Lawrence “Larry” Gene Newlin, Barbara “Barb” Kay Arredondo, Robert Owen Brinson, Earl Arthur “Sonny” Plake, Robert Wayne Creed

Lawrence “Larry” Gene Newlin

Lawrence “Larry” Gene Newlin, 89, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Born on May 10, 1936, in New London, Indiana, Larry lived a full life defined by hard work, loyal friendships, a love of the open road, and a deep devotion to his family.

Larry graduated from Western High School in Russiaville, Indiana, in 1954 and went on to attend Purdue University, where he developed the technical skills that would shape his career. He joined Chrysler Corporation as a draftsman before advancing into management and vendor relations, where he traveled extensively across the country, visiting the foundries and machine shops that supplied parts for Chrysler vehicle transmissions. Over those many miles and years, the vendors and craftsmen he worked alongside became some of his closest and most enduring friends — relationships he cherished and maintained long into his retirement. In all, Larry devoted a remarkable 46 years to Chrysler, retiring in 2001.

From his earliest childhood, Larry had a passion for Lionel trains, a love he nurtured and carried with him throughout his entire life, building a treasured collection along the way. That same hands-on spirit extended to his workshop, where he was a skilled and gifted woodworker, taking pride in the things he built and the craft he honed over many years.

Few things brought Larry as much joy as automobiles. His prized 1955 Ford Thunderbird was the crown jewel of his collection, earning him numerous trophies at car shows over the years and surrounding him with a community of fellow enthusiasts he truly cherished. He also loved spending time at his cottage and out on the water, boating on Lake Shafer. An adventurous spirit, Larry enjoyed traveling with his dear friend and partner Ruth Ford and completed the Mackinaw Bridge Walk on several occasions — a tradition he embraced with characteristic enthusiasm. He was also a proud and passionate fan of Purdue athletics, always ready to cheer on the Boilermakers.

Larry was preceded in death by his father Eugene Morris Newlin; his mother Minerva Opal (Roth) Newlin; his sister Marilyn (Newlin) Lamb; his brother-in-law Robert Lamb; his niece Sheri Lynne (Lamb) Kiser; his son Anthony “Tony” Lawrence Newlin; and his dear friend and partner Ruth Ford.

He is survived by his four sons Jon Newlin and his wife Julie of New London, Indiana; Jeff Newlin and his wife Christine of Atlanta, Georgia; Mike Newlin of Birmingham, Alabama; and Chad Newlin of Buffalo, Indiana. He is also survived by eight beloved grandchildren: Nicholas and Natalie Newlin (children of Jon and Julie); Henry, Mary Beth, and William Newlin (children of Jeff and Christine); Ella Newlin (daughter of Mike); and Nathanial and Hannah Newlin (children of Chad); as well as his nieces Joanna (Lamb) Turner and Velda (Lamb) Kughen.

Larry Newlin was a man who took great joy in the things he built, the cars he drove, the trains he collected, and the people he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A private graveside service will take place in New London Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, heart.org, in Larry’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Barbara “Barb” Kay Arredondo

Barbara “Barb” Kay Arredondo, 78, of Kokomo passed away on March 20, 2026, at 1:49 p.m. She was born on March 3, 1948, in Shelbina, Missouri, to Charles Bell and Eula (Pruden) Bell. She married David “Dave” Arredondo on July 9, 1994, in Kokomo, IN, and he preceded her in death on October 31, 2020.

Barb worked many jobs throughout her lifetime. She was a waitress, cleaner, quality inspector, and tax specialist for H&R Block. Her favorite “job” was being a homemaker. She devoted herself to taking care of her family. She was the cook of the family; no one ever left her house hungry. She loved to be outside, working in her garden. She also enjoyed volunteering at New Life Church.

Barb had a huge heart and always wanted to take care of everyone. She was a 1971 graduate of Lewis Cass High School. She later went on to complete a four-year degree at Ivy Tech Community College.

Barb is survived by her daughter Rachael Arredondo (Tarina), nieces Christina, Linda, and Amber Eytcheson, Tina Johnson (Holly Knight), and Katrina Hancock (Steve Moss), stepson Kayne Arredondo (Amanda), and grandson Elijah Haworth, along with many more nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Barb is preceded in death by her parents, beloved foster mother Norene Goodwin, sisters Roberta Eytcheson and Beverly Thomas, her brother Robert Willson Jr., and her loving husband David Arredondo.

A funeral service celebrating Barb’s life will begin 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at New Life Church, 1803 E. Vaile Ave., Kokomo, IN 46901, officiated by Pastor Devin Galloway. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Robert Owen Brinson

Robert Owen Brinson, 83, of Goshen, died Monday, March 23, 2026.

He was born March 14, 1943, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Fred O. and Leah M. (Elkins) Brinson.

On November 7, 1965, he married Sherry (Coleman) Brinson; she preceded him in death in 2019.

Robert is survived by his sons Robert Theodore “Ted” (Dea) Brinson of Tucson, Arizona, Anthony “Tony” (Aimee) Brinson of Syracuse, Indiana, and Jay Kessler of Castle Pines, Colorado; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his sister Janice Stark of Kokomo, Indiana.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Alan “Jay” Brinson and Fred Brinson.

Robert worked in the automotive industry for 30 years with General Motors as a skilled tradesman specializing in machine repair. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving three years. He was a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and attended St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. He graduated from Kokomo High School in 1961 and later earned his associate degree.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, with a funeral service to follow at 12 p.m. Burial of cremated remains will take place at Marion National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

Yoder-Culp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Earl Arthur “Sonny” Plake

Earl Arthur “Sonny” Plake, 92, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

The family will receive friends between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett. Graveside service will follow at Burkburnett Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Burkburnett.

Sonny was born in Tipton, Indiana, to Arthur “Ditty” and Ruby (Burris) Plake on October 28, 1933. His grandparents were Bill and Mary (Sallee) Plake and Clyde and Dora Ellen (Price) Burris. He attended schools in Tipton, completing high school while serving in the United States Navy. Sonny graduated from Wayland Baptist College while serving in the United States Air Force at Sheppard A.F. Base in Texas. He also served in the Indiana National Guard in Tipton, the U.S. Navy for four years, and he retired while in the U.S. Air Force, with 22 years in total.

In September 1955, Earl and Cyrilyn Kay “Lynn” Welcher married at a church near Patuxent River Naval Station in Maryland. In a few months, his tour was over, and the couple moved back to Anderson, Indiana, and were both employed by National Tile. Their first child Janel Elaine was born in October 1956. In June of 1957, Earl enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was sent to Texas for basic training and instruction. He and his family were blessed to live in several different states, including two more trips to Sheppard A.F. Base, and 15 months at Goose Bay, Labrador.

During the next few years, they were in Nebraska and Texas. They were also blessed with two more children Jeffrey Earl and Joel Eric Plake. When SAC moved from Sheppard, Sonny and his family were transferred to Eielson A.F. Base near Fairbanks, Alaska. It was a great adventure for all the family. Sonny retired from military life in 1973. The family was excited to be moving back to the Wichita Falls area. They found a home in Burkburnett, and Sonny began his 35-year career with ENJJPT Program at Sheppard, retiring in 2009. After retirement, Sonny began a career as a Hydraulic Specialist at Sheppard A.F. Base and also drove a church bus to pick up children for the Burkburnett Church of Christ services.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; his brothers Charles, Jack, and Terry Plake; his sisters Sherry and Arletta; his brothers-in-law Earl Wylie, Captain William Osborn, Major James Osborn, Bill Morrison, and Paul Baxter; his nieces Danette Plake and Tracie Plake; his nephews Barry Plake, Bill Osborn, and Joe Osborn; and many cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is survived by his loving wife Cyrilyn “Lynn” Plake; his children Janel and Don Coker, Jeff and Elaine Plake, and Joel and Heather Plake; his grandchildren Ben and Donette Coker, Grady Don Coker, Holly Plake, Becca and Colt Churchwell, Anthon and Bailey Plake, and Crystalyn and Nick Alamilla; his great-grandchildren Zeke and Eli Coker, Emma Coker, and Elaine Anna and Esther Arwen Alamilla. He also leaves behind his sisters Jeanne Wiley and Vickie Dickey and husband Fred and family; sisters-in-law Carol Plake and Cassandra Plake; and several dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Sonny was a member of 10th & Broad Church of Christ in Wichita Falls. For those desiring, the family requests memorials be made in honor of Sonny to the Missions Programs at 10th & Broad COC, 1319 10th St., Wichita Falls, TX 76301; Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4400 Cypress Ave., Wichita Falls, TX 76310; or to any Veterans group of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com

Robert Wayne Creed

Robert Wayne Creed, 79, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed on away March 22, 2026. He was born on June 6, 1946, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of William Howard and Pauline Jean (Clear) Creed.

Bob loved going to church and singing in the choir. Bob was a very social man and truly never met a stranger. He leaves behind a legacy of giving and always putting others before himself.

Left to cherish his memory is his sister Beverly Nichols; sister-in-law Janice Creed; and many, many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife Linda Creed.

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 W. Alto Road, Kokomo from 11:00 a.m. until the start of funeral services at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.