Richard L. Duncan
Richard L. Duncan, 84, of Kokomo, passed away early Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette. He was born July 28, 1940, in Galveston, Indiana, to Oscar and Margaret (Titus) Duncan. He married Patricia E. Warner October 27, 1961, and she preceded him in death September 2, 2020.
Richard worked for Continental Steel in Kokomo for 26 years until its closing. He was a member of the American Legion in Galveston and the Howard Masonic Lodge #93 F. & A.M. Kokomo. He enjoyed trips to the casinos, working in his garden, fishing, camping, and vacationing with his daughter and son-in-law.
Surviving family include his daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Paul Kingery of Sharpsville, and his grandchildren Jennifer (Nick) Rhinehart, Mitchell Duncan, and Kyle Kingery. He is also survived by several great grandchildren and siblings Carolyn Griffey and Deloris Bradley. Surviving in-laws include June Hochstetler, Becky Patterson, Linda Key, Billy Warner, and Dick Warner. Richard is preceded in death by his parents, wife Pat, son David, brother Bill, and sister Phyllis.
The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the staff of Jefferson Manor for their care of Richard during his time there.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home with Pastor Joyce Harris officiating. Burial will follow in the Galveston Cemetery.
Visitation will take place prior to services from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Murray Weaver Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Paul M. "Skip" Hinkle
Paul M. "Skip" Hinkle, 91, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. Born June 22, 1933, in Tipton County, Indiana, Paul was the son of the late Frank and Nellie (Woods) Hinkle. On May 29, 1952, he married Betty L. Watson, who lovingly survives him after more than 72 years of marriage.
Paul graduated from Jefferson Township High School and furthered his education at Indiana Business College. Paul dedicated 38 years to Main Supply Company before retiring in 2000. He also served honorably in the Indiana National Guard for eight years. A man of deep faith, Paul was a devoted member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Kokomo.
Paul enjoyed spending time outdoors, birdwatching, and gardening. A lifelong basketball enthusiast, Paul played during his high school years and was known for his underhanded free throws. He also loved watching IU and Purdue college basketball games. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his grandchildren.
Along with his wife Betty, Paul is also survived by his sons Gary L. (Sharon) Hinkle and Paul R. "Randy" (Sarah) Hinkle, step-grandchildren Richard Arnold, Shane Arnold, and Kayla Arnold, nine step-great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and cousins Juanna Kay Johnson and Donovan Johnson.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.
A funeral service will be held at noon Friday, February 7, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Bob Short officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until time of service on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to a charity of your choice. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Frederick E. Dowden
Frederick E. Dowden, 60, of Kokomo, passed away Thursday, January 30, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital in Kokomo. He was born March 1, 1964, in Kokomo, to Louis and Marleene (Pasley) Dowden. He married Christina Frazier May 11, 1985, in Kokomo, and she survives.
Fred worked for Chrysler for several years before working in the pizza business and purchasing the pizza shop in Young America. He loved fishing any chance he could, especially catching walleye. He was also an avid sports fan. His favorite teams were the Chicago Bears and the Chicago White Sox. During his years at Chrysler, he was a member of UAW Local #685.
He is survived by his wife Christina Dowden of Kokomo, and his children Bradley (Clair) Dowden, Nathaniel (Shelby) Dowden, and Felicity (Brett) Gordon. His grandchildren include Logan, Johnathan, Owen, Maverick, and Oriah. He is also survived by sisters Toni Dowden, Joni (Wayne) Smith, and Helen (Scott) Rouch, and “adopted” children Austin (Katelyn) Allen and Samantha (Niles) Wise. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and special friend Stan.
A celebration of life service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston with pastor Chad Chamness officiating. Friends and family may visit from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Friday before the service. Murray Weaver Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dowden family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Angela L. Hopson
Angela L Hopson, age 50, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025.
A celebration of life gathering for Angela will be held Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. An inurnment will occur Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902.
Heide Prout
We sadly announce the passing of our beloved stepmom, Heide Prout of Tipton, Indiana, on Sunday, January 19, 2025, shortly before midnight. She has joined our dad, Richard Prout, who passed last year on February 6, 2024. Heide was a beautiful, intelligent woman who was loved by all, and she will be missed by everyone who knew her!
Heide Giselle Prout was born on March 24, 1930, in Nordenham, Germany. She was the oldest of five siblings and grew up in Bremerhaven, Germany, during WWII. She was like a second mother to many of her siblings, in addition to being a lifelong best friend and loving elder sister. She completed high school and language training and held diplomas in three languages, English, French, and Spanish, plus her mother tongue, German. This enabled her to start working for the U.S. forces in Germany. She came to the United States at the age of 25 to work as a translator in New York City.
Heide later went to Santa Monica, California, where she met and married her soulmate, Richard Alan Prout. The two of them truly adored each other. It was there, too, that she became a United States citizen. She was employed by Cedars-Sinai Hospital where she worked in records in the Psychiatric Unit. Both Amy and Lisa lived with Heide and Richard for their senior years of high school, where they were able to further bond with her, and they were honored to call her their second mom. Heide and Richard enjoyed traveling through Europe visiting many countries, so he could pursue his hobby - turned second career - of photography. Amy and Lisa have fond memories of joining them one summer and sharing in their adventures.
Following retirement, Heide and Richard moved to Tipton, Indiana, where they made their home. They enjoyed spending time with Richard's mother, Helen Prout, before she passed. Heide loved having family and friends visit – especially for tea with delicious cakes and treats. Heide could be seen regularly walking her beloved dachshunds, Zeppel and then Jay Jay, around town. She was also super supportive of Richard, spending many summers in Laguna Beach so he could sell his photographs at the Art-A-Fair.
Heide resided at The Waters of Tipton for the past year, where they took really good care of her. Prior to her death, Heide was struggling with memory issues. However, her long-term memory was pretty good, and her brother-in-law and dear friend David Lacy visited her almost every day, saying that he really enjoyed their friendship and stimulating conversations. We know she loved and appreciated his visits and was especially grateful when anyone came to visit her at The Waters. Heide was extremely proud of Amy, who earned her master's degree in healthcare administration the year before she passed.
Heide was preceded in death by her adoring husband Richard Prout, her parents Dr. Günther Leichsering and Erika Mehner Leichsering, her sister Jutta and brother-in-law Manfred Roock, her brother Jörn Leichsering, and her brother-in-law Dr. Jürg Muggler.
Survivors are her stepdaughters Lisa Spinelli of Connecticut, Amy Prout and her husband Chris DeGroot of California, sister Dagmar Muggler of Switzerland, brother Volker Leichsering and his wife Jacqueline, also of Switzerland, her five grandchildren Arianna, Dante, and Nicolo Spinelli of Connecticut and Christian and Brandon DeGroot of California, in-laws Bob and Sandy Prout, Jane Prout and David Lacy, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A private memorial will be held this summer to celebrate her life. In her memory, we would ask that you spend more quality time with your loved ones, hug them and tell them how much you love them! If you would like to donate to a charity or organization of your choice, that benefits people with Alzheimer's or dementia, I am sure she would appreciate that.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Prout family with Heide's arrangements.