Richard Eugene “Gene” Schaaf, Betty Kay (McMain) Hillman, Linda Joyce Herring

Richard Eugene “Gene” Schaaf

Richard Eugene “Gene” Schaaf, 95, of Kokomo, passed away at 5:13 a.m. Monday, September 21, 2026, at Century Fields in Greentown. He was born July 5, 1931, at the family home near Greentown, the son of Harold C. and Elsie Fern (Smith) Schaaf. On April 7, 1954, he married Joan (Winger) Schaaf at Converse Christian Church, with the Rev. Russell Grubb officiating. Joan preceded him in death on February 11, 2023.

Gene graduated from Jackson High School in Greentown in 1949. He served in the United States Air Force from January 1951 through December 1954 and attained the rank of staff sergeant. After basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, he completed aviation mechanic and jet training before serving in Korea as a crew chief on a Lockheed F-94. His decorations included the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

Following his military service, Gene began driving a gas truck for the Howard County Farm Bureau Co-Op, taking over a route his father retired from. Later, he drove for Central Indiana Oil. During the final nine years of his career, he worked in the office while his son Max took over the family route. Gene retired in 1997 after 43 years in the oil business.

Gene was a lifelong active member of Converse Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon for many years. He was also a charter member of the former Northwestern Lions Club. After retirement, Gene and Joan delivered Meals on Wheels and traveled throughout the country in their fifth-wheel trailer. Beginning in 1998, they spent winters in Florida and Texas, eventually making many friends at Grandma’s Grove near LaBelle, Florida, where they wintered until March 2020. Gene especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities, spending time with family, and working in his yard.

Gene is survived by his children Max Schaaf and wife Becky of Greentown, Mark Schaaf and wife Danielle of Kingwood, Texas, Mike Schaaf and wife Diana of Kokomo, and Marla Chapple and husband Gary of Columbia City; sisters Roberta Schwarz of Cookeville, Tennessee, and Carolyn Taskey of Kokomo; grandchildren Alan Chapple and wife Kimberly, Brian Chapple, Jordan Chapple and wife Amanda, Anna Reynolds and husband Drew, Adam Schaaf and wife Sarah, Aaron Schaaf, Andrew Schaaf and wife Hannah, Alex Schaaf and wife Kristen, Catherine Schaaf, Raymond Schaaf and wife Erin, David Schaaf and wife Macey, and Katie Schaaf; and his great-grandchildren Caleb, Levi, Sarah, Ezra, Grace, Hudson, Miles, Aidon, Lucy, Wyatt, Sophia, Oliver, Adaline, Ellis, Kate, Evan, Gemma, and Callum.

In addition to his wife Joan, Gene was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Elsie Schaaf.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Converse Church of Christ, 301 E Wabash St., Converse, with David Wheeler and Gene’s grandsons Raymond Schaaf and Jordan Chapple officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Greentown American Legion. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, September 28, 2026, at the church and one hour prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gene’s memory to Converse Church of Christ for the Samaritan Room or the church’s scholarship fund. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

Betty Kay (McMain) Hillman

Betty Kay (McMain) Hillman, 80, of Kokomo, passed away at 1:07 a.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at Community Regional Health in Kokomo. She was born September 3, 1946, in Kokomo, the daughter of Frederick and Anna (Berdosh) McMain. She married Ronald W. Hillman on August 19, 1967, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, and he preceded her in death on September 11, 1996. On November 11, 2017, Betty married William J. Winkel at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, and he survives.

Betty was a 1964 graduate of Kokomo High School. She worked in a clerical position at Indiana University Kokomo for 13 years.

She was a member of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church where she was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, the Secular Franciscans, and the Sunshine Club. Betty enjoyed reading and playing cards with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband William Winkel; children Ronald F. (Cindy) Hillman, Ryan (Kelly) Hillman, and Chris (Katie) Hillman; grandchildren Amanda Hillman, Daniel Hillman, Sydney Hillman, Regan Hillman, and Jackson Hillman; and great-grandchild Kace Young.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband Ronald Hillman.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 3055 S., 200 West, Kokomo, with Rev. Fr. Stephen Jones the celebrant and Fr. Christopher Schockley as the concelebrant. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery, Kokomo. The Rosary will be offered at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at church. Visitation will follow from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Monastery of the Poor Clares. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Linda Joyce Herring

Linda Joyce Herring, 79, Kokomo, Indiana, passed away at 8:38 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at her daughter’s home.

Born May 15, 1947, in Coffeeville, Kansas, she was the daughter of Mr. John Adams, Jr., and Odessa (Lyle Adams) Richardson. In March of 1965, she was married to Sgt. James Earl Herring, and he passed away July 4, 1977.

Linda was a devoted member of Refreshing Springs Church of God in Christ. She was known for her fashion and was always meticulously dressed. She had a deep love for her Lord and praised him weekly, sitting in the back of church with her tambourine.

She graduated from Kokomo High School. For many years, she worked in different factories in the area but finished her working career as a home healthcare aid. She loved spending time with her family and was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother.

Survivors include her four children Aron (Lisa) Herring of Kokomo, James (Lisa) Herring of Kokomo, Crystal Herring (Gerald) Jones of Louisville, Kentucky, and Sonia Herring Washington of Kokomo; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Nanette Richardson of Kokomo.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Odessa; and siblings Raymon (Lillian) Marion, Brucie Richardson, and Marcus Richardson.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Refreshing Springs Church of God in Christ, 3112 Easy Street, Kokomo, Indiana.

Viewing will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclaifnfh.com.