Joseph A. “Joe” Johnson
Joseph A. “Joe” Johnson, 75, of Walton, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 10:23 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born July 12, 1949, in Kokomo to Jack A. Johnson and Virginia L. (Miller) Billings. Joe married Mary Carey on August 30, 1970, in Galveston, Indiana, and she survives.
Joe was a graduate of Purdue University in 1971. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Air Force Reserve. He started his career with Erny’s Fertilizer in Walton in 1973 as a Farm Consultant. He continued with Erny’s, which became The Anderson’s in 1990, until his retirement in 2014. Joe loved people and enjoyed sharing stories and teasing anyone he could. He was very active in his church, Galveston First Baptist, and served in many capacities over the years with the church. Joe enjoyed attending any sporting event their children and grandchildren participated in, as well as watching movies and reading. He was especially proud of his John Deere tractor.
Surviving family include his wife Mary Johnson of Walton; his children, Tim and wife Melissa Johnson of Logansport; Zach and wife Laura Johnson of Deedsville, and Josh and wife Abrah Johnson of Walton. He is also survived by eight grandsons, Brady, Tyler, Parker, Ethan, Reid, Riley, Myles and Emrey. Joe’s mother, Virginia Billings also survives and lives in Kokomo. He is preceded in death by his father.
Visitation and funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Galveston First Baptist Church, 207 S. Sycamore Street in Galveston with Pastor Sean Cooper officiating. Visiting hours will be held from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. with funeral starting at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in the Galveston Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to Galveston First Baptist Church in Joe’s memory. Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Lisa Kay Wright
Lisa Kay Wright, 65, Kokomo, passed away at 6:34 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo, Indiana. Born December 16, 1959, in Tipton, Indiana, Lisa was the beloved daughter of Gary Carlile and Joy (Peters) Summers.
Lisa was a 1978 graduate of Taylor High School. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in arts and a master’s degree in liberal studies from Indiana University at Kokomo, as well as a master’s degree in science and psychology from University of Phoenix. She was also a proud member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. Lisa attended St. Patrick Catholic Church and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church from time to time.
Lisa dedicated her career to helping others as a therapist with Four County and Healthy Families in Kokomo. Her compassionate nature and commitment to her work left a lasting impact on those she served. In her personal life, Lisa enjoyed crocheting, sewing, cooking, baking and watching western movies. She loved the ocean, palm trees and swimming. A devoted fan of Rod Stewart and an eclectic lover of music, she was often found smiling and dancing to her favorite tunes. Lisa cherished the time she spent with her family at gatherings, along with fixing and creating thoughtful gifts for them. Lisa also had a passion for collecting plants and brought joy to those around her with her warmth and humor.
Lisa was hardworking, knowledgeable, caring, funny, loved to laugh, joyful, outgoing, always there for you, made you feel good about yourself kind of person. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she touched.
She is survived by her daughter, Amy Kathryn Wright; father, Gary Carlile; grandchildren, Dante Wright and Ava Wright; sisters, Christy (Jay) Overholser and Maria Delarosa; nieces and nephews, David (Sybil) Hinkle, Joshua Sr. (Sherry) Hinkle, Natasha (Michael Cunningham) Everling, Michael Anthony (Morgan) Delarosa and Jonathan Elisha Delarosa; as well as several great-nieces and nephews.
Lisa was preceded in death by her mother, Joy Summers; and brothers, Matthew Carlile, Michael Delarosa and Billy Carlile.
A funeral service will be held at noon on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until time of service on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Lisa’s memory to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org or US Renal Care in Kokomo.
Carl Eugene “Gene’” Lewis
Carl Eugene “Gene’” Lewis of Tipton passed away on December 23, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was born on April 28, 1941, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to Helen Keele Bean. He was raised by Helen and her husband Gerald Bean.
Gene grew up in Mount Vernon, Illinois, where he was active and successful in sports including football, basketball, and baseball. Gene’s shining moment was winning the Illinois State Jr. High basketball tournament with his team in 1957.
In 1971, Gene married Helga, who had three children from a previous marriage. Gene, who had two of his own children from a previous marriage, brought the children together under one roof. Gene and Helga’s son, James, was born a few years later. They relocated the family to Tipton, Indiana, in 1974 where he owned and operated the Ben Franklin retail store. In later years, Gene provided services for the Allstate Insurance Company and owned the Workwear Trading Company. His last job was owner and director of various international student exchange organizations. Gene and Helga, themselves, hosted many international exchange students over many decades.
Gene was an avid sports fan, with basketball being his favorite sport. He had an incessant love for the Tipton High School and Indiana University basketball programs, specifically. Gene and Helga were loyal fans, never missing a Tipton basketball game for over 45 years. They enthusiastically supported not only the essence and spirit of Tipton basketball, but that of the individual players, coaches, and support staff. They provided service and support when and where they could.
Gene’s other love was for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Liam, the oldest of the great-grandchildren, held a very special place in Gene’s heart because of their common love of sports.
Gene is survived by his wife Helga, their children Pam Tina, Tom Nellessen, Carl Lewis, Sue Lewis, Kay Ensinger Meyer and James Lewis, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition, he is survived by children from previous marriage, Kary Lewis, Christina Lewis, and David Lewis.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at Young-Nichols Funeral Home on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Visitation will be 12:00-2:00 p.m. with the service at 2:00 p.m. and burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery. Online condolences for Gene’s family may be made on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.
Memorial donations in honor of Gene should be made to THS Boys' Basketball program, 619 S. Main Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.
Nicolette “Nicky” Jo (Wines) Shockney
Nicolette “Nicky” Jo (Wines) Shockney, 73, of Kokomo, passed away 2:19 a.m. Wednesday December 25, 2024, at her home. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on October 25, 1951, the daughter of the late Donald and Eugenia (Bassett) Wines. She was married to John Shockney, and he survives.
Nicky was a 1969 graduate of Kokomo High School. She retired from Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo after 17 years as a secretary. Nicky found joy in taking her son on adventures of all kinds in his childhood. She was a laid back and reserved woman. She liked playing games like solitaire and euchre. Her favorite TV shows were anything on Hallmark, Lifetime, and The Golden Girls. She watched Family Feud, Price is Right, and Let’s Make a Deal on a daily basis. Nicky cherished the friendship she shared with her lifelong connection Beverly Drake.
In addition to her husband John, she is survived by her son, James Slaughter II; brother, Stacy Wines; sister, Allyson (Phil) Myers; stepdaughter, Stacy Lemons; grandchildren, David Shockney, Matthew A. Slaughter, Michael Dull, Abbey Denney, Cameron Lemons, Shyann Shockney, Ashley Baldwin, and Holly Slaughter.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Adam Slaughter; infant son, Matthew S. Slaughter; stepson, Christopher Shockney; siblings, Christina Burger, Douglas Wines; and father of their children, James Slaughter Sr.
In keeping with Nicky’s wishes there are no public services scheduled. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be made online at www.shirleyandstout.com or directly to her husband John at johnshockney2@aol.com.
Dennis “Denny” Dale Honsberger
Dennis “Denny” Dale Honsberger, 75, of Kokomo, passed away 11:12 p.m. Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at his home. He was born in Perrysburg, OH, on June 14, 1949, the son of the late Clyde and Thelma (Scheider) Honsberger. On August 5, 2000, he married Brenda Reynolds, and she survives.
Denny graduated from high school in Perrysburg, OH. He worked as a truck driver for over 50 years and most recently worked for J & J Trucking in Kokomo. Denny was a busy body, a go-getter, and the hardest working man. He truly enjoyed a hard day’s work. He was helpful to all and would give anyone the shirt off his back. Denny loved pulling pranks on people and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to his wife of 24 years, he is survived by his children, Denise Honsberger, Michele Campbell, Tim (Michelle) Sullivan, Carl (Regina) Raney III; grandchildren, Kerri Belle Roach, Stephanie Lowe, John (Chelsea) Roach, AliciaKae (Chris) Stack, Nichole Raney, Shea Raney, Shelby (Zack) Reishus, Megan (John) Combs, Ethan Sullivan, Molly Sullivan; great-grandchildren, Waelyn Burkett, Conner Fuson, Dakota Roach, Abby Roach, Robert Roach, Cameron Vanover, Sammie Jo Vanover, Matthew Paul, Lacy Paul, Caroline Hamblin, Wyatt Reishus, Charlemagne Reishus, Isaac Combs, Adrianna Combs, Avery Combs; step-brother, Pete S. Stroup; sister-in-law, Deb Honsberger; and another great-grandchild on the way, Dennis Wade Reishus.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Sharon Merrit, and Larry Honsberger.
Private services will be held and officiated by Tim Sullivan. Burial will be held later in the family plot at Young Cemetery in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Grayling Golden
It is with disconsolate hearts that we share the passing of our father, Grayling Golden, on December 17, 2024, at the age of 69.
Grayling was a native of Kokomo and retired from GM after 30 years of a dedicated career as a wafer technician. Although to the casual observer he appeared quiet and introverted, he was also quick with dry humor and jocular wit. He was altruistic and never expected the same in return. He loved strumming on the guitar, having midnight cookouts, spending time with his two grandchildren, and was an avid gun enthusiast. His adventurous spirit loved to travel; particularly to historical sites, monument landmarks, and all throughout the U.S. West. He was also a lover of the written word and enjoyed learning new things overall. His biggest accomplishment and dedicated love for, however, was always us, his two children. We will never cease to look for glimpses of him amongst these things he loved.
He is survived by his children, Leon (Sherline) Golden of Little Rock, AR, and Elizabeth Golden of Kokomo; grandchildren Madison Estok and Josiah Golden; his sisters Donna Dunn and Phyllis (Brian) Timmons; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Grayling was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Effie (Mynatt) Golden, and his two brothers, David Golden, and Wayne Golden.
In align with dad’s wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation, and he will be scattered at various places he loved.
The family wishes to thank Waterford Legacy for the majority of his care, and a special thank you to CHRH staff for their unwavering support.
We love you dad. If grief is the price one pays for love, the debt will never be settled. We pray you’re having the best sleep in your favorite city. See you there.