Diana Carol (Cooper) Rostron, Michael Benge, Darol Leon Floyd, Floyd D. Rude, Ronald D. Kistler, George William “Bill” Bowman Jr., Kent M. Dowden, John Frederick Eads
Diana Carol (Cooper) Rostron
Diana Carol (Cooper) Rostron, 80 years old, of Sharpsville, passed away 2:42 p.m. Sunday January 11, 2026, at home. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on May 19, 1945, the daughter of the late Gerald and Tempa (Wells) Cooper. On August 6, 1966, she married Robert “Bob” Irwin Rostron Jr., and he preceded her in death on October 5, 2020.
Diana grew up in Tipton County. She retired from Delco Electronics after 32 years of service in the Accounts Payable Department. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church. She gave her life to Christ as her Savior. Family was her life and the source of unconditional love and support. She had an affection for her cats and dogs her whole life.
She is survived by her sons Todd Rostron and Brad Rostron; grandchildren Braeilei Rostron, Sierra Rostron, Bailey Rostron, and Braedon Wyrick; and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, January 16, 2026, at Liberty Baptist Church, 3530 North, 1000 West, Tipton, IN 46072. A funeral service celebrating Diana’s life will begin 1:30 p.m. on Friday at the church, with Pastor Meriah Tigner officiating. Contributions may be made in Diana’s memory to Liberty Baptist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Michael Benge
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Michael Benge, our beloved father and friend. As we prepare to bid him a final farewell, we respectfully request your support and prayers. Our Dad was a talented individual who touched many lives with his enchanting voice, inspiring songs, and heartfelt poetry. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to own Mister Softy ice cream trucks and produce beautiful Christian woodworking decor, and he took great joy in crafting exceptional cornhole games. A devoted Christian, he was well-versed in the Bible. He was a passionate Cubs fan who rarely went without his Cubs ball cap. He loved his beautiful wife Carol Benge very much! She has been a blessing to our family. His loss will be deeply felt, and he will be greatly missed. We love you Pops!
Surviving to cherish his memory includes his wife Carol; children Joe (Tammy) Benge, Michelle Doak, and Chris (Jamie) Benge; stepchildren Jennifer (Doug) Goins, Daniel Abshire, and Carrie (James) Braden; 20 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters Vickie (Fred) Candlish and Marta (Jim) Oberlander; and several nieces and nephews.
Michael was preceded in death by his parents John & Patty (Quirk) Benge; stepson Michael; grandson Gage; and best dog ever Sammy.
There will be a celebration of life for Michael on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Faith Tabernacle Church, 1300 S. Ohio St., Kokomo.
Darol Leon Floyd
Darol Leon Floyd, 62, Jonesboro, entered the gates of Heaven at 3:05 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Indiana University Health Ball Memorial after fighting a long battle with ALS. He was born in Marion, Indiana, on Thursday, August 22, 1963, to Virginia (Stitt) Floyd. On August 25, 1992, he married Stephanie J. Clark, and she survives.
Darol graduated from Madison Grant High School. He was a supervisor at TJR Equipment. He was a race car driver in (Montpelier, IN) thunder class, full of adventure. He enjoyed teaching people new things, rock hunting, arrowhead hunting, gardening, and farming. He always was a helping hand and never expected anything in return. He could fix anything from lawnmowers to semis; just a fixer for everyone. He always had the mind of a genius and always came in clutch in countless ways from going fast to working in the garden. He loved deeply, gave selflessly, and left this world better than he found it. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Along with his wife Stephanie Floyd of Jonesboro, survivors also include his parents Larry and Virginia Floyd of Fairmount; children Chelsey (Justin) Rice of Gas City, Cortney Floyd of Marion, Randy Floyd of Jonesboro, Darol Floyd Jr. of Jasper, MI, and Brandon (Bree) Floyd of Marion; grandchildren Ju Rice, Zaydyn Rice, Zaylynn Rice, Kaylynn Alexander, Zylah Walker, Raziyah Montemayor, Roberto Montemayor III, Melina Floyd, Draiden Floyd, Akira Floyd, Daiton Floyd, Kalix Floyd, Skylix Floyd, and Zinix Floyd; siblings Dawn (John) Staggs of Marion, Mindy (Chris) Hussey of Tipton, Jolene (Nick) Butler of Tipton, Brad Floyd of Indianapolis, Angie (Gene) Brown of Fairmount, Stacie Luna of Indianapolis, and Tina (Angela) Hovis of Kokomo; several nieces & nephews; special friends Scott Cober, Dave Messersmith, Mike Lilly, LV, Micheal Dunmore “Mr. Jones,” Oren Zook “Beav,” Kevin Shaw, Jeff Shaw, Tommy & Jena Riddle and family, as well as a special thanks to the TJR family.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents James L. (Madonna) Floyd, Altus (Thelma) Stitt; in-laws Richard and Cherline Clark; his favorite cousin Mark Stitt; and dear friend Brad Baker.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Darol’s life will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Tom Mansbarger officiating.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Team Gleason Foundation 1450 Poydras St Suite 2550, New Orleans, LA 70112.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
To send flowers to the family of Darol Floyd, please visit our floral store.
Floyd D. Rude
Floyd D. Rude, a man known for his courageous heart, loving spirit, and handy skills, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026, at the age of 65. Born on August 16, 1960, in Rochester, IN, Floyd was a beacon of light to all who knew him, leaving a legacy of warmth and resilience.
After joining the Army in 1976, Floyd dedicated himself to serving his country with honor and valor, an experience that shaped much of his character. Following his military service, he worked for TM Morris, where he was highly regarded for his expertise in maintenance and setup. Floyd’s colleagues will remember him as a man who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand and share a laugh, even in the midst of the most challenging projects.
Floyd’s life was enriched by his marriage to Genia Abell in 2001. Together, they created a home filled with love and laughter. Floyd’s pride and joy were evident in his son Dale Rude, who will carry on his father’s legacy of kindness and integrity. Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn Rude and Vivienne Rush, his brother Thomas Glenn Rude, and his sister Laurie Smith. His memory will be cherished by his sisters Shela (Rick) Lautenbacher and Dennine (Ron) Doran, as well as by his several nieces and nephews, his goddaughters Ty Harvey and Alexis Winter, and godson Brey Winter.
Beyond his family, Floyd’s companionship with his loving cat Pyewacket brought him immeasurable comfort and joy. His fondness for animals was just one of the many facets of his compassionate personality.
Floyd’s interests and hobbies painted the picture of a man who loved life’s simple pleasures. An avid woodworker, he could often be found in his workshop, creating beautiful pieces that reflected his meticulous attention to detail. His passion for woodworking was not just a hobby, but a way of connecting with others, as he often gifted his handcrafted treasures to family and friends.
Gathering around a bonfire was another source of happiness for Floyd. These moments, surrounded by the crackling fire and the company of loved ones, were when he shared stories, laughter, and the quiet contemplation of the starlit sky. These cherished times will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of joining him.
Floyd’s life was a testament to his enduring strength and boundless love. His presence could light up a room, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who were fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him. Though he has left this world, the memories of his courageous spirit, his loving heart, and his skilled hands will continue to inspire and comfort those he left behind. Floyd D. Rude’s story is not one of sorrow, but of a life well-lived and a man dearly loved.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Ronald D. Kistler
Ronald D. Kistler, 87 of Kokomo passed away at 3:09 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Community Hospital in Kokomo.
He was born on December 19, 1938, in Kewanna. He was the son of the late Harold Doyne and Dorothy (Appleman) Kistler.
Ron was a Royal Center High School graduate. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
He retired from Chrysler in Kokomo.
Ron is survived by special friends Benjamin and Naomi Gingerich and John Rogers, Jr.
Burial will be at Kistler Cemetery in Royal Center.
George William “Bill” Bowman Jr.
George William “Bill” Bowman Jr., 70 years old, formerly of Greentown, IN, passed away 10:17 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo, IN. He was born in Indianapolis, IN, on February 10, 1955, the son of the late George William Bowman Sr. and Jo Anne (Cohee) Bowen. On October 8, 1993, he married Ann Fox, and she survives.
Bill graduated from Terre Haute North High School. He retired as the Service Director from Kokomo Chrysler after 32 years of service. He was a gruff man with a tough exterior but was known for having a heart of gold. He was an incredible husband, father, and brother. He enjoyed bodybuilding and powerlifting in his younger years. Lately, his favorite hobbies were fishing and keeping a well-kept lawn. Bill will be remembered for having a soft spot for children and especially animals.
In addition to his wife Ann, Bill is survived by his children Cameron (Whitney) Boyd, Brandon (Savannah) Bowman, and Brian (Jenn) Bowman; siblings Rebecca (Bill Jenkins) Shaw, Bob (Lynn) Bowen, and Bethann (Jeremy) Tauriello; several nieces and nephews; and canine companion Duke.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family is planning a celebration of life that will take place later this summer. Contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Kokomo Humane Society or the Greentown American Legion Post #317. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Kent M. Dowden
Kent M. Dowden, age 68, of Mendon, Michigan, passed away on January 7, 2026, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born on December 26, 1957, in Kokomo, Indiana, and was preceded in death by his beloved parents Jack and Ruth Dowden.
A proud 1976 graduate of Taylor High School in Kokomo, Kent went on to attend Indiana University and spent his life pursuing a wide range of interests. He was a true entrepreneur, owning several small businesses including FMS Services in Texas, Kent’s Country Restaurant in Mendon, Michigan, and an online store, Kokomokent’s. His career also spanned concrete work, car sales, and most recently, a role he deeply enjoyed in sales at Bontrager’s RV Surplus.
Kent’s passions were as varied as his ventures. He loved bowling, poker, and baseball, and was a dedicated coach for both men’s softball and his daughter Hannah’s softball team. But above all, fishing was his life. A respected tournament bass fisherman in the Michiana region, Kent often fished solo and consistently triumphed over multi-person teams. He earned numerous tournament victories and was frequently recognized for catching “Big Bass.”
Kent is survived by his daughter Hannah Dowden; his brother David (Lesa) Dowden; his stepdaughter Tara (Michael) Topping; and grandchildren Thomas and Sydney. He also leaves behind Shari White, mother of Hannah and Tara; several cherished nieces and nephews; and Paige Russell, a treasured bonus daughter.
Kent will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his love of competition, and the deep care he showed to those around him. His legacy lives on in the stories shared by family, the friendships he built, and the waters he knew so well.
John Frederick Eads
John Frederick Eads, 102, Kokomo, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2025. He was born January 8, 1923, in Kokomo, the son of the late Raymond W. & Jessie M. (Mohn) Eads. On February 2, 1952, he married Thelma P. Crane, who preceded him in death on August 28, 2021.
John enlisted in the Army Air Corps on December 5, 1942, at the age of 19. He was honorably discharged on March 26, 1945, earning the rank of TSgt. He was an Army specialty Airplane Mechanic Gunner, and during battles, engagements, skirmishes and expeditions, he flew in 50 heavy bombardment missions over enemy-occupied territory from 1943-1944.
John worked for Martin Wrecker Service in their office and was well-known. He had attended Beulah Land Church. John was very involved at Bunker Hill Dragstrip, whether it was spectating or racing. If it had wheels, John was hands-on. He was a member of Greentown Road Kings Car Club, Kokomo VFW, and the Cushman Club and enjoyed visiting with everyone. In his younger years, he and Thelma would travel wherever the road took them, looking forward to any destination.
John is survived by his children Jon (Starla) Eads, Jeffrey Eads, and Thelma (James) Jarrett; sister Ramona Tucker; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents; wife Thelma; siblings Betsy Ryan, Frances Knight, Dorothy Hollingsead, Phyllis Clevenger, and Patricia Wilson; and half-brother Leon Peters.
In keeping with John’s wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.