Larry Earl Dukes, Jeanette Prather, Judith "Judie" Lynn Wisehart, William “Cody” Purvis, Linda Elaine Kemper, Ralph Allen Freeman, Lindsay “Lin” Diane D’Agostino, Joan (Funke-Blackburn) Dow
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Larry Earl Dukes
Larry Earl Dukes, 66, of Russiaville, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 7:17 p.m. Monday March 24, 2025. He was born in Tipton, IN, on September 14, 1958, the son of Marshall and Drama (Bowers) Dukes. On June 3, 1978, he married Catherine Davison at Honeycreek Missionary Baptist Church, and she survives.
Larry was a 1977 graduate of Clinton Central High School. He worked at Mohr Construction for 20 years, then later retired from Chrysler as a union official after 28 years of service. Larry was a faithful member of Honeycreek Missionary Baptist Church in Russiaville where he served as a Deacon, Trustee, and Treasurer. He prioritized his family and the time he spent with them. He lived a great testimony and left an incredible legacy in his wife, children, grandchildren, and siblings. Larry was a dependable man with a bright smile, and he had the best sense of humor. His favorite hobbies were fishing, collecting pocketknives, watching old western country shows, and finishing yardwork. He found great joy in hosting friends and family. He has finished his race. He has kept the faith!
In addition to his wife Cathy, Larry is survived by: his children Steven (Veronica) Dukes, Michael (Laura) Dukes, and Aaron Dukes; siblings Linda Johnston, Darrell (Chauntelle) Dukes, and David (Lori) Dukes; grandchildren Cody Pearcy, Dylan Dukes, and Thomas Dukes; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his parents Marshall and Drama Dukes, sister Marsha Fouts, brother-in-law David Johnston, and nephews Seth Johnston, Jeremiah Rosselot, and Isaac Dukes.
Larry’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Walts and the entire nursing staff at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday March 28, 2025, at Honeycreek Missionary Baptist Church, 250 Nashville Street, Russiaville, IN 46979. A funeral service celebrating Larry’s life will begin 11 a.m. Saturday March 29, 2025, at the church with Pastor Josh Cupp and Pastor Jim Stevenson officiating. A burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden with Pastor John Ault providing the committal service. Contributions may be made in Larry’s memory to Honeycreek Missionary Baptist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.
Jeanette Prather
Jeanette Prather, 99, of Greentown, passed away at 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis. She was born on September 24, 1925, in Kokomo, IN to Irvin and Nellie (DeBon) Ford. In the winter of 1943, as a young 18-year-old girl, she took the train alone to Tyler, TX to be with her love, Robert E. “Bob” Prather, Sr., who’d been drafted into the U.S. Army during World War II. They were married on December 11, 1943.
She spent 22 years farming with her husband in Cass and eastern Howard counties and worked 25 years as head cashier at National Life Insurance in Kokomo until her retirement. A lifelong member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Kokomo and a member of the Moose Lodge, where she formerly served as secretary, she cherished both her family and her faith.
Jeanette delighted in attending her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s school and athletic events, beaming with pride at their achievements. She loved hosting big family Christmas parties, welcoming family visits, cheering on IU basketball, and savoring long phone calls, often with a cold Coke in hand.
She is survived by a son Robert (Gayle) Prather, Jr., a daughter Joyce (Kenny) Graham, grandchildren Greg Smith, Annette (David) Emerson, Dawn (Doug) VanBibber, Dr. Kent (Kim) McCorkle, Joy (Gene) Record, Julie (Greg) Stonebraker, Dr. Christopher (Amy) Prather, Kristen (Jesse) Wisler, and Caleb Graham, great-grandchildren McKenna (Andrew) Shuler, Shelby (Logan) Waggoner, Audra (Dylan) Mullen, Sydney Fite, Austin Rogers, Jamie (Julia) Stonebraker, Adam Emerson, Aaron (Lydia) Emerson, Cameron Graham, Isabel (Thomas) Nolasco, Lilli Graham, Annelise Graham, Camden Prather, Carson Prather, Grace VanBibber, Cooper Prather, Connor McCorkle, Nash Wisler, Chloe McCorkle, and Clayton Prather, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter Susan Kay Smith, son-in-law Jerry Smith, her brothers Edward Ford and his wife Leora, and Robert Ford and his wife Betty, her sisters Dorothy Renie and her husband Joe, and Eleanor Buroker and her husband DeMerle, her sisters-in-law Dorothy Mae Foust, Ruby Mullen, and Betty Dick, and her brother-in-law Jack Prather.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 North Washington Street, with Rev. Fr. Peter Vanderkolk the celebrant. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with the Rosary recited at 7 p.m. and again from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. on Saturday at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made in Jeanette’s name to St. Patrick Catholic Church. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Judith "Judie" Lynn Wisehart
Judith "Judie" Lynn Wisehart, age 83, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025. She was born February 18, 1942, to the late Robert and Kathryn Bailey.
Judie enjoyed visiting Florida and especially loved the beach.
She is survived by her children Michael Sumner, Michelle Harner (Darvel), Patricia Nevitt, Sherry Mahoney (Donald Mills), Jennifer Rouse (Heath), and Obsidian Wisehart, grandchildren Jason Harner (Megan), Brooke-Allison Hines, Nicole Collar, Krystal Meeks (Lee), Robert Welcher, Laci Rouse, Heath Rouse, Tyler Nevitt, and Jayde Nevitt, siblings Robert Bailey (Melissa) and Pamela Thomas. She also leaves behind her best friend since she was 16 years old, Shirley Reese, whom she still spoke to on the phone every day.
In addition to her parents Judie is preceded in death by her husband Michael Wisehart and brother Stephen Bailey.
A visitation for Judie will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. She will be laid to rest in Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Judie's memory may be made to the Miracle Foundation to help orphaned children, 1506 West 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78703.
William “Cody” Purvis
William “Cody” Purvis, 28, of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025. He was born on April 22, 1996, the son of Bill and Heather M. (Mooney) Purvis.
Cody worked as a Laborer for Subaru. He attended Southside Apostolic Church. Most of his time was spent outside, landscaping, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. The one thing that made Cody the happiest was being with his children. He was adored by all his nieces and nephews. Cody will be painfully missed by all.
Cody is survived by his children Ta’Shyah Purvis and Waylen Stafford, father Bill (Carol) Purvis, siblings Ricki Purvis, Blane Coate, and Kyle Coate, grandparents Rick (Debbie) Mooney, Cathy Purvis, and Marylene Tucker, loving aunt Lori Thomas, uncle Chris Purvis, and several cousins.
Cody was preceded in death by his mother Heather Purvis, aunt Michelle Lybrook, and grandparents Ivan & Roberta Mooney, William Lynn Purvis, and Lonnie Ray Tucker.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. at Southside Apostolic Church in Kokomo. Memorial contributions may be made in Cody’s name to Turning Point A System of Care. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be made to www.shirleyandstout.com.
Linda Elaine Kemper
Linda Elaine Kemper, 74, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away March 23, 2025. She was born on July 5, 1950, in Evansville, Indiana, the daughter of Herman and Agnes (Simpson) Elder. She married William Kemper on July 25, 1970, who survives. She was a 1968 graduate of Kokomo High School.
Linda retired from the United States Post office in 2003. She loved decorating eggs for her church fundraiser, crafting, and most of all spending time with her family. She also enjoyed making photo albums. She was fascinated by the Royal Family and was an avid reader. In the later years, she was a full-time grandma and went to all of their sports and other activities. She was a member of Full Gospel Tabernacle Apostolic Church.
Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband Bill, children Patrick (Carey) Kemper, Melissa (Ronald) Jones, and Josh Kemper, grandchildren Angel, Zachary, Tyler, Madison, Mackenzie, Isaac, Austin (Chloe), Kaiden, Gavin (Aubree), and Aaron (Emma), great-grandchildren Sailor, Axton, Delilah, Arlo, and Alyonna, brother Don (Sue) Elder, and very special friends Jim and Wanda
Linda was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Matthew Jones.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 1:00 PM on April 5, 2025, at Full Gospel Tabernacle Apostolic Church. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.
Ralph Allen Freeman
Ralph Allen Freeman, 82, Kokomo, passed peacefully in his home on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. He was born on February 17, 1943, to the late Jean and Helen (Fawbush) Freeman.
Ralph graduated from Galveston High School in 1961. He is the father to two wonderful children, Craig Freeman and Kimberlee Freeman Shanks, whom he loved both very deeply. In a later marriage, he helped raise two stepdaughters, Michelle Buster McPherson and Valerie Buster Busch, who remained close to his heart. On October 21, 1998, he married Loretta Wilson Calloway in Gatlinburg, TN. Loretta had two children, Staci Calloway Priest and Chris Calloway. Together, Ralph and Loretta watched their blended families continue to grow. He loved spending time with family and having breakfast with his friends. He had a great sense of humor, quick wit, and was always ready to crack a joke. He was a kind, compassionate man.
Among his interests were golfing, fishing, and socializing. Ralph was a member of the Galveston Alumni, and Local UAW 1302. He retired from Chrysler Corp. in 1998 after 34 years of service. After his retirement he worked at Barnard Lumber & Hardware in Burlington.
Ralph is survived by his wife Loretta, daughter Kimberlee (Rick) Shanks, daughter-in-law Debbee Freeman, stepdaughters Michelle (Jason) McPherson, Valerie (Jerry) Busch, and Staci (Jay) Priest, stepson Chris Calloway, siblings Ron (Betsy) Freeman, Lora Correll, and Teresa Freeman, sisters-in-law Norene Jackson, Sue Wilson, Linda Wilson, and Marilyn Wilson, brother-in-law James (Melissa) Wilson, 20 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren with one on the way, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Craig Freeman, siblings Josephine (Jim) McCoy and Jim’s second wife Bessie, Milford (Joyce) Freeman, and Gary (Dixie) Freeman, brothers-in-law Carl Correll, Joseph Wilson, Larry Wilson, William Jackson, Ralph (Illena) Wilson, Willis (Carolyn) Wilson, and Willard Wilson.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ravindra, Dr. Annan, Dr. Siler and her staff at Kokomo Smile Creations, Kate Schaefer-Seller, Dr. Moiz, Cara Crone and staff at the Renal Transplant Center, Rhonda, Courtney, Natasha, Jenae, Chyanna, and the staff at Compassus Hospice for their care and guidance. Thank you to Keria Ochoa and the staff of Windmill Grill and Jose Ochoa of Ochoa Roofing for their thoughtfulness and generosity. Thank you to Wendy Betts, Stephanie Brutus, and the staff at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home for their great service.
In keeping with Ralph’s wishes no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s name to St. Jude Children Hospital, Kokomo Humane Society, YMCA, or any charity of your choice. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Lindsay “Lin” Diane D’Agostino
Lindsay “Lin” Diane D’Agostino, 76, Kokomo, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2025. She was born in Cincinnati, OH, on February 27, 1949, to the late William Donald and Gloria Joan (Hines) Porter. On July 14, 1980, she married Gerald “Jerry” D’Agostino, the love of her life, and he survives.
Lin’s early years were spent with her beloved grandparents Billie Mae and William Hines in OH. She grew up in Kokomo and attended Western High School and graduated from Kokomo High School in 1967. She married her first husband Kerry Taboas that same year, and in 1968 their son Anthony was born. Lin loved children, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed babysitting, playing cards, games, traveling, reading, puzzles, gambling, and retirement. She also loved jewelry, whether it was buying, selling, or keeping it.
Along with her husband of 44 years Gerry, Lin is survived by her children Anthony Taboas, Kenneth D’Agostino, Monica Matthew, and Rosella Mossholder, grandchildren Ian & Indy Matthew, Jarah Jaunzems, Calista & Julian D’Agostino, Alex Taboas, Gracelin Mossholder, Lilian Taboas, Katie Mossholder, and Justin Clark, four great-grandchildren, siblings Doug Porter, David Porter, and Robin Gonzales, sisters-in-law Diane Russeau, Shirley Martin, and Joyce D’Agostino, and nephew Rex Martin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and brother John Porter.
In keeping with Lin’s wishes there will be no services. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Joan (Funke-Blackburn) Dow
In Loving Memory of Joan (Funke-Blackburn) Dow.
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Joan (Funke-Blackburn) Dow, who left this world on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 8:32 p.m. Born on June 27, 1936, in Tipton, Indiana, to Joseph C. and Edna M. (Vair) Funke, Joan was raised in a proud generational farming family, instilling in her a deep love of hard work and resilience.
Joan’s greatest joy in life was her family. She is survived by her eight children—William, Theresa, Richard, Julie, Cheryl, Michael, Jerrianne, and Shawn—along with 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Doris, MaryAnn, Martha, and Madonna, but was preceded in death by her brother William “Bill.” She passed peacefully in California, surrounded by the love of most of her children, a testament to the deep bonds she nurtured throughout her life.
She was a member of St. John’s Parish and attended high school at the revered St. Joseph Academy. During this time, she met Darrell L. Blackburn, whom she married after graduation. Joan was also one of the many who generously contributed to the rebuilding of St. John’s Church in recent years, a reflection of her enduring faith and dedication to her community.
To know Joan was to know a woman of strength, generosity, and an unmatched zest for life. She spoke her mind with honesty, welcomed everyone with open arms, and worked harder than anyone. Above all, she loved fiercely, and that love will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. While words cannot express the void her absence leaves, we find comfort in knowing that she is now "God’s Beautiful Angel."
Joan will return home to Indiana later this fall for her final journey. In honor of her memory, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to your local Humane Society/ASPCA, causes close to her heart.
She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be assisting Joan’s family. Online condolences for her family may be left on her obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.