Carl “Mike” Kordel, Anthony White, William Harold Nesbit, Darius S. Williams Jr., John Robert Melson

Carl “Mike” Kordel

Carl “Mike” Kordel was born August 7, 1950, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to William “Bill” Kordel and Charlotte (Hostetler) Kordel. Mike passed away the morning of Wednesday, June 17, 2026, after a long battle with dementia.

He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1968. He attended classes at Ivy Tech in Indianapolis and earned an associate’s degree in computer programming.

Mike proudly served in the United States Army, earning the Rank Specialist Fourth Class. During his time in the Army, he earned many medals, including a National Defense Service Medal, and a U.S. Vietnam Service Medal.

He hired in at Chrysler in 1973. He worked there for 39 years. He retired in 2012. He was active in the UAW. He was union president for Local 685 from 1988 to 1992.

He was active in the VFW. He was a Chaplain for the Howard County Veterans Association.

He was a motorcycle enthusiast.

In 1972, he married Veda Karin (Guthrie) Kordel Popelka. They had two children, Karin Marlene (Kordel) Prifogle Wooten and Christopher Matthew Kordel.

In 1996, he married Susan (Strawbridge) Dyer Kordel. He had three stepchildren, Jason Dyer, Jamie (Dyer) Bolser, and Joey Dyer.

In 2017, he married Rena (Kirkland) Ruse Small Kordel. He has two stepchildren, Carol Ruse-Kiger and Wade Ruse.

He is preceded in death by both parents and his wife Susan.

He has a sister, Vikki (Mark) McMillan), and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, step or otherwise.

A service celebrating Mike’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Hillside Missionary Baptist Church, 125 N. 1220 W. Kokomo, IN 46901, with Pastor Bill Fields officiating. Military Rites will be provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Memorial contributions can be made in Mike’s name to the Hillside Missionary Baptist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Anthony White

Mr. Anthony Scott White was born Sept. 1, 1957. He passed away June 20, 2026.

A funeral service will be held for Anthony on Sat., June 27, at noon, at Wayman Chapel AME Church, 920 N. Apperson Way. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church.

N.L. Bluitt Jr. Funeral Chapel Inc. was entrusted with the arrangements.

William Harold Nesbit

William Harold Nesbit, known to those who loved him as a thoughtful, loving, and wise man with a gift for making people laugh, passed away on June 22, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, at the age of 95.

He was born on August 24, 1930, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Loren Russell Nesbit and Lucy Mae Coe. William grew up with a strong sense of family, a steady work ethic, and just enough personality to keep everybody on their toes in the best possible way. He graduated from Russiaville High School with the class of 1948, and from there he went on to build a life marked by hard work, service, faith, and a whole lot of good stories.

William began working for Haynes International in 1950, and he stayed there for 30 years. That kind of loyalty is rare, and it says a great deal about the kind of man he was. He showed up, did the work, and did it well. He also enlisted in the United States Army and served in Korea and Japan, carrying himself with the quiet strength and courage that defined so much of his life. He did not need a spotlight to matter, although if one had been pointed his way, he probably would have handled it with a grin and a clever remark.

Family was at the center of William’s life, and he was, by all accounts, everybody’s favorite uncle and everybody’s favorite friend. He had the kind of presence that made people feel welcome, and he had a way of turning ordinary moments into memorable ones. He was the fun one, the one who could get a laugh, tell a story, and make the whole family feel like the best part of the day had just arrived. He enjoyed fishing and all water sports at the lake, and he clearly believed that a good time was not a luxury but a responsibility. He had a lot of fun with the whole family, and he made sure everyone else did too.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, the mother of his children, Mildred Louise (Jameson) Hendricks, who passed away on January 18, 2009. He was also preceded in death by his children Dennis Richard, Linda Kay Schmitt, and Michael Harold Nesbit, and by his brother Robert Dane Nesbit. Those losses were deeply felt, and they remain part of the family story that surrounds him with love and remembrance.

William is survived by his wife Laura Mae Vestal, his son Jeffrey Nesbit (Brian Delancey), six grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and many friends who were fortunate enough to know him. He also leaves behind a wide circle of people who will remember his humor, his kindness, and the easy way he made life feel a little lighter. He lived in Howard County, Indiana, Florida, and in Branson, Missouri, and wherever he was, he carried with him the same warm spirit and unmistakable charm.

William was a Christian and a member of Branson Christian Church. His faith was part of the foundation of his life, and it helped shape the way he treated others, with patience, generosity, and a steady heart. He lived with the kind of wisdom that does not announce itself loudly but instead shows up in the way a person loves, works, and cares for others. In William’s case, it also showed up in the timing of a joke, which was usually excellent.

He will be remembered not only for the years he lived, but for the joy he brought into them. William had a rare ability to make people feel included, entertained, and loved all at once. He was the sort of man who could walk into a room and improve the atmosphere without even trying. That is a talent, and it is one that cannot be taught, only admired.

His life was a good one, full of devotion, service, family, faith, and laughter. Those who knew him will remember his thoughtful nature, his loving heart, and his wise counsel, along with the unmistakable sense that life was better when William Harold Nesbit was in the room.

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

Darius S. Williams Jr.

Darius S. Williams Jr., age 6, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on June 15, 2026, in the city where he was born on July 6, 2019.

He was a bright, lively, and deeply beloved little boy whose presence brought joy, laughter, and warmth to everyone who knew him. Darius was known for his funny spirit, his loving heart, and the passion he brought to the things he enjoyed. Though his time here was far too brief, he left behind a beautiful collection of memories that will be cherished forever by his family and friends.

Darius was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to his mother Kayla Joy Roberts and his father Darius Sherod Williams, Sr. He was a treasured son, a cherished brother, and a beloved grandson and great-grandson. He is survived by his sisters Aaliyah Williams and Amiah Williams and his brother Braiden Williams. He also leaves behind his grandmothers Christina Joy Grace and Tammy Williams and his grandfathers David Lee Roberts and Clayton Thomas III. He was also dearly loved by his great-grandparents Jamesina Joy Harris and Stephen Joseph Kepler Sr., along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will forever hold him close in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his grandpa Clayton Thomas III.

Darius was a free spirit who loved to explore the world around him. He especially enjoyed bird watching and loved searching for blue jays and cardinals, which were his favorite birds to find. He found joy in simple pleasures, whether he was spinning in his chair, running with excitement, or heading to the water to see the wildlife. He loved going to the zoo and the bird sanctuaries, where he could discover more of the creatures that fascinated him.

He was also a joyful child who loved being around his siblings and cousins. He enjoyed car rides, trips to Chuck E. Cheese to see the lights, and playing on the trampolines. He was a daredevil at heart and was never afraid to have fun. Darius was a funny guy who loved to make people laugh with his fart and poop jokes, and his playful sense of humor brought smiles to those around him. He also loved coloring, even if that sometimes meant making his mark on the walls at home, and he enjoyed spending time with Lilly Fox. Thank you, Indiana Behavior Analysis Academy (IBAA) Intermediate Learning Center in Kokomo for all your caring and support.

Those who knew Darius will remember him as funny, loving, and passionate. He had a way of lighting up a room with his energy and his sweet, spirited nature. He brought happiness to everyday moments and reminded those around him to find joy in the little things. His laughter, his curiosity, and his fearless heart will be remembered with love always.

Though his earthly journey has ended, Darius S. Williams Jr. will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him. His memory will live on through the stories shared, the smiles he inspired, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered as a precious child whose life, though brief, was filled with meaning, joy, and love.

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

John Robert Melson

John Robert Melson, 65, of Celebration, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 15, 2026, at home with his loving family.

John was born in Tipton, IN, on May 3, 1961, blessing Ralph and Mary Melson with their only child.

He spent 37 years serving the public of Noblesville and Tipton, IN, as a firefighter and training officer, retiring in 2017 with the rank of Lieutenant. John also owned and operated several businesses over the last 20 years.

A life-long resident of Indiana, he was thrilled to move to sunny, picturesque Celebration, Florida, post-retirement. There he spent his time alongside his beloved wife and family, enjoying all that retirement had to offer.

He lived each day to the fullest. Waking before the rest of the house to walk his faithful German Shepherd Lorde Halligan, John seized every moment of each day.

He enjoyed long walks and bike rides with his family, swimming in the ocean and stargazing. Never one to turn down a good fishing trip, he loved to share stories of past trips to the Great Lakes with his big brother George. John enjoyed a good debate and was an avid reader who never lost his thirst for knowledge. He was fascinated by space, science, military history, the concept of time, and religion, all of which came in handy for his trivia teams!

Some of his favorite things to do included impromptu dinners with family members and friends, endless fire pit and front porch philosophy sessions, long drives through countrysides and along coastlines with his wife, Christina, hiking in state parks with his children Kiera and Kodi, and later making his way through National Parks and military museums across the nation with his son Harrison.

He was blessed to have spent much time with all three of his children in his favorite vacation spot, Walt Disney World, and was overjoyed when they all ended up living close by him in Florida.

In his later years, he enjoyed volunteering with the National Honor Flight and stayed in touch with his Veteran heroes well after their trips to Washington, D.C. John was a true lover of music and was convinced, with few exceptions, that no good music was produced after 1979! In retirement, his favorite activity was his daily golf cart rides with his family and faithful canine companion.

A dependable and honorable man, John was as big in spirit as he was in stature. His towering presence was rivaled only by his deeply generous heart, endless curiosity, and unwavering kindness toward others. He was a true friend to all.

John is survived by his wife of more than 25 years Christina Melson; their son, whom he considered his best friend, Harrison; his daughter Kiera and her husband Chris Palmieri; his son Kodi and his husband Ryan; two grandchildren Evan and Kamryn; as well as several sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A celebration of life will be planned in the near future.