Lawrence “Larry” Robert Darlin, Danny Kaye Davis, Gary Gene Deavers, Mattie Gayle Patterson, Jeremy Calvin Heilman, Scott Beatty, Rev. Carl Siktberg

Lawrence “Larry” Robert Darlin

Lawrence “Larry” Robert Darlin, 89, of Kokomo, passed away Sunday, August 2, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on August 31, 1936, the son of Joseph and Mildred (King) Darlin. On April 22, 1966, he married Doris Allison, who preceded him in death on April 11, 1999.

Larry started working at nine years of age, helping his father drive an ice truck to deliver ice around Kokomo. He worked at a variety of jobs throughout his youth and teens and gave all or most of his money to his mother to help support his family, keeping only enough out for a movie or a candy bar. He loved living close to his cousins, and they had some wild experiences. During this time of his life, he said he was always surrounded by love. That was where he learned to love his family so well.

He was a 1954 graduate of Kokomo High School. He earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice and a bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences and graduated from Indiana University of Kokomo in 1976. He went to work immediately after high school at the pottery for a few years before he was hired at Stellite. In 1962 he became a member of the Kokomo Police Department, where he retired in 1988 as the Chief of Police. During his time there, he served in almost every area available, all the time working to improve conditions for the officers of the department and the way they serve the community. His service to the city of Kokomo didn’t end there. After he retired, he was the personnel director for the city of Kokomo from 1988-1994 and then the city controller from 1994-2000. Larry attended Morning Star Church. He was the president of the Salvation Army Board of Directors for seven years and was on the YMCA board for six years. He was a 1978 graduate of the FBI National Academy. Larry also coached Little League at Lafayette Park, Southeast Park, and Taylor.

Throughout his life, racquetball, tennis, running, and pickleball were his physical games of choice, and they kept him busy! One of his greatest joys was his daily motorcycle rides with his younger brother Tom. They would ride in the countryside for hours, stopping for the occasional donut and Diet Coke. Every Friday at noon he would be found at Louie’s Coney Island, surrounded by friends, some he had known since his grade school days, enjoying a bake with extra onions. He loved his life. His laughter, positive outlook, and his genuine compassion for others drew people to him who loved him.

Family meant everything to him. From his birth to his last breath, he was surrounded by love. There were many personal tragedies in his life, but despite them all, he continued to say, “I am so blessed.” His trust in Jesus never wavered, and he knew from where all his blessings came.

Larry is survived by his children Laurie (Samuel) Weirauch, Larry R. (Virginia) Darlin II, Larkin E. (Mary) Fourkiller, and Tye R. (Melissa) Darlin; grandchildren Jordon Ousley, Leslie Darlin, Lawrence J. Darlin, Danielle Darlin, Lorne H.D. Darlin, Larkin M.H. Fourkiller, Joshua Fourkiller, Charlie Fourkiller, Jaxson Darlin, Brooklyne Titus, and Landon Grimm; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews and nieces who loved their uncle immensely.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife Doris; daughter Tonya Darlin; son Lorne E. Darlin; brothers Joseph Darlin Jr., Donald Darlin, James Darlin, and Tom Darlin; sisters Frances Fisher, Patricia Burton, and Judy Crull; and grandson Champ Darlin.

A funeral service celebrating Larry’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2026, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, 1105 S. Waugh Street, Kokomo, IN 46902 or to Cops 4 Kidz/David Foster Lodge FOP, 102 W Markland Ave, Kokomo, IN 46901. Messages of condolence may be made at www.shirleyandstout.com. In addition, if there are those who wish to write down a memory or story about Larry for the family, you will be able to write those at the Shirley & Stout Funeral Home and leave in a box there for that purpose.

Danny Kaye Davis

Danny Kaye Davis, 66, of Tipton, entered this world on October 3, 1959, in Tipton. His parents were Jessie N. & Lula M. (Gipson) Davis. He married Susan Kay Hufford on September 10, 1983, and after 43 years of marriage, he passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at home.

He was a graduate of Tipton High School in the Class of 1977. He is probably most remembered for his athletic ability and for making it to the State Finals in Wrestling. After high school he went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps. Danny was self-employed in the concrete business as the owner of Indiana Concrete Specialties, Inc.

When he found free time, he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandchildren Riggs, Dottie, and Posie. He was so proud of them. His family was very special to him. Danny also enjoyed traveling.

Survivors besides his wife Susan include his two children Sarah Davis and Daniel Davis, both of Tipton; his four siblings Jackie Cardin and husband Brent of Tipton, Linda Davenport and husband Jeff of Indianapolis, Joyce Smith and husband Richie of Tipton, and Jerry Davis and wife Annette of Tipton. Danny has three grandchildren Riggs, Dottie, and Posie Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Larry.

Funeral services are planned for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home, with Scott Friend as the Celebrant. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery with military honors by the United States Marine Corps and the Tipton American Legion. Visitation will also be on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to serve the Davis family. Please leave online condolences for Danny’s family on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Memorial contributions in honor of Danny may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County, 341 W. Jefferson Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072 or the Tipton Wrestling Club, 2291 E. 500 North, Windfall, Indiana, 46076.

Gary Gene Deavers

Gary Gene Deavers, age 76, of Elwood was called to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior on August 3, 2026. Gary was born February 12, 1950, to Bernard and Mary (Jackson) Deavers in Anderson, IN.

On June 20, 1970, he married the true love of his life Kathy Morris. They shared 56 wonderful years together. He was a member of Heritage Christian Church of Elwood. Gary enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 9, 1968, and proudly served three years for our country. Gary served one year in Vietnam from September 1968 to September 1969. Gary was always so proud to be a U.S. Army veteran. He proudly flew the American flag in his front yard for all to see. After three years of serving in the U.S. Army, Gary was discharged with an honorable discharge.

Upon returning home from Vietnam, he met his life-long sweetheart Kathy only three days later. They were inseparable. This is when their love story began.

Gary was employed at Chrysler Transmission Plant in Kokomo, IN, for 38 years. After 24 years of working at Chrysler, Gary finally got his “gravy job” of driving a fork truck for 14 years. Gina and Heather, his girls, nicknamed it his “donut” truck because mom always sent donuts to work with him, and with a cup of coffee sitting on his “donut” truck, it was the best job break ever!

Gary retired from Chrysler in November 2008. Gary retired to help take care of his father-in-law J.T. Morris. Together, Gary and Kathy cared for her mom Eileen and her dad J.T. until their passing.

Gary loved watching NASCAR races and football; of course, the Colts. His favorite drivers were Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Kyle Busch. Gary loved the home that he and Kathy bought in 1978, raised both their girls there, and still lived there; the home their grandkids know as Mamaw and Papaw’s house. This was “home” to all of them.

Kathy was truly the love of his life. Gary had several “special” little names for her, like “Sugar Bear” and “Giggle Box” and always called her his “One and Only.” Gary and Kathy went through life “hand in hand” from the early ages of 16 and 19. They planned their lives together and had their “Happily Ever After.”

Gary loved his girls Gina and Heather with all his heart. Most men would want to have a son, but not Gary. Kathy blessed him with two blonde-haired, blue-eyed girls. He was so happy because he always said that by having girls they would stay close to home, and they have. Gary loved going to any softball games or activities “his girls” participated in. From there, he went to as many events for their grandkids as possible.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Kathy of 56 years. They shared many years walking through this life “hand in hand” together. They were blessed with two daughters Gina Eileen and husband (Wayne) Schoettmer of Elwood, and Heather Renae and husband (Danny) Davis, also of Elwood; five grandchildren Katelynn (Kevin) Lloyd of Mooresville, IN, Maranda (Dillon) Pitcher of Hagerstown, IN, Colton Davis of Elwood, IN, Braxton Davis of Anderson, IN, and Tryceton Davis of Elwood, IN; one great-grandson Easton Pitcher of Hagerstown, IN; three great-granddaughters Kinsley Davis of Elwood, IN, and Aubri and Julianna Pitcher of Hagerstown, IN; one sister Phyllis Charles (David) of Ferndale, MI; and two brothers Bernard Deavers (Judy) of Fairmount, IN, and Tim Deavers (Terri) of Hartford City, IN.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Mary Deavers; and brothers Larry Deavers, Wayne Deavers, and Phillip Deavers. He was also preceded in death by a special son-in-law Jerry Deavers (called Gary’s partner in crime); great-grandson Henry Lee Lloyd; father and mother-in-law J.T. and Eileen Morris; and sisters-in-law Dola Morris and Tammy Whitecotton.

Visitation will be held Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dunnichay Funeral Home in Elwood, IN. Services will follow with full Military Honors and Rev. Roger Gardner of Heritage Christian Church of Elwood officiating. Burial will take place in the Elwood City Cemetery directly following services.

Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society through Dunnichay Funeral Home.

Mattie Gayle Patterson

Mattie Gayle Patterson 65, transitioned Saturday, July 18 2026, in Indianapolis, IN, surrounded by her family. Mattie was born in Los Angeles, California, January 3, 1961. She is preceded in passing by her birth mother Bernice Pettigrew. Mattie was raised by Ruby and Jim McDonald, who survive her.

Mattie is also survived by her husband Cloyd W. Patterson, whom she married on March 23, 1982. Mattie is also survived by her son Cloyd J. (44); daughter Alexis (41); grandsons James (18) and Beau (13); brothers Hanz and Daryl; sister Vadis; and fur baby Femi.

Mattie became a member of the United States Marine Corps in 1980. She was honorably discharged in 1984. In 1990, she joined the United States Air Force Reserve Unit at Grissom RAFB, north of Kokomo, IN. She worked in the Intelligence division, where she was deployed for “Operation Enduring Freedom.” Mattie achieved the rank of Master Sergeant and was honorably discharged from the Air Force Reserve in June 2011.

Mattie and Cloyd moved to Kokomo in 1986, where Mattie worked at Ivy Tech Kokomo until 1997 when they moved to Indianapolis. While working, Mattie continued her education and earned her Master’s Degree in Computer Information. Mattie retired from ILabs computer contracting in the summer of 2025.

Mattie lived a full, impressive, and remarkable life. She was a loving wife, a nurturing mother, caring daughter, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and friend. She truly was a beautiful woman inside and out. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, optimism, courage, and resilience.

She will be loved and forever missed by her family, loved ones, and friends.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Lavenia & Summers Home for Funerals on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. (Eastern time). A Memorial Service will follow at 1 p.m.

Jeremy Calvin Heilman

Jeremy Calvin Heilman, 48, of Galveston, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born July 26, 1978, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to John P. and Sandra K. (Radcliffe) Heilman.

Jeremy enjoyed fishing, tossing horseshoes, camping, collecting old coins — especially old pennies — gardening, and his dogs. He is survived by his parents John and Sandra Heilman of Indianapolis; his former wife Diane Heilman of Galveston; and siblings John P. Heilman III and Kimberly D. Heilman. He is also survived by nephews Luk Heilman, John P. Heilman IV, and Ethan and Evan Brawand. He will be missed by his many friends and family.

Jeremy will be laid to rest in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City, Michigan. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com

Scott Beatty

Scott was a proud business owner for most of his adult life. He had a few businesses. He owned The Steel Inn Bar in Kokomo, IN, for many years until it was sadly burned down in an arsonist fire in May 2004. Then he opened Scotty’s Bar and Grill, also in Kokomo. He ran that until he had to close the doors for good in 2010. Scott loved being a business owner and loved having Karaoke and local bands play at his bars. Scott loved music, playing guitar, and golf. He shared his love of these things with his only son.

He was a very proud Papaw to four grandchildren Andrew Cooper Jr., Jaxson “Turtle” Ross, MaKyya Bowlin, and KayLynn Haring.

He is survived by his daughter Krista “Sissy” Beatty and son-in-law Derrek Haring and their three kids Andrew, Jaxson “Turtle,” and KayLynn, his younger daughter Alyssa “Annie” Beatty and son-in-law AJ Bowlin and their daughter MaKyya Bowlin, his sister Susan Deveaux (TN), and brother Bill “Billy” Beatty Jr.

Scott had a big family and had many cousins who he loved and always looked forward to seeing.

He is preceded in death by his wife Michelle Beatty, son Nicholas “Nick” Beatty, mother Theodosia “Dodie” Webb, stepfather Wayne Webb, his father William “Bill” Beatty, and his brothers James “Jimmy” Beatty and Guy David Webb.

Scott was such a good, kindhearted, hardworking man, and no matter how bad things got, he remained optimistic. He always saw the brighter side of things. He saw the beauty in each and every day. Scott Beatty was a great man, and he will always be in our hearts.

Rev. Carl Siktberg

The Rev. Carl Siktberg, 96, of West Springfield, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, in Chicopee, MA, after several years of declining health. Born on June 17, 1930, in Bennetts Switch, Indiana, Carl lived a life devoted to faith, learning, family, music, and service to others.

Carl was the youngest of four sons born to Con and Hazel Siktberg. He grew up in Bennetts Switch, where his father owned a general store. Carl had a wonderful sense of adventure and infused everything he did with humor, humility, and quiet determination. The close-knit values of his rural Indiana upbringing shaped the kindness, generosity, and compassion that defined his life.

After graduating from Kokomo High School, Carl attended Taylor University before continuing his theological studies at Columbia University Theological Seminary in New York City. There he met Donella Grobe, whom he later married. Together, they raised two sons Nathan and Daniel.

Carl answered God’s call to ministry and faithfully served United Methodist congregations for more than four decades. His pastoral appointments included Chester, Indiana; Glastonbury, Connecticut; Coventry, Rhode Island; the Methodist churches of Martha’s Vineyard in Edgartown, Oak Bluffs, and Chilmark; Southwick, Massachusetts; and South Hadley, Massachusetts. He also devoted many summers to Camp Aldersgate in North Scituate, Rhode Island, where he joyfully served children and adults with special needs. Although he retired from full-time ministry in 1995, his dedication to serving others never truly ended.

Throughout his ministry, Carl was known as a compassionate pastor who welcomed everyone with kindness and respect. Long before it became widely accepted, he encouraged his congregations to embrace LGBTQ people and support same-sex marriage, believing that God’s love and grace were meant for all. Many parishioners remember him as a thoughtful listener, a gentle counselor, and a steady source of encouragement during life’s joys and hardships.

A gifted scholar, Carl had a lifelong passion for biblical Greek. He translated portions of the Bible multiple times, mentored many Greek students, and delighted in sharing the richness of Scripture through its original language. His commitment to the church also extended beyond the pulpit. He made the largest single contribution in the history of the Preachers’ Aid Society of New England, reflecting his deep concern for the well-being of fellow clergy and their families.

Music brought Carl great joy. An accomplished trombonist, he performed with numerous bands throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. One of his greatest pleasures was playing with the Martha’s Vineyard Summer Band alongside his sons Nathan and Daniel for 10 years while also serving as the band’s librarian.

Photography was another of Carl’s passions. While living on Martha’s Vineyard, he created a documentary-style slideshow of island life that can still be viewed on YouTube Martha’s Vineyard 1960s-’70s Slideshow. He also lovingly produced family slide shows chronicling summers spent in Bennetts Switch, Indiana, where generations of family and friends gathered each year. Those productions became affectionately known as “Con’s Campground.”

Carl’s talents extended well beyond ministry and music. He was an exceptional craftsman and woodworker who remodeled kitchens in nearly every parsonage where his family lived and built beautiful furniture and picture frames that remain treasured by family and friends. He loved gardening, raising vegetables for canning, and preferred riding his bicycle whenever possible.

Travel remained one of Carl’s lifelong joys. He especially treasured trips to Israel and the Holy Land, Alaska, and the American West with his beloved brother Bill, Bill’s wife Laura, and their families.

In retirement, Carl remained active in the life of Trinity United Methodist Church in Springfield, Massachusetts. He faithfully sang in the choir and participated for many years in the church’s annual Boar’s Head Festival performances.

Carl is survived by his sons Nathan of Reading, Massachusetts, and Daniel and his wife Barbara, of Freedom, New Hampshire; his three beloved grandchildren Hannah, Nathan, and Sarah; and his dear friend Ruth Dickinson and her son Brent, whose love and support enriched Carl’s later years. He was preceded in death by his former wife Donella Siktberg; his parents Con and Hazel Siktberg; and his brothers Connie, Dan, and Bill.

Carl’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his ministry, scholarship, generosity, music, and unwavering compassion. He believed deeply in welcoming others, serving with humility, and living out his faith through love in action. His family, friends, former parishioners, students, and colleagues will remember him as a kind and thoughtful man whose wisdom, warmth, gentle humor, and quiet strength enriched every community he served.

A memorial service celebrating Carl’s life will be held at Trinity UMC in Springfield MA at a date TBD.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Carl’s memory may consider making a donation to a charity or ministry that reflects his lifelong commitment to faith, education, inclusion, and service.