Randolph Meriwether, Thomas Wayne Books, Larry Eugene Crow, Shannon Armes-Wetzel, Matthew Alan Fulwider, Catherine Rebecca (Powell) Funke, Robert Stallings, Wayne “Tom” Charles Latham

Randolph Meriwether

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Randolph Meriwether, formerly of Kokomo. Mr. Meriwether was born on December 31, 1948, and passed away January 21, 2026. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday April 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the UAW Local 1166 Union Hall, 2761 N., County Rd 50 E., Kokomo IN.

Thomas Wayne Books

Thomas Wayne Books, 69, of Peru, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 12, 1957, in Peru, Indiana, to Russell and Edith May (Isenhower) Books. Tom married Kathyrn (Donaldson) Books on March 26, 1977, and they just celebrated 49 years of marriage. Tom retired from Thrush on December 31, 2020, as a Maintenance Supervisor. He was a member of the Converse Church of Christ. Tom enjoyed woodworking, antiquing, muscle cars, and mostly spending time with family.

He is survived by his wife Kathyrn, and their children: Joseph (Cassie) Books of Peru and Victoria (Andre) Ambrose of Peru. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Isabella Chapa of Kokomo, Evelyn Books of Peru, Treson Ambrose of Peru, and Azalea Ambrose of Peru. Tom is also survived by his siblings: Ronnie (Amanda) Books of Lafayette, Jimmy (Patti) Books of Peru, Peggy Dewey of Peru, Sandy (Jeff) Hanes of Ormond Beach, Florida, Eva Mayle of Florida, and Deanna Powers of Wabash, Indiana.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor John Clarke officiating. Burial will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery in Peru.

Memorial contributions in Tom’s honor may be made to the Converse Church of Christ, 301 East Wabash Street, Converse, Indiana 46919.

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

Larry Eugene Crow

Larry Eugene Crow, 86, Greentown, passed away at 11:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was born June 27, 1939, in Kokomo, the son of the late Lauren & Alma (Whitehead) Crow. On August 5, 1962, he married Helen Louise McCain, who preceded him in death on September 1, 2025.

Larry was a graduate of Eastern High School. He did his undergrad at Marion College, now IWU, and went on to earn his master’s in education from Ball State University. He taught for Eastern School Corporation and retired after 35 years. While at Eastern, he taught, coached football and track and was a scorekeeper for the basketball team. He was a sports fanatic, especially football, and looked forward to watching the Indianapolis Colts and the Indiana University Hoosiers play. Larry was well-known around the Eastern community. He learned golf and attended band contests and sporting events. He was a member of a retired teacher group at Eastern called “ROMEO.”

Larry worked for Pioneer Seed in summers where he inspected fields. He enjoyed going to Bible studies and led them in both Indiana and Florida, where he was a member of both Naples Christian Church and Crossroads Community Church. Larry was very family-oriented, stubborn, witty, smart, wise, kind, generous, and had a dry sense of humor. His sarcasm was his love language, and he was very supportive of his daughters and his grandchildren. Larry raised cows, pigs, and chickens and loved camping, fishing, Jesus, and his family. He spent 25 years in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Larry is survived by his daughters Lynelle (Brian) Williams, Laura (Todd) Christlieb, and Laveena (Jonathan) Gibson; grandchildren Madeline Williams, Mariah Williams, Tiffany (Joshua) Carr, Jonas Gibson, and Lauren Gibson; and sister-in-law Sondra Crow, along with several cousins.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents; wife Helen; brother Lowell Crow; and several cousins.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main Street, Greentown. Memorial contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to Crossroads Community Church. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

Shannon Armes-Wetzel

Shannon Armes-Wetzel, 49, of 742 Spruce St., Kulpmont, passed away on April 15, 2026, at her residence.

She was born in Marion Hospital in Indiana on March 27, 1977, to her parents Christopher and Rhonda (Stratton) Armes.

Shannon was a graduate of Kokomo High School in Indiana. For the past six years, Shannon has resided in the Kulpmont area and previously in Shamokin. She was employed as a food prep worker at Burger King in Coal Township.

On March 22, 2024, she married Bob Wetzel in Gas City, Indiana.

Shannon was received into the parish of Church of the Holy Angels during the Easter Vigil this year. She was a member of the Church HALO group and volunteered at the fish dinner during Lent. Shannon enjoyed TikTok, watching movies, riding on the back of a Harley, visiting the beach, and spending time with her cats. She loved music, especially her favorite band The Beatles. She was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs, Green Bay Packers, and Penn State.

Shannon is survived by her husband Bob Wetzel of Kulpmont; two sons Kemah Armes of Selinsgrove and Evan Sprenkel of Middleburg; a daughter Reggi Armes of Pittsburgh; and a sister Holly Woodrum of Kokomo, IN; as well as nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Rhonda Armes; and a brother Christopher “Buddy” Armes II.

Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 11 a.m., with Father Andrew Stahmer officiating in the Church of the Holy Angels, Kulpmont. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Kulpmont. Visitation will be held in the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Church of the Holy Angels, 855 Scott St., Kulpmont, PA 17834. Arrangements are in care of C J Lucas Funeral Home Inc., 1053 Chestnut St., Kulpmont, PA 17834, Ashley P. Doyle, Supervisor. To send condolences to the family, please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com

Matthew Alan Fulwider

Matthew Alan Fulwider, age 42, of Westfield, Indiana, passed away on April 11, 2026.

Born on June 8, 1983, in Noblesville, Indiana, he was the son of John and Sandra Fulwider. He grew up in Tipton, Indiana, where he attended Tipton Community Schools, and later continued his education at Ball State University. Matt worked as a cook in many kitchens and pursued his passion for becoming a chef. Cooking was truly one of his greatest joys.

Matt was known for his big heart and kind soul. He loved to laugh and be silly with kids, bringing smiles wherever he went. He had a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed spending time with his dogs. As a boy, he could often be found climbing trees, fishing, and exploring the woods around his parents’ home. He found his greatest happiness in time spent with family, especially his children. Matt also loved launching model rockets, sitting around a good bonfire, and lighting fireworks with those he loved.

Matt is survived by Cinthya Fulwider and his three beloved children Isabel Rose, Darcy Rae, and Dorian Gray; his sister Carey Fulwider (Jeremy), and nieces Lainey, Ansley, and Hadley Mendenhall.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Morris and Wilma Pearson, Maxine Boyer, and Charles Fulwider, along with cousins who left this world too soon.

A Celebration of Life open house will be held on June 7, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sheridan Public Library, 103 West 1st Street, Sheridan, Indiana, where family and friends are invited to come and go, share memories, and honor Matt.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hamilton County 4-H Rocketry Program.

Matt is now at peace, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Fisher Family Funeral Services is honored to care for the Fulwider Family, everyone is invited to sign the online guestbook, leave a condolence or share a memory at www.fisherfamilyfunerals.com

Catherine Rebecca (Powell) Funke

On April 17, 2026, Catherine Rebecca (Powell) Funke, 90, peacefully passed away at IU Health Tipton Hospital, Tipton, Indiana, after a brief illness.

Catherine was born on December 12, 1935, in West Palm Beach, Florida, and grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. Her parents were Ralph Fuller Powell and Victoria Catherine (Ondrusek) Powell. In 1954, Catherine met a handsome young sailor by the name of William Joseph Funke. On January 15, 1955, Bill and Catherine were married at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Jacksonville, Florida, and were married for 57 years before Bill passed away in 2012.

Catherine was predeceased by her husband, her parents, and her brother Thomas Fuller Powell. She is survived by her children Amy Claire, David Funke, Melanie Gall, Susan Funke, Karen (Matthew) Hum, Sarah Funke (Scott Reecer), and Andrew (Julie) Funke; and grandchildren Jennifer Watkins, Tyler Jackson, Catherine (Ryan) Sterling, Nathanial Claire, Colleen Claire (Alan Czerwinski), Emily Gall (Patrick Simms), and Jacob Hum.

There will be a private viewing and burial. Catherine will be laid to rest next to Bill at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Tipton, Indiana.

Memorial contributions in Catherine’s honor may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church, 335 Mill Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072, or to the Humane Society of Tipton County, P.O. Box 237, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Funke family. Online condolences may be left on Catherine’s obituary page at www.young-nichols.com

Catherine’s family would like to extend their sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of IU Health Tipton Hospital and Guardian Angel Hospice for their care and compassion.

Robert Stallings

Robert Stallings, 74, of Kokomo, passed into the arms of our Father on April 16, 2026. He was born on September 23, 1951.

He is survived by his lifetime best friend and partner Lisa Miller Edson, stepdaughters September Kelts, Lilly Miller, Megan Kelts, stepson Michael Pugh, a godson named Legend Miller; a brother, a.k.a. best friend, Carl Hornbeak, his best friend Isaiah Walker, and grandson Thomas Edson.

Robert is now flying in Heaven with his mother and father.

Robert was loved by many. No matter who he came across or what they were going through, his smile would light up the room. Robert loved drinking coffee with his best friend Christian Scalf and watching his news. He overcame his past life and became the man he always wanted to be.

He attended the United States Army. He wanted to do whatever he could to make a better life for his stepchildren, himself, and his life partner. He would always say, “Life is to be cherished. Time goes by fast, but you are the pilot.” He cherished his children and family. Most of all, he wanted to show no matter what you come across in life, it’s never too late.

“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.”

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

Wayne “Tom” Charles Latham

Wayne “Tom” Charles Latham, 77, of New Haven, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, with his daughter by his side. He was born on November 17, 1948, in Fostoria, Ohio, to Charles and Mary (Latham) Lewallen. Tom was raised in Fostoria along with his 15 siblings.

Tom was a graduate of Fostoria High School and spent much of his life as a dedicated and hardworking machinist. He worked for more than 25 years at Dana Fort Wayne and also at Atlas Crankshaft in Fostoria, where he took great pride in his craft and the work he accomplished with his hands.

On December 28, 1993, Tom married Rosemary Reidenbach, who preceded him in death on November 18, 2025. Together, they shared years of companionship, love, and quiet devotion.

Tom was a man who found joy in the simple things in life. He had a deep appreciation for gardening and could often be found tending to his plants with care and patience. He also had a passion for classic muscle cars, admiring their power, design, and timeless appeal. True to his nature, Tom was a quiet soul who preferred meaningful moments over small talk and never sought attention or a big fuss, he simply valued being present with those he loved.

He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children Andrea Shoaf, Tony (Nicole) Latham, Shantell (Steve) Stoodt, and Shelly (Tony) Huff; his stepchildren Kari (Aaron) Clinkenbeard, Christopher (Heather) Forsberg, Elizabeth (Terry) Krugh, and Philip (Susanne) Forsberg; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will cherish his memory.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rosemary Latham; his parents Charles and Mary Lewallen; and his stepson James Forsberg.

Tom will be remembered for his steady presence, his strong work ethic, and the quiet way he showed his love to those around him. Though he did not seek the spotlight, his life left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Tom’s family in their time of need.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”