Morris Duane Smith

Morris Duane Smith, born February 7, 1945, went home to the Lord on July 22, 2024. Duane graduated from Eastern High School in 1963. Duane was drafted into the Army’s 4th Infantry Division in 1966 and honorably discharged in 1972 with a Purple Heart.

Duane dedicated 36 years of his life to General Motors, working as an electrician. He was an avid golfer who found great joy in sharing his passion with his grandson. For the past 24 winters, he enjoyed the warmth and camaraderie of friends at Recreation Plantation in Florida. Above all, Duane cherished his grandchildren and family.

In June 1978, Duane married Sheena (Glover) Smith, the love of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morris V. and Martha (McCan) Smith, and his sister, Mary Ann McKibbin.

Duane is survived by his children, Chris (Lucy) Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, Shelly (Tom) Cunningham of Kokomo, and Bryan (Melissa) Crail of Viera, Florida. Also survived by his grandchildren, Sebastian (Rebecca) Smith, Alejandra Smith, and Santiago Smith of Kansas City, Missouri, Hannah and Emma Crail of Viera, Florida and Bryce and Ashley Cunningham of Kokomo. Additionally, he leaves behind nieces, nephews, and his brother-in-law, Jack McKibbin.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, with Pastor Lori Melton officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. until time of service on Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Duane’s memory to the Kokomo Rescue Mission or Jackson Street Commons. Duane’s legacy of love, service, and passion for life will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

David Lee Barnard

David Lee Barnard, 61, of Kokomo, passed away at 11:59 a.m. on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born June 9, 1963, in Kokomo, to Arthur L. and Esther R. (Waltermier) Barnard. On November 20, 2009, he married Cescily Ann Arrick, in Kokomo, and she survives.

David graduated from Haworth High School in 1981 and went on to serve in the United States Army. He worked as a machine operator for Chrysler and had also worked in materials as a truck driver and at Hill Top Oasis as a bartender. David was a member of a pool league, a dart league and a bowling league at Don Lowry Lanes. He loved dirt track sprint car racing and going on fishing trips with his friends. He enjoyed riding his Harley, cherished spending time with his kids and attending their sporting events. David enjoyed vacations with his friends and attending music concerts.

In addition to his wife, Cescily Barnard, survivors include his children, Abigail (Brenden) Shearer, Ashlee Forkner, Tiffany Barnard, Brittany Barnard, Anthony Barnard, Gabrielle McDowell, and Zach McDowell; and several grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Kyle David Barnard.

Funeral services for David will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, with Kenny Cockrell officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in David’s memory to Riley Hospital for Children or the ALS Association. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Julia "Judy" Leah Sawyer

Julia "Judy" Leah Sawyer, age 91, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at home surrounded by her loved ones. She was born to the late Walter H. and Bernice (Baker) Bailey on November 22, 1932, in Clinton City, Indiana. Judy married Jack Sawyer on September 27, 1972, at their home in Kokomo, and he survives.

Judy was an interior designer and was the owner and operator of Touch of Class Interiors in Kokomo for over 50 years. She loved her home and lived there nearly most of her life. Judy enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, and arranging floral pieces. The only thing Judy loved more than her husband was her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a longtime member of the Southside Apostolic Church. She played a huge role in the church such as decorating and designing the facilities as well as cooking for all the events at the church.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Jack; two stepchildren, Kimberly (Don) Sawyer and Linda Sawyer; adopted-son, Keith Mosier; grandchildren, Stephanie (Alexander) Meneely and Joel Andrews; and great-grandson, Joenah Rae Meneely.

Preceded in death by her stepdaughter, Tamara Sloan; her sisters, Norma Vanausdall, Lou Molberg, and Myra Summerville.

There will be a time of visitation for Judy on Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 PM at Southside Apostolic Church, 1716 East Firmin Street, Kokomo, Indiana. Pastor Rev. Keith Mosier will be officiating. Burial will follow to Crown Point Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Judy to Southside Apostolic Church, envelopes will be provided at the church.

Gregory Wayne Smith

Gregory Wayne Smith, age 76, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

A memorial service for Gregory will be held Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Wildcat Creek Golf Course, 3200 Timber Valley Drive, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a memorial gathering from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Marla Raye Swisher

Marla Raye Swisher, 76, Kokomo, passed away at 6:04 a.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at North Woods Village in Kokomo. She was born June 10, 1948, in Kokomo, the daughter of the late Wilbur C. & Dorothy (Rush) Swisher.

Marla graduated from Oakland California Technical High School in 1966. While in high school, Marla was a member of the Business Leaders of America and the Red Cross Club. Marla had been ill for many years and was living at North Woods Village at the time of her death. She was a loving and happy woman. Marla loved unconditionally and was a joy to be around. The staff at North Woods Village are amazing. Marla had a birthday, and the staff celebrated her birthday by decorating her room, giving her cards and lots of love.

Marla is survived by her nephews, Tab (Debbie) Sarver, Rick (DeAnn) Sarver and Kirk Jordan, along with several great-nieces and nephews.

Marla was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Marcia K. Swisher; siblings, Dixie L. Jordan and Jack B. Mognett.

A graveside service will be held at a later date in Crown Point Cemetery. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with services.