Obituaries, April 3, 2025

Written on 04/03/2025


Charles E. Hallam, Roger W. Beasley, Shea Brandon Degraffenreid, Andrea Jane Duvall, Cynthia “Cyndy” Joy Trent, Brice Len Raney, JoAnn Loraine Ryan, Eric Andrew Reyburn, Shirleen Meacham

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Charles E. Hallam

Charles E. Hallam, 78, of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 8:30 p.m. at Waterford Place Health Campus. He was born on November 21, 1946, in Kokomo, son of the late Charles E. and Nellie J. (Kirk) Hallam.

Charles was a 1965 graduate of Western High School and then attended General Motors Institute before attending Purdue University for Electrical Engineering where he graduated in 1971. He was a member of the Sigma Pi Alpha fraternity. He retired as an electrical engineer from General Motors in 1985. Charles went on to work as the chief electrical engineer at the Blue Bird Wanderlodge in Fort Valley, GA, where he retired in 2005. He was a member of the Fort Valley Gun Club, earned an international electrical engineering certification, and was a former member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Charles is survived by his sister Patti Hallam, brother James Hallam, niece Nichole (Mark Owens) Perrin, and nephew Joshua (Anjalee) Perrin.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister Lita Coleen Perrin.

A graveside service celebrating Charles’ life will be held on April 4, 2025, at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 Alto Road, Kokomo, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church in Charles’ memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Roger W. Beasley

Roger W. Beasley, 57, of Kokomo, passed away Monday, March 31, 2025, at his home. He was born November 25, 1967, in Kokomo to Jimmy L. and Betty E. (Sanders) Beasley. He married Valerie Hollingsworth on September 8, 1994, in Kokomo, and she survives.

Roger served his country in the United States Army Reserve as a medic and worked as a CNA for Miller’s Merry Manor in Peru for several years. He retired from the Rehab Hospital in Kokomo West Campus with 20 years’ service. He was an avid I.U. fan and enjoyed watching the Hoosier’s play basketball. He also enjoyed fishing and playing pool in his spare time and his dogs.

He is survived by his wife Valerie Beasley of Kokomo, his sister Lisa (Ramiro) Cortez of Kokomo, and brother Anton Anderssen (Marco Airaghi) of Monroe, MI. Roger is also survived by three nephews Nathan Thornton, Nick Cortez, and Austin Cortez. He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother Jimmy Beasley Jr.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, April 4, 2025, at Galveston Cemetery with Chaplin Adam Rinehart officiating. He will be laid to rest next to his mother with Military Honors graveside. Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston is honored to serve the Beasley family. www.murrayweaverfuneralhome.com



Shea Brandon Degraffenreid

Shea Brandon Degraffenreid, 35, Russiaville, passed away at 11:47 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at his home. He was born in Kokomo on November 19, 1989, to Troy and Connie (Cottingham) Degraffenreid.

Shea graduated from Western High School in 2008 and earned a Heating & Air degree from Ivy Tech. He worked for Subaru for 10 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being outdoors, especially camping. He loved spending time with his family.

Shea is survived by his parents, children Addison Degraffenreid, Laela Degraffenreid, and Chevelle Degraffenreid, sister Ashlyn (Tyler) Haines, grandmother Jean Degraffenreid, and his aunts Amy (Mark) Henry and Marsha (Tim) Cole.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents David and Mary Cottingham and Daryl Degraffenreid.

A funeral service celebrating Shea’s life will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, Russiaville. Friends may visit the family from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help assist the family with final expenses.



Andrea Jane Duvall

Andrea Jane Duvall, 54, of Atlanta, entered this life in Tipton on February 13, 1971, and she went to be with her Lord on Monday, March 31, 2025. She passed away surrounded by her loving family while at Riverview Health in Noblesville. Andrea's parents were Jim Plake and Julie (Tebbe) Plake. Her mother preceded her in death on May 18, 2015. Andrea and her husband Joe Duvall were married on January 8, 1994, and they shared 31 years together.

Andrea was self-employed working in real estate with her husband. She was a graduate of Tipton High School in the Class of 1989 and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in 1993 from Purdue University in Elementary Education.

Like many people, Andrea had many interests during her life, but the one overriding focus throughout was serving the Lord. She attended Heartland Ministries for 32 years and was a pastoral care leader for much of that time. She was also on the Praise and Worship Team, volunteered with Heartland Theatre, and was a greeter.

Helping her make an impact in the community included spending time as a volunteer at Birthright and participating in the program "Tres Dias" for over 20 years. She truly believed in giving back.

When she found free time, Andrea enjoyed playing golf, line dancing and clogging, and especially spending time with her family and friends. Her wide circle of friends was evident to the hospital staff as Andrea had many visitors during her stay at Riverview.

Andrea is survived by her father Jim Plake, her husband Joe of Atlanta, her two children Samuel Duvall and Lilly Duvall, both of Tipton, and her siblings Andrew Plake and wife Melissa of Noblesville, Jason Plake of Carmel, and Tracie Delph and husband Earl of Noblesville.

Andrea's funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 5, at Heartland Ministries, 3611 N. State Road 19, Sharpsville, with Pastors Gary Auten and William Salsbery presiding. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Tipton. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Friday and from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, all at Heartland Ministries.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the Duvall family in their time of need. Online condolences may be left on Andrea's obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Memorial contributions in memory of Andrea may be made to Heartland Ministries.



Cynthia “Cyndy” Joy Trent

Cynthia “Cyndy” Joy Trent, 68, Kokomo, passed away at 6:10 a.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Waterford Place Health Campus. She was born in Manistee, MI, on June 21, 1956, to the late George and Ramona (Irby) Herron. On February 13, 1976, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, she married Gary Trent, and he survives.

Cyndy graduated from Haworth High School in 1974. She worked for Wilson Mini Warehouse as a clerk for 18 years before retiring and drove a bus for Western Schools. She attended Judson Road Christian Church. She enjoyed bowling and is in the City of Firsts Bowling Hall of Fame. Cyndy wrote for the bowling column in the Kokomo Tribune for 10 years. She was on the bowling board and was secretary of treasury of the Kokomo Babe Ruth League.

Along with her husband Gary, Cyndy is survived by her sister Cara Herron, several nieces and nephews, and her two cats Shadow and Xena.

She was preceded in death by her parents George and Ramona, brother Mark Herron, and her in-laws Robert and Nancy Trent.

Gary would like to thank the staff at Waterford Place for the wonderful care they provided for Cyndy.

A funeral service celebrating Cyndy’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Be sure to wear your beach clothes for the service on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Lanes Youth Bowlers. Messages of condolence may be made online at www.shirleyandstout.com.



Brice Len Raney

Brice Len Raney, a beacon of kindness and faith, passed away unexpectedly on March 26, 2025, at the age of 32 in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on August 20, 1992, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Brice's warm smile and generous spirit were evident from a young age.

A proud graduate of Ooltewah High School in Tennessee, Brice carried the values of his education throughout his life, embodying the principles of friendship and service to others. His academic journey was a testament to his dedication to his country as he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps.

Brice's professional life was marked by his compassionate work as the Director of Housing at Genesis Recovery. His commitment to helping others was not just a job but a calling. He poured his heart into his work, offering hope and support to those in need, and his impact on the lives he touched was profound.

An avid lover of the outdoors, Brice found solace and joy in fishing, a pastime that allowed him to appreciate the beauty of nature and the simplicity of life. His love for Jesus was the cornerstone of his existence, guiding him in his daily actions and inspiring him to live a life of service. Brice's faith was unwavering, and it shone brightly in his every interaction.

Brice is survived by his parents Len Raney and Shannon Flanders, sisters Kacie Jones and Tera Janson, and brother Shane Schmaltz, as well as many friends. He was preceded in death by his brother Jesse Schmaltz.

Brice's life was a testament to the power of kindness and the strength of faith. He lived to serve others, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the remarkable life of Brice Len Raney—a life lived with purpose, love, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.

A Celebration of Life for Brice will be held at The Well Church, Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 6:00 p.m., 1128 South Purdum Street. Military Honors will also be presented by the Kokomo VFW Post 1152 and the United States Marine Corps.



JoAnn Loraine Ryan

JoAnn Loraine Ryan, 89, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:54 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Brickyard Healthcare- Sycamore Village. She was born on July 15, 1935, in Maynardville, TN, daughter of Luther V. and Nora E. (Archer) Harmon. On January 21, 1958, she married Franklin Ryan who preceded her in death on April 23, 2021.

JoAnn wore many hats during her career. She was a cashier at Long’s grocery store, a café server at Chrysler, a secretary at Robert’s Aluminum Siding, a manager of Village Pantry, a receptionist at Turner TVs, a court clerk at the Howard County Courthouse, and retired as a clerk with the City of Kokomo Police Department. JoAnn enjoyed playing bingo, cooking, and baking, and spending time in Florida. She was a member of a bowling league and enjoyed gambling at the casino.

She is survived by her son Ronald W. (Lauretta Mae) Taylor, grandchildren Crystal (Michaell Cory) Gibson, Joshua (Katie) Taylor, Alisha (Nick) Parrott, Nicole (Brent) Bowman, Brett Ryan, Daryl Marie (Tony Pasquale) Ryan, and Bennett (Morgan Dickson) Kerr, great-grandchildren Anna Taylor, Adam Taylor, Amanda Taylor, Corbin Parrott, Caiden Parrott, Braxton Bowman, Paisley Bowman, and Bodie Gibson.

Along with her husband Frank Ryan, she was preceded in death by her parents, daughters-in-law Joanna Ryan and Lora Ryan, son Darryl K. Ryan, and siblings Christine (Ed) Graves, Irene (Eston) Shipley, James (Frances) Harmon, Bernie (Lois) Harmon, Bernice (Elmer) Ryan, Vaughn (Pat) Harmon, and Frank (Joan) Harmon.

A funeral service celebrating JoAnn’s life will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Kevin Marsh officiating. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in JoAnn’s memory to the American Cancer Society. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.



Eric Andrew Reyburn

Eric Andrew Reyburn, aged 54, of Kokomo, IN, passed away on March 31, 2025, in Munster, IN, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and an adventurous spirit that touched the hearts of all who knew him. Born on July 14, 1970, to Terry Reyburn and the late Gloria Tucker, Eric's vivacious personality and zest for life became evident early on, shaping a life filled with joy and cherished memories.

Eric grew up in a close-knit family, where he shared a special bond with his sister Tammy (Bruce) Irwin and brother Adrian (Amy Royal) Tucker. His childhood was filled with the sounds of music and echoes of laughter as he indulged in his love for playing cops and robbers, a game that showcased his sense of humor and his penchant for adventure.

Those who knew Eric will fondly remember his ability to transform any ordinary moment into something extraordinary with his goofiness and silly antics, especially when he was with his nephew Bryan. His infectious laughter and willingness to embrace the humorous side of life made him the heart and soul of every gathering.

As an adult, Eric carried his love for music into every corner of his existence, often found humming a tune or sharing his latest musical discoveries with friends and family. His cat, Butthole, was a constant companion and beneficiary of Eric's playful nature, providing moments of comfort and companionship throughout his life.

Described by his loved ones as funny and adventurous, Eric never shied away from an opportunity to explore new horizons or to make someone smile. His approach to life was a testament to the idea that joy can be found in the simplest of activities, and that a day without laughter was a day wasted.

Eric's presence will be profoundly missed by his family, his friends, and all who had the pleasure of experiencing his unique and spirited personality. Just as his siblings, Tammy and Adrian reminisce on a brother whose love and laughter knew no bounds.

Though Eric's melody may have ceased, the echoes of his laughter and the memories of his adventures will continue to resonate in the hearts of those he left behind. His was a life well-lived, full of joy and imbued with a spirit that will forever inspire others to seek out the beauty in the world, to cherish the moments of silliness, and to always dance to the rhythm of life.

As the sun sets on Eric Andrew Reyburn's journey on this earth, we are reminded to hold our loved ones close and to celebrate the gift of each day. May his soul rest in peace and may the stories of his escapades bring comfort and smiles for years to come.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com

Shirleen Meacham

Shirleen Meacham, 63, Kokomo, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Health. On October 13, 1961, she was born in Willard, Ohio, the daughter of the late Silas Smith and Mable (Barnett) Rinker.

Shirleen enjoyed watching the home shopping network, collecting knick-knacks, and listening to music, especially country music. Above all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Shirleen is survived by her children George (Melinda) Meacham and David (Sara) Meacham, caretaker James Cox, grandchildren Brice Meacham, Connor Meacham, Jaedyn Miller, Geordyn Meacham, Brenyn Meacham, Chloe Meacham, and Camilla Meacham, siblings Jack Sprablen, Silas Smith Jr., Larry Smith, and Imogene Shafer, along with several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Shirleen was preceded in death by her brother James “Jimmy” Smith and sister Dianna Platt.

In keeping with Shirleen’s wishes, no services will be taking place. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation.