Obituaries, September 18, 2026

Written on 09/18/2026


Fred H. Boyer, Mona Jo Martin, Linda Marie Nelson

Fred H. Boyer

U.S. Navy 1st Class Fireman Fred H. Boyer, originally from Tipton County, was identified in July 2024 as a casualty of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He was 22 years old at the time of the attack and was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Roy D. Boyer. Fred was one of 106 crewmen killed during the attack on the U.S.S. West Virginia.

Fireman Fred H. Boyer will be coming home later this month. He is scheduled to arrive at the Indianapolis International Airport on Wednesday, September 23, at 1:30 p.m.

The route taken to arrive in Tipton is planned to be northbound on State Road 19 from the southern county line, up to Jefferson Street, and then turning left to Young-Nichols Funeral Home. We anticipate arriving in Tipton around 3:00 p.m. The public is encouraged to line the route in town to honor Fireman Boyer.

He will be laid to rest with his parents during a graveside service at the Kempton Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30. Military honors will be provided by the U.S. Navy.



Mona Jo Martin

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Mona Jo Martin, who passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, at the age of 92.

Mona was born at home on February 21, 1934, to James J. and Katherine (Harrison) Flynn. She was the youngest of eight children and grew up surrounded by family, love, and the simple moments that would become the foundation of a beautiful life.

On July 26, 1958, Mona married the love of her life Jay A. Martin at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Together, they shared a lifetime of love, laughter, family, and countless memories. Their greatest blessing was the family they built together: four children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, along with four step-great-grandchildren, who brought so much joy to their lives.

Mona is survived by her sons Matthew Martin and Gregory (Diana) Martin; her daughters Angela (Kyle) Cook and M. Jennifer Green; and her grandchildren Adam (Kayla) Alva, Sean Warren, Jonathan Green, Zachary Green, Alyssa (Kody) Shuck, Jenni (Scott) Atkins, and Jason (Lindsey) Cox. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren (Alayah, Andrew, Kayden, and Kyler).

To know Mona was to know someone who treasured her family. Some of her happiest moments were spent gathered around a table, playing cards with family and friends, laughing, talking, and simply enjoying being together. She and Jay also loved their years as snowbirds in Florida, making memories and enjoying life together.

Mona retired in June 1995 after many years of dedicated work as the manager of the Maplecrest Cafeteria. She gave so much of herself throughout her life, not only through her work, but through the love, patience, and care she gave to the people around her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Jay A. Martin; her parents James J. and Katherine Flynn; and her siblings Tom, Leo, Dick, Bill Flynn, Phyllis Walker, Jean Black, and Roberta Smith.

Although 92 years is a long and beautiful life, losing someone you love is never easy. Mona leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind a family who carries a piece of her in their hearts. Her stories, her laughter, the lessons she taught, and the love she gave will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.

She will be deeply missed, but we find comfort knowing she is reunited with Jay and those who went before her, and that she is finally at peace.

Rest peacefully, Mona. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, and your love will remain in our hearts forever.

Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation and funeral service details will be announced, with services to be held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joan of Arc Building Fund.



Linda Marie Nelson

Linda Marie Nelson was born on November 6, 1952, in Dayton, Ohio, and passed from this life on September 15, 2026, in Kokomo, Indiana, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was a woman of faith, grace, and uncommon warmth, and she lived her days as one who trusted in the goodness of God. In all her years, she remained creative, friendly, and optimistic, and she carried herself with a gentle spirit that blessed all who knew her.

Linda graduated from Colonel White High School in Dayton, Ohio, and from there she stepped into a life shaped not by worldly applause, but by love, devotion, and steadfast care for others. She lived as a stay-at-home mother and artist, and in both callings, she poured out her heart with quiet strength. Her home was a place of comfort and welcome, and her hands, ever busy with purpose, made beauty from simple things. She was gifted in the art of stained glass, sewing, and painting, and she found joy in crafting works that reflected her tender soul and her eye for loveliness.

She was a woman who loved with her whole heart, and her presence had a way of brightening every room she entered. Like a candle set upon a hill, she shone with kindness, and many were drawn to her because she was a friend to everyone. She delighted in sight seeing with her family and spending time with close friends, treasuring the moments spent together and turning even ordinary days into cherished memories. Her laughter, her encouragement, and her faithful love will long remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to walk beside her.

She is survived by her husband Donald (Bob) Nelson; her sister Karen (Kari) Copher; her daughter Lindsey Camp; her son-in-law Bryan Camp; her grandchildren Braden Holt, Cas Wilken, Barrett Camp, and Laina Camp; and her great-grandchildren Amelia Wilken and Evelyn Wilken. These beloved family members carry forward her memory, her love, and the many lessons she gave through word and deed. In them, her legacy of kindness, creativity, and steadfast affection shall continue to live.

She was preceded in death by her father Louis Keith; her mother Evelyn Keith; her brother Kenneth Keith; and her brother Louis Keith Jr. Though they have gone before her, we trust that they are now reunited in the peace of God, where sorrow is no more and joy is made complete. For Linda, as for all who rest in Christ, death is not the final word, but a passage into the eternal light of heaven.

Linda Marie Nelson leaves behind a life well lived, marked not by grandeur of station, but by greatness of heart. She was creative in spirit, friendly in manner, optimistic in outlook, and faithful in love. Her memory shall be cherished by all who knew her, and her example shall remain as a gentle blessing. Though her earthly journey has ended, we may take comfort in the promise that the faithful are received into the everlasting arms of God. May the Lord receive her into His heavenly kingdom, and may perpetual light shine upon her soul.

The family has chosen a small private ceremony. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family asks you to donate to the American Cancer Society in honor of Linda’s fight against cancer.

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