Obituaries, April 11, 2026

Written on 04/11/2026


Rick “Rickey” Lee Cannon, Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Thieke, Felix Michael Spitznogle, Matthew Lex Clark

Rick “Rickey” Lee Cannon

Rick “Rickey” Lee Cannon, 71, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:44 a.m., Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Hospital. He was born on June 11, 1954, the son of Howard and Madonna (Love) Cannon. On January 12, 1973, he married Debbie Todd at Oakland Christian Church. Debbie preceded him in death on February 8, 2018.

Rickey was a 1972 graduate of Clinton Central High School. He attended Lincoln Tech where he earned an A.S.E. Certification. Rickey worked as a machine operator at Carter Fuel Systems for 18 years. He enjoyed fishing, camping in his earlier years, and cooking, especially smoking meat for other people. Rickey had attended the Indy 500 more than 50 times. He loved his Dodge Ram 1996 that he had for 26 years. Rickey loved spending time with his family and friends.

Rickey is survived by his daughter Anna (Ron) Whybrew; grandchildren Ronnie Whybrew, Rose Cannon, and Jerry Cannon; sisters Sheila, Kay, and Beckie.

Along with his wife Debbie, he was preceded in death by his parents Howard and Madonna Cannon; brothers Gregory and Buddy; and daughter-in-law Christina Cannon.

A funeral service celebrating Rickey’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Mark Engle officiating. Entombment in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery will follow. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, April 13, 2026, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Thieke

Elizabeth “Liz” Ann Thieke, 82, of Forest, passed on April 8, 2026, at her residence. She was born on August 23, 1943, to the late Robert Lee and Arie Elizabeth Chester.

Liz retired from Clinton Central Elementary as a custodian after many years of employment. She was a longtime member and very involved in her church, Souls’ Harbor Missionary Baptist Church in Frankfort. Liz enjoyed spending time outdoors listening to her windchimes, watching butterflies, and mowing her yard. Liz was known as a very loving and generous person. Above all, she was devoted to her family.

Surviving are her children Kandie (LeRoy) Smith of Lafayette, Pamela (Garey) Harrison of Kokomo, and Tammy Thieke of Kokomo; grandchildren Trent Hale, Heather Hale, Tiffany Smith, Justin Evans, Shelbe Evans, Travis Thieke, and Sarah Thieke; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers Beckum (Betty) Chester of Salisbury, Missouri, and Gobel (Irma) Chester of Forest; sister Frances Surber of Forest; and many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death is her first husband Robert Thieke; second husband Mike Whiteman; a grandson; great-grandson Mason Hale; and a great great-grandchild.

There will be a time of visitation for Liz on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo. Burial will follow to Albright Cemetery.



Felix Michael Spitznogle

Felix Michael Spitznogle, 75 years old, of Kokomo, IN, passed away 12:28 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. He was born in Logansport, IN, on October 29, 1950, the son of the late Cletus and Mary Alice (Pinder) Spitznogle.

Felix was the Valedictorian of 1968 class of Lewis Cass High School. He attended Lincoln Tech following high school. He worked as an electric motor winder for Tweedy Electric. He proudly served our country in the United States Navy. Felix loved to fish, garden, and be outdoors. He was always smiling and a friend to everyone he met, including all his grandkids’ friends. His favorite saying was “peace love dove.” He would flash the peace sign often and always when he left family, he would say he loved them and gave them the I love you sign with his hand.

He is survived by his daughter Alissa (Kenny) Phillips; grandchildren Kyle Harrison, Michael (Michelle) Harrison, Christopher Harrison, Emily Harrison, and Kelsey Phillips; great-granddaughters Elli Harrison, Nora Harrison, and Remi Harrison; siblings Christine Toole, Susan (Dennis) Strait, Leo (Lucy) Spitznogle, and Judi (Rick) Lucas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Patricia Spitznogle and Ralph Spitznogle; brother-in-law Joe Toole.

A graveside service celebrating Felix’s life will begin 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Mount Hope Cemetery, 1800 Grant Street, Logansport, IN 46947. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Logansport American Legion Honor Guard. A meal will follow the graveside service at Westside Diner in Logansport. Hasler – Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.



Matthew Lex Clark

Matthew Lex Clark, known affectionately as Matt, passed away on April 9, 2026, at the age of 68, in Galveston, Indiana. Born on February 28, 1958, Matt was a longtime resident of Sharpsville and graduated from Tri-Central High School in 1977.

Matt dedicated 25 years of his career to Martin Marietta as a haul truck driver and loader operator, a role he performed with diligence and pride. Beyond his professional life, Matt was a man of simple pleasures and diverse interests. His passion and connection to the Native American history throughout his life led to him participating in 1840 reenactments, which allowed him to connect with history in a vibrant, hands-on manner. Fishing and camping were his go-to activities for relaxation and enjoyment of nature. Matt spent 18 years camping at Hidden Lake Campground. He enjoyed and was known for cooking over an open fire, a talent he shared with many. Matt had a notable passion for antique tractors, reflecting his appreciation for history and mechanics.

A lover of chocolate milkshakes, Matt also took great joy in the small, sweet moments of life, such as tasting his granddaughter’s cakes and cookies. He was a supportive figure in his family, often seen cheering on his grandson in bowling, supporting him “a dollar at a time.”

Matt was a sincere and open-hearted man, always wearing his heart on his sleeve, which made him beloved by many.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Brenda; daughters Tasha Cohee (Brad) and Shannon McLochlin (Dean Richards); son Shane McLochlin; and grandchildren Shadd McLochlin, Drake McLochlin, Dakota Cohee (Brooke Riley), Josie Carden, Laine McLochlin, and Chloe (Kevin) Todd. Matt was preceded in death by his parents Phillip and Phyllis Clark; brother Todd Clark; grandson Brendon Carden; and son Shawn McLochlin.

A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at his daughter’s home in Sharpsville, honoring his memory and the joy he brought to those around him. His legacy of kindness, simple pleasures, and love for his family will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.