Gordon Joseph LaLonde, Danny Ray Jackson Jr., William Henry “Bill” Hingst, Colin “Brett” McNeill, Ella M. Cunningham, Travis Arlyn Street

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Gordon Joseph LaLonde

Gordon Joseph LaLonde, 85, of Kokomo, passed away 4:15 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Waters of Peru in Peru, IN. He was born in Detroit, MI, on March 19, 1939, the son of the late Gordon E. and Catherine T. (Coogan) LaLonde. On December 30, 1960, he married Carolyn S. Critchley, and she survives.

Gordon was a 1957 graduate of Tecumseh High School in Tecumseh, MI. He retired as a Production Supervisor from Chrysler Casting Plant in 1991 after 32 years of service. After his retirement, he worked for 20 years at Chemtool in Crystal Lake, IL, where he serviced the casting plant. Gordon was a bigger than life character who made his presence known at social gatherings. He was always the life of the party. He was most comfortable playing golf with his buddies at the American Legion or on golfing trips around the country. A favorite destination of his was Mrytle Beach. He enjoyed any time spent outdoors, but especially while he was camping, fishing, or mowing the yard. He was a member of the American Legion, the Elks in Rochester, and Knights of Columbus.

In addition to his wife Carolyn, Gordon is survived by his sons Mike (Chris) LaLonde of Warsaw, IN, and Doug (Dawn) LaLonde, grandchildren Nichole (Jonathan Jackson) LaLonde, Jacob LaLonde, Zachary LaLonde, Brody LaLonde, and Jaimy LaLonde, sister-in-law Phyllis and Jim Smith, brother-in-law Doug Marr, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Cathryn and John McKenzie, Carol Marr, Margaret Mouridjian, and Wilma and Carl Stites, nephew Tony Critchley, brothers- and sisters-in-law RuthAnn and Bob Mugg and George and Bonnie Critchley, and father and mother-in-law George and Ruth Critchley.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, February 24, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo, IN 46901, with Rev. Fr. Peter Vanderkolk, celebrant. A link will be available at the bottom of Gordon’s obituary page to view the mass live at 11 a.m. on Monday. Contributions may be made in Gordon’s memory to the Monastery of the Poor Clares or to the Knights of Columbus. Stout Funeral Homes has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Danny Ray Jackson Jr.

Danny Ray Jackson Jr., 30, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on February 17, 2025, at IU Health University Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was born December 28, 1994, to Danny Jackson Sr. and Christina Wunderlich.

Danny graduated from Kokomo High School in 2013 where he found his joy for the arts from participating in marching band and theater. He was a talented singer and absolutely loved music. He went on to major in Theater Education at Ball State from 2013-2017. He played a part of many shows at the Kokomo Civic Theater.

Danny recently was the manager of Red Lobster and Windmill Grill; he was very passionate about the restaurant business. Danny was an amazing cook, and he was a friendly face to anyone that walked in. He enjoyed spending time with his friends, family, and his dogs. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his loving mother Christina (Travis) Wunderlich, grandparents John and Myrna Lee, Pamela Jackson, and Steven (Kris) Wunderlich, and siblings Kaylee Jackson and Daylin Jackson. He also leaves behind an aunt Stephanie Dart and three cousins — Trent, Kyler, and Jax — all of whom he was very close to. Danny was close to his extended family as well.

Danny is preceded in death by his father Danny Jackson Sr. and grandfather Sherman Jackson.

A visitation for Danny will be Monday, February 24, 2025, from 10:30 AM until the time of service at 1:30 PM, at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery.

William Henry “Bill” Hingst

William Henry “Bill” Hingst, 72, Kokomo, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, February 16, 2025, at his home. He was born November 19, 1952, in Kokomo, to Werner John and Hilda (Miller) Hingst. On March 31, 1984, in Indianapolis, he married Virginia E. “Ginny” Caldwell, and she survives.

Bill grew up in Kokomo, attending McKinley School and Lafayette Park. He was active in Boy Scouts of America, and in 1966 was the first Eagle Scout from Troop 306. Bill was a 1971 graduate of Kokomo High School where he made his mark in a variety of ways. He was a tight end on the Wildkats football team. Years later, he discovered his 40 receptions in one season had been a school record, however, the year of this discovery was the same year the record was broken. Bill was quick to credit any success he had in football to the skill of the quarterback Tom Underwood who would go on to become a Major League Baseball pitcher. Bill joined the swim team on which, according to him, he was an unspectacular breast stroker for four years. President of his senior class, Bill would prove passionate about the high school reunions that occurred over the past 50-plus years.

One of Bill’s fondest memories that he shared with brothers Ted and Bob was the opportunity to serve for three summers as a wilderness canoe guide for Boy Scouts in northern Minnesota and Quetico Park in Canada. He was able to teach kids self-reliance and resilience and as a result, became more resilient himself.

Bill graduated from Purdue University in 1975 with a degree in industrial management. With the exception of a few years when he worked in Syracuse, New York, Bill made his home in Kokomo. Part of the third generation to run Mid-America Beverage (formerly Miller Beverage, which was founded by his maternal grandfather Bert Miller at the end of prohibition). Bill served as President of Mid-America Beverage and was proud to relinquish this title to son Jack.

Re-connecting with old classmates, teammates, and teachers made living in his hometown meaningful for Bill. Shortly after marrying his wife Ginny, the couple moved into what would prove to be their family home to the end. Bill was thrilled to discover that his former French teacher at KHS, Kay Schuster (now Kay Trobaugh), was their next-door neighbor. The Trobaugh family would become an integral part of Bill and Ginny’s family as their children grew to adulthood.

Bill also had a heart for community service as he served on the Sagamore Council of Scouting America and for many years on the board of Howard Community Hospital. At the time of his death, Bill was chairman of the board at Community First Bank, a position he held since 2003. On each board, Bill treasured the friendships that resulted. He was also involved in Rotary and the Kokomo Y’s Men. A man of faith, Bill worshiped his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer where he served previously as treasurer and most recently as deacon.

In 2018, Bill was honored by the Sagamore Council with the Distinguished Citizen Award for his contributions to scouting and the community. In 2022, the Hingst Family was honored with the Ivy Tech Community College Benefactor of the Year Award in recognition of their support.

Bill remained an avid Purdue sports fan, although when emotion around him ruled, he was able to point out that the athletes were young men trying their best. All in all, he could keep sports enthusiasm in its proper place, a form of entertainment, even when the athletes were his own children.

A proud father and grandfather, Bill took great joy in being with family. He loved watching Vera and Wade Russell, especially upon the arrival of younger brother Grant. He was blessed to enjoy three-week-old Ana Gabriella (Ani) Hingst before his passing.

Bill is survived by his loving family: wife of 40 years Ginny Hingst; children Jack (Monica) Hingst and Katie (Jeremy) Russell; grandchildren Ani Hingst, Vera Russell, Wade Russell, and Grant Russell; brothers Bob (Mary) Hingst and Ted Hingst (Kim Fleer); uncle Jim Hingst; and close family friends the Trobaughs. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Emily Lynn Hingst, and grandson Michael Caldwell Hingst.

A celebration of victory over death will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 Southway Blvd E., Kokomo, with Pastors John Dreyer and Carl Hingst officiating. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family between 4 and 8 p.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 Southway Blvd. E., Kokomo, IN 46902 or to Scouting America, Sagamore Council, 518 N. Main Street, Kokomo, IN 46901. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Colin “Brett” McNeill

Colin “Brett” McNeill, 66 of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on February 16, 2025. Born in Kansas City, Kansas, on September 10, 1958, to Leo Jake McNeill and Dorothy (Platt) McNeill Strahm. He was raised by his mother and stepfather Matthias Strahm IV after the early death of his father. Brett married Kim Edwards on June 26, 1982.

Brett graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Brett started his career as a co-op student at Black and Veatch in Kansas City, and then in 1982 moved to California with his wife to work at Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, followed by Hughes Aircraft Company (Santa Barbara Research Center). He completed a certificate in Marketing from the University of California Los Angeles in 1994. Later that year, Brett and Kim moved to Kokomo, Indiana, with their three children, where he worked at (Delco Electronics) Delphi Automotive. He then worked at Aptiv, followed by Kokomo Auto World. Brett finished his career of 37 years working at BorgWarner and PHINIA, and part-time for his own company CBM Contracts Services, LLC. Brett received the Delco Electronics President’s Award in 1995, and the Donald J. Almquist Award for Extraordinary Accomplishment from Delphi Automotive in 2010. He was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club. Brett was an organ donor, so he was able to make a difference even in death.

Brett was a devoted husband to his wife of 42 years and dedicated father to their children. He was an avid reader, especially of history and aviation, and enjoyed golfing and fixing vintage cars. One of his greatest joys was helping others and serving God. For 10 years, he led as an elder of the Center Road Church of Christ.

Brett is survived by his wife, their three children Lauren (Sandor) Van Wassenhove, Brittany (Christopher) Achard, and Colin (Laurissa) McNeill, twin sister Jeannine (Stephen) Wolf, younger sister Michelle Koerner, four grandchildren Leo Achard, Margot Achard, Lilith Van Wassenhove, and Miles McNeill, and eight nieces and nephews Janet (Keith) Ramick, Douglas Wolf, Taylor (Lisa) Koerner, Austin (Ashley) Koerner, Monica Koerner, Jamie (Musa) Edwards-Sulejmani, Kelley Edwards, and Jason Edwards.

He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather.

A memorial service celebrating Brett’s life will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to service at Center Road Church of Christ, 899 W 300 S, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 4-7 p.m., at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Center Road Church of Christ. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. The service will be livestreamed and available to view on Brett’s obituary page. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Ella M. Cunningham

Ella M. Cunningham, a beacon of unwavering faith and boundless love, passed away on February 18, 2025, in Kokomo, IN, after a valiant and courageous battle with cancer that she faced three times over the last 29 years. Born on January 4, 1959, in Muncie, IN, Ella's life was a testament to her strength and her deep-rooted belief in the goodness of life.

Ella's journey began as the cherished daughter of the late Thomas and Barb Hamilton in 1975 becoming part of the family. Her vivacious spirit was nurtured in a loving family that grew to include her devoted husband Michael Cunningham I, and siblings Cyndy (Richard) Russell, Pam (Bob) Hendershot, Jeff (Brenda) Hamilton, Brian (Stacy) Hamilton, and Sally (Bobby) Duke. Ella's zest for life and her capacity for love only multiplied as she became the proud mother to her beloved children Derek Lamb, Jason (Beth) Lamb, Melissa (Jason Dunford) Fincher, Tim Gabbard, Stephanie (Dustin) Gingerich, Mark (Alieah Carter) Cunningham, and Michael (Lizzyy) Cunningham. She was also a doting grandmother to 13 grandchildren, each of whom brought immense joy and light into her life.

A woman of deep faith, Ella was a dedicated member of Fairview Baptist Church, where she found great solace and community. She lived her life as a reflection of her beliefs, often echoing the words "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith." Her advocacy for all of God's creatures and her unwavering love for the Lord were evident in every aspect of her life.

Ella's passions were many and varied. Her love for Dolly Parton was well-known, and her visit to Dollywood remained one of her most cherished memories. She loved fiercely, embracing her family and friends with an open heart and a warm smile. Her enthusiasm for life was contagious, and she found happiness in simple pleasures like dining out with loved ones, gathering around campfires, and embracing the tranquility of watching the river flow.

Those who knew Ella will remember her as a loving, faith-filled, and passionate soul. She was a woman who could light up a room with her presence and whose laughter could lift the spirits of all around her. Her unwavering commitment to her family, her friends, and her faith left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.

Ella's legacy is one of love and perseverance. She faced each challenge with grace and emerged with an even greater capacity to appreciate every moment. Her life was a beautiful tapestry woven with the threads of devotion, kindness, and an unshakeable belief in the power of faith.

As we bid farewell to Ella M. Cunningham, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey completed with dignity and grace. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those she touched, and her memory will be cherished forevermore. Ella's life was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, one can remain loving and passionate, and keep their faith intact.

We take comfort in knowing that Ella has been welcomed into eternal peace, reunited with her parents and embraced by the love that she so freely gave to others throughout her life. Her story of courage, love, and faith will continue to inspire those she has left behind, and her legacy will live on through the lives of her adoring family and the countless friends who were blessed to know her. A private burial will be held at Washington Park North at Kessler Woods. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Travis Arlyn Street

Travis Arlyn Street, known for his boundless kindness and infectious humor, passed away on February 13, 2025, in his hometown of Kokomo, IN. Born on August 7, 1971, to Frank A. and Karla G. Street, Travis's life was a testament to the joy and laughter he brought to others.

He graduated from Western High School's class of 1989, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Indiana University Kokomo. His careers included positions at Kokomo Academy, Kokomo School Corporation, Dollar General, and FedEx.

It was his personal interests that truly defined him. A lover of history, he found joy in the pursuit of antiques and attending auctions. His big heart and caring nature were evident to all who knew him, and his sense of humor was infectious.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Travis would describe him as friendly, funny, and thoughtful. He was a man who cared deeply about people, always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh. His one-of-a-kind spirit and joyful demeanor left an indelible mark on the hearts of his loved ones.

Travis's legacy is carried on by his beloved son Jaylen Street (Kirsten Woods) as well as his treasured grandson Ronin Street. His mother Karla and siblings Sabrina Vary (Mike) and Kyle Street (Debbie) will forever cherish the memories they shared. His nieces Heather Street and Isabel Vary also will hold dear the special bond they had. Travis was preceded in death by his father, Frank Street.

Travis impacted the lives of many, and his memory will be treasured forever.

There will be a Celebration of Life announced in the upcoming Spring.