Jon Handy, Karen Sue (Kidd) Deeds, Alma Jean Eller, Edmund Carl Burkhard, Taylor Lynne Harrison, Emma Sue Watson, Jeffrey Scott Purvis, Elizabeth (Liz) Osborn

Jon Handy

Jon “Sensei” Handy, 89, of Kokomo, peacefully passed from the devoted care of his loving wife, Stefanie, and their family into the arms of the Savior on Wednesday, June 3, 2026.

Jon was born in Logansport, Indiana, on September 28, 1936, to Orma and Lucille Handy, and spent most of his long and rich life as an active member of the Kokomo community. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served in Hawai’i, where he met and married Stefanie (”Stevie” to him and all who know her) in a partnership that lasted 63 years.

Jon and Stevie moved to Kokomo after his service, where he turned a love for technology and problem-solving into a career at Delco as a circuit board and IC draftsman/designer that spanned more than 30 years. He and Stevie raised three daughters and a son and built a life centered around family, faith, and community involvement. As a fifth-degree black belt in karate, Jon became a coach and mentor to hundreds of students as the head of the Phi Delta Kappa Karate Academy, where he found special joy inspiring kids to find purpose through self-discipline and competition. He also served as a member and tournament promoter for the Professional Karate Commission (PKC) to support a sport that he held dear.

Jon took on many other roles within Phi Delta Kappa, serving as President of the Beta Nu Chapter and the National President, was a frequent (and award-winning) contributor to the organization’s national magazine, and never passed up the opportunity to serve his community, make a toast, or dance the night away at club events.

He was also involved in the establishment of the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization. Over the years, he was an active member of several area churches, finally at Beulah Land Church in Sharpsville, where he taught Bible studies, and he and Stevie found fellowship with family and so many dear friends in the love of Christ.

In addition to his wife Stevie, Jon is survived by his sister Joyce Welbaum, his four loving children Carole (Doug) Tinsley, Chris Nichols, Jeff (Sharon) Handy, and Jenny Bray, as well as 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren who will miss the wisdom, playfulness, magic tricks, and wicked Scrabble mastery of their Grandpa with all their hearts.

Jon was preceded in death by his parents Orma and Lucille Handy, his brother Don Handy, and sisters Sue Beard and Janet Handy.

Friends are invited to share condolences and memories of Jon on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at Beulah Land Church, 6569 N 400 W, Sharpsville, Indiana, 46068. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Beulah Land Church.

Karen Sue (Kidd) Deeds

Karen Sue (Kidd) Deeds, 84, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Friday, May 22, 2026, at her home in Montrose, CO, surrounded from near and far with love from her beloved friends and family. She was born on April 18, 1942, in Beech Grove, IN, and was the youngest of four children born to Florence Lucille (Fetters) and Harold Ethan Kidd.

She had a wonderful childhood and graduated from North Central High School in 1960. Following high school, she attended Butler University and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1964 and began teaching 2nd grade at the White River Elementary School in the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township in Marion County from 1965-1969 while working on her Master of Science in Education which she received from Butler University in 1969. After earning her master’s degree, she went on to teach for the Dept. of Defense Overseas Dependent Schools Program in Okinawa from 1969-70 and in Germany from 1970-1972. In 1972 she returned to Washington Township schools and taught 1st through 3rd grade at White River & Crooked Creek elementary schools.

On October 24, 1978, she was married and sealed to Samuel D. Deeds in the Washington D.C. Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and they enjoyed 39 wonderful years of marriage until his death in July 2018. Following her marriage, Karen retired from teaching and lived with Sam near Sweetser, IN, enjoying time with their girls and grandkids while being very active in the Marion Ward of the LDS. In 1998, they relocated to Montrose, Colorado and while there, they formed countless cherished friendships with their church family and many others.

Karen’s faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she served her church in many capacities during her years as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in both Indiana and in Colorado. She also served in the Chicago, IL, Denver, CO, and Grand Junction, CO, temples for many years. She worked in various callings within the church with primary children, young women, and the Relief Society. She was a very engaged volunteer during her life, especially in Colorado. She volunteered at Montrose Regional Hospital for more than 25 years as well as at the Family History Centers in both Marion, IN, and Montrose, CO. She loved working on genealogy not just for herself but for others as well. In November 2023 she was honored to receive the Montrose County Civic Award for Community Service by the Montrose Republican Women.

To know Karen was to love her. She had a great sense of humor and a fun-loving nature that let her connect with everyone she met, especially her students and the children in the church. Her kindness was never-ending, and her vibrant personality touched everyone she encountered. Her home was always open to anyone who needed to talk, discuss life’s challenges, or just sit and visit. Karen’s positive attitude and strength exuded to the very end. She was a happy, positive, and independent person who was always ready, willing, and able to help. When she was able, she enjoyed traveling home to Indiana and spending time with her many friends (some of them going back to elementary school!) and, of course, her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Deborah Jo Bronson and Pamela June (Steve) Tucker, both of Kokomo. She will also be lovingly missed by her grandchildren Christopher Adam (Audreana) France, Samuel Lea (Adrian) France, Jessica Lynn Figueroa, Kimberly Sue (Andrew Strow) Brown, Brian Patrick (Tristen Hart) Tartal, and Jacob Mace (Aubrey) Tucker. Additionally, she is survived by 12 great-grandchildren: Braylon, Emily, Nathan, Allyson, Anakynn, Isabella, Khaleesi, Rylen, Evelyn, Amelia, Elizabeth, Caleb, and one more that’s still on the way.

Karen is also survived by her dear sister and best friend, Nancy Jo Harvey, in Carmel, IN, as well as nieces and nephews Debra (John) Vander Linden, Travis “Bart” (Jean) Kidd, Jr., David “Kip” (Jennifer) Kidd, Denise “Kim” Kidd, Kathy Jane (Skip) Partelow, Dianne (Greg) Christianson, James Edward Bowling, Susan Parsons, and Carol (John) Ray. Many great-nieces and nephews will also miss her deeply.

Karen was preceded in death by her husband Samuel D. Deeds; her parents; siblings Travis Kidd and Judith Cutright; and niece Nancy Sue (Patrick) Markey.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Nikki Zwaschka and Tamara Hamner for all of their tireless assistance during Karen’s illness and also to the ladies from HopeWest Hospice for their patience and help when it was needed the most.

Karen’s Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1465 E. Bradford Street, Marion, Indiana.

Friends may call at the church from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., and the service will start in the church’s Chapel at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at the Gardens of Memory cemetery north of Marion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Karen’s memory to HopeWest Hospice (hopewestco.org), Tunnels to Towers (t2t.org), St. Jude Children’s Hospital (stjude.org) or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, Indiana.

Memories may be shared at nswcares.com​

Alma Jean Eller

Alma Jean Eller, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away in her home on Thursday, June 4, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and quiet dedication to family and community. Born in Carroll County on May 13, 1940, to Clarence and Daisy (Price) Webb, Alma graduated from Cutler High School in 1958 and married Richard “Dick” Eller on October 25 of that same year. Together, they built a family and a life centered on hard work, care, kindness, and simple pleasures.

Alma’s greatest pride was her family. Large family gatherings in their home were central to her life; she savored the laughter, stories, and the busy, loving chaos of multiple generations together. Those gatherings reflected Alma’s gift for making everyone feel loved and cared for. The main attraction of the gatherings was always Alma’s famous red, frozen punch.

Known for her warm, sociable nature, Alma loved playing cards — especially euchre — and joining friends for lively games of bunco. These social pastimes brought her joy, friendship, and a chance to share her quick wit and competitive nature. Alma spent 20 years working in the school cafeteria at Burlington Elementary, Flora Elementary, and later at Carroll High School. Besides attending local sporting events, she was also an enthusiastic Chicago Cubs fan.

She is survived by her husband Richard “Dick” Eller; children Cherie (Randy) Fife, Debbie (Alan) Oyler, and Rick (Erika) Eller; grandchildren Jordan (Allison) Fife, Caitlin (Paul) Rodenhouse, Lauren (Corey) Morse, Nolan (Rebecca) Fife, Alex (Erin) Oyler, Emily Oyler, Riley (Brooke) Eller, Quinci (Jordan) Scott, and Libby (Jarrett) Gish; 20 great-grandchildren Graham, Elliot, Finley, Merrit, Hale, Mack, Hayes, Abel, Aaron, Abigail, Annalee, Henry, Avery, Emersyn, Kennedy, Ian, Ellery, Isaac, Rori, and Briar; and sisters-in-law Sue Webb, Sheila Mann, and Karen Atkisson.

Alma was preceded in death by son Brian Eller and siblings Doris Overholser, Gerald Wayne Webb, Charles “Charlie” Webb, and Annabelle Beisel.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Alma’s life on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Stout & Son Funeral Home-Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan Road, Burlington, with Rev. Mark Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Burlington Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, June 8, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Alma’s memory to the Town of Burlington, memo: Burlington Community Park. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Edmund Carl Burkhard

Edmund Carl Burkhard, 101, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away at his home on June 3, 2026. He was born on December 8, 1924, in Springfield, Ohio, the son of Edmund Carl Burkhard Sr. and Anna Jane (Hain) Burkhard. Edmund proudly served his country during WW2 in the United States Navy.

He enjoyed genealogy, photography, and model trains. He worked at Cuneo Press until they closed in 1979. Then, he went to World Color Press for a few years and came back to Kokomo to finish his career at Delco.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Deborah (John) LaFree, Janis Burkhard, and Philip (Judy) Burkhard Sr.; brother Ronald Burkhard; grandchildren Barbara (Scott) Conwell, Sharon LaFree, Shannon (Kenny) Kepner, Penny Burkhard, Philip (Crissy) Burkhard Jr., Jenny Burkhard, Jeremy Burkhard, and Jessica (Travis) Smith; 21 great grandchildren; and eight great-great grandchildren.

Edmund was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife Josephine Helen Burkhard; two great-grandchildren; sisters Marilyn (Rudi) Leibfritz and Harriett (William) Finnegan; and brothers Paul Burkhard, Richard Burkhard, Arlen Burkhard, Elmer (Phyllis) Burkhard, Donald Burkhard, and Jerry Lee (Carol) Burkhard.

Visitation will take place from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

Taylor Lynne Harrison

Taylor Lynne Harrison, 33, Kokomo, passed away on Thursday June 4, 2026, at Community Howard Regional, Kokomo. She was born on May 31, 1993, the daughter of Jason Johnson and Dustie (Harrison) Jackson.

Taylor worked for Fortune Commercial and House Cleaning. She enjoyed doing cosmetics, trying different things with her makeup and eyelashes. She loved her children and spending time with her family.

Taylor is survived by her mother Dustie (John Phillips) Jackson; father Jason (Jessica) Johnson; children Aaleigha Bergesen and Kaisyn Shutt; siblings Gavin Berry, Dakota Berry, Jaedon Johnson, Jordan Johnson, Jason Johnson Jr., Jace Johnson, Jaysa Johnson, Jade Johnson, Kristina Miller, Gregory Jackson, Zachary Jackson, and Lindsay Jackson; grandmothers Sharon Gillem and Susan Kennar; grandfather Dawson Harrison; boyfriend Joe Olivarez; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her brother Isaiah Berry; cousin Donavan Johnson; aunt Angela Spence; grandfather John Johnson; and stepfather Jeffrey Jackson.

A funeral service celebrating Taylor’s life will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 p.m. until the time of the service. 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.

Emma Sue Watson

Emma Sue Watson, 65, of Kokomo, Indiana, rejoined her beloved husband Jon Watson in Heaven on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 4:08 p.m. She was born on May 18, 1961, in Searcy, Arkansas, to the late George Lamoine and Mary Jane (Bird) Tritt. Emma attended Haworth High School. She married Jon Watson in 1980.

Emma spent some time working at Ray’s Drive-In, Center Road Shell, Syndicate Sales, and Triple T Truck Wash. Emma enjoyed spending most of her time working outside, tending to her gardens, going to yard sales, thrifting, and anything she could do with her family. She looked forward to her morning cups of coffee with her sister, Norma, over the phone. Emma attended First Assembly of God and Cornerstone Christian Church. She was a Boy Scout leader when her boys were younger, and she helped provide food through Meals on Wheels to elderly people. She had a very giving heart and was someone who could always be counted on.

The most beloved thing to Emma was her boys and their families. She devoted her entire life to raising her boys alone and always doing her best to provide them with a good life. She has been an incredible grandmother to her 11 grandchildren and always made an effort to include them in her hobbies as much as possible.

She is survived by her sons Jon (Perri) Watson of Kokomo, IN; Joseph Watson of Kokomo, IN; Cecil (Billie Jo) Watson of Kokomo, IN; and James (Jamie) Watson of Kokomo, IN; her sister Norma Bailey of Concord, NC; and her brothers Raymond Tritt and George Tritt, both of Kokomo, IN, David Tritt of Warrior, AL, and John Tritt of Hendersonville, TN; grandchildren Hailey, Abigail, Grace, Cecil, Joseph, Noah, Isaiah, Brayden, Kayleigh, Hunter, and Logan, all of Kokomo, IN; and expecting her first great-granddaughter later this year.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband Jon Watson; her parents George Lamoine and Mary Jane (Grubb) Tritt; her brother Roger Schrimshear; her sister Barbara Edwards; and her grandparents Doc and Callie (Grubb) Bird.

Though her family and dog, Mocha, will miss her immensely, they find comfort in knowing she is at peace in the arms of Jesus. Her memories will forever be cherished by her family.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral services will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Ellers. Burial services will take place at Sunset Memory Garden with Pastor Caylob Baldwin officiating.

Jeffrey Scott Purvis

Jeffrey Scott Purvis, Kokomo, passed peacefully on May 31, 2026, at the age of 55. He was born on February 20, 1971, in Kokomo, IN, by the late Jeffrey E. Purvis and Dorothy Lee (Barlow) Purvis. Scott married Stephanie (Bitner) Purvis, and she survives,

Scott was a 1989 graduate of Kokomo High School and attended Ivy Tech Community College. He worked for Coan Engineering and O’Reilly Auto Parts. Scott enjoyed riding his BMX and skateboard. When he was younger, he had a mini truck with a dancing bed and enjoyed drag racing. Scott also enjoyed taking his wife to Star Trek conventions. He was a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and volunteered at Sol House Bookstore. He was passionate about learning about religion. Above all, he loved his family, traveling, and spending time with them.

Scott is survived by his loving wife Stephanie; children Jordie and Tristan; granddaughter Vada Jackson, his beloved Rottie, Henry; his Grandma Barlow; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death are his parents Jeffrey E. Purvis and Dorothy Lee Purvis.

The family will have a private Celebration of Life.

Elizabeth (Liz) Osborn

Elizabeth (Liz) Osborn passed away on May 30, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana. She was born July 19, 1936, to Jesse and Louise (Barnhart) Spangler. Liz often recounted the story that the day she was born it was so hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk.

She was very proud to have graduated salutatorian from Kokomo High School in 1954. She married the love of her life Fred Osborn on December 18, 1954.

She is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law Katherine and Scott Williams and Susan and Dan Fugate and daughter-in-law Chris Osborn. She is also survived by her six grandchildren Stephanie (Jacob) Hoffman, Jessica (Joel) Munson, Jared Osborn, Zach (Connie) Osborn, Jake (Shelby) Fugate, and Josh (Toria) Fugate, and her four great-grandchildren Natalie and William Hoffman, Ozzy Fugate, and Dexter Munson.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Fred, her son Fred Osborn, Jr., her two sisters Miriam Spangler and Janet Park, and brother John Spangler.

Liz worked in her husband’s law office for 30 years. She was the first woman appointed to the Howard County Liquor Board, serving from February 1984 to May 1996. She was a 50-year member of First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. She was a member of Chapter R, PEO, Tri Kappa Sorority, the Howard County Historical Society, and was a Life Member of Cheer Guild. In 1991, she and her husband Fred became Life Masters in Duplicate Bridge. Liz was also a Life Member and Regent of the James Cox Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was a past president of both the Kokomo Country Club 18-Hole Golf League and the Howard County Republican Women’s group.

She led numerous “Get Out the Vote” drives for the Republican Party and actively supported her husband’s campaigns for Howard County Prosecutor. A devoted mother, she served as a Brownie leader for both of her daughters. She was an avid IU fan and cheered on the Colts, Pacers, and Cubs. She loved to travel, read, play cards of all kinds, and golf, but most of all, she cherished time spent with family and friends.

Liz had the ability to see the absolute best in any person or any situation. She had the brightest smile, and she was the consummate planner of countless activities for family and friends. She was quick with a laugh and especially fond of the jokes told by her husband. She enjoyed taking pictures and sharing them, often saying, “A fuzzy picture brings back vivid memories.” She celebrated life’s moments - birthdays, anniversaries, and all special occasions - with joy. She dearly loved her family and was a loving and loyal friend. While her passing is mourned, we celebrate a life filled with love, kindness, and grace.

A private graveside will take place at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo. Memorial gifts may be made to the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.