memory to the Cutler Presbyterian Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

David John Busch

David John Busch, 71, Kokomo, passed away peacefully at 7:07 a.m. Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born March 15, 1955, in Kittanning, Pennsylvania, the son of the late John Busch and Jane (McQuillin) Nelson.

A graduate of Northwestern High School, Dave built a successful 30-year career as an auto claims manager with Allstate Insurance. Dave was a devoted member of Windfall Christian Church, where he served as an usher. His love for collectible antiques was showcased throughout his home and shop. With a friendly bluetick coonhound usually by his side, his door was always open for family and friends in need of a laugh, a reminiscent story, or a helping hand. Dave shared his artistic talent through his love for vintage cars, with a special interest in the restoration of Corvettes and Mopars. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates, and he loved the Indy 500, partly because it meant it was time to fire up the grill, something he did better than anyone.

Along with his loving wife Debbie, Dave is also survived by his children Brandon Busch (Samantha Lewis) and Elaine Busch; stepchildren Joshua (Gloria) Borum and Sarah (Nick) Begley; grandchildren Parker Kurtz, Cade Kurtz, Collin Begley, Gavin Begley, Jael Borum, and Naomi Borum; sisters Sue Johnson, Barb (Matt) Hilton, and Lori (John) Fountain; along with several nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly. Dave was preceded in death by his father John Busch and mother and stepfather Jane and John Nelson.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at Windfall Christian Church, 211 N. Independence Street, Windfall. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2-4 p.m. Friday at the church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Hudson Timothy Holt

Hudson Timothy Holt passed into the arms of the Lord on Monday May 25, 2026. Hudson entered this world on March 30, 2026, with his twin brother Warren, to Samuel Justin and Tiffany Ann (McClain) Holt.

From the moment he entered the world, Hudson brought light and joy to everyone around him. He was a talkative, noisy, happy, smiley, and independent little boy who filled his family’s days with laughter and joy. Even at such a young age, his bright personality shone through with every coo and giggle.

Hudson especially cherished time spent playing with his big sister Brinley, whose boundless attitude and energy perfectly matched his own, and his twin brother Warren, with whom he shared an inseparable bond from the very beginning.

He is survived by his loving parents Samuel and Tiffany Holt; his sister Brinley Ann; his twin brother Warren James Holt; his maternal grandmother Kimsuetta (Timothy) Wilson and grandfather Dave (Mary) McClain; his paternal grandmother Kimra (David) Dupler and grandfather James (Melissa) Holt; and many loving aunts and uncles.

Though his time on earth was brief, Hudson’s joyful spirit and the love he inspired will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew him. His family will cherish every precious moment they were blessed to have with their sweet boy.

No services are planned at this time in accordance with his family’s wishes.

Memorial contributions may be made to: www.giveinkind.com.

The staff of Young-Nichols is honored to care for and serve Hudson’s family in their hour of need. Condolence messages may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Rest peacefully, little Hudson. You are so deeply loved.