Rex Allen Cooprider

Rex Allen Cooprider, 60, of Anderson, IN, passed away 2:46 p.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at St. Vincent 86th Street Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on July 26, 1964, the son of Jerry Cooprider and Anita Mills.

Rex was a 1983 graduate of Western High School. He was a skilled salesman who most recently worked at Kittle’s Furniture & Mattress and formerly was a Regional Manager at Mattress Firm. Rex was a social man with a strong work ethic and an amazing sense of humor. He loved to make people laugh. He was a big flirt with the ladies and known as “Sexy Rexy”. He was a sports fanatic and cheered for the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Pacers. He enjoyed golfing, completing house remodeling projects, and spending time with his grandchildren. Rex was a lover of all things ‘80s and was a Journey and Black Crowes fanatic.

He is survived by his children, Brandon Cooprider (Jessica Flick), Shelby (Jordan Grainger) Cooprider, Brady Cooprider; father-figure to Brittni Lorenz, Jordon Lorenz; mother, Anita Mills; grandchildren, Brinley Cooprider, Ryla Cooprider, Jaxson Cooprider, Arthur Grainger, Nathaniel Grainger; brother, Anthony (Ami) Cooprider-Root; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, his grandfather, Leo N. Main, and his grandmother, Sara Jane Brauchla Main.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery.

Harold J. Wilson

Harold J. Wilson, age 78, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

A public visitation for Harold will be held Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Following the public visitation will be a funeral service at 1:00 PM.

Colsen Jacob Michael

Colsen Jacob Michael, 2 weeks old, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis. He was born October 23, 2024, the son of Jacob Michael and Starr Flitcraft. Although his time here on earth was short, he will be forever loved and missed.

Along with his parents, Colsen is also survived by his siblings, Faith Hite, Elijah Flitcraft and Eli Michael; grandparents, Gary & Linda Hight, Kimberly Flitcraft, Casey Jones, Rashawn Brewington and Jason Michael; aunts and uncles, Anthony (Holly) Roberts, Jonathon Parkey, Angela (Rick) Blythe, Kelly (Justin) Caldwell, Kim Caine, David Flitcraft, Megan Brumfield, Aviana Michael, Liam Michael, Emma Michael, Hailey Michael, Asher Michael and Johnathon Michael; buddy, Ryan Hight; and several cousins.

Colsen was greeted in Heaven by his grandfather, Dewayne Flitcraft; great-grandmother, Enid Milburn; and cousins, Richard and Rance Blythe.

Funeral service will be held at Noon Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Fairfield Christian Church, 1476 County Road E. 400 S., Kokomo, with Pastor Calvin Peck officiating. Burial will follow in Heaven’s Hands Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. until time of service on Wednesday at the church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

David Andrew Long Sr.

David Andrew Long Sr., 94, Kokomo, passed to his heavenly home at 3:20 a.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at Colonial Oaks Health & Rehab Center in Marion. He was born November 20, 1929, the son of the late Everett & Gertrude (Brooke) Long. On September 17, 1950, he married Mary Ann (Hodson) Long at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Hemlock, IN, who preceded him in death on January 21, 2013.

David was a 1947 graduate of Union High School. He graduated from Asbury College in 1951 and then Butler University with a Master’s degree in administration. David taught 35 years at Swayzee School Corporation, Windfall School District, Union Township School, where he also served as Principal, and Eastern Howard School Corporation in Greentown, IN.

In addition to teaching, he was a member of Christion Life Fellowship, Gideons Internation, and Wycliffe Associates (JAARS). In his retirement years, he farmed organically. He spent seven years with his wife in Peru, South America, serving as missionary teachers with Wycliffe Bible Translators, and 11 years at JAARS in Waxhaw, NC, which includes a few years with SIL in Dallas, TX, serving as a museum host.

David is survived by his children, Beth (Matt) Seawell, David (Cindy) Long Jr., and Rachel (Brent) Lewis; grandchildren, Cami (Mark) Thomas, Cristina (Brad) Boyer, Adam (Lisa) Long, Cheryl (Darren) Miracle, Cara (Aaron) Tarrh, Brandon (Amber) Lewis, Tyler (Tara) Lewis, and Roy (Steph) Hufford; and 24 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Mary Ann, David was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Ruth Putney.

A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Christian Life Fellowship, 1009 Holiday Drive, Greentown, with Pastors Gary Hoover, Dr. Logan Sparling, and Missionary Bob McCauley officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, 2024, and 9-10 a.m. Thursday, November 14, 2024, at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, or Wycliffe Associates (JAARS) in David’s memory. The funeral service will be available to view via webcast at the start of the service on Thursday. Hasler & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

Mary "Nanny" Ellen Thomas

Mary "Nanny" Ellen Thomas, age 90, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at North Woods Village. She was born on July 24, 1934, in Newport News, Virginia, to the late William F. and Mary F. (Edwards) Blake. Mary married Raymond Eugene Parker on March 21, 1953, in Kokomo, and he preceded her in death on January 21, 1968. Mary married Melvin Thomas on August 12, 1972, and he survives.

Mary was primarily a homemaker but did enjoy driving a semi-truck, after she earned chauffeur license, and traveling all over the country for 13 years with her husband, Melvin. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels. Mary enjoyed bowling, traveling, attending church, playing board games, especially Parcheesi, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary was very artistic and was a talented seamstress.

She is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Melvin; daughter, Judy (Ben) Bousum; sister-in-law, Alice (Ray) Gurske; stepson, Kerry Thomas; grandchildren, Michelle (Dave) Alexander, Sam (Kate) Bousum, Brian (Joni) Lovegrove, Shannon (Jason) Pickett, Katie (Brad) Wray, Raymond James Thomas, Jeremy Thomas, Josh Thomas, Jennifer Thomas, Michael Thomas, Kyle Thomas, and Renae Thomas; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death is her first husband, Raymond Eugene Parker; sister-in-law, Sandy (Willis) Werre; brother-in-law, Alan (Betty) Thomas; three stepsons, Kelly (Penny) Thomas, Kendall (Pam) Thomas, and Kory Thomas; daughter-in-law, Kathy Thomas; and one brother, William F. (Arlene) Blake Jr.

The family would like to thank the staff at North Woods Village - Memory Care for all their loving care and support.

There will be a time of visitation for Mary on Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 11:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo. Pastor Evan Strong will be officiating. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mary to the UP Program - Kokomo Urban Outreach, envelopes will be provided at the funeral home.

Garold B. Bitner II

Garold B. Bitner II, “Gerry” 77, Kokomo, peacefully passed away surrounded by family Monday, November 4, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo. He was born on February 27, 1947, to the late Garold B. and Edith L. (Thomison) Bitner. He married Kay Dowden at Upper Deer Creek Church, Galveston, on September 17, 1988, and she survives.

Gerry graduated from Kokomo High School in 1965. He served in the United States Army from 1966–1969, where he earned the Air Medal for his courageous service, flying small planes in Vietnam below radar to conduct reconnaissance missions. When he returned from the war, Gerry earned his Bachelor’s and MBA from Indiana University Bloomington Kelley School of Business.

Gerry worked for General Motors in several positions, including Purchasing Director, retiring after 25 years of service. An entrepreneur and inventor, Gerry secured patents on household inventions in his retirement. Gerry and Kay co-owned Strands Salon where they have made lifelong friends. When their children were school-aged, Gerry and Kay were members of Upper Deer Creek Church where Gerry taught Sunday school. Gerry was a 32nd Degree Mason in Howard Lodge, and a member of the Shrine Club. During his time with Delco, Gerry chaired American Cancer Society drives and served with the United Way. With his generous heart, Gerry gave to multiple charities and was a lifetime member of the Hospital Cheer Guild. Gerry was very energetic and always had projects that he was working on. He had a talent for woodworking and home improvement. Gerry was blessed with a happy retirement in which he enjoyed fun times around the pool with the family, playing golf, riding his Harley, following IU sports, enjoying his Corvettes, and especially spending time with his dearly loved wife, Kay.

Along with his wife Kay, Gerry is survived by his children, Sarah (Craig) Swoverland, Bryan (Amy) Bitner, and John Bitner; grandsons, Ari and Ian Swoverland; sister, Barbara (Bob) Linzey; brothers-in-law, Ron (Denise) Dowden, and Tim (Lee) Dowden; and several nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Garold and Edith.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful nurses at Community Howard Regional Health in Kokomo who cared so sweetly for Dad and the family. Stephanie Greer, Cayla Colburn, Raquel Cripe, Ashley Taylor, and Michelle Vandergriff, we can never thank you enough.

With strength, love, and laughter, he was the heart of our family. We rest in knowing we will see him again one beautiful day in Heaven. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at First Congregational Church, 505 W Mulberry St., Kokomo, with Pastor Jon Tice officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, with military rites provided by the United States Army and the Greentown American Legion. Friends are invited to visit the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday at the church. Shirley & Stout Funeral & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made in Gerry’s memory to assist Veterans receive housing through Jackson Street Commons. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.