Linda Lea (Trexler) Kline, Deborah “Debbie” Kay Morris, William L. Smith, Nora L. Pederson, Daniel Charles Myers, David Howey

Linda Lea (Trexler) Kline

Linda Lea (Trexler) Kline, 78, Peru, passed away at 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Kokomo.

Born March 4, 1947, in Peru, Indiana, she was the daughter of Leon and Mary Elizabeth (Tucker) Trexler. On June 5, 1965, in Logansport, Indiana, she was married to Jerry Leroy Kline, and he preceded her in death on February 18, 2022.

Linda graduated from Peru High School in 1965, and after working for several years as a teachers’ aid and in the office at Vickery Tape, she went to nursing school in her 40s. Following a 25-year career in nursing, she retired after working at Chase Center and for Dr. Yoon. Linda enjoyed reading, BINGO, and going to the casino. After retiring, Linda and Jerry enjoyed many vacations and trips to Florida, but their favorite place to relax was in Hawaii. Enjoying time with family and friends was very important to Linda. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and going on girl-trips with her sisters and her friend Donna. Linda volunteered as a Pink-Lady at Dukes Hospital and attended Community Church of Mexico.

She is survived by two children Michelle L. (Brian) Burns of Macy and Jerry A. “Tony” (Gretchen) Kline of St. Petersburg, Florida; three grandchildren Jared (Kayla) Wilkinson of Vincennes, Allison (Skyler) Michel of North Manchester, and Keagan Kline; three great-granddaughters Emily, Aubri, and Laney Wilkinson; great-grandson Luke Wilkinson; three sisters Sandy Howard of Peru, Pam (Larry) Shrock of Peru, and Maribeth Wides of Bunker Hill; brother Todd Trexler of Peru; sister-in-law Tana (Larry) Haynes of Twelve Mile; brother-in-law Jimmy (Marsha) Kline of Kokomo; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; two brothers Jim Trexler and Kim Trexler; sister Carole Trexler; and brother-in-law Larry Howard.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, with Pastor Kyle Schnitz officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru.

Visitation will be from 2-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Church of Mexico for their youth program or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

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

Deborah “Debbie” Kay Morris

Deborah “Debbie” Kay Morris, 69, went into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

She was born in Kokomo, Indiana, on November 16, 1956, to the late Lowell K. and Mary Ellen (Stanfill) Strunk.

Debbie spent many years working as an accountant at American Stationary. She loved everything Fuel Church and enjoyed spending time and worshipping with her beloved church family. Debbie recently found true love and happiness with her partner Eric Briscoe. She was the most genuine and caring soul – the shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked with love, compassion, and the unwavering presence of God.

Debbie is survived by her daughters Holly Stapleton of Peru and Kayla Morris of Bloomington, grandchildren Jaylin K. Morris and Zachery A.W. Stapleton, and partner Eric Briscoe.

She is preceded in death by her parents and sister Katherine M. Strunk.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Fuel Church, 2021 E. Markland Avenue, Kokomo, Indiana 46901, on Monday, December 15, 2025.

We ask that you remember Debbie not for how she passed but for the life she lived and the impact she made.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

William L. Smith

William L. Smith, 82, Kokomo, Indiana, passed away at 4:35 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health, Kokomo, Indiana.

Born September 6, 1943, in Logansport, Indiana, he was the son of Olie Smith, Sr., and Ora Catherine (Griffith) Smith. He was a United States Army veteran and served from 1963-65 and 1968-69 and was a member of the American Legion. He was a handyman and had worked in construction and roofing most of his life.

Survivors include two nieces Sonia Woodard (Bishop Charles) of Kokomo and Anna Morris of Kokomo; two nephews Demetrius (Yvette) Stubberfield of Georgia and Darrel Smith of Kokomo; great-nephews Brian Morgan (Shereana) and Bradley Morgan (Jameta) Morgan; and great-nieces Tanika Gibbs and Jasmine Blades

He was preceded in death by his parents Olie and Ora Catherine Smith; one daughter Ebony Hurth Glenn; sister Mary E. Stubberfield Woodard; and brother Olie Rocky Smith, Jr.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday December 20, 2025, at Disciples of Christ, 1518 Faith Road, Kokomo, Indiana, with Bishop Charles Woodard officiating. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery, Kokomo.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church.

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

Nora L. Pederson

Nora L. Pederson, a beacon of joy and love, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, at the blessed age of 99 in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on February 18, 1926, in Minot, North Dakota, to Halvor and Christine Haugeberg, Nora’s life was a tapestry of dedication, service, and unwavering faith.

A proud graduate of Dakota Business College in Fargo, Nora’s professional journey was marked by her meticulous work as a Register in Deeds at the courthouse, an Abstractor at Devine Abstract Office, and her time at Midwest Motor Express, all located in Minot, North Dakota. Her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence were evident in every task she undertook.

Nora’s heart found its match when she married H.T. “Pete” Pederson on May 9, 1952. Together, they danced through life’s ups and downs until Pete’s passing. She was a devoted mother to her daughter Nadine (Ralph) Owens and cherished the moments spent with her grandchildren Greg (Anna) Owens and Christi (Bobby) Tolbert and great-grandchildren Austin (Bailey) Tolbert, Tiffany Tolbert, Hailey (Cooper) Williams, and CJ Owens, and the delightful twinkles in her eye, her great-great-grandchildren Dominic and Amelia Tolbert.

Despite the loss of her beloved husband Pete, her brother, and three sisters, Nora’s spirit never wavered. She was a pillar of strength for her family, including several nieces and nephews who will remember her for her unwavering support and loving nature.

Nora’s life was a testament to her faith. A lifetime member of Bethany Lutheran Church in North Dakota and a devoted attendee of Christ Lutheran Church in Kokomo, she embodied the Christian virtues of love, kindness, and charity. Even in her 80s, she played the bells in the church music group, showcasing her musical talents which included playing the piano and accordion by ear.

Her Norwegian heritage was a source of immense pride and joy for Nora, and she embraced it fully in every aspect of her life, from her love of dance to her culinary traditions. She and Pete were known for lighting up the dance floor on Saturday nights, a sight that brought smiles to all who watched.

Friends and family fondly remember her for her love of coffee outings, where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the coffee itself. Nora also relished the simple pleasure of a walk, an activity that reflected her appreciation for life’s quieter moments.

Those who knew Nora will remember her for her faith-filled heart, her funny and quick-witted humor, and her loving nature. She was the embodiment of a life well-lived, touching the hearts of many and leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.

As we bid farewell to Nora L. Pederson, we celebrate a life that was rich in experiences and abundant in love. Her memory will be cherished, her stories retold, and her spirit will continue to inspire those she has left behind. As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we do so with the knowledge that her light will continue to guide us, just as it always has. Nora’s journey on this earth has ended, but her influence will endure, as will the love she so freely gave. Rest in peace, dear Nora, until we meet again.

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

Daniel Charles Myers

Daniel Charles Myers, affectionately known as Dan to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on February 14, 1948, in Peru, Indiana, Dan’s life was a tapestry of love, service, and adventure. He was a son, a veteran, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and a friend to many.

Dan’s early years were marked by a significant transition when, at the tender age of five, he was adopted by Charles Myers and Rosa Newman. His biological parents, Henry J. Wilburn and Lois Copeland, had given him a foundation of love that was only strengthened by the care of his adoptive parents. Dan’s life was further enriched by the companionship of Sandy Tuitasi, his partner of 33 years, and the joy brought by his children Danette Thomas (Michael Brennan), Starla Hileman (Jason), Matt Myers (Kelcey), Jade Ross (Kaylie), Lisa Pasquale (Vito), Christie Reed (Jack), and Brandi Adams (Mark).

Dan’s legacy continued to flourish through his grandchildren Amber Tom, Autumn Tom (fiancé Corey Cook Jr.), Ashten “Austin” Oldham, Quintin Thompson (Christa), Sebastian Thompson (Olivia), Oliver and Imagine Myers, Levi and Taia Pasquale, Darian Plummer (Michael), Janson Golightly, Mayla Sheefel, and Jorrin Chapel. His great-grandchildren Silas and Sabian Thompson and Kayden and Paisly Thompson also brought immense joy to his life. Dan’s sister Faith Davis (Jim), along with several extended family members, will cherish his memory.

Before his passing, Dan was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings whose memories he held close to his heart.

Dan served his country with honor as a Navy Seal during the Vietnam War, earning a Silver Star and three Bronze Stars, a testament to his bravery and patriotism. Following his military service, he embarked on a career as a truck driver and later as a skilled contractor. His work ethic and dedication to his craft were evident to all who knew him.

A man of many interests, Dan was a Life Member of the VFW and the American Legion, organizations that reflected his commitment to fellow veterans and his community. His competitive spirit shone brightly as a member of the Highland Park Horseshoe Club, where he won back-to-back state championships, a feat that spoke volumes about his determination and skill.

Those who knew Dan would describe him as funny, handy, and adventurous. His sense of humor brought laughter to every gathering. His handiness solved countless problems, and his adventurous spirit led him to embrace life’s challenges with enthusiasm.

Dan’s life was a journey of courage, love, and laughter. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him. As we bid farewell to Daniel Charles Myers, we celebrate a life well-lived and a man well-loved. His stories, his laughter, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who cherished him.

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

David Howey

Born July 11, 1958, to Franklin and Doris (Ritcher) Howey in Tipton, IN, David Howey went to be with the Lord on December 2, 2025, at 8:15 a.m. following a long battle with health problems.

David enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing, camping, playing euchre, and watching football. David was a truck driver and worked for moving companies over the years. With that, he was able to visit so many places, and he always had stories to tell.

He is survived by an extensive family and friends, including four kids Ashlyn Bauserman (husband Andrew) of Strasburg, VA., Bryan Howey of Muncie, Brandon Hooper of Kokomo, IN, and Mandy Hooper of Kokomo; 10 grandchildren Sky, Karmyn, Anna, Cole, Joy, Dameion, Zaara, Justice, Jacob, and Zachariah; and two great-grandchildren Fletcher and Claire. He was also survived by sister Michelle Howey (partner Joseph) of Peru, nieces Ashley Howey and her children Kayliana and Journey of Peru, Kylie Rominger (partner Shaun) and their children Skylar, Jaydon, Ares, Zayden, and Ace of Peru, nephews Jeremy Howey and his children Jaxon, Maddie, and Lilly of Kokomo, and Brandon Howey and his daughter Bailey of Franklin. David is also survived by his good friend Debbie Howey of Kokomo, longtime friend Derrick Rominger of Peru, his companion Tonni Rasmussen of Peru, and his good friend Roger Cantu of Peru, as well as aunts and uncles.

He was preceded in death by his parents Franklin Lloyd Howey and Doris Ann Shipp (Ritcher), his brothers Steven, Ronnie, Robbie, and Donald Howey, as well as several aunts and uncles.

A Celebration of life will be held at a later date per the family’s request.

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