Jerry Lee Basham
Jerry Lee Basham, 85, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away at home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. He was born September 8, 1939, in Logansport, Indiana.
Jerry graduated early from Kokomo High School in 1957 to join the U.S. Army. The duty of engaged and varied service remained with him throughout his life, performed with patience and generosity.
He married Constancia “Connie” Gonzalez at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church on May 25, 1963. Together they had three beautiful children: Richard "Ty", LeeAnna, and Annette.
Jerry worked for Chrysler Casting for 32 years, 26 in which he was a Machine Repair Journeyman. He was known by many young journeymen simply as “Pops.” Early in his career, then in his retirement, he taught apprenticeship classes for The Kokomo Adult Career Learning Center and for Ivy Tech Community College, respectively. He devoted over 20 years to teaching. He also earned an Associate’s Degree from Purdue University during his career.
He kept a busy schedule, yet made time for everyone, regardless of working third shift, and always put others before himself. He loved coaching Babe Ruth baseball for 25 years and was a father figure to many. He remembered every boy who was on his team and frequently would say to his family, "That’s one of my players!" when he saw them out in public. He loved to golf and bowl as well and played in many leagues. He always kept his hands and mind busy, doing jigsaw puzzles, gardening, reading, and woodworking. He attended St. Patrick Catholic Church with his beloved wife, Connie.
Jerry had a heart of gold, was generous, encouraging, humble, and a true unsung hero. He was quick to smile, quick to laugh, and was always up for an adventure. Above everything, he loved his family, and they will forever be grateful for his devotion and wisdom.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 61 years Connie Basham; children Richard "Ty" Basham, LeeAnna Groves (Doyle, who was like a son to him), and Annette Basham; grandchildren Elliott Groves and Hannah Groves; a brother-in-law and his wife, Nestor and Rachel Gonzalez, a sister-in-law he unofficially adopted, Maria Kilcline; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry is preceded in death by his father Stuart Basham, mother Juanita Elson, stepfather Don Elson, and his three older brothers: Tom, Larry, and Phil.
A visitation for Jerry will be held Monday, November 11, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jerry's memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.
George “Wayne” Harness
George “Wayne” Harness, 95, of Walton, passed away at 9:54 a.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born January 5, 1929, in Deer Creek Township, Cass County, to George William and Irene (Segraves) Harness. Wayne married Mary Olive Shope on June 25, 1950, in the front yard of her home in Deer Creek Township. She preceded him in death on February 18, 2008.
Wayne retired from Chrysler Corp. in 1991 as a Job Setter. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and flying in his airplane. He was a member of UAW Local #685 in Kokomo, the Deacon Grange, and Upper Deer Creek Church. Wayne and Mary enjoyed many years as “snowbirds” at Buttonwood Bay in Sebring, FL.
Surviving family include his children, Sarah Horn of Walton; Bill (Cathy) Harness of Galveston; and Nancy (Roger) Black of Logansport. His grandchildren, Tim (Michelle) Erny, Elizabeth Horn, Andrew (Meggan) Horn, Nikki (Jeremy) Cover, and Hanna (Mitchel) Cox. Surviving step-grandchildren are Rick (Stacy) Byrd, Kegan (Alleigh) Byrd, Brad (Mandy) Fettig and Kristie (Nate) Nelson. Great grandchildren are Max, Bennett and Charlotte Horn; Kendall, Finley and Emory Cox. Step-great-grandchildren include, Keylie and Elizabeth Byrd, Madaline and Wyatt Byrd, Emily and Zac Lee, Cameron and Ethan Fittig, Logan Nelson, Caleb, Dylan, Blake and Allyssa Fittig. Step-great-great-grandchildren include Joseph, Daniel and Cecilia Fettig and Lindsey and Ozzy Lee. Wayne is also survived by sisters, Phyllis (Larry) Hood, Rose Robertson and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary Olive, two brothers, Richard and David Harness, son-in-law, Torrence Horn, and two great nephews, Mark Harness and Aaron Nicoll.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Upper Deer Creek Church in Galveston with funeral services immediately following at 2:00 p.m. with pastors Joe Coffin and Mark Marshall officiating. Burial will take place in Galveston Cemetery. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Harness family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Mary "Nanny" Ellen Thomas
Mary "Nanny" Ellen Thomas, age 90, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at North Woods Village. She was born on July 24, 1934, in Newport News, Virginia, to the late William F. and Mary F. (Edwards) Blake. Mary married Raymond Eugene Parker on March 21, 1953, in Kokomo, and he preceded her in death on January 21, 1968. Mary married Melvin Thomas on August 12, 1972, and he survives.
Mary was primarily a homemaker but did enjoy driving a semi-truck, after she earned chauffeur license, and traveling all over the country for 13 years with her husband, Melvin. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Mary enjoyed bowling, traveling, attending church, playing board games, especially Parcheesi, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary was very artistic and was a talented seamstress.
She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Melvin; daughter, Judy (Ben) Bousum; sister-in-law, Alice (Ray) Gurske; stepson, Kerry Thomas; grandchildren, Michelle (Dave) Alexander, Sam (Kate) Bousum, Brian (Joni) Lovegrove, Shannon (Jason) Pickett, Katie (Brad) Wray, Raymond James Thomas, Jeremy Thomas, Josh Thomas, Jennifer Thomas, Michael Thomas, Kyle Thomas, and Renae Thomas; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Preceded in death is her first husband, Raymond Eugene Parker; sister-in-law, Sandy (Willis) Werre; brother-in-law, Alan (Betty) Thomas; three stepsons, Kelly (Penny) Thomas, Kendall (Pam) Thomas, and Kory Thomas; daughter-in-law, Kathy Thomas; and one brother, William F. (Arlene) Blake Jr.
The family would like to thank the staff at North Woods Village - Memory Care for all their loving care and support.
There will be a time of visitation for Mary on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo. Pastor Evan Strong will be officiating. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary to the UP Program - Kokomo Urban Outreach, envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.
Malcolm Ray Vawter
Malcolm Ray Vawter, age 81, of Kempton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024, with his loving family by his side. He was born on August 21, 1943, to his parents, Farrell W. Vawter and Esther May (Dawson) Vawter. He married Patsy (Justice) Vawter on December 31, 1985, and the two have shared nearly 39 years of marriage.
Malcolm graduated from Prairie Township High School in the class of 1961. Malcolm was always a hard worker and pursued several different career paths throughout his life. He was a barber. He worked several years for Kempton Grocery as the meat-cutter and ended up retiring from Buddy’s Carpet in Kokomo as a salesman. This was all in addition to the time he spent in service to his country. Malcolm proudly dedicated 22 years of service to the United States National Guard.
In Malcolm’s spare time you may have found him fishing or simply enjoying time outdoors. He loved all animals and sometimes had to be reminded that not every animal would make a good pet. He had a big heart and never wanted to see any living thing struggle.
Malcolm could sometimes be stubborn and a bit gruff, but his tender heart always eventually showed through. He had a soft spot for all of his grandkids, and being “Grandpa” was a title he felt very blessed to have. Malcolm was genuinely a fun person to spend time with.
In his younger years, he was never short of energy. Plenty of family memories were made, and he was at the center of a lot of them. He always enjoyed time with his kids. He coached Little League for many years and started the first team in Kempton. Malcolm also trained horses and encouraged his kids every year to show animals in the county fair.
In more recent years, you may have found Malcolm bowling, watching a Western movie, or enjoying time with friends at the Moose Lodge, where he was a loyal member for many years. Malcolm was a genuine soul and will be greatly missed!
Those left to carry on Malcolm’s legacy of love are his wife, Pat Vawter; children, Chris Vawter (Jessica), Cam Vawter (Becky), James Vawter, Dawn Moody (Joe); grandchildren, Christopher Vawter, Damion Vawter, Abrianna Vawter, Lexie Rude, Ethan Vawter, David Moody, Anna Moody; 2 great grandchildren; siblings, Mary Esther Welcher, Diana Smith, Sondra Rogers, David Vawter; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Malcolm was preceded in death by his parents, Farrell & Esther Vawter.
A memorial service, including full military honors will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main St. in Tipton with Pastor Larry Sims officiating. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the funeral home.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Vawter family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence.