Sarah Belle (Carr-Kinslow) Astuto, Dylan Lee Max McKoon, Charles C. Bennett, Donald Walter Carl Jr., Joshua Michael Richardson

Sarah Belle (Carr-Kinslow) Astuto

Sarah Belle (Carr-Kinslow) Astuto of Kokomo, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. She was born to Leroy and Lucille (Cuppy) Carr in Crawfordsville, Indiana, on May 7, 1942.

She graduated from New Market High School in 1960, where she met William Robert Kinslow of Thorntown. They were married on August 14, 1960, and were blessed with three beautiful children Tammy, Karen, and Jon. She later married Venerino Salvatore “Sam” Astuto on September 3, 1976. He preceded her in death.

Sarah was a devoted mother who in her children’s early years, volunteered as a Girl Scout coordinator for the Country Club Hills are, and was an active member of the Boulevard PTA. She worked in various jobs throughout her life, mostly in food service at Howard Community, Chrysler, American States Insurance, and Delco. She retired from Aramark as food service manager in 2001.

Her hobbies included oil painting, crocheting, knitting, riding motorcycles, and flying. Sarah was a private pilot and owned her own plane. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting and school events.

Sarah was a true friend, devoted to “keeping in touch” with frequent phone calls and texts.

Those left to cherish her memory include: daughter Karen (Donnie) Strong of Thorntown; son Jon (Stacy) Kinslow of Tampa, Florida; son-in-law Dave Paul of Kokomo; brother Clifton Carr of Crawfordsville; grandchildren David Andrew (Rachel) Paul, Joshua (Temitope) Paul, Stephanie (Tyler) Frew, Benjamin (Jessica) Strong, and Katherine Kinslow; great-grandchildren Austin Pugh, Oliver Paul, Erwin Paul, Ava-Grace Strong, Isla Strong, and Evan Strong; and nieces Terry, Sandy, Lucy, Connie, and Phyllis.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by daughter Tammy Paul; grandson Nicholas Pugh; siblings Edith Sue Peffley, Phillip Carr, Marion Carr, and Mary Katherine (Kay) Iverson; brother-in-law Gerald VanCleave; sister-in-law Sophia Carr; nephew Leroy VanClave; and niece Amanda Douglas.

Family and friends will gather on Saturday, September 12, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m., with Bruce White officiating her funeral in the Strawmyer and Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon Street, Lebanon. Sarah will be laid to rest in the Maple Lawn Cemetery in Thorntown, Indiana. You are invited to visit the website www.strawmyerdrury.com where you may sign her online register and leave a personal message. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Dylan Lee Max McKoon

Dylan Lee Max McKoon, 28, of Kokomo, passed on September 8, 2026. He was born on November 17, 1997, in Kokomo to Kasey (McKoon) Catt, who survives.

Dylan attended Kokomo High School, where the early foundations of his life and character took shape. He later worked as a technician for T-Mobile, bringing steady dedication to his work and offering others the same considerate, good-natured presence that marked so much of his life.

Music was a lasting joy for Dylan, and he sang in a rock band in the past—an outlet for both expression and the understated humor that so often surfaced in his company. He also enjoyed working on cars, finding satisfaction in hands-on projects and the quiet focus they required.

Dylan attended Morning Star Church, a place that reflected the values he carried with him and the gentle way he moved through the world.

Remembered as a gentle and quiet soul with a comedic spirit, Dylan will be missed for the kindness he showed, the warmth behind his humor, and the calm, kind-hearted presence he brought to those who knew him.

Dylan is survived by his three children Rosalee Ludwig, Elijah Ludwig, and Beckett McKoon; his mother Kasey (Jeffrey) McKoon-Catt; sister Brooklyn (Brett) Adams; brother Oliver Anderson; grandmother Susan (Chris) Holman; two nieces Isla Adams and Margot Anderson; nephew Everin Adams; aunt Andrea McKoon; and cousin Aidyn McKoon.

Preceded in death is his grandfather Max McKoon; and his great-grandmother Ella Maynard.

There will be a time of visitation for Dylan on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 11:00 AM until the time of funeral service at 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Dylan’s memory to American Diabetes Association. Envelopes will be provided at funeral home.

Charles C. Bennett

Charles C. Bennett, known to many as Chris, passed away on September 1, 2026, in Greentown, Indiana, at the age of 72. He was born on April 3, 1954, in New Castle, Indiana, to Ray and LaVera Orr Bennett, who preceded him in death. Chris lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a steady presence that will be remembered by all who knew him.

Chris graduated from New Castle Chrysler High School and carried the values of that community with him throughout his life. He went on to work for Chrysler for 30 years, retiring in 2002 after a long and dedicated career. He was known as a dependable and capable man who took pride in doing things the right way. Whether at work or at home, he was handy, selfless, and spirited, and those qualities left a lasting impression on everyone around him.

On December 24, 1984, Chris married the love of his life, Rebecca Bennett, and together they built a strong and loving family. Their marriage was a true partnership filled with loyalty, care, and shared memories that spanned more than four decades. He was a devoted husband and a proud father whose greatest joy came from being surrounded by the people he loved most.

Chris is survived by his wife Rebecca Bennett, and his children Heather Nicole Bennett and her husband Buddy, Travis Christopher Bennett, Christopher David Ray Bennett, and Anna Marie Roush and her husband Bryck. He was a proud grandfather to Prestyn Bennett, Rylan Roush, Jadyn Bennett, Braxton Bennett, Ian Toliver, Coy Massengale, and Buddy Favors Jr. He also cherished his great-grandchildren Taylynn Toliver and Colton Toliver. His family was the center of his world, and he found great happiness in their accomplishments, laughter, and time spent together.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and LaVera Orr Bennett, his sister Janet Bennett Bell, his brother David Ray Bennett, and his grandson Cody Wyatt Favors. The loss of these loved ones was deeply felt, yet Chris remained a source of strength for his family throughout his life. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the many stories that will be shared for years to come.

Chris had many interests that reflected his appreciation for simple pleasures and a job well done. He was a proud Master Gardener who loved digging in the dirt and planting things, and he found peace and satisfaction in watching things grow. He enjoyed working, buying trucks and lawn equipment, and taking care of the things he owned. He never lost his enjoyment of watching WWE wrestling. He also treasured time spent playing euchre with his family, where his competitive spirit and good humor often came through.

Those who knew Chris will remember him as a man who was selfless, spirited, and handy in every sense of the word. He was the kind of person who could be counted on, whether a task needed completed, a hand needed extended, or a family member needed support. His life was a testament to hard work, love of family, and the quiet strength that comes from living with purpose.

Chris Bennett leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and resilience. His presence will be deeply missed by his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. Though his earthly journey has ended, the memories he created and the example he set will remain a lasting blessing to those who carry his memory forward.

A gathering of friends and family will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Bridgeway Church 1401 E. Hoffer St., Kokomo, IN 46092. A Celebration of Life will be held following the gathering on Friday.

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

Donald Walter Carl Jr.

Donald Walter Carl Jr., 65, passed away on September 7, 2026. He was born on February 19, 1961, to the late Harriet and Donald Carl Sr.

Donald, or as most called him, “Junior,” spent the majority of his life as a truck driver, meeting the demands of the road with steady resolve and a work ethic that spoke for itself.

Junior was a member of Abundant Life Church and was baptized this year, a step that reflected the seriousness he had in his faith.

Above everything, his son was his world. Junior made it a priority to watch his son play football and loved to spend outdoors with him, especially to go fishing. Those who knew him will remember a man who could be ornery and stubborn, yet whose loyalty ran deep and whose care for his family was unmistakable.

He is survived by his son Donald “Donnie” Carl III, his sisters LeQuetta Kennedy, Donna Griggs, and Valerie Carl, as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Junior is preceded in death by his daughter April Carl and his sister Dawn Carl.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

Joshua Michael Richardson

Joshua Michael Richardson, 29, was born September 10, 1996, in Pasadena, Texas, and passed away August 29, 2026. He resided in Kokomo, Indiana.

Josh attended Peru High School in Peru, Indiana.

A man of steady warmth and quiet consideration, Josh moved through the world with a generous spirit and an easy, well-timed sense of humor that could lighten a room without asking for attention. His interests were as distinctive as they were heartfelt: he loved semi-trucks, WWE, the Indianapolis Colts, the Houston Texans, and traveling to many states. He also enjoyed “Dog the Bounty Hunter” and Ozzy Osbourne, and he was known for quoting the latter.

More than anything, Josh will be remembered for the way he loved. When he walked through the door after being gone for some time, his first concern was that everything would be okay—an instinct that reflected both his tenderness and his thoughtful care for others. He taught those around him about unconditional love, and his openness made it feel as though he never met a stranger. Josh loved God and accepted Jesus into his heart at 6 years old; and if Josh loved you, you knew it.

Josh is survived by his mother Kathryn L. Brown; his brother Rodney L. Lovejoy, Jr.; his sister Tory S. Brown (Elijah L. Skinner); his bonus dads Rodney L. Lovejoy, Sr. and Jason M. McStay; his maternal grandfather Virgil Brown; and his maternal grandmother Janan Brown.

He was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandfather JW Smith; his maternal great-grandmother Faye Smith; his maternal great-grandfather Hershal Spires; his maternal great-grandmother Judy Spires; and his special friend Troy D. Wright.

Josh’s life, though far too brief, leaves a lasting imprint—one marked by kindness, sincerity, and the simple, enduring comfort of being truly loved.

Service information will be announced at a later date.