David Wesley Barton, Ronald “Ron” Joseph Meyer, Rowlena Sue Blackford, Deborah Elaine Larrison

David Wesley Barton

David Wesley Barton, 81, Kokomo, passed away at 4:40 p.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born March 17, 1944, in La Junta, Colorado, the son of the late Clifford D. & Margaret A. (Rumsby) Barton. On October 15, 1975, in Las Vegas, he married Janet Brankle, and she survives.

David graduated from Frankfort American High School in Germany in 1962. He earned a business degree from both San Jose University in 1965, and a master’s degree from Purdue University in Lafayette, IN in 1980. His commitment to education and professional growth was evident throughout his life.

David’s military career was distinguished. He joined the United States Air Force in 1967, rising to the rank of Major before retiring on July 31, 1987, after 20 years of service, including a tour in Vietnam. His service reflected his discipline and commitment to duty.

David was an avid reader and took great pride in maintaining his yard, showcasing his meticulous nature and love for his home. He was a founding member and deacon of New Life Church since 2004, where he also played a pivotal role in establishing the church’s coffee shop. His religious outreach extended to hospitals, where he provided spiritual support to those in need.

David cherished his time with friends, particularly those from the men’s group at Omeletty’s, where they enjoyed breakfast together. He looked forward to annual visits with his daughters and grandchildren in Texas and spent winters in Florida with his wife, Janet.

David’s life was also deeply intertwined with his love for animals. He worked as a vet tech in his younger years and remained an animal lover throughout his life. His kindness and genuine interest in others were evident in his interactions, as he never met a stranger.

Along with his loving wife Janet, David is also survived by his children Deanna (Rodney) Golden, Danielle (James) Harris, Scott (Geneva) Monroe, and Cary (Nancy) Monroe; his grandchildren Chad (Dana) Barton, Alyssa (Mario) Zaragoza, Hunter Green, Reilly Golden, Brady Golden, Chase Monroe, Taylor Monroe, Patrick Grubbs, and Keira Monroe; his great-grandchildren Charlie Barton, Margaret Barton, Harley Monroe, Leon Zaragoza, Dante Zaragoza, Alaina Grubbs, and Roy; his sister Nancy Poole; cousin Yvonne Correa; and nieces Jennifer (Kyle) Graham, Megan (Rick) Castillo, and Heather (Chad) Bennett.

David was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026, at New Life Church, 1801 E. Vaile Ave., Kokomo, with Pastor Devon Galloway officiating. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery in Windfall with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to New Life Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Ronald “Ron” Joseph Meyer

Ronald “Ron” Joseph Meyer, a devoted husband, and loving friend to all who knew him, passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the Johnson City Medical Center. He was born on January 8, 1963, in Kokomo, Indiana, and spent his entire working career in construction, where he was known for his hard work and dedication. Ron’s commitment to his craft was matched only by his kind and loving nature, which left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

A veteran of the United States Army, Ron served his country with honor and integrity.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 26 years Judy “Sunshine” Meyer, who stood by him through the joys and challenges of life. He is also survived by his daughters Megan Meyer and Jessica Meyer, as well as three grandchildren. Ron cherished the time spent with his family and was a source of strength and support for them all.

He is remembered by his sisters Renee Sweeney and Debbie Wilson and his brothers Mike Meyer and Denny Meyer. In addition, he leaves behind several nieces and nephews who will carry forward his legacy of kindness and love.

Ron was preceded in death by his father Fred Laverne Meyer, his mother Rita Kay Ripberger Meyer, and his brothers Greg Meyer and Danny Meyer.

As we remember Ron, we celebrate a life well-lived, marked by a commitment to family, hard work, and an unwavering kindness that touched the lives of so many. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In keeping with Ron’s wishes, he will be cremated and no formal services are planned at this time.

Rowlena Sue Blackford

Rowlena Sue Blackford, age 85, of Elwood, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. She was born October 8, 1940, in Anderson to Donald and Mary Jane (Aynes) Trissel.

Rowlena was a proud 1959 graduate of Alexandria High School and spent many formative years attending Frankton Schools. She devoted more than 20 years as a dispatcher for the Elwood Police Department, retiring in 2003.

Rowlena was a woman who deeply adored her family and treasured every moment with them. Yet she also found profound joy and serenity in the quiet comforts of her home. She delighted in building puzzles, playing BINGO, and bowling in local leagues, but her heart was fullest when surrounded by loved ones or enjoying peaceful solitude at home.

Rowlena’s family includes four children Melody (Dave) McCord of Frankton, David (Jim) Blackford of Fort Wayne, Randy (Carmen) Blackford of Elwood, and Doug Blackford of Tipton; brother Dick (Diann) Trissel of Alexandria; eight grandchildren Wendy, Holly, Paul, Devin, Austin, Bailey, Damien, and Hayley; 10 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Donna Cox; and brother Rick Trissel.

Rowlena’s wishes were to be cremated and have no formal services at this time. Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood is honored to handle her arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at copherfeslermay.com

Deborah Elaine Larrison

Deborah Elaine Larrison, a cherished and compassionate soul, passed away on February 14, 2026, at the age of 69. Born on December 13, 1956, in Kokomo, Indiana, she was the beloved daughter of Don and Geneva (Hunter) Hughes.

Deborah was a kind-hearted and generous individual, known for her resilience throughout her life. She attended and graduated from Kokomo High School and pursued further education at Clark’s Beauty School, becoming a hairdresser for many years. Later in life, Deborah expanded her professional pursuits by obtaining a license to sell real estate. She was also a beloved bus driver for Kokomo Schools while engaging in her real estate career.

In 1974, Deborah met the love of her life Mike Larrison, and they married on February 11, 1975. Together, they had two sons Rick and Jason, who were the center of her world.

Deborah had a passion for arts and crafts, and she particularly enjoyed working on puzzles, especially those featuring Thomas Kincaid. Her love for flowers and gardening brought her immense joy and peace.

Surviving to cherish her memory is her loving husband Mike Larrison; son Rick Larrison; mother Geneva Hughes; siblings Denise Werner, Andy (Elissa) Hughes, Jim (Vonda) Hughes, Donald Hughes, and Polly Potter; grandchildren Abby (Philip) Doud, Gracen (Zach) Larrison, Katelyn Larrison, Ricky Larrison, and Ellie Larrison; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son Jason Larrison; father Don Hughes; mother and father-in-law Ellen and Mike Larrison; and brother-in-law Greg Werner.

Deborah Elaine Larrison will be remembered for her resilience and love of life. She fought a hard battle against her illness. Her kindness and compassion she shared with everyone around her, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.