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In memory of our classmates who
have passed away, we will always
remember how they touched our lives!
Our thoughts and prayers are with their families.
(If you have any information about a deceased classmate, please Contact Us. Your help is greatly appreciated!)
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Terry Bates
Tony Terry DeWayne Bates, 38, Kokomo, died 10:12 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006, at St. Joseph Hospital. Born Nov. 13, 1967, in Kokomo, he was a son of Adwell DeWayne and Barbara Jean (Williams) Bates.
Terry was a 1986 graduate of Kokomo High School.
Terry enjoyed fishing and listening to music, talking, helping people and was good working with his hands.
Survivors include a daughter, Devin Bates of Kokomo; his parents, Adwell Dewayne and wife Barbara “Bobbie” Bates of Kokomo; a sister, Tanya and husband Damon Johnson of Kokomo; two nieces, Ciara and Jenna Johnson of Kokomo; his paternal grandmother, Norma Bates-Krick and husband Bob of Kokomo; two aunts, Marsha Bates-Russell and Darlene and husband Jerry Elliott, all of Kokomo; his maternal grandparents, Dorothy and husband James Williams, Oklahoma; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Terry was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Clarence “Pee-Wee” Bates.
Services are noon Thursday in Ellers Mortuary Main Street Chapel, 725 S. Main St., with the Rev. Doug Eldridge officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetary.
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Jeffrey H. Eldridge
Feb. 10, 1968 - July 20, 2005
Jeffrey H. Eldridge, 37, Kokomo, died 7:45 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, 2005, at Wishard Burn Center in Indianapolis. He was born Feb. 10, 1968, in Kokomo, and is survived by his mother and stepfather, Pauline Huffman-Pearson and Larry Pearson, Kokomo.
He was a 1986 graduate of Haworth High School and served with the U.S. Navy from 1986 until he was honorably discharged in 1990. After his military service, he was employed at the American Tubing Co., Kokomo, until December 1995 when he lost his eyesight. He overcame this disability and demonstrated great skill in engine and motor repair.
He was an avid sports fan.
Surviving with his mother and stepfather are his companion, Dee Eldridge; two sons, Jesse and Joey Eldridge, both of Wolcott; one daughter, Kiley Williams, Peru; two brothers, Rob Eldridge, Greentown, and Tim Roe; one sister, Cindy Zirkle-Koons and her husband, Joe, of Kokomo; one stepbrother, Mike Pearson and his wife, Johnna, Kokomo; one stepsister, Vicky Harris and her husband, Steve, Kokomo; two nephews, Timmy Roe and Kenny Zirkle, both of Kokomo; two step-nephews, Austin Pearson and Derrick Pearson, both of Kokomo; and three step-nieces, Haley Pearson, Sidney Harris and Josey Harris, all of Kokomo. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard and Elsie Brewer; his stepfather, Lee Huffman; and one brother, Brad Eldridge.
Services will be held 11 a.m. Monday at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, Lincoln Road Chapel, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, with Pastor David B. Cornelius officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until time of services Monday at the funeral home. A savings account to benefit Jeff's children has been established at First National Bank & Trust. Contributions may be made to this fund with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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Beverly K. Fernung (Jump)
Feb. 20, 1967 - Aug. 3, 2008
Beverly K. Fernung, 41, Lafayette, died at 5:35 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lafayette, as the result of a series of strokes. She was born Feb. 20, 1967, in Columbus. She was the daughter of Thomas B. Jump Jr. and the late Mary L. Jump. She attended Haworth High School in Kokomo. She married Robert Todd Fernung on July 1, 1995, who survives.
She was employed by Caterpillar in Lafayette. She was a laborer in the machine shop and worked on several different lines there. She dearly loved her job and all of the people she worked with.
Surviving with her husband and father are a son from a previous marriage, Chris A. Scott, Kokomo; two step-children, Robert K. and Emily F. Fernung, Kokomo; a sister, Teri and her husband, the Rev. Allen Sharp, Lafayette; mother and father-in-law, David and Sheryl Fernung, Kokomo; sisters-in-law, Lisa and her husband, James Russel, Kokomo, and Tricia Sexton, Kokomo; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her three dogs, Savannah, Alley, and Daniel whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her mother and a brother, Thomas B. Jump III.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, Kokomo. Interment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to the Almost Home Humane Society in Lafayette.
Online condolences to the family can be made at www.mem.com.
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Richard Martin
May 24, 1968 – Jan. 5, 2006
Richard Bruce Martin Jr., 37, Burnettsville, graced heaven with his presence at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006. He passed in the home of his parents, Richard Bruce Sr. and Judy Martin, Kokomo.
Richard was a 1986 graduate of Kokomo High School. After a brief time in the U.S. Air Force, he spent 16 years employed with Globe Valve, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures and L.L.C. in Delphi. Upon ceasing production with Globe Valve and with the aid of Cindy Hicks at the White County Work One Agency, Richard returned to school to finish a college degree for which he had been striving for seven years.
Richard was a 2004 graduate of Ivy Tech State College in Lafayette and obtained an associate’s degree in machine tool technology with specialties in CNC operations and tool and die. After obtaining his degree, he was hired by Paula Thoennes of Ball Corporation in Monticello as a front end maintainer.
Richard was a member of Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church of Wabash and was baptized on Aug. 14, 2005. He was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was given a wonderful quality of life due to the phenomenal care he received by each and every health care professional who treated him: Dr. Wael Harb and the staff of Horizon Oncology, Dr. Peter Hillsamer and the staff of Lafayette ENT, Dr. Irene Gordon and the staff of Faith Hope and Love Cancer Center, all of Lafayette, as well as all of the medical professionals at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America located in Zion, Ill.
In his final weeks, Dr. Stephen Power and the nurses and staff of Guardian Angel Hospice in Kokomo gave Richard the peace to grace heaven with his presence while at home surrounded by family members who loved and cared for him.
Richard is survived by his wife, Latesha L. (Buckley) Martin, Burnettsville; a daughter, Ashley Nicole Martin, Russiaville; Deborah (Zarse) Jones, Russiaville; two brothers and a sister, Michael J. Sr. and wife Lisa J. Kissinger, Flora, Amanda K. (Kissinger) and husband Kevin L. Williams, Kokomo and Benjamin T. Martin, Bluffton.
Funeral services are 2 p.m. Monday at Ellers Mortuary Main Street Chapel, 725 S. Main St., with Pastor Douglas K. Phillips officiating. Richard will be laid to rest in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.
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Harry M. McCool (Principal of Haworth High School)
March 8, 1927 – Nov. 29, 2005
Harry Maxwell McCool Jr., 78, Rochester, formerly of Kokomo, died 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2005, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Gregg Glass, Kokomo. Born March 8, 1927, in Antioch, Calif., he was a son of Max and Helen (Weger) McCool. On June 11,1949, in Kokomo, he married Mary Jo Stych and she survives.
Harry graduated from Kokomo High School in 1945 where he was a member of the Wildcat basketball team. He was a veteran of World War II and then graduated from Indiana and Ball State Universities. He was an educator in the Kokomo School systems for 41 years. He began teaching at Roosevelt School in 1950. Harry had various teaching assignments and then began his 30-plus years as an administrator. His proudest professional accomplishment was being the “first, last and only” principal of Haworth High School.
Harry bled blue and gold! He served on the Indiana Secondary School Association’s board of directors from 1972 to 1977 and was its president in 1976-77. He also was president of the Indiana Council of Educators Administrative Association in 1977-78. He ran the Teen Canteen (Koky’s Corner) in the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s. During retirement he supervised student teachers from IUK.
He retired in 1991 and continued to center his life around his family. Lake Manitou was where Harry and Mary Jo enjoyed family and friends and created a loving and inviting environment for all to enjoy. He enjoyed fishing, golf and all lake activities.
He was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Kokomo, ISTA, Rotary International, Retired Teachers Association, Moose Lodge and was a very active life time member of the Elks Lodge in both Rochester and Kokomo.
Surviving in addition to his wife are one daughter, Debbie and husband Gregg Glass, Kokomo; two sons, Mike and wife Julie McCool, Kokomo, and Bob and wife Lorraine McCool, Scottsdale, Ariz.; his mother, Helen McCool, Kokomo; nine grandchildren, Benjamin and wife Nicole Glass, Brad and wife Jessica Glass, Melissa and husband Matt Salts, Michael McCool, Mary McCool, Katie McCool, Sara Ballard, Maggie McCool and Max McCool; three great-grandchildren, Madeline Glass, Michael Glass and Lauren Glass; two sisters, Carol McCool, Kokomo, Connie and husband Stan Lamb, Kokomo; a sister-in-law, Jeannie and husband Dick Dunlap, Fort Myers, Fla.; a brother-in-law, Gary Arnold, Bloomington; 11 nieces and nephews, Doug Arnold, Craig Arnold, Kathy Diamond, Betsy Sorrell, Matt Arnold, Andy Arnold, Cindy Moss, Karen Wood, John Lamb, Mary Ann Bieswanger and Nancy Goodson. He was preceded in death by his father, Max McCool; one sister, Judy Arnold; and a nephew, Jim Lamb.
Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life service, which will begin 3 p.m. Saturday at Oakbrook Church, 3409 S. Dixon Rd., with the Rev. Steve Cole presiding. Friends are invited to greet the family immediately following the celebration. Private entombment will be at Sunset Memory Garden Mausoleum. Memorials may be made to the Harry M. McCool Scholarship Fund established at Kokomo High School, 2501 S. Berkley Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902; and/or the Rochester Elks Scholarship Fund, c/o Elks Lodge, 2506 County Club Dr. S., Rochester, IN 46975. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Arrangements were entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home.
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Patrick Sawyer
Feb. 12, 1968 – July 21, 2008
SOUTH BEND - Patrick John Sawyer, 40, of South Bend, died in the early hours of July 21 from injuries he sustained in a hit and run accident. An avid athlete, Patrick was bicycling from home to swim at the YMCA on July 16 when he was struck on Cleveland Road. He was taken to Memorial Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and then struggled valiantly for life over the next several days. He died of complications from a severe brain injury. Only days ago Pat was here with us, handsome and strong, living a full life devoted to his family and his dreams. He was just weeks away from completing his nursing degree in the accelerated nursing p rogram at IUSB. He had just participated in the US National Marathon Kayak team time trials. He was training with his oldest son Danny for the upcoming youth triathlon. He recently enjoyed time on vacation with his extended family. He has been an endearing uncle and father-figure to nieces and nephews, a respected brother, a loyal son, a trusted friend, an involved and extraordinary father to his four children, and a dedicated and loving best friend and husband to his wife, Nancy. Pat was loaded with vitality and brought honesty, hard work, compassion, and care to whatever he was doing. He was a well-known kayak competitor and promoter of the sport. He competed in the US National Marathon Kayak trials twice. He raced in two of the three "triple crown events" of marathon kayak racing, including a 70-mile event and a 120-mile race over three days. In 2002 Patrick drew the region's attention to river ecology by embarking on a solo journey, River Quest, along the full length of the St . Joseph River, starting in his kayak at the river's origin at Lake Baw Beese in Hillsdale County, and over the next four days paddling the 210-miles to the mouth of Lake Michigan at the other end of the river. Patrick was a founder of Paddlefest, an annual kayaking and canoeing festival centered on the St. Joseph River that draws paddlers from around the country. A testament to his nurturing character, he shared his love of the sport by introducing it to others and by investing his time and talent in patiently instructing and cheering on others - unique for a competitor at his level. Patrick was born in Milwaukee and raised in Kokomo, the youngest of eleven children. He served honorably in the Army and was stationed in Korea. Before entering nursing school, he was a master craftsman--as a mason, his work in that craft stands at the University of Notre Dame and other sites around the area. He is beloved by so many and will be unspeakably missed by his friends in the nursing school, the paddling community, swimming community, home-school community, and especially by his family who deeply loves him and is grateful for the gift he has been to them. Patrick is survived by his wife, Nancy (Fink) Sawyer; and his four children, Daniel, Joseph, Thomas, and Laura, all of South Bend. Also surviving are his parents, Robert G. and Patricia J. Sawyer of Kokomo, IN; and parents-in-law, James and Marjorie Fink of South Bend; Patrick's seven brothers, Robert (Debbie) Sawyer of Brighton, MI, Timothy (Julie) Sawyer of LaCrosse, WI, Mark Sawyer of Iowa, Tom (Lisa) Sawyer of Wabash, IN, Andrew (Tina) Sawyer of Kokomo, IN, Dennis Sawyer of Lebanon, IN, and Daniel Sawyer of Milwaukee, WI; Patrick's three sisters, Irene (Rick) Sawyer of Germantown, WI, Mary (Mike) Werner of Peru, IN, Theresa (Barry) Kratzer of Kokomo, IN; Nancy's four brothers, Mike (Amy) Fink of Mesa, AZ, Joseph (Sarah) Fink of Valparaiso, IN, Billy Fink of Elkhart, IN, and Ronald Michael (Monica) Fink of Oklahom a City, OK; Nancy's three sisters, Mary (Fink) Meck of South Bend, IN, Annie (Jeff) Stahl of South Bend, IN, and Julie (Chris) Hall of South Bend, IN; and 41 of Pat's nieces and nephews; and 10 great nieces and nephews. Patrick was preceded in death by his great nephew and godchild, Dante Sawyer. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Monday July 28 in Little Flower Catholic Church 54191 N. Ironwood South Bend (between State Rd. 23 & Douglas Roads). Visitation will be 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday July 27, in the HICKEY Funeral Homes, 17131 Cleveland Road South Bend (between Ironwood and Grape Roads.) and Monday 10 a.m. until services in the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for Patrick's children to the "Benefit for Patrick Sawyer" at any Key Bank location. Donations will also be accepted at Hickey Funeral Home or at Little Flower Church. We invite people to write their words of remembrance for Patrick to be shared at a reception following Mass at Little Flower's Parish Hall. On l ine comments are also encouraged at: www.patrick.sawyersweb.com.
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Shelley Shaw
Shelley Ann Shaw, 24 2301 Carmelita Blvd., died at 1:31 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, 1992, in Saint Joseph Hospital & Health Center.
Shelley was born Jan. 11, 1968, in Kokomo, the daughter of Floyd C. and Marcia A. (Leep) Shaw.
Shelley was a member of Full Gospel Tabernacle Church and worked at Sunshine Day Care Center.
Surviving are her parents of Kokomo; two brothers, James Matthew Shaw of Germany and Jeremy Curtis Shaw at home; maternal grandparents, George and Betty Leep of Kokomo; and paternal grandmother, Mrs. James (Betty) Shaw-Greer of Kokomo.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday in Ellers Mortuary. The Rev. James Ball Sr. will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery.
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Don Stidham
Donald L. Stidham II, 23, 109 Chateau Court, died at 3:55 a.m. Thursday, Feb 7, 1991, in Miami County.
Don was born Aug. 6, 1967, in Kokomo, the son of Donald L. and Shirley M. (DeBaillie) Stidham.
A 1986 graduate of Haworth High School (Kokomo High School), he was a construction worker for Camp Construction.
Surviving with his parents are a sister, Maryann Stidham, and paternal grandfather, Irwin Stidham, all of Kokomo.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday in Ellers Mortuary. Burial will be in Sunset Memory Gardens.
Update: Many of our classmates may not be aware, but at the time Donnie passed away he was engaged to be married and his fiance (Kellie Ooley) was 5 1/2 months pregnant with their daughter. It is wonderful to know that a part of Donnie lives on in his beautiful daughter, Jessica Breann Stidham. Jessica will graduate from Kokomo High School with the Class of 2009. Jessica, even though you may have not gotten to know your dad, we can attest that Donnie was an important part of our class and he will never be forgotten.
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John White
Largo, Fla., -- John M. White, 34, formerly of Kokomo died at 2:03 p.m. Thursday, April 11, 2002 at Largo Medical Center. Born July 10, 1967, in Kokomo, he was the son of Michael L. and Sheryl “Sherry” A. (Knight) White.
John Graduated from Kokomo High School in 1986. He was a boat maker and an artist, and was formerly an employee of Harmon Boats in Sharpsville. He was a member of Morning Star Church and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Survivors include his parents of St. Petersburg, Fla., son Joshua Smith, Kokomo; sister and brother-in-law Michelle and Keith Etherington, Kokomo; maternal grandmother Edith Knight, Kokomo; paternal grandfather and step-grandmother Leon and Dorothy White, Burlington; nephews Aaron Laird and Michael Etherington; niece Ashley Laird; aunts and uncles Kevin and Jackie Shaffer, Bill and Diane Baker, Danny and Jill White, Randy and Mary White and Tonda and Darrell Cockrell. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother.
Services are 10 a.m. Wednesday at Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, 3400 S. Webster St. Rev. Garry Miller will officiate. Burial will follow at Beacon Cemetery.
(Rumor has it, John was one hell of a roller-skater and ladies man back in the day at South Side Super Skate. We’ll never forget you John!)
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Greg Willis
Gregory Scott Willis, 26, 2690 N. Washington St., died at approximately 1:40pm Friday, May 5, 1995, in Jackson County as the result of a motorcycle accident.
Greg was born July 8, 1968, in Kokomo, to Leonard and Cindy A. (Huey) Willis Jr.
Greg graduated from Kokomo High School in 1986 and worked at Wendy’s and Rally’s restaurants. He then went into the U.S. Army in 1989. He served during Desert Shield, Desert Storm and the Persian Gulf. He was discharged in 1993 and went to work for Chrysler Transmission as a machine operator.
Greg was a member of the United Auto Workers Local 685.
Surviving are a daughter, Shawnte’ LaPrecia Willis of Kokomo; parents Leonard and Cindy A. Willis Jr. of Kokomo; a sister and brother-in-law, Kimberly L. Willis and Rodney L. Vervynckt of Fort Wayne; one nephew, Cody J. Vervynckt of Fort Wayne; one niece, Brittany Vervynckt of Fort Wayne; maternal grandparents, Robert and Elva Huey of Kokomo; aunts and uncles, Ronald and Marietta Riddle of Kokomo, Connie Skaggs of Kokomo, Ebert and Nona Williams of Bennetts Switch, Bob Huey Jr. of Kokomo, Harold R. Willis of Cassville, Joanne Barnes of Kokomo and Master Sgt. Steve and Annette Grady of London, England; and several cousins.
Greg was preceded in death by paternal grandparents Leonard R. and Anne B. Willis
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Ellers Mortuary Main Street Chapel. The Rev. John D. Hall will officiate. Burial will be Memorial Park Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1152.
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