Obituaries, December 28, 2024

Written on 12/28/2024


Melvin “Mel” J. Fleenor

Melvin “Mel” J. Fleenor, 83, of Kokomo, passed away 1:18 p.m. Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health. He was born in Scottsburg, IN, on July 21, 1941, the son of the late Vasil and Gertrude (Cooley) Fleenor. On February 17, 1967, he married Patricia E. Love in Columbus, IN, and she survives.

Mel graduated high school in 1960 in Scottsburg, IN. He enlisted and proudly served our country in the United States Air Force. He spent a majority of his time at Grissom Air Force Base and retired as a Chief Master Seargent after 36 years of service. Mel was a strong Christian man who held his faith in Jesus Christ. He was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Kokomo. He prioritized his time with his family. Mel was a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In addition to his wife of 57 years, Mel is survived by his son, Chris (Shawn) Fleenor; grandchildren, Alicia (Brad) Giannini, Joel Fleenor; sisters, Anna Mae Barber, Jana Burbink; sister-in-law, Gloria Love; and nephew and nieces, Wendy (Steve) Taylor, Melissa (Doug) Gaugler, Pam (Alan) Beckman, and Nate (Kim) Love.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers-in-law, Tom Barber, Dale Burbink, and Mike Love.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, December 30, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 4 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home, with military honors being provided by the United States Air Force and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Funeral service will be officiated by Pastor Keith Treadway. Contributions may be made in Mel’s memory to Bible Baptist Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Jerry Alan Shannon

Jerry Alan Shannon, a cherished father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, in Kokomo, IN, at the age of 68. Born on October 5, 1956, in Hartford City, IN, to Max and Betty Ruth Shannon, Jerry's life was marked by his loving nature, his sense of humor, and his selflessness.

Jerry grew up in the close-knit community of Hartford City and graduated from Blackford High School, where he formed lifelong friendships and developed a strong sense of community. After graduation, Jerry dedicated over two decades of his life to Pepsi, becoming a well-known and beloved figure in the area. Colleagues and customers alike fondly referred to him as the "Pepsi Guy," a nickname that reflected his jovial spirit and his commitment to his work.

Beyond his professional life, Jerry was a man of many passions. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indiana University sports, never missing a chance to cheer on his favorite teams. His love for Lucille Ball was evident to all who knew him, as he could often be found quoting lines from I Love Lucy with a twinkle in his eye. Jerry's love for entertainment extended to the classic Andy Griffith Show, the Three Stooges, and the excitement of old-time wrestling, which brought him much joy and laughter. He watched M*A*S*H so much when his kids were young that it embedded into their little minds, coming out to this day with a random hum.

Jerry's faith was also an important part of his life. He read his Bible regularly, finding strength and solace in its passages. This faith was a source of comfort not only to him but also to those around him, as he often shared words of encouragement and hope.

Above all, Jerry was a family man. He is survived by his loving daughter, Jennifer Smallwood (Brian), and his son, Mark Alan Shannon, who, along with his girlfriend Shannon, brought him immense pride. His grandchildren, Tony, Mariah, Danny, and three bonus grandchildren, were the lights of his life. He cherished every moment spent with them, whether it was playing games, sharing stories, or simply enjoying each other's company. Jerry's brother, David Chenoweth, and his girlfriend, Freda, also survive him, both of whom shared in the many happy moments of Jerry's life.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Betty Ruth Shannon, and his sister-in-law, Shirley Chenoweth. His family takes comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his loved ones who passed before him.

Those who knew Jerry will remember him for his ability to bring laughter to any room. His playful teasing, especially with his colleagues at Pepsi and the "Sprite man," was always in good spirits and often left everyone in stitches. Jerry's selfless nature meant he was always there for a friend in need, ready to lend a hand or offer a kind word.

The family would like to thank the staff and nurses for their kindness and gentle care for their father while he was at North Woods Village. Not only did they care for their dad, but they made sure the family was cared for as well.

Jerry's legacy is one of love, laughter, and generosity. He made an indelible mark on the lives of those he encountered, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Jerry Alan Shannon's story is not one of sadness but of a life well-lived and full of joy. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by his warmth and kindness.

As we say goodbye to Jerry, we celebrate a life that exemplified the best of us. His laughter, his love, and his unwavering kindness will never be forgotten.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held Monday, December 30, 2024, at Gospel Light Mission Church; 1407 Belmont Street in Kokomo from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com



Roger Allen Lytle

Roger Allen Lytle, 83, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away December 27, 2024. He was born on September 7, 1941, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Robert Lee and Ada F. Lytle (Boyer). He was married to Ina Dean Fawbush-Lytle for more than 24 years who preceded him in death in 2018.

Roger graduated from Kokomo High School and Indiana University. He was a Realtor for greater than 50 years with Dorothy Edwards and ReMax. Roger loved playing games and cards with family and friends.

Surviving relatives include sons, John (Greta) Lytle, Mike (June) Lytle, and stepson Shane Fawbush; siblings Dusty Lytle (Joyce) and Sally Stillwell. Roger is also survived by his grandchildren Katie Allen (Austin), Emily Spencer (Ricky), Dustin Lytle (Brooke), Justin, Elizabeth, Ethan Lytle, and Kaylee Fawbush, and nine great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and three siblings Robert, William, and Douglas.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 12:00 PM Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Lung Association. www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.



Elaine Sue Kaylor

Elaine Sue Kaylor, age 76, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024. She was born on October 15, 1948, to Raymond and Addie Ruth (Bowlin) Miller in Kokomo, Indiana. She attended Kokomo High School, then Clark’s Beauty Academy. She met Timothy Lovegrove, and they married in January 1966, and they had three children: David, Lee, and Lori. She remarried in 1985 to Larry Kaylor. She worked for Indiana Bell, Kokomo Center School Corporation, Beauty Supply Outlet, and owned Lane & Company Cleaning and Hair Nest Beauty Shop.

Elaine had many interests, including fishing, camping, gardening, music, painting, and making crafts. She enjoyed playing Bingo and gambling in casinos. She liked shopping, too. QVC with Ross was her favorite. She was a Brownie troop leader and volunteered at her church. She loved Jesus and her family more than anything else. Her kindness and sweet nature will forever be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, David (Cindy) Lovegrove and Lori (Lovegrove) Mortz; grandchildren, Fallon (Mark) Hinkle, Cassie (Chelsey) Ferrell, LeAllen (Ashley Dunlap) Lovegrove, Rachael (D) Flager, Nolan (Brianna) Mortz, Amy (Craig) Roupe, Lee Lovegrove, Summer (Brock Humble) Lovegrove and Payton Mortz; 23 great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Laurie Lovegrove; sister, Connie J. Weber; niece, Teni (Josh) Helmberger; nephew, TA (Heather) Weber; and several great nieces and great nephews.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Addie Ruth; her first husband, Tim Lovegrove; husband, Larry Kaylor; son, Lee Hamilton Lovegrove; brother, Steven Albert Miller; brother-in-law, Ted Weber; as well as her grandparents and several aunts and uncles.

A time of visitation will be Tuesday, December 31, 2024, from noon until the time of her service, at 2:00 p.m., at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo. She will be laid to rest in Sharpsville Cemetery.



Philip Glen Pine

Philip Glen Pine, 79, of Kokomo, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at his home. He was born on May 10, 1945, in Kokomo, the son of Amos and Mary (Ratcliff) Pine.

Philip retired from Delco Electronics after 33 years of service. He enjoyed watching TV and thrifting.

Philip is survived by his son, Phillip (Paige) Pine; grandchildren, Derrick Pine, and Nathan Pine; and siblings, Donnie (Judy) Pine, and Jeff Pine.

Along with his parents, Philip was preceded in death by his partner of 37 years, Edward Mullikin; and brother, Eddie Pine.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Galveston Cemetery, 12445 County Rd 1000 E, Galveston, Indiana. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.



Ellen Wylie

Ellen Wylie, 87, of Fishers, died on December 22, 2024, at Allisonville Meadows in Fishers. She was born on April 1, 1937, to Leo and Lema (nee Summers) Clouser.

On September 7, 1956, she married William “Bill” Wylie, and he preceded her in death in 2014.

Ellen was a graduate of Windfall High School, class of 1955. She lived most of her life in Tipton County in Windfall and Tipton. She and Bill had a wonderful home in Brown County and lived in Goshen for a short time. She has been a long-standing member of the Windfall United Methodist Church.

Ellen was a wonderful, loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She and Bill spent time visiting her family and Bill’s family in Indiana, Missouri, Michigan, and Arkansas. Every-other-year family vacations were a large part of the family’s life, too.

She worked in many places in her life including the Union State Bank of Windfall and Brown County State Park. She was teased about the number of times she retired!

Ellen is survived by son Jeff Wylie (Karen Kennelly) of Carmel; daughter Robin (Arnie) Weller of Grayslake, IL. In addition, she had four grandchildren, Clint (Jasmine) Wylie of San Francisco, CA, Kyle (Kristine) Wylie of Noblesville, Sarah (Seth) Butler of Des Plaines, IL and Adam (Maria) Weller of Round Lake Beach, IL. She was the great-grandmother of Vladimir and Theodora Weller and Eloise Wylie. She leaves behind three sisters, Betty Johner, Marlene Shadday, and Jane Watson, all of Tipton.

Preceding her in death were her parents Leo and Lema Clouser, infant sons Mark and Kevin Wylie, and nine brothers and sisters.

A funeral for Ellen will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Pastor John Mansur presiding. Burial will follow in Brookside Cemetery, Windfall. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until time of the service on January 10.

Condolences for Ellen’s family may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.