Robert E. Thompson, Malaya Christine Bowen, James “Mike” Michael Hensley, Juan Antonio Gonzalez, Bradley “Brad” Dale Maller
Robert E. Thompson
Mr. Robert E. Thompson was born on January 8, 1945. He passed away on May 28, 2026.
A funeral service for Mr. Thompson will take place on Sat., June 13, 2026, at noon, at Grace Memorial Institutional Church of God in Christ, 1417 N. Delphos St., Kokomo. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until noon at the church prior to the funeral.
Bluitt and Son Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements.
Malaya Christine Bowen
Malaya Christine Bowen, 37, of Windfall, Indiana, passed away on June 4, 2026. She was born on October 25, 1988, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Lester Joseph Bowen Jr. and Gloria (Poertner) Bowen, who both survive.
Malaya was a lover of all nature, especially animals. She enjoyed hiking, being on the water, arts and crafts, listening to music, shopping, and journaling, which all caused her to be late to many events. Malaya always put others before herself and loved everyone she crossed paths with. Her children were her greatest treasure in life.
Left to cherish her memory are her children Aubree Pearce, Xander Corbit, Kannon Corbit, Kayson Corbit, and Brayden Chavez; her life partner Kasey Corbit; her brothers Wayne Cook, Kenny Cook, and Brian Bowen; and her nieces and nephew Bryce Bowen, Lily Bowen, Autumn Cook, and Gabby Cook.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Connie and Floyd Poertner and Caroline and Lester Bowen Sr.
A Celebration of Life will be on June 20 at 6991 N, State Road 213, 46076, from 4-7 p.m. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
James “Mike” Michael Hensley
James “Mike” Michael Hensley, 78, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, at Wesley Manor in Frankfort, IN. Born on November 11, 1947, he was the son of James Leon and Elizabeth (Harland) Hensley. He graduated from Clinton Central High School in 1966. On June 13, 1970, he married Pamela Prickett at the Nazarene Church in Frankfort, and she survives.
Mike enlisted in the Army at Fort Knox, KY, in December of 1966, and honorably discharged in November 1972. During his service, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Mike then attended the 37th session at the Indiana Police Academy and graduated in December 1975. This marked the beginning of his career serving the community of Clinton County for 47 years in various capacities. He was a road deputy, then promoted to DARE Officer for the county schools for many years. Mike then was elected as Sheriff of Clinton County and honorably served for eight years. He went on to serve eight years as Chief Deputy under Sheriff Mark Mitchell. After retirement, Mike was elected a Clinton County Councilman, serving from 2013-present.
He was active in many clubs, on boards and committees including, but not limited to: County Drug Liaison to State Legislature, Sheriff Pension Board, Clinton County Step-Ahead Council, Comprehensive Community Coalition Against Drugs, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Indiana Sheriff’s Association State Secretary/State Trustee/Board of Directors, Leadership Clinton County Board, Nickel Plate Credit Union, Kiwanis Club, FOP, Friendship Village Board, and Clinton County Antique Machinery Club.
Mike also enjoyed part-time farming with Carroll Johnson from 1971-1996. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and tinkering in the barn. His greatest joy was travelling with his wife and spending quality time with his grandkids. He was very patient and enjoyed taking the time to involve the grandkids in whatever he was working on in order to teach them valuable skills.
Along with his wife of 56 years, Pam, he is survived by his children Chad (Sarah) Hensley and Chris (Megan) Hensley and six grandchildren Dyllan, Sydney, Allyson, Ella, Caleb, and Callie. Mike was preceded in death by his parents and brother Steve Hensley.
To honor Mike’s wishes, there will be a private family service only. Stout & Son Funeral Home- Neptune Chapel has been entrusted with cremation.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez
Juan Antonio Gonzalez, who was born on October 21, 1971, in Monterey, Mexico, and passed away on June 4, 2026, in Denver, Indiana, lived a life marked by hard work, faith, laughter, and a deep love for the people around him.
He was the beloved son of Ramon Gonzalez and Michaela Arechiga Gonzalez, both of whom preceded him in death. Juan carried his family’s strength with him throughout his life, and he honored that legacy through the way he worked, the way he loved, and the way he showed up for others. He is survived by Lilia M. Borjas Gonzalez, his daughter Katherine Gonzalez, his son Carlos Gonzalez and Amanda, his grandson Sebastian Gonzalez, and his siblings Flor Gonzalez, Maria Gonzalez, and Ramon Gonzalez. His family was a central part of who he was, and he took great pride in being a son, a brother, a father, and a grandfather.
Juan was a man who knew the value of honest work. He was self-employed in fiber optic communications and through Juan’s Drilling, and he approached both with determination, skill, and a strong sense of responsibility. He understood that work was more than a job. It was a way to build, to provide, and to leave something meaningful behind. He was the kind of man who did not shy away from effort, and he carried himself with the confidence of someone who knew how to get things done. His life was a reminder that success is not only measured by what is accomplished, but by the character shown along the way.
He was also a man of faith, and his Christian beliefs helped guide the way he lived. Juan believed in finding light even in difficult moments, and he had a remarkable ability to find something positive through a negative situation. That outlook made him strong, but it also made him a source of strength for others. People could look to him and find encouragement, because he did not simply speak about resilience. He lived it. He faced life with a wise heart, a passionate spirit, and a sense of humor that could lift the mood of any room.
Juan had many interests that reflected his energetic and adventurous nature. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars, and mechanics, and he loved buying and selling cars. He had a natural connection to heavy machinery and took pride in operating it well. He also enjoyed traveling, tasting good food, especially anything spicy, and listening to music. Some of his happiest moments came from simple joys, including taking his grandson on mower rides, a memory that speaks to the playful and loving side of his personality. He knew how to enjoy life, and he knew how to make ordinary moments feel special.
Those who knew Juan will remember that he had a great sense of humor and a gift for making people laugh. He was funny in a way that brought people together, passionate in the way he lived, and wise in the way he saw the world. He had a presence that could brighten a day and a spirit that could steady a heart. He was the kind of man whose laughter stayed with people, whose words carried weight, and whose example taught others to keep moving forward no matter what life brought.
Juan Antonio Gonzalez leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and joy. His life was a powerful example of what it means to work hard, love deeply, and face each day with courage. He will be remembered not only for what he did, but for who he was. He was a man who brought energy into every space he entered, who valued family above all, and who lived with a heart that was both grounded and generous. His memory will continue to inspire those who loved him to live with purpose, to laugh often, and to find the good even in hard times.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Bradley “Brad” Dale Maller
Bradley “Brad” Dale Maller, 70, of Kokomo, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026, by means of a car accident on I-69 in Allen County. He was born in Bluffton on April 19, 1956, to Dale and Pauline (Williams) Maller. On May 14, 1991, he married Joanne (Hefferon) Maller, and she survives.
Brad was a 1974 graduate of Bluffton High School. Brad worked as a respiratory therapist for more than 40 years. He enjoyed flying recreationally, racing, and camping. In addition, Brad loved being a grandfather and was dedicated to his grandson. He enjoyed being accompanied by his grandson on work outings, playing outside, watching Flight of the Navigator and Columbo, and making s’mores. He also cherished his daily walks with his beloved dog, Mia, who faithfully waits for him still.
Brad was married to Joanne for 35 years. He loved her deeply and devoted himself to building a beautiful life together with her. She was his partner in everything, and she will cherish him in her heart forever. Though her loss is immeasurable, Joanne finds comfort in seeing Brad’s spirit, humor, and love of life radiate through their children every day - a living reminder that he is never truly gone.
Brad was known as energetic, dynamic, and loyal. Brad had many humorous catch phrases, witty jokes, and valued quality time with his family. Everything he did in life he did for his family. He loved them fervently.
Above all, Brad was a man of faith. His relationship with the Lord was the foundation of his life and was deeply important to him. His family takes great comfort in knowing he is in the presence of his Savior, and they look forward to the day they will see him again.
Along with his wife Joanne, he is survived by his children Michael Glenn Lewis of Chicago, IL, Katie Marie (Bryan) Maller of Kokomo, and Hannah Christine (Westin) Hanson of Carmel, grandson Holden Bradley Hanson, brother Jan (Deanna) Maller of Lafontaine, and many nieces and nephews.
Brad was preceded in death by his parents and son Anthony Joseph “AJ” Maller.
Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements.
At this time there are no services scheduled. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, and details will be shared as they are finalized.

