Obituaries, November 13, 2024

Written on 11/13/2024


George M. Deshon

George M. Deshon, age 85, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024, with his children by his side at Ascension St. Vincent of Indianapolis, due to injuries he sustained in a fall on November 5.

George was born on October 20, 1939, to the late Quinton "Rube" and Roberta (Overton) DeShon in Kokomo, and he remained here his entire life.

After graduating from Kokomo High School in 1959, he served his country in the United States Army from 1963 until his honorable discharge in 1965. He then began his career, spanning 34 years and 2 months, with Chrysler Corporation, retiring in 1996. He was very proud to retire under the Chrysler name as opposed to the many names that have followed. His job was very important to him, and in his 34 years he was late only one time, due to hitting a train, in the dark, on the way to work. But still, he went anyway and was more upset of the tardy than he was of hitting the train.

George attended First Assembly of God Church on Apperson Way North. He was a member of the Masons and Eagles #255, Moose at Noblesville #550, the American Legion Post 6, and the UAW Local 685. He greatly enjoyed time spent bowling on the Chrysler Tuesday Night Legion of which he did for many years, making lifelong friends and earning many trophies along the way. He also enjoyed hunting, especially with Wayne and Edie Jones and the rest of his Texas family. This is where he developed his love of a nice fittin' pair of cowboy boots and a suede leather hat to top it all off. God Bless Texas!!

On August 7, 2004, he married Georgia (Day) DeShon, who survives. After marrying, they spent many years traveling by RV, camping and going on many excursions, meeting new friends and visiting out-of-state family. He fully enjoyed his 28 years of retirement bliss!

George was known by everyone he knew for always looking fresh and spiffy, nice haircut, trimmed beard, nice button-up shirt, and always smelling good. He continued that his whole life. And if you had a baby, you knew he would be there soon with that single red rose. He was also a very loving, loyal man and greatly cherished his family and friends. Many times in his life, he became not only a son and husband, but also a caretaker, beginning with his mother Roberta, his previous wife Arlene DeShon, and now his present wife of 20 years, Georgia. He gave selflessly of himself to each of them to ensure they felt loved and cared for, providing anything in his power to ease their suffering.

Survivors include his wife, Georgia; sister, Edie Jones of Texas; children, Russell (Carla) DeShon of Colorado and Kimberly DeShon of Indiana; step-children, Angela (Brad) Alexander, Lisa (Dale) Martin, and Dwayne E. Day, Sr., all of Indiana; grandchildren, Justina (Chris) Tucker, Jordana DeShon, Taylor DeShon of Colorado, Lindsey Hatfield, K. Jedidiah Hatfield, of Indiana; step-grandchildren, Allie Waters, McKenzie Waters, McCaela Bourff, Elijah Bourff, Jordan Bourff, Gabrielle Medina, and Eric Day, all of Indiana; niece, Mendy Clevenger, of Texas; nephews, Scott Clevenger, Brian Clevenger, of Texas; and many great-grandchildren and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Quinton and Roberta; previous wife, Arlene DeShon; sister, Glenda DeShon (Texas); brother-in-law, Wayne Jones (Texas); stepson, Jesse Lee Day (Indiana); and great-granddaughter, Emmerson Cashin (Indiana).

Please join the family in wishing Godspeed to a man that was not only a gentleman, but a gentle, caring, compassionate, loving man, whose bright blue eyes will be greatly missed.

There will be a time of visitation for George on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 9:00 a.m-11:00 a.m., at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Entombment with Military Rites will immediately follow the funeral service, at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, 2097 W. Alto Rd., Kokomo.



Harold Louis Hoeksema

Harold Louis Hoeksema, 92, Kokomo, passed away November 11, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family. He was born August 26, 1932, in South Holland, Illinois, the son of the late Henry & Agnes (Huizenga) Hoeksema. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother.

Harold proudly served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, dedicating two years to his country during a pivotal time. Following his military service, he pursued education fervently, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College, Chicago, and a master’s degree from Northern Illinois University. His passion for education led him to a distinguished career in academia, ultimately retiring as the principal of Everett Elementary in Lake Forest, IL, after 19 years of dedicated service.

A man of deep faith, Harold was a longtime member of the Village Church of Barrington and Highland Park Church in Kokomo. He found his faith as a teenager through Youth for Christ in Wisconsin, a commitment that guided him throughout his life.

Harold's hobbies included golf, baseball—particularly his beloved Chicago Cubs—gardening, working on cars, and collecting Avon vehicle cologne bottles. An all-around handyman, he also discovered a passion for painting after retirement. His move to Nebraska with his wife, Theone, to care for her parents, marked a significant chapter in his life, showcasing his selflessness and dedication to family.

Harold is survived by his loving wife, Theone Hoeksema; children, Pamela Lowden, Curt (Vivian) Hoeksema, Valarie (Jim) Boscaljon, Rhonda (Scott) Brown, and Cindy (Greg) Overton; grandchildren, Scott (Claude) Overton, Christa Overton, Aaron Brown, Sarah Brown, Nathan Brown, Rebecca Boscaljon, Matthew (Lauren) Boscaljon, Samuel (Brittany) Boscaljon, Adam (Stacy) Hoeksema, Emily (Jake) Schlegel, and Brandon Hoeksema; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Henry Hoeksema; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Carl Hoeksema, Beatrice Presley, Joyce Jansma, John Hoeksema, and Gladys Lucht; grandson, Cory Daniel Hoeksema; son-in-law, James Richard Lowden; sister-in-law, Joyce Hoeksema; and brothers-in-law, John Presley and Peter Jansma.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Highland Park Church, 516 W. Sycamore Street, Kokomo, with Pastor Luke Vasicek officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Memorial contributions may be made in Harold's memory to Highland Park Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.



Joshua Raymond Van Horn

Joshua Raymond Van Horn, 43, of Atlanta, Indiana, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2024. Josh was born on December 23, 1980, in Rochester, Indiana, to his parents Mark Van Horn and Karen (Korth) Reinhold.

Josh graduated from Tipton High School in the class of 2000. Through the years Josh proudly worked for his family’s business, Van Horn Excavating. He was a very skilled heavy equipment operator and took great pride in his work. He also enjoyed serving the people of Tipton. Josh was currently employed by Rieth Reilly.

In Josh’s spare time you may have found him fishing, grilling out, building mechanical Legos, going to heavy equipment shows, or enjoying a comedy act on TV. He also loved going to concerts with his daughters. Josh’s family meant everything to him, and he was a very proud father. He was a very genuine and kind person, always looking out for others. For several years he was a volunteer fire fighter for Jackson Township Fire Dept. Even through his death, Josh continues to selflessly serve others through organ donation. He will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Josh leaves behind his daughters, Zoie Butcher, Jocie Van Horn, Juliana Van Horn; father, Mark Van Horn; sister, Lindsey Van Horn; step grandmother, Rebecca Van Horn; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Josh was preceded in death by his mother, Karen Reinhold; grandparents, Don Van Horn, Robert and Barbara Korth, and Mary Zimmerman Van Horn.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Rock Prairie Baptist Church located at 421 N. Ash Street in Tipton from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Rock Prairie Baptist Church, Jackson Township Fire Department, or the American Diabetes Association.

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Van Horn family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence.



Helen Marie Hernandez

Helen Marie Hernandez, 65, of Young America, passed away at 3:05 p.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at St Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis. She was born December 6, 1958, in Jacksonville, NC to Albert F. and Dora M. (Hess) Quinn. On October 5, 2002, she married Alejandro Hernandez, and he survives.

Helen will be remembered for her spunky nature and her love of being outdoors, especially near the water. She shared her sarcastic wit with everyone around her, friends, family and strangers alike. She was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in. And God save your soul if she was mad at you because nothing stopped the wrath of Helen.

In addition to her husband, Helen is survived by her children, Megan Koors and fiancé Rob Huffer, Danielle Koors, and Caleb Koors and wife Sara. She was a proud Nana of her grandchildren, Grace and Joe Watson II, Rhys, Rhyleigh, Raiden and Maximus Huffer, Alexis and Brylee Koors, Carson Masters, and Kieran Koors; sisters, Ruth Ann Kelley and Linda Shay; and brother, George Quinn.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Bill Quinn.

A Service and celebration of Helens life will take place at a later date. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left www.shirleyandstout.com.



Lawrence “Larry” Lee Lindley

Lawrence “Larry” Lee Lindley, 69, of Anderson, passed away on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent – Anderson. He was born on March 17, 1955, in Kokomo, the son of Ralph and Lois (Klapper) Lindley. On November 17, 2004, he married Marcia “Marci” Bunch, and she survives.

Larry graduated from Taylor High School in 1973. He retired in 2017 as a route owner from Flowers Baking Co. after five years. Larry previously worked as a District Manager for Wonder Bread in Anderson and Kokomo for 30 years. Larry enjoyed golfing, basketball, boating, camping, watching football, traveling, and billiards. He was an admirer of astronomy and I.U. basketball.

Along with his wife, Marci Lindley, he is survived by his children, Corey Bates, Josh (Vanessa) Lindley, Whitney Lindley, Nick (Katie) Lindley; stepdaughter, Lyndsay Schaub; grandchildren, Peyton, Holly, Alex, Julian, Lily, Maddie, Olivia, Jonah, Mason, Madison, Hannah, Ava, Kamron, Hailey; and sister, Pam Fish; niece, Megan Fish; and many extended family members.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Teresa Lindley; and brothers, Robbie Lindley, and Gary Lindley.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date at Abundant Life Church, with pastor Toph Elkins officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in Larry’s name. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com



Thomas Elliott

Thomas Elliott, 90, of Walton, Indiana, was born on May 25, 1934, in Columbus, Georgia, to Ada and William Humber Elliott. He passed away peacefully on November 11, 2024, at the age of 90. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and Navy veteran whose presence and kindness touched all who knew him.

Thomas proudly served in the United States Navy from 1956-1960 aboard the USS Hancock, which he often recalled fondly. He worked for Weiss Printing from 1967-1997 and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his spare time.

Thomas is survived by his three sons: Paul (Janine) Elliott of Walton, IN; Thomas Elliott of Florida; and Edward Elliott of Arkansas. He leaves behind cherished memories with his grandchildren: Amy (Justin) Sims of Fort Wayne, IN; Jamie (Kirby) Elliott of Walton; Sarah Elliott of Florida; and Alexandria Elliott and Lillian Elliott of Arkansas. Thomas was also blessed with a great-grandchild, Evitt Pavey of Walton, IN, who brought him much joy.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Freida "Pat" Elliott who he was married to on July 31, 1961, until her passing in 2016. He is also preceded in death by his parents. Thomas will be deeply missed by all who knew him and will be remembered for his warmth, wisdom, and the legacy he leaves behind in his family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society in Thomas’ memory.

No services are planned at this time.