Obituaries, February 7, 2024

Written on 02/07/2024


R. Eugene Downs

R. Eugene Downs, 96, Greentown, passed away at 10:00 p.m. Sunday February 4, 2024, at his home. He was born August 12, 1927, in Scott County, IN to Jacob and Ida Downs. On August 16, 1945, he married Viola Reynolds, who survives.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Navy in WWII. He was a member or Howard Masonic Lodge #93, Murat Temple, and Scottish Rite. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, and attended Bethel Tabernacle Church of God in Kokomo.

He is survived by his wife, Viola Downs; daughter, Pam (Freeman) Fox; granddaughter, Amy (Brent) Dechert; great-granddaughters, Mara Dechert and Keara Dechert; siblings, Kenneth (CJ) Downs, Ronald (Barb) Downs, and Gladys (Don) Ritzline; as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Wayne Downs, Harold Downs, Lowell Downs, Everett Downs, and Lois Downs.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, 112 East Main Street, Greentown, with Pastor Logan Sparling officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left at www.hasler-stout.com.



Betty Mae O’Neal

Betty Mae O’Neal, 93, Russiaville, passed away and went to be with her Lord and savior at 5:15 pm on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at her home. She was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on May 2, 1930, to the late Earl and Bertha (Bicknel) Moore. On August 2, 1951, in Adolphus, KY, she married Elwood W. O’Neal, and he preceded her in death on February 11, 2007.

Betty took pride in taking care of her family and home. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. Betty enjoyed babysitting, having cared for many in the community. She and her family attended First Baptist Church, where she was a member in the past.

Betty is survived by her daughters, Lisa Mae O’Neal and Sandra (John) Thomas, both of Russiaville; grandchildren, Zachary (Elisha) Thomas, Adam Thomas, both of Kokomo, Jesse (Tessa)Thomas, United States Air Force, stationed in Las Vegas Nevada; her much adored great-grand-daughter ,Grace O’Neal and great grandson Bryson Gaggle; two sisters, Shirley Kirby of Kokomo and Nancy (Jim) Hayes of Centerburg, OH; and special granddaughter, Josie O’Neal. She was loved and will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers William Moore, Leslie Moore and sister Reba O’Neal. Her daughter Aleta Craig; and son, Ernie O’Neal also preceded her in death.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Homes, 200 E. Main Street, Russiaville, with Pastor Jimmy Hunt officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.



Irma Jean Hartung

Irma Jean Hartung, 61, of Kokomo, passed away at 3:49 a.m. on Monday, February 5, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health. She was born August 10, 1962, in Kokomo, to Donald E. and Shirley L. (Bundy) Sears. On July 29, 2008, she married Richard A. Hartung, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and he survives.

Irma graduated from Western High School in 1981 and from Indiana University Kokomo in 2004. She worked as a case manager for the FSSA and had also worked as a case manager for Project Access, Rest Care, Four County and Lifeline. In her spare time, she worked at Rozzi’s Catering. Irma enjoyed thrift shopping and garage sales and was involved with Indian Heights Neighborhood Projects.

In addition to her husband, survivors include her children, Brandon (Erica) Thompson, David Aldrich, and Katie Aldrich; grandchildren, Bradley, Brenden, Leland, Kory, Carson, Shelby, and Serinity; step-children, Adam (Monique) Hartung, Chris (Callie) Hartung, and Rhandall (Abby) Hartung; sister, Kathy Markley; and several nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, with Pastor Justin Markley officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home to assist the family with final expenses or in Irma’s memory to Project Access. Condolences may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.