Charles D. Brown
Charles D. Brown, 88, of Walton, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. Charlie was born January 1, 1937, in Peru, Indiana, the son of Oscar and Cleda Mae (Hatton) Brown. He married Connie L. Sprinkle on September 4, 1955, in Arizona, and she preceded him in death on January 1, 2018.
Charlie retired from Chrysler Transmission in Kokomo with many years of service. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending time at the American Legion. He proudly served his country in the United States Marines, serving in Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines, and California.
Surviving family include his children Cindy (Scott) Marschand of Galveston, Pam Taylor of Galveston, and Tony Brown of Indianapolis. Grandchildren include Sarah Franklin (Seth Eller), Amber and Chad Carver, Kirby and Zach Griffith, Ben and Caitlyn Marschand, Betsy (Andrew) Blake, Jeff and Krista Marschand, Evan Brown, and Morgan and Jocob Mroczkiewicz. Seventeen great-grandchildren also survive, as well as siblings Al (Sandy) Brown, Marjorie Emery, Sue (Bob) Mordenti, and Joanie (Joe) Diaz. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Robert Brown, Juanita Watson, Tom Brown, and son-in-law Mike Taylor.
In keeping with Charlie’s wishes, a time of visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2025, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston. No services are planned. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com
Jeffrey Allen Smith
Jeffrey Allen Smith, 70, of Kokomo, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, Feb. 6.
He was born in Kokomo, Indiana, on April 18, 1954, the son of the late George “Junior” and Rita (McKee) Smith. A lifelong resident of Kokomo, Jeff graduated from Haworth High School in 1972 and dedicated more than 43 years to Haynes International where he spent most days doing crosswords and playing solitaire.
Jeff's life changed forever in 1992 when he met his future wife, Candy (Collins) Smith. The two were married on November 24 of that year and spent more than 32 years teasing each other. When he wasn't hard at work, Jeff could be found spending time with his family, fishing, or attending car shows. He loved classic cars, the Street Rod Nationals, and old Westerns. He also got a kick out of picking on his sisters relentlessly.
Jeff is preceded in death by his parents George and Rita Smith, his paternal grandparents George and Mary Smith, maternal grandparents William and Aileen McKee, parents-in-law Sam and Judy Collins, and his nephew Chad Ratcliff.
He is survived by his wife Candy, son Bryan Smith, daughter Kara Neal (Kevin Bailey), grandchildren Kandi (Justin) Blankenship, Reilley Bailey, Genevieve Wood, Harrison Wood, Natalie Bailey, and Samantha Bailey, great-grandchildren Journee and Declan Blankenship, sisters Jill (Greg) Ratcliff and Joy Jackson, brother-in-law Stan Collins, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Jeff’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Paradigm Health for their compassionate care and support during his final days.
“Go get 'em, Chief!”
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday, February 13, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. A memorial service celebrating Jeff’s life will begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, with Pastor Jeff Harlow officiating. Contributions may be made in Jeff’s memory to We Care or to the Kokomo Humane Society.
Larry Eugene LaRowe
Larry Eugene LaRowe, 87, Greentown, passed away at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Century Villa of Greentown. He was born on August 14, 1937, the son of Eugene and Nancy (Dill) LaRowe. On September 22, 1955, he married Annette Winegardner, and she survives.
Larry graduated from Eastern High School and attended Purdue University. He was a millwright at General Motors. Larry was a groundskeeper at the Howard County Fairgrounds for 25 years. Larry enjoyed farming and spending time with his family. He was a member of the Greentown Lions Club and Jerome Christian Church. He enjoyed singing at weddings and in the First Nazarene/One Church and Kokomo Zion Church choirs, the barbershop chorus “Men of Note,” and various Christian and barbershop quartets. Larry was a 50-year member of the Greentown Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the John Purdue Club. He loved attending Purdue basketball and football games and Chicago Cubs spring training games.
Along with his wife Annette, Larry is survived by his children Pami (Mike) Spangler, and Rex (Robin) LaRowe, grandchildren Kristin (Stephan) Geary, Kasee (David) Lockridge, Ryne (Rachel) LaRowe, Reid (Michaela) LaRowe, and Jillian LaRowe; great-grandchildren Kayla Lockridge, Dakota Lockridge, Kamden Lockridge, and Talia LaRowe, and brother and sisters-in-law Kent and Donna McQuiston and Roberta Winegardner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Kaitlyn Elizabeth LaRowe, cousins Dick and Linda Middlesworth, and brother-in-law David Rex Winegardener.
Friends are invited to visit the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Kokomo Zion Church, 5051 County Rd E 400 N, Kokomo. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the church, with his son Rex LaRowe officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Thy Will Ministries: In care of Jerome Christian Church or to The Ark: Converse Church Camp. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.hasler-stout.com.