Lonnie Teague, James "Jim" Earl Webster, Paula Kay (Bourff) Couture, Thomas William Hightower, Barbara “Barb” Irene (Kelley) Edwards, Lori Ann Harris, Linda Kay (Crabtree) Cox, Lunell (Clancy) Bowman
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Lonnie Teague
Lonnie Teague, 86, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on March 3, 2025.
Born on October 19, 1938, in Crossville, IN, to Willie and Mae (Goble) Teague, Lonnie spent his early years helping his family on the farm. He was often seen barefoot, playing with his siblings and friends.
In 1956, Lonnie enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served his country in various locations, most notably Kansas, Germany (as a driver), and Logansport, IN (as a radar operator). In 1959, while stationed in Logansport, he met Sharron on a blind date arranged by friends. The couple married on February 20, 1960, and spent 62 years together until she passed away.
Later, Lonnie worked for American Standard before transitioning to Kokomo Sanitary Pottery, where he worked as a castor until his retirement in 1999.
Lonnie and Sharron were blessed with five children: Lonnie (Joy) Teague, Mike (Deb) Teague, Troy (Rebekah) Teague, Chris (Kathy Davenport) Teague, and Sacha Teague.
They were also proud grandparents to 11 grandchildren: Jeramie Teague, Nick (Nicole) Teague, Kyle Teague (and girlfriend Anna), Keri Teague (and fiancé Chase), Josiah Teague, Shae-Lyn Teague (and fiancé Justin), Alana Teague, Bailey Davenport, Trace Davenport, Megan Henry, and Keaton Jones. In addition, they had five great-grandchildren: James Teague, Ana Teague, Adelaide Teague, Jaxie Teague, Chelcee Ward, Sebastian Gilbert, and Emersyn Henry.
In his adult years, Lonnie enjoyed deer hunting and fishing with some of his best buddies, as well as gathering with friends over coffee at local restaurants. He was affectionately known by many nicknames, including Hoss, Bama, and Alabama.
At home, he could often be found tinkering with his old truck or working on projects in his garage. Above all, he cherished spending time with his grandchildren and found immense joy in their company.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his wife Sharron; all his siblings: Ruby, Billy, Jimmy, and Glenda; and his granddaughter Ariel.
Visitation will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home in Kokomo, with a funeral service to immediately follow. Full military rites will be conducted at the entombment.
James "Jim" Earl Webster
James "Jim" Earl Webster, age 83, of Russiaville, Indiana, passed away in his home on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Jim was born September 7, 1941, in Carbon Hill, Alabama, to Belton and Willodean Webster.
He married Wanda Abbott April 7, 1977, and together they lived a simple, but beautiful life. Jim was a dedicated worker at Delco for over 30 years before his retirement. In his free time, you could find him out tinkering in his garage listening to Bluegrass music. He had a green thumb and took pride in keeping his yard immaculate. He and Wanda spent many evenings sitting on the porch, enjoying the breeze, and watching the traffic go by. He adored his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They have fond memories of the numerous family vacations they went on to Branson, Missouri. He enjoyed watching IU football and spent every Sunday watching the church service on his phone with Wanda. He was a simple, quiet man. Everyone made sure to listen to what he had to say when he finally did have a comment to make.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Wanda Webster, children Michelle Warrum and Richard Webster, mother Willodean Webster, stepchildren and their families Trent Alexander (Deena), Tonja King, Seth Alexander (Karen), and Serena Alexander, sister Sharon Padfield (David), five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and four nephews.
A visitation for Jim will be held Friday, March 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Full Gospel Tabernacle, 1709 Faith Rd, Kokomo, Indiana 46901, followed by a funeral service at 11:30 AM.
Paula Kay (Bourff) Couture
Mrs. Paula Kay (Bourff) Couture passed away at her home on March 3, 2025, in Peru, Indiana, at the age of 79.
Born on February 10, 1946, in Kokomo, Indiana, Paula dedicated her life to caring for others. Paula graduated from the St. Mary’s College School of Nursing (1964-1967). She worked for 40 years as a registered nurse, most notably serving as an Oncology Nursing Supervisor at Saint Joseph Hospital in Kokomo, IN. Her commitment to the field of nursing left a lasting impact on both colleagues and patients alike.
Beyond her professional life, Paula had a deep passion for genealogy and was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Her dedication to tracing family history and preserving the heritage of our country was a source of great joy and fulfillment. In her later years, she received comfort from her kitty, Mozart.
Paula is survived by her spouse Donald J. Couture Sr., their children Donald J. and wife Tracye Couture Jr. and Ashley Couture, their grandchildren Madeline Couture and Zander Hargens, her siblings David E. Bourff, John G. and wife Jennifer Bourff, Patrick J. and wife Jacqueline Bourff, Regina A. and husband Herman Pickett, and Cecilia R. Jackson and Lisa M. Speight. She was preceded in death by her son Christopher A. Couture and parents Edgbert "Eddie" and Mary "Mitzi" Bourff.
A graveside service will be held on March 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Galveston Cemetery, located at 12445 County Rd 1000 E, Galveston, Indiana, 46932. Flowers may be sent to Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo.
Paula’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
Thomas William Hightower
Thomas William Hightower, 88, Kokomo, passed away at 12:34 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2025. He was born May 25, 1936, in Kokomo, the son of Hubert & Marjorie (Richardson) Hightower. On September 4, 1970, he and Myra Jo (Jennings-Fisher) Hightower were married in Kokomo.
His wife of 54 years Myra Jo Hightower survives, along with children John (Sharon) Fisher and Jennifer Jo (Brian) Hicks, grandchildren Haley Jo (Dayne) Tomlinson, Carlie Campbell and Billy Clements, Ashley Fisher and fiancé Trevor Pirics, Carissa Jo Perry, and Cody Hicks and fiancée Liz Garcia-Mondragon, great-grandchildren Thea Jo Tomlinson, Jasmin, Aubreyani, Aidden, and Princess Garcia-Mondragon, and his sister Janet Sue Martin. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, stepdaughter Carol Jo Fisher, his sister Carolyn (Gary) Tunison, and brothers-in-law Robert Martin and Gary Tunison.
Tom was a 1954 graduate of Kokomo High School. He served in the Indiana Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Sergeant 1st Class.
While in high school, Tom worked at Crescent Dairy ice cream shop after school, making ice cream and working the front as long as he was needed. His strong work ethic lasted his whole life.
After studying Finance at Ball State for one year, Tom came back to Kokomo to go to work. He started at Continental Steel briefly, then hired on at Haynes (then Stellite) where he became responsible for the metal mix. Tom worked all over the company in various positions, including the plant labor teams, Finance, and Sales, and he ended up doing Quality Control. During lunchtime, groups played cards, and Tom was the euchre champ many times. When Stellite laid off a large segment of salaried employees, he established a home repair company called HiJohns, then returned to Stellite later and retired in 2001 after 42 years with the company. He also served on the Haynes Credit Union Board, being President of the Board for three years.
Tom loved his family and was a great fun uncle to his nieces and nephews. He loved children and often stopped in restaurants to greet little ones. He met Jo and her two kids in 1970 and took care of them the rest of his life. After the ceremony, his Shriner friends surprised him by parading them around downtown Kokomo square in his mini-T.
Tom joined First Congregational Church. He served as a Trustee and Building Maintenance volunteer. He and Jo led the junior-high school-age kids in Jr. Club for about nine years, providing weekly fun times and lots of trips. They made life-long friends by participating in small groups while there. Later, they attended One Church. Upon retirement, they spent several winters in Sebring, Florida.
For several years, Tom coached YMCA and church league basketball teams. When he was 19 years old, he took his YMCA basketball team all the way to State. When his children were young, he coached youth beginner baseball teams.
Tom believed in donating blood and gave 226 donations during his lifetime.
Tom loved the sports men play. He made many friends playing on bowling teams for years, and golf at Chippendale until he was no longer able. A die-hard IU fan, he especially loved watching their basketball games.
He had a BIG voice but was a humble man. However, he was a stickler for following the rules and took no guff from anyone. He could do almost anything he set his mind to, and Jo kept him busy with home projects all the time. With a head for numbers and a need to keep busy, he was the busy person one called to get things done. Even during his long illness, his one recurring theme was he had to get to work; there were meetings to go to and responsibilities he had to fulfill.
Thank you to all who stood by Tom during his last years; friends and especially SeraCare Hospice and the health care staff at Brickyard who were so lovingly kind and diligent in their care.
A memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be held at Noon Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, with Dianne Wagner officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the service at noon. Private inurnment will follow in Albright Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Shriner's Children's Hospital. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Barbara “Barb” Irene (Kelley) Edwards
Barbara “Barb” Irene (Kelley) Edwards, 93 of Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025. She was born in Wayne County near Boyleston, Illinois, on May 18, 1931, to James Arthur Kelley and Velma “Wreath” (Kilbreth) Kelley. Barb married Kenneth Leo Edwards, Jr. on July 2, 1954, in Fairfield, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on May 22, 2003.
Barb was a devoted wife to her husband of nearly 49 years and a dedicated mother and grandmother to their children and grandchildren. Barb worked at Airtex Products, Caradco Window and Door and Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois, as a keypunch operator and base supply clerk. She retired when Chanute Air Force Base closed in 1993. Barb and Ken then moved to Paxton, Illinois. They lived there together until her husband’s death in 2003. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting (hats and washcloths for charity), sewing, and baking, cake decorating, Bible study, teaching Bible classes, and was an active member of the church of Christ. Barb moved to Kokomo in 2012.
She is survived by their three children Kim McNeill, Dale (Terry) Edwards-Meisinger, and Kenneth Alan Edwards, six grandchildren Lauren (Sandor) Van Wassenhove, Brittany (Christopher) Achard, and Colin (Laurissa) McNeill, Jamie (Musa) Edwards-Sulejmani, Kelley Edwards, and Jason Edwards, four great-grandchildren Leo Achard, Margot Achard, Lilith Van Wassenhove, and Miles McNeill, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sisters, and husband.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), Saturday March 8, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A funeral service celebrating Barb’s life will begin at 1 p.m. (EST) on Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Bobby Price and Pastor Steve Bonk officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. (Central Standard Time) Monday March 10, 2025, at Glen Cemetery in Paxton, IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Barb’s memory to Rantoul Church of Christ in Rantoul, IL, or Center Road Church of Christ in Kokomo, IN.
Lori Ann Harris
Lori Ann Harris, age 61, of Kokomo, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, March 3, 2025. Lori is survived by her mother Patsy Floyd, her sister Myrna Couch, her brother Charles Ingram, her nephews Todd Ingram and Ted Ingram, and her children: son John (Cari) Houston, and daughter Jessica Houston. She is also lovingly remembered by her many grandchildren, whom she adored: Mia Espinoza, Jessaun Espinoza, Gabriel Houston, Elijah Houston, Benjamin Houston, Aubree Houston, and Christopher Palmer.
Known for her vibrant personality, Lori was the life of the party. No room was ever dull when she entered, as her energy and joy filled the air. Lori had a deep love for her family and friends, and she embraced every moment of life with an enthusiasm that was infectious. Whether horseback riding, playing the piano, or cruising on motorcycles, Lori did everything with a full heart and an adventurous spirit. She truly lived life her way.
For nearly 20 years, Lori worked as a heart monitor technician at Community Howard, where she formed lasting bonds with her coworkers. She often boasted about the friendships she made throughout her career, and she took great pride in helping others.
Lori's heart was as big as her personality. To know her was to love her, and while her physical presence will be greatly missed, her love and memories will live on forever. We take comfort in knowing that Lori is now in a much better place and that we will see her again one day.
A visitation for Lori will be held Sunday, March 9, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 5:00 PM. Lori will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will remain with us always.
Linda Kay (Crabtree) Cox
Linda Kay (Crabtree) Cox, 77, of Sharpsville, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 4:18 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025. She was born in New Castle, IN, on August 31, 1947, the daughter of the late Clarence Ray and Betty Lou (Moelk) Crabtree. On March 21, 1969, she married Sidney “Sid” Duane Cox, and he preceded her in death on October 11, 2021.
Linda graduated high school in Richmond, IN, in 1965. She held various jobs throughout her life, like owning and operating a local pizza shop in Sharpsville. She owned the Bloom Boutique, and she worked at Eriks Chevrolet as a title clerk for 25 years. She was a sweet lady who gave her unconditional love to her husband, their sons, and her grandchildren. She prioritized time spent with her brother and sisters. Linda had a strong presence in the Sharpsville community by being involved with Sharpsville Volunteer Fire Department and by being a faithful member of the Sharpsville United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Lions Club, and she formerly assisted in scheduling and reserving the Sharpsville gymnasium. Her hobbies were crocheting, arts and crafts, and creating picture books for her grandchildren. Linda’s favorite pastime was relaxing in her chair and watching Heartland with her beloved dog Jazzy.
Linda is survived by her sons Tony Cox, Mike (Robin) Hurley, and Steve Cox, sister Pam Neidenberger, 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Randy Cox, uncle Bill Hall, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother-in-law Herbert Neidenberger, sister Karen (Gary) Yount, daughter-in-law Debbie Cox, and nephew Brad Yount.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday March 9, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Boyer Chapel in Sharpsville, 204 N. Church St., Sharpsville, IN 46068. A funeral service celebrating Linda’s life will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home, with Pastor Heather Holman officiating. A graveside service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2025, at Sharpsville Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Linda’s memory to Paradigm Hospice. Stout & Son Funeral Home in Sharpsville has been entrusted with arrangements.
Lunell (Clancy) Bowman
Lunell (Clancy) Bowman, 81, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 2, 2025, while in the care of her loving family. She was born on September 29, 1943, in Moss, Tennessee, to her parents Joe Clancy and Mary D. (Arms) Miller.
Lunell attended school in Tipton and was in the class of 1961. Lunell worked and retired from Delco Electronics after 30 years of employment. If you knew Lunell, then you understood her authenticity. She truly said what she meant and meant what she said. You never had to wonder where you stood with her. Lunell was very loving, reliable for her loved ones, and always rooted for the underdog. If she was your friend, she was your friend for life. She had a fun, sassy spirit that kept those around her on their toes. Her wit and outspoken nature were often comical. She loved having family close and enjoyed taking care of them. During down time, you may have found her enjoying a murder mystery or watching a Western. She typically preferred keeping life simple. She was earthy and loved being outdoors, enjoying nature. Lunell appreciated her life, and she will truly be missed for all the lives she impacted for the better.
Those left to carry on Lunell’s legacy of love are her children Tina VanHorn (Greg), Paula Gamble, and Austin VanHorn, bonus daughter Leota Duke, grandchildren Angela VanHorn, Adam VanHorn, and Andrew VanHorn, six great grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as many good friends.
Lunell was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather Mary & Bill Miller, biological father Joe Clancy, daughter Teresa Kay Jackson, brother Bobby Joe Clancy, and nephew Allen Clancy.
A graveside service to celebrate Lunell’s life will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton with Pastor Mark Knapp officiating.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bowman family in their time of need.