Obituaries, December 13, 2024

Written on 12/13/2024


Donna Jean Prather

Donna Jean Prather, 89, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away December 9, 2024. She was born on August 22, 1935, in New Castle, Indiana, the daughter of George Lawrence and Carrie (Keasling) Wisehart.

Donna worked at Delco.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Rhonda Wisehart, Rita Owens; stepdaughter, Debbie Wilder; several grandchildren, nieces; sister-in-law, Betty Wisehart.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three siblings, Donald, Marvin, June Wisehart; loving husband Alga; son, Randy Alspaugh; stepsons, Kim and Barry Prather; granddaughter, Kerry Alspaugh.

Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 PM Friday, December 13, 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.



Robert Emil Sparks Jr.

Robert Emil Sparks Jr., 67, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Howard Community Hospital in Kokomo while surrounded by his loving family. Bobby was born on March 24,1957 to his parents, Robert Sparks Sr. and Gracia (Shaffer) Sparks. Bobby married the love of his life, Catherine “Casey” Shanks, on April 21, 1984. They shared 40 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories.

Bobby graduated from Kokomo High School in the class of 1976. Through the years, Bobby worked for Gold Cup Coffee as a sales rep and Wabash National as a truck driver. He was incredibly dependable for his family. Bobby worked hard and was an excellent provider. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Bobby was often called the life of the party. He rarely got bent out of shape and typically found humor in every situation. He had the biggest heart in the world and cherished his family.

Bobby was an avid IU Fan. He enjoyed sports and appreciated the work ethic of accomplished athletes. Among his favorites were Payton Manning, Larry Bird, Dale Earnhardt, and Caitlyn Clark. Bobby also enjoyed playing euchre and could give the best of the best a run for their money. Above all, Bobby loved spending time with his dear family, and he will be missed beyond measure!

Bobby leaves behind his wife, Casey Sparks; children, Courtney Carness (Brian), Charla “Brooke” Clem (Jeremy); grandchildren, Riley Clem, Emily Carness; sisters, Vicky Martin (Steve), Patty Elliott (Erik); brothers and sisters in-law, Patrick Shanks (Lou), Charla Michner, Jeff Shanks, Terri Gollhofer (Rick); as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Gracia Sparks; sister, Karen Sparks; brothers-in-law, Mike Shanks, Joe Shanks; nieces, Laura Shanks, Jessica Sparks; beloved dog, Spooky; and angel cat, Ally.

A visitation celebrating Bobby’s life will be held on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Saint Andrew Episcopal Church located at 602 W. Superior Street in Kokomo.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sparks family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence.

Jeffery Dean Causey

Jeffery Dean Causey, 72, sadly passed away at St. Vincent’s Hospital on Monday, December 9, 2024, following a short illness. He was born June 5, 1952, in Tipton, Indiana, to Junior and Lucille Causey.

Jeff earned his GED while serving in the U.S. Army. He worked various jobs throughout his life and enjoyed playing his guitar and banjo, entertaining friends and family. He also loved to take long walks.

Jeff is survived by a sister, Carolyn Judkins, and her husband, Rick Judkins, of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, and a brother, Darrell Causey, and his wife, Dee Causey, Kokomo, Indiana. He also had four nephews: Brad Wheeler, Kokomo; Ricky Judkins, Goodlettsville, Tennessee; Jason Judkins and his wife, Shawna, Gallatin, Tennessee; Shane Livingston, Kokomo, and one niece, Hope South, and her husband, Mike South, Nashville, Tennessee. He also had several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Tonita Lou Pastucha.

Details regarding a celebration of life will be announced.