Robert E. “Bob” Whitehead
Robert E. “Bob” Whitehead, 83, of Kokomo, passed away on September 30, 2024, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Bob was born in Wahiawa, Oahu, in Hawaii on February 13, 1941, to Russell and Alice (Amorin) Whitehead. He enjoyed his childhood in Wahiawa with his brother, Roy, many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents in Maui. Later on, Bob and his family moved to Kokomo, Indiana. Although the change in climate was a disappointment, he made the most of it by getting into fun shenanigans with Roy while attending St. Joan of Arc Catholic School. He also served as an altar boy at St. Joan of Arc church. Later on, he attended Kokomo High School. One of his proudest accomplishments in high school was becoming an Eagle Scout.
Bob graduated from Kokomo High School in 1959 and continued in his studies to earn a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in social studies education, and a master’s degree from Ball State University in elementary education. He believed very strongly in the power of public education and dedicated 32 years of his life to teaching, with 29 of those years at Carroll Elementary School in Flora. After retirement, he worked part time for the Head Start preschool program in the Kokomo Center Schools.
Bob met Grace Sommers in 1970, and they married and had two children, Christopher and Emily. Bob adored his children and his extended family. He felt particular joy in the moments that they could be together. His joy was heightened at the birth of his sole grandchild, Aliana in 2008, who has remained a constant light in Bob’s life. He wanted to spend as much time with family as possible up until the end.
Bob placed a high value on improving the lives of people in his local community. He served for many years on the family selection committee for Habitat for Humanity, and helped to create a scholarship called the “Peace Scholarship” which is designed for students committed to achieving peace in today’s world. On a global scale, Bob was committed to supporting Heifer International, an organization focused on ending hunger and poverty throughout the world by providing tools, training, and resources to farmers. In his church, Parkview Mennonite, Bob was active in the Community Outreach Committee and was involved in a mentoring program for children. He often led “children’s time” and taught Sunday School.
Bob was an extravert and never met a stranger. If you started a sentence with, “Hey Bob, do you want to go to___” the answer was always yes, because Bob was DOWN FOR IT. His many hobbies included golfing, playing cards, traveling, reading, watching the Chicago Cubs, and campaigning for political and social justice causes he felt passionately about in his community. Most importantly, he lived his life in a way that showed others he believed that everyone was worthy of love and belonging.
Bob is survived by his wife, Grace Whitehead, his son, Christopher Whitehead (Missy), daughter Emily, granddaughter Aliana Polanco, brother, Roy (Jeanne) and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.
Funeral service will be held at Noon Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Parkview Mennonite Church, 1382 Co. Rd. E. 100 N., Kokomo, with Frank Kandel officiating. Burial will follow in Mast Hensler Cemetery, Kokomo. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Saturday at the church. In memory of Bob, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Awareness and the Peace Scholarship fund in Kokomo. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com
Lela Jane Starkey
Lela Jane Starkey, 97, entered into her eternal home and saw the face of Jesus, her Lord and Savior, October 1, 2024. She gently passed from this world surrounded by her loved ones. She was looking forward to being with her family who had gone before her. Born August 3, 1927 in Kokomo, Indiana, she was the daughter of Garland B. and Florence M. (Griffey) Aldridge. Following high school, Lela worked at General Motors for over 35 years before retiring in 1985. She was a member of The First Assembly of God in Peru for many years where she served meals and called on visitors. She loved cooking for her family and others. She had a heart for those in need and was devoted to supporting others in various ways. She enjoyed floral arranging, painting, tending to her flowers, traveling, reading and singing for the Lord and spending time with her family. She enjoyed watching Christian programs as she loved the Lord with all of her heart and read her bible daily.
She was preceded in death by her parents as well as her husband of over 50 years, Herman Dale Starkey. In addition to Dale, she was preceded in death by spouses Virgil Hipes and Gene Miller, brothers Nolan Eugene and Leroy Wayne Aldridge, sisters Betty Evelyn Aldridge, Shirley Fivecoat and Patricia Ohse, son-in-law Michel Vaught, grandson Brad Bowley, grandson Trey Lee, and granddaughter Stacey Lockert, and along with many beloved friends and extended family members.
Leaving behind to cherish her memories are daughters Sharon (Darrell) Stiner, Lola Bowley, Lesa Starkey-Watkins and Janet Vaught and stepdaughter Pam Artis. Survivors also include grandchildren Brian (Rebecca) Stiner, Rodney Stiner, Michelle (Robert) Slayman, Chad (Jamy) Bowley, Jama (Chad) Winger, Brandon (Andrhea) Starkey, Crystal (Michael) Keck, Ashley (Joey) Vaught, Shila (Kathryn) Vaught, Tessin (Samuel) Grant, Amanda (Bobby) Oneal, Sarah (Brent) Dodson, David Lee, and Tammy (Dale) Huff. Lela has 33 great grandchildren and 18 great-great grandchildren.
All who have known her will miss her in this world but honor and celebrate her long life and the glory she now experiences.
A visitation for Lela will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Lela will be laid to rest in Kokomo Memorial Park, 1300 East North Street, Kokomo, IN 46901-3190.
Peggy Duncan
Peggy Duncan, 101, passed away into the arms of Jesus on Sept. 28, 2024, at The Waters of Tipton. She was born Aug. 12, 1923, in Howard County, IN, the daughter of the late Dwight V. and Luella (Williams) Singer, Sr. On Oct. 18, 1948, she married the late John Duncan Jr. in Kokomo, IN, and he preceded her in death on May 6, 2004.
Peggy graduated from Sharpsville High School in 1941. She retired from Cabot Corp. in 1986 after 44 years of service in the accounting dept. She was a member of Crossroads Christian Church; an 80 yr. member of Kokomo Chapter, No. 89, Order of the Eastern Star; Haynes International Quarter Century Club; and the American Legion Auxiliary in Greentown. She and her husband loved to travel after retirement and enjoyed several vacations and cruises together. She had an endearing personality and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Although she never had children, she loved her nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews as her own, and was a loving role model. She was a woman of faith and began every day with devotion and prayer. Her caring nature, generosity, listening ear will be missed by all.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Linda Singer, Kokomo, whom she lovingly referred to as her “sister.” Surviving nieces and nephews include Connie Brewer, Lafayette; Gloria (Denny) Smith, Lafayette; Teresa Spencer, Westfield; Jane (Reg) Barth, Kokomo; Carol Higley, Greentown; Mike Smith, Punta Gorda, FL; Marty (Kathy) Smith, Windfall; Melody (Dave) Anderon, Moundsville, WV; Todd (Angel) Singer, Kokomo and Joe Duncan, Clarksville, TN. She is also survived by several great nieces and nephews and their families.
A special thank you to her neighbors Elsie Bales and Tracy and Barb Cole, whose friendship she valued greatly. Thank you to the compassionate staff at The Waters in Tipton and SouthernCare Hospice Services.
In addition to her parents and husband, Peggy was preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Dwight V. Singer, Jr.; sisters Joy Myers, Sue Sokol, and Mary Lou Krajewski; brothers-in-law Donald and George Duncan, nephew, Terry Sokol and nieces Marcia Aaron, Donna Jean Floyd, and Shirley Simon.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. Funeral service will begin at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Dave Welsh officiating. A link will be available at the bottom of Peggy’s obituary page to view the funeral live. The funeral will begin with Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 89 providing a ceremony. A burial will follow in Sharpsville Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Peggy’s memory to Shriner’s Children Hospital or Boys Town. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
James "Jack" David Wilson
James "Jack" David Wilson, 93, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away October 1, 2024, at home with his loved ones beside him. He was born on May 2, 1931, in Maryville, TN, the son of John Willard Wilson and Blanch (Best) Wilson. On July 31, 1954, he married the late, Carol Joan Wilson. He worked at Chrysler for 38 years before retiring in 1986. Jack proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.
Jack was an avid IU fan, enjoyed woodworking, and gardening.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, David (Cindy) Wilson, Marcia (Richard) Sandy, Lori Floyd; grandchildren, Richard (Becca) Sandy III, Nick (Ana) Floyd, Jack (Katie) Wilson, Kaitlin Floyd, Robb (Kayla) Wilson; great-grandchildren, Kylie, Kelsey, Emilee, Boden, Henry, Cade, Samuel; several nieces and nephews.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Carol; 4 brothers; and 4 sisters.
Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
James Whyte
James Whyte, a man whose life was a testament to joy and resilience, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2024, in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on February 12, 1954, in the bustling city of New York, James was the beloved son of Vivian Ross Whyte and James Whyte. His journey through life was marked by a profound love for his family, a passion for the arts, and an unwavering spirit of generosity.
James's early years in New York City were filled with the rhythm and grace of dance. He honed his talents at the Pacific Grove High School and the Alvin Haley Studio of Dance, where he later became a dancer, sharing his gift and inspiring others with his dedication and skill. His creative soul found expression not only in dance but also in his work as a driver for Syndicate Sales, where he was known for his reliability and warm camaraderie.
Beyond his professional life, James was a man of diverse interests. He was an ardent football fan, with a special place in his heart for the Dallas Cowboys. His love for animals and his dog, Duke, was evident to all who knew him, and he found joy in the simple pleasures of life, such as savoring ice cream and indulging in good food, with a particular fondness for the offerings at Culver’s. James's zest for life was infectious, and he cherished spending time with his family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
James's legacy is carried on by his devoted sister, Beverly A. McCray, and his cherished daughter, Krystal E. Whitmore. His significant other, Doris TuDor, along with his special friends, "Tee" Pollard, Robert "Hatch" Hillman, Kenneth "Duck" Hillman, Richard Beets, Eugene "Gino" Hillman, Ronnie Gold, Jack Woodard, will remember James for the light he brought into their lives. He was preceded in death by his sister, Carole Ann Ross-Alexander, two brothers, John A. Whyte and Gregory D. Whyte, D, and his best friends, Ronnie Hillman and Craig Williams.
Those who knew James would describe him as loving, thoughtful, and faith-filled. He navigated life's challenges with grace and always found a reason to smile. His words of advice, "Smile and Enjoy Life," were not merely a saying but a philosophy he embodied every day. James's ability to find happiness in the everyday and to spread that joy to others was one of his most remarkable qualities.
As we bid farewell to James Whyte, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. His spirit, characterized by love and thoughtfulness, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him. James's memory will be cherished, his stories retold, and his advice heeded by all who carry his legacy forward.
In honoring James's journey, we reflect on the countless moments of laughter, the shared experiences, and the unwavering love he gave so freely. His life was a dance of moments that touched many, and his memory will waltz gracefully in the hearts of his loved ones forever.
Rest in peace, James Whyte. Your life was a melody of joy and kindness that will resonate for generations to come.
A Memorial Gathering for James will take place at Bridgeway Church; 1401 East Hoffer Street in Kokomo, 46901. Friday, October 18, 2024, from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com