Jan “Twidgitt” Richard Keller, David Allen Kline, Carol Jean (Martin) Dillan, Kenneth Thomas “Kenny” Helms, Vicki Jean Deck, Dick Gilbert, Mary Bell Coburn
Jan “Twidgitt” Richard Keller
Jan “Twidgitt” Richard Keller, 85, of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Kokomo, IN. He was born on December 6, 1940, in Connersville, IN, the son of Marion Clyde and Eulala Jane (Garrison) Keller. On July 19, 1964, he married Carol Sue Berry in Connersville, IN, and she survives.
Jan was a 1959 graduate of Connersville High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963, then enlisted in the Air Force, retiring after 28 years. He served a total of 32 years. Jan was a member of Center Road Church of Christ and sang with the Wedding Singers. He enjoyed bowling, going to classic car shows, cruising in his 1963 Chevy Impala (Big Red), and studying genealogy. Jan loved music and watching Indiana Hoosiers basketball, especially coach Bobby Knight.
Along with his wife Carol, he is survived by his children Pamela Jo Smith, Jennifer Lynn Keller, and Timothy Richard (Dena Thornton) Keller; grandchildren Wesley William (Jessy) Smith, Chase Richard (Amber) Smith, and Ty Garrison Smith; great-grandchildren Violet Mae Smith, Ellie Mae Smith, and Mia Jo Smith; sisters Coleen Kay Dice and Lillian Ann (Kendall) Lewis; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Rowena Zubieni; son-in-law Clyde “Butch” Smith III; brothers-in-law Fred Berry, Willard Cook, and Danny Dice; and cousins Larry Keller, Mike Keller, and John Keller.
A funeral service celebrating Jan’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Lynn Brust officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.
David Allen Kline
David Allen Kline, 79, passed away on September 13, 2026. He was a loving husband, father, brother, and uncle who cherished his family and the time they spent together.
David was born on January 17, 1947, to Lewis and Dorothy Kline. On July 27, 1969, he married Linda Silvers, beginning a marriage filled with love, family, and many shared memories.
David began his career with General Motors in 1968 and dedicated 30 years to the company before retiring in 1998.
David was a man who enjoyed creating and tinkering. Whether he was woodworking, making T-shirts and bags, or working on one of his many projects, he was happiest when he was making, fixing, or figuring something out. He especially enjoyed tinkering with cars, with his beloved Edsel holding a special place among his projects.
Family was at the heart of David’s life. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones and especially treasured the time he shared with his son Ryan. The two shared a love of dirt track racing and made many memories together at the track.
David is survived by his loving wife Linda; his son Ryan (Lee); his brother Rocky (Gay); and his many nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.
David leaves behind a lifetime of memories; not only in the things he created and fixed, but in the people he loved and the memories he made with them. His family will carry those memories with them always.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, with a graveside ceremony to follow.
David will be laid to rest immediately following his service at Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery, 1300 E. North St., Kokomo.
Carol Jean (Martin) Dillan
Carol Jean (Martin) Dillan peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, In Fishers, Indiana. She was born on a Monday, August 25, 1958, in Tipton, Indiana, to Leon and Phyllis (Purvis) Martin. Carol grew up in Tipton, graduated from Tipton High School, and lived most of her life there.
Carol was a strong-willed, determined woman who knew her mind and wasn’t afraid to stand by it. Beneath that tough exterior, though, was a sweet and gentle heart, especially when it came to animals.
Throughout her life, Carol shared her home and her heart with many dogs and cats. They were more than pets to her; they were family. She had a special tenderness for animals and found comfort and companionship in their presence. Her beloved cat Nevada and her dog Rosie survive her and remain a living reminder of the love and care she gave so freely.
Carol also had a creative and artistic side. She loved to color, finding enjoyment and peace in choosing colors and bringing pictures to life. Music was another special part of her world, and she especially enjoyed the K-Pop group BTS (and of course, her favorite member J-Hope), whose music brought her happiness, love, and comfort.
Her faith in Jesus Christ was very important to her. She was a member of Ash Street Christian Church, which she deeply loved along with her church family. The friendships and fellowship she found there meant a great deal to her throughout her life.
Carol was preceded in death by her husband Brian Dillan, her only daughter Karen, and her beloved mother and father. She will be remembered and missed by her brother Mike, along with her cousins Jonnie Rogers, Pat (David) Sharp, and Shelly Veerkamp; and extended family Michael and Diana Avila-Aguirre, Ruben Aguirre Jr., and Joyce Aguirre. Many will mourn her loss, but should take comfort in the fact that she was welcomed into Heaven by her savior Jesus Christ and was united once more with her loving parents Leon and Phyllis Martin, her husband Brian Dillan, her dearly loved daughter Karen, and her lifelong friend Ruben Aguirre Sr.
Carol was a tough cookie, but that was part of what made Carol uniquely Carol! She was independent, strong, and unapologetically herself, with a softer side that she often showed to the PAWS who needed her most.
Her life was marked by the bonds she formed with family, with friends, and especially with the many animals she loved. May she be remembered not only for her strong spirit, but also for the kindness and tenderness that lived beneath it.
Rest peacefully, Carol. You will be missed, and the paw prints you left on so many hearts will remain.
A funeral service celebrating Carol’s life will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St., Tipton, Indiana, with Pastor Jim Stout officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
Carol will be laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve Carol’s family in their time of need.
Kenneth Thomas “Kenny” Helms
Kenneth Thomas “Kenny” Helms, 92, Kokomo, passed away 3:15 a.m. Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born April 27, 1934, in Paradise, Indiana, the son of the late Kenneth & Mildred (Thomas) Helms. On January 12, 1974, in Tipton, he married Judith “Judy” Keith, and she survives.
Kenny was a graduate of Newburgh High School. In 1953, he went on to serve with the United States Navy. He went on to graduate from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He retired from Delco Electronics as a general foreman. He umpired for 20 years and was an avid fan of Purdue sports and Tri-Central sports. Kenny was a member of the Lions Club in Sharpsville and was considered a jack of all trades. He served as groundskeeper for the varsity girls softball team at Tri-Central and had coached Kokomo Little League teams. Kenny was an animal lover who used to raise quail, rabbits, and dogs. He also enjoyed farming, woodworking, gardening, and collecting antiques.
Along with his wife Judy, Kenny is also survived by his children Robin Lynn Colllins, Joy Ann Thompson, Mitzi Huffman, Janie Davis, and Jennifer Galullo; grandchildren Heather Suarez, Amanda Kinney, Allison Jarvis, Travis Davis, Tara Shepherd, Jade Galullo, Shad Cooper, Tabitha Cooper, Trista Favors, Cory Stanley, and Darius Stanley.
Kenny was preceded in death by his parents; son Kenneth Eric Helms; and brother Don Helms.
A funeral service will be held at noon Monday, September 21, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, with Pastor Steve Branstutter officiating. Burial will follow in Sharpsville Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tipton Humane Society, 825 W. Jefferson St., Tipton, IN 46072 or tiptonhumane.com. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Vicki Jean Deck
Vicki Jean Deck, 77, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on September 12, 2026, at her home peacefully in her sleep. She was born on September 30, 1948, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of James and Emma (McClory) Clark. She married Mark Deck, who survives.
Vicki worked for Stites Cleaners for 17 years, where she moved from hat repair and cleaning, and then retiring as suede and leather check-in.
She found joy in crocheting, sewing, playing cards and board games, listening to music, dancing, and reading her Bible and romance novels. Vicki enjoyed watching Cubs baseball, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Westerns, but she especially loved spending time with her husband, sisters, brothers, boys, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews at family gatherings.
Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 52 years Mark; sons Michael (Heidi Berry) Deck, Daniel Deck, and Phillip (Ashley) Deck; grandchildren Abby (Tyler) Johnson, Tad McKinley, Stellina (Justin) Thompson, Dureé (Cody) Meyer, Cassidy Deck, Megan (Kyle Jeslis) Deck, Nelson Deck, Ella (Hudson Harris) Deck, Jaren (Isabell McKinney) Deck, Cooper Deck, and Micah Deck; great-grandchildren Finley, Cooper, Barry, Jema, Huxley, Italeigh, Wrenli, and Knox; sister Kathy (Bill) Stewart; brother James (Debbie) Clark; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews along with multiple bonus children and grandchildren.
Vicki was preceded in death by her parents and her eldest son Thomas M. Deck.
Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 21, 2026, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 PM Monday, September 21, 2026, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. The funeral service will be officiated by Vicki’s son Phil Deck. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.
Dick Gilbert
Dick Gilbert, 97, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on September 13, 2026.
Dick was born on July 14, 1929, in Logansport, Indiana. He was the youngest son of Harold Deo Gilbert and Adda Williamson Gilbert, who preceded him in death, along with two brothers Harold W. Gilbert and Paul S. Gilbert.
Dick was married on December 24, 1955, in Freising, Germany, to Patricia Anne Reed, who preceded him in death on May 2, 2016.
Dick entered the U.S. Air Force in 1950, having served in Greenland, Freising, Germany, and various other bases throughout the United States. In 1970, Dick joined the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, serving there until his retirement capped off a 20-year career. He took immense pride in his family’s shared commitment to country. His military legacy continued through his son Richard Gilbert II and his two grandsons Brett McCarter, who recently retired from the Air Force after 20 years of dedicated service, and Nicholas Gilbert, who just began his own Air Force journey by recently graduating from Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.
Following his retirement from the Air Force, he moved his family to Kokomo, Indiana, where he began working for General Motors Corporation until his retirement in 1991.
An avid golfer throughout his life, he proudly achieved three holes-in-one, the last of which he hit at the remarkable age of 90. He was a member of Green Acres Golf Course of Kokomo, Indiana, Royal Pines and Country Club of Beaufort, South Carolina, and Woodwind Golf Course of Westfield, Indiana.
Dick is survived by his children Ellen Walker (Brian) of Mission, Texas, Sandy Gilbert (Dale Greenwell) of Richmond, Virginia, and Richard Gilbert II (Michelle) of Westfield, Indiana; eight grandchildren Brett McCarter, Stephanie Layman, Breann Walker, Brittany McCarter, Whitney Kisner, Morgan Gilbert, Nicholas Gilbert, Harrison Gilbert, and seven great-grandchildren.
In 1999, son Michael Reed Gilbert preceded him in death.
There will be a graveside burial service, with Pastor Mark Davis officiating, at North Union Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana, at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, October 16, 2026, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. A celebration of Dick’s life will follow at the home of Rich and Michelle Gilbert in Westfield, Indiana, between 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Online condolences can be left at www.stoutandson.com. Stout and Son Funeral Home is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements.
Mary Bell Coburn
Mary Bell Coburn, 90, of Wabash, Indiana, died at 5:10 am, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at The Waters of Wabash West. She was born on February 25, 1936, in Wabash, to Charles and Rosa (Banks) Runkle.
Mary was a graduate of Wabash High School. On August 15, 1955, she married Gary L. Coburn in New Haven, Indiana. They shared many years together until his passing on August 12, 1990. Mary devoted her life to caring for her home and family as a homemaker. She enjoyed baking and cooking, especially decorating cakes and making cookies for those she loved.
She is survived by two children Yvonne Nelson of Wabash and Rodrick Coburn of Springfield, Illinois; three grandchildren Richard (Julie) Coburn of La Fontaine, Indiana, Curtis Coburn of Springfield, and Joshua (Tiffany) Nelson of Tipton, Indiana; several great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and her loyal companion Doug the dog. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Rick Coburn, grandson Ryan Coburn, four brothers, and two sisters.
Funeral services will be private. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Andrews, Indiana. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.
The memorial guest book for Mary may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.