Obituaries, February 28, 2024

Written on 02/28/2024
Patrick Munsey


Elizabeth "Sue" Adair

Elizabeth "Sue" Adair, age 90, of Hemlock, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024. She was born February 14, 1934, in England, Arkansas, to the late Manuel and Madge Aaron.

She married Russell W. Adair Jr. on February 7, 1959, in Kokomo. They both worked at Delco Electronics for 35 years before retiring. They enjoyed traveling the US and camping when their four children were younger. She loved to take pictures during their vacations, or really any event though she didn't like having her own picture taken.

Sue loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She always made sure to be present for their sporting events. They would talk for hours except when she was watching "her shows" which was usually General Hospital or Purdue basketball. They could continue their conversation in between commercials, especially if Flo from Progressive or Jared's Jewelry was on which she promptly muted. She was a fan of NASCAR up until Jeff Gordon started promoting her least favorite drink, Pepsi. She did, however, love sweet tea. Everyone was a fan of Sue's famous sweet tea, cheesy potatoes, and fudge. You could guarantee whatever dish she brought to the gathering would be gone immediately. Everything was made from scratch of course. She enjoyed crocheting and would make every grandchild two blankets, one when they were born and one when they were married. Sue liked to keep busy whether that was reading, doing crosswords, word searches, or tending to her garden. Sue had a true green thumb. She could make anything grow. She even converted an old grill into a flower bed.

Sue is survived by her sons Russell A. (Sheila) Adair and Jeff F. Adair of Kokomo; grandchildren Trent (Paula) Donson and Travis (Amanda) Donson of Kokomo, Amber Borden of Connecticut, Kimberly (Jason) Shook and Stephanie (Sam) Stover of Kokomo; great grandchildren Tyler (Hailey) Donson, Andrew Donson, AJ Shook, Connor Lowe, Jace Stover, Kendall Lowe, Cora Lowe, Caitlin Donson, Lilly Powell, and Jared Donson; great-great grandchildren Trever Donson, Paisley Donson, and Hazel Donson; brother Rayborn Aaron of Oklahoma City; and her high school best friend Nita Oliver of Arkansas.

In addition to her parents Sue is preceded in death by her husband Russell W. Adair Jr.; daughter Kristie Williams; son Michael Aaron; siblings Laura Bell Aaron and Manuel Aaron Jr.; grandson Michael Williams; maternal grandparents Delsia (JF) Grimmett and Jim Aaron; uncle Clyde McAllister; and aunt Agnes McAllister.

A visitation for Sue will be held Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sue's memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741.



Roger Lee Pyle

Roger Lee Pyle, 91, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away February 23, 2024. He was born on January 19, 1933 in Swayzee, Indiana the son of Lester and Essa Pyle (Vance ). On October 18, 1958 in Converse, Indiana, he married Virginia H. Pyle who preceded him in death on September 7, 1999. On March 1, 2012 he married Cindy Pyle who survives. Roger graduated form Swayzee High School where he played basketball. He was a Korean War veteran of the United States Coast Guard. Roger was a member of the American Legion, UAW #685, Eagles Post #6 and the VFW. He worked as an electrician for Chrysler, Anderson Delco and Universal Electric in Marion, IN. He enjoyed dancing, fishing, bowling, hunting, golfing, and karaoke. He also enjoyed going to garage sales and Bluegrass Festivals. Roger was a very competitive man.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Cindy; sons, Paul (Bonnie) Pyle; David (Sue) Pyle, Mark (Wendy) Pyle, Rodney (Arlene) Pyle; stepson, Todd Herren; stepdaughter, Heather Herren; several grandchildren and step-grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; sister Suzy Pyle.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brother, Vance; sister, Patricia; granddaughter, Jennifer; step-grandson, Sebastian.

Visitation will take place at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana on Thursday, February 29, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00. Funeral Services will take place on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 11:00 at the funeral home. Entombment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.



Thomas Eugene Lipinski

Thomas Eugene Lipinski, 82, Russiaville, passed away at 3:35 pm on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Bickford of Crawfordsville. He was born in Frankfort on December 15, 1941, the son of the late John and Esther (Lewiston) Lipinski. He married Judy K. Golding on January 17, 1964, and she preceded him in death on October 21, 2013.

Thomas graduated from New London High School and served in the United States Navy. He retired from General Motors after 35 years of service. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Russiaville. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, yardwork and traveling, especially to Lake Placid in Florida. Thomas loved hanging out with the guys at NAPA on Saturdays.

Thomas is survived by his son, Scott Lipinski (Michelle Creviston); and three sisters, Kay (Ron) Michelson, Cindy (Roy) O’Neal, and Millie Paul.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and siblings Patty Rondall, Jim Lipinski, Dwayne Lipinski, Dick Lipinski, and John Lipinski.

A funeral service will take place at 12 pm on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E Main St., Russiaville, with Pastor Anne Kumeh officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family from 10 am until the start of the service on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Western School for the Buddy Bags. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.



Andrew Collins Jackson

Andrew Collins Jackson, 92, of Russiaville, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 12:43 am Sunday February 25, 2024, at his home. He was born in Sumner Co., Tennessee, on October 8, 1931, the son of the late Leonard and Elizabeth (Collins) Jackson. On May 6, 1954, he married the love of his life Mary O’Neal, and she preceded him in death on July 23, 2014.

Andrew proudly served our country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He worked for 33 years at Continental Steel and for 10 years at Chrysler as a pipefitter until his retirement. He was a faithful member of Honey Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Russiaville where he served as a Deacon, trustee, and moderator. He was an avid bible reader and thoroughly enjoyed Louis L’Amour. He was passionate about fishing and was a member of the North America Fishing Club. Andrew stayed busy with yardwork, gardening, working on cars, and building things. He adored his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Andrew is survived by his children, Theresa (Daniel) Shackelford, Rick Jackson; daughter-in-law, Patty Jackson; brother, Hughie Jackson; grandchildren, Jason Crume, Jeremy Crume, Jenny Crume, Jacob Crume, Eric Jackson, Andrea Jackson, Ryan Jackson, Adam Jackson, Elyn Jackson, Hannah Eubank, Kira Jackson, Stephaun Jackson; 23 great-grandchildren, 9 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Elizabeth Jackson; wife, Mary Jackson; son, Robert “Bobby” Jackson; siblings, Lela Jackson, Edward Jackson, Raymond Jackson, Dorothy Adcock, Claude Jackson, and Roy Jackson.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 pm Friday, March 1, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 East Main Street, Russiaville, IN 46979. Private family funeral services will be held and officiated by Pastor Dave Coffman. Burial will take place in Russiaville Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Marine Corps and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Andrew’s memory to Stout & Son Funeral Home to assist with final expenses. A link will be available on his obituary page to contribute directly towards the expenses. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.



Welman “Wayne” Dewayne Sandefur

Welman “Wayne” Dewayne Sandefur, 85, Tipton, passed away at 7:56 pm Sunday February 25, 2024, at Community Hospital of Anderson. He was born September 27, 1938, in Cawood, Kentucky, the son of the late Porter & Ina Mae (Bush) Sandefur. He was married to Denisa (Lunsford) Sandefur who preceded him in death in 2021.

Wayne was a 1956 graduate of Kokomo High School. After high school he proudly served in the United States Army. He worked for Cuneo Press and Biddle Manufacturing. He was also a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. Wayne also loved music and playing his guitar.

Wayne is survived by his children, Kimmy Sandefur, Kenny (Deena) Sandefur, and Misty “Melissa Dawn” (RJ) Penorio-Waynewood; stepsons, Michael (Rita) Morton and Shane (Amber) Morton; sister, Vivian Anderson, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Denisa; brother, Leon Sandefur; and sister, Henriette Stargel.

The family wishes to thank the amazing staff of Edgewater Woods and Community Hospital of Anderson for their loving care of Wayne.

Visitation will be held from 11 am-1 pm on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W Lincoln Rd, Kokomo. The funeral service will be immediately following visitation at 1 pm with Pastor Jeff Haill officiating. Burial will follow in Springdale Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



John Dale Davison

John Dale Davison, 78, of Sharpsville, Indiana, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 26, 2024. He was born August 2, 1945, in Kokomo to the late Dale and Katherine Davison.

He served in the US Army as a Tank Mechanic. He married Rita K. Kennedy on June 18, 1969, and together had three beautiful children. He worked for Delco/Delphi for 38 years before his retirement in 2000. He was a hard worker and a family man. He enjoyed fishing and watching Big Foot documentaries. He was a lottery fanatic. He was a good man who will be missed by many.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years Rita K. Davison; children Patrick (Tonya) Davison, Michael Davison, and Katherine "Katie" Ramsey; grandchildren Colten (Maya) Davison, Brittin (Shane Swinford) Davison, Madison Ramsey, and Clayton Ramsey; great grandchildren Axel and Rook Davison, Noah and Sladen Swinford; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents John is preceded in death by his two brothers Robert (Sharon) Davison and Joseph (Helen) Davison.

A visitation for John will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Nevada Church of God of the Mountain Assembly, 388 E 625 N, Sharpsville, IN 46068, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.



Michael William Gilbert

In Loving Memory of Michael William Gilbert October 26, 1974 – February 18, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Gilbert, a beloved son, brother, uncle, friend, and a bright light in the lives of all who were blessed to know him. He passed away on February 18, 2024, at the age of 49, due to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Through the loving care of his family, his own determination, and most of all by God's grace, he surpassed the life expectancy of an individual with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy by decades.

Mike was a remarkable man whose presence radiated warmth and kindness. He approached each day with a positive attitude, a wonderful sense of humor, and a genuine concern for others that touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to be a part of his life. He had the biggest heart and desire to help people, a brilliant mind, a smile that brightened everyone's day, and was such an incredible example of patience in suffering. Mike’s Christian faith was of utmost importance in his life as he loved and trusted the Lord.

Despite the immense challenges Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy posed to him, losing facets of his independence throughout his 49 years and enduring physical pain that resulted from his failing body, Mike never gave up his positive attitude. He was and continues to be an inspiration to anyone facing difficulties to always look for and focus on the positives.

Michael was born in Kokomo, Indiana on October 26, 1974, to his loving parents, William and Nancy Gilbert. He became an honor graduate of Kokomo High School in 1993, where he excelled and was ranked 2nd in his class at the conclusion of his senior year. After high school, Michael attended Purdue Technology Programs in Kokomo where he was recognized as the Outstanding Electrical Engineering Technology Department student in 1994-1995.

Beyond his academic accomplishments, Mike was passionate about NASCAR racing, model railroading, building and repairing computers, and helping others in any capacity that he could. He dearly loved his cavapoo puppy, Elsie, and also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

His memory will forever be cherished by his loving mom, Nancy Gilbert, his adoring sister and her family, Julie and Dan Altizer and their sons Ethan and Ryan, and a host of extended family members and friends who were touched by his spirit. Mike will also be fondly remembered by his life-long best friend, Stephen West, and faithful caregivers, Emily Baney and Aimey Flowers. Mike was preceded in death by his wonderful and devoted dad, William Gilbert.

Michael’s extended family includes aunts, Joanne Creed, Barbara (Jim) Kieffer; uncle, Dr. Richard Zeiger; and cousins, John (Cindy) Creed, Dena (Win) Myers, Cindy Gilbert, Beth (Rob) Smejkal, Becky (Eric) Pope, Barbi (Bryan) Basten, Cathy Dodson, Venessa (Sean) Rahe, Vicki (Greg) Dick, Julie (Don) Grubaugh, Christy (George) Nagy, Jennifer (Shane) Clifford, and Shirley Zeiger.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, from 1 pm to 3 pm at Bible Baptist Church, 2635 S. Dixon Rd., Kokomo, Indiana 46902, with the funeral service to celebrate Michael's life immediately following at 3 pm officiated by pastors Keith Treadway and Dan Murphy. After the funeral service, a graveside ceremony will be held at Albright Cemetery. Please direct memorial contributions in Michael’s name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (mail: PO Box 7410354, Chicago, IL 60674-0354, online: mda.org/ways-to-give) or the Kokomo Rescue Mission (mail: 321 W. Mulberry St., Kokomo, IN 46901, online: kokomorescuemission.org/donate). Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

As we mourn the earthly loss of this incredible soul, let us also remember the joy Michael brought into our lives and the everlasting impact he made on our hearts. May his legacy serve as a reminder to live life fully, to always choose joy, and to focus on the positive regardless of our circumstances.

Rest in peace, dear Mike. You will forever remain in our hearts.