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Marvin Carl Durham

Marvin Carl Durham, 82, of Peru, passed away at 9:29 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Community Howard Regional Hospital in Kokomo. He was born on May 11, 1942, in Lawrenceburg, TN, son of Marvin Earl and Myrtle Magdalene (Clifton) Durham. On July 12, 1971, Carl married Alice Francis McCord in Covington, KY, who preceded him in death on September 16, 2020.

Carl served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963 and was stationed in Germany. He was a journeyman lineman in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was a member of the American Legion in Galveston. Carl enjoyed gardening, woodworking, and loved to be outside.

Carl is survived by: his sister Josephine Rochell; children Jackie (Allen) Koontz, Michael Casteel, and Danny Casteel; grandchildren Shannon Casteel, Paula Casteel, C.J. Casteel, Mark Casteel, Michael Casteel, Carrie Monroe, Amber Woolever, Daniel Casteel, and Alice Koontz; and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Alice, his parents, son Paul “Butch” Casteel, daughter-in-law Glenda Casteel, grandson Carl Koontz, and sister Dot.

A graveside service, with military honors provided by the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team, will be held at 2:45 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Albright Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carl’s memory to the Carl Koontz Scholarship Fund or Tunnels to Towers, t2t.org/donate. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Debra Faye Hickey

Debra Faye Hickey, 67, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on February 10, 2025. She was born on April 30, 1957, in Kokomo, Indiana, the daughter of Samuel and Patsy (Roberts) Bryant. Debra worked for General Motors until her retirement in 2015. She was devoted to spending time and taking care of her family. She also loved dancing no matter where she was. She also enjoyed going to ball games and traveling.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Cameron Hickey and Samantha (Gabrielle Grygotis) Hickey, father Sam, and siblings Terry Bryant, Pam Heady, Janine (Steve) Crane, Linda Goodnight, and Brenda (Terry) Shafer.

She was preceded in death by her mother Patsy Bryant, sister Billie Hunter, and aunt Mattie Sue Bryant.

Visitation will take place from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2025, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 17, 2025, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

Samuel Victor Bristol

Samuel Victor Bristol, known as Victor by most, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, after a brief illness at the age of 92. Victor was born to Thomas and Sarah Bristol in the village of Catherineville, British Guiana (known as Guyana after its independence from Great Britain in 1966), on September 20, 1932. He is survived by his son Samuel “Sam” Bristol, Jr, his daughter Collette Vann (husband Keith), his grandson Zachary Vann, and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Sydney Bristol, and Rita (Persaud) Bristol (mother of Sam and Collette).

From a humble beginning in a village of a British colony in South America to being included in the historical records of the United States, Victor’s life touched many across the world. After grade schooling in British Guiana, Victor received a scholarship to attend college in the United States in 1955. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1960 from West Virginia State University, focusing on chemistry. While in college, Victor was listed in “Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.”

After working in Kansas and Minnesota, Victor accepted a job offer and moved in early 1963 to Kokomo, Indiana, where he began work as a chemist for Delco Radio (later Delco Electronics), a General Motors subsidiary. By the end of his career at Delco in 1997, Victor’s name was listed on six patents granted by the U.S. Patent Office. He also earned the Boss Kettering award, given by General Motors to scientists, researchers, and engineers in recognition of their bold new ideas and contributions.

Victor was also a trailblazer outside of work. With the help of the local chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), his family moved to the Country Club Hills neighborhood in Kokomo in 1967, becoming the first Black family to live in that area. Until they were nearly middle-aged, Victor’s children did not know that the family had police protection during the first few months living in Country Club Hills due to racist cross burnings in the front yard of their house.

To show his gratefulness for the opportunities that happened by emigrating to the United States, he became a citizen of his adopted country.

Per his request, Victor will be cremated. A time of remembrance for family and friends across the world is scheduled to be done online on Saturday, March 22, 2025, noon–1:30 p.m. Eastern.

Jacqueline Sue Moreno

Jacqueline Sue Moreno, affectionately known to all as Jackie, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2025, in her hometown of Kokomo, Indiana, the same place where she first graced the world with her presence on May 29, 1958. The embodiment of a life lived with loving dedication and spirited courage, Jackie’s legacy is one of enduring warmth and the unshakable strength of family bonds.

Jackie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents Rex Ballard and Georgia Little, her sister Linda Foote, and her brother Ronnie Ballard. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her husband Tino Moreno and her sisters Jan Farley and husband Jim, Rexanna Neely and husband Kevin, Lisa Ballard, and Staci Simon and husband Tom, as well as her brother Roger Little and wife Carolyn. Jackie's nurturing spirit will be profoundly missed by her daughter Jane Moreno, sons Michael McDorman, Tim Secrest and wife Allison, and Travis Bline and wife Itzel. Her grandson Seth McDorman held a special place in her heart, akin to that of a son. She also leaves behind a legacy through her six adoring grandchildren and her daughter-in-law Chanda Swah, several nieces and nephews, along with great nieces and nephews.

A proud graduate of Kokomo High School, class of 1977, Jackie carried the diligence and dedication of her educational years into her professional life. She spent the majority of her career in food service management, where her work ethic and leadership skills shone brightly. Jackie’s colleagues knew her as a pillar of reliability and boundless energy, someone who could always be counted on to rise to any challenge.

Jackie’s life was a testament to her love for her family and her passion for creating beauty in the world around her. While she was known for being a workaholic, she also had a creative and tender side. She was a master doughnut maker at Casey’s, where her culinary talents delighted many. At home, she was an extraordinary homemaker, with a particular flair for interior design. Her eye for detail and her creative touch made her home a welcoming and festive place, especially during the holiday season. Christmas was Jackie’s favorite time of year, and she expressed her joy for the season through her vast and beloved Santa Claus collection.

Beyond her professional and domestic achievements, Jackie was a woman who loved deeply and gave selflessly. She enjoyed working on crafts, a hobby that allowed her to share her artistic gifts with those she cared about. Her spirited nature was a source of inspiration and comfort to her family and friends, and her courageous heart gave them strength.

In every aspect of her life, Jackie was the epitome of love and spirit. She faced life’s challenges with a courage that was as quiet as it was formidable, and she approached every day with a heart full of love for those around her. Her absence leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her spirit will continue to be felt in the laughter of her grandchildren, the beauty of her crafts, and the warmth of the memories she created with those she loved.

Jackie’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with dedication, love, and the joy she found in the simple pleasures of life. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the countless ways she enriched our lives. Her legacy of love, strength, and family will endure forever in the hearts of those who were privileged to know her.

Jacqueline Sue Moreno’s life was a gift to us all, and though she has departed from this world, her light remains, guiding us with the wisdom of her years and the love she so freely gave. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

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

Darrell Dwain Dunn

Darrell Dwain Dunn, 92, of Lynn, formerly of Kokomo, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Brickyard Golden-Rule Care Center of Richmond, Indiana. He was born on July 15, 1932, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of the late Forest Clinton and Mary Maude (Haskel) Dunn. Darrell married Roberta Jean Mummert, and she survives.

Darrell proudly served our country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He owned the Anderson Camera Shop and worked as a restaurant manager.

Along with his wife, Roberta Dunn, Darrell is survived by his children Michael Dwain (Mary Ann) Dunn of Brandenton, FL, Larry David (Lynn) Dunn of Brookfield, IL, Paul Jeffery (Ann Marie) Dunn of South Elgin, IL, and Todd Allen (Alisson Fichum) Dunn of Lynn, IN, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Darrell is preceded in death by his parents, Forest Clinton and Mary Maude Dunn, and six siblings.

Private services will be held at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes, Jefferson Street Chapel, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Kokomo V.F.W. Military Rites Team. Memorial contributions may be made to the AseraCare Hospice, 4427 Garwood Pl, Richmond, IN 47374. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Tracy Shane Gist

Tracy Shane Gist, 52, Kokomo, passed away at 3:58 p.m., on Friday, February 7, 2025, at St Vincent Ascension W. 86th Street of Indianapolis. He was born on March 10, 1972, the son of Larry Joe Gist Sr. and Anita Kay (Thompson) Baker, and they survive.

Tracy went to school at Indiana School of the Blind and received an award for being the most mobile blind student and learned braille faster than anyone at ISB. He won several awards for Track as well. He played little league and PAL football. He enjoyed fishing and playing baseball and football.

Along with his parents Anita (Robert) Baker and Larry Joe (Sharon) Gist, Tracy is survived by his brother Larry J. Gist Jr., sister Amanda June Guay, and many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Private services are being held at a later date. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Guide Dogs for the Blind, www.guidedogs.com or Guide Dogs for the Blind PO Box 151200 San Rafael, CA 94915. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Toni Louise Singh

Toni Louise Singh, 79, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, February 7, 2025. She was born on June 17, 1945, in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to the late Anthony and Eleanor (Silveria) Savalli.

Toni dedicated 32 years of her life to serving others as an emergency room nurse. Earlier in her life, she worked as a flight attendant and lived in San Francisco, embracing her love for travel and adventure. She was a member of a boat club in Florida and had a deep passion for sailing. She found joy in being near the water, whether by the ocean or on a boat, and cherished opportunities to explore the world. Toni also loved dressing up and experiencing new places with elegance and grace. She was a cradle Catholic and held a strong belief in God throughout her life.

Toni is survived by her stepdaughter Nina M. (Kasey Hallam) Singh, grandchildren Shawn Morgan Abney, Alexandria Cecil Abney, Hayden Ramendra Abney, Cameron Singh, and Caden Singh, sister Sandra (Ron) Paloschi, brothers-in-law Brajendra (Maya) Singh and Raju (Maya), nieces and nephews Heather Decastro, Michael Paloschi, Christopher Paloschi, Dibya (Sanjay) Singh, Nitten (Heidi) Singh, Vinita (Ajir) Singh, Gunjan (Monica) Singh, Anil Singh, Yoshita Conrad, and Nikki Shields; and her best friend Connie Cass.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ramendra P. Singh, son Jay Singh, sister Donna Shelton, and niece Suki Singh.

In keeping with Toni’s wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.

Sharon Rene Franklin

Sharon Rene Franklin, 64, of Kokomo, passed away 10:50 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Silver Birch in Kokomo. She was born in Huntsville, Alabama, on September 23, 1960, the daughter of the late Thomas Franklin and Maggie (Fogg) Franklin.

Sharon was a graduate of Johnson High School in Huntsville, Alabama. She was the most kind, compassionate, and caring woman. Sharon had a caring nature for her animals. She was committed to her job and was known to be a hard-working and determined woman. She will be remembered for having the biggest heart and looking for any opportunity to laugh. Sharon’s favorite hobbies were shopping, collecting jewelry, and traveling to Florida on vacation with her children.

Sharon is survived by: her children Jacob (Dawn Jarvis) Franklin, Angela (Gabe) Hartwig; grandchildren Abigail Hartwig, Bridger Hartwig, Mason Hartwig, and Jaiden Harris; and cousins Carl Poole, Carol Poole, Carlton Poole, and Tye Ramsey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Janice Nichols, Pam Franklin, Tommy Franklin, and Mark Franklin; brother Ricky Franklin; and granddaughter Amelia Hartwig.

In honor of Sharon’s wishes, there are no public services scheduled at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Donald Dale Adams

Donald Dale Adams, 60, of Gahanna, OH, passed away 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, February 5, 2025. He was born in Elkhart, IN, on March 8, 1964, the son of the late JD and Joyce (Orem) Adams.

Donald was a graduate of Gahanna High School. He began working at a monastery in Columbus, OH, and assisted with any maintenance tasks. He retired from the JC Penney’s warehouse in Columbus, OH, after working for 30 years as a forklift operator. Donald was a reserved and private man. He attended Union Baptist Church in his youth. He was an animal lover and adored his cats and dogs. He had a hard time turning away any stray animals that needed cared for. He was passionate about fishing on the reservoir. He enjoyed watching old country and western shows like Gunsmoke, Rifleman, and The Andy Griffith Show.

He is survived by his siblings Grace Laughner, Donna (Jim) Calabro, and Jay D. Adams; nieces and nephews Dustin L. (Jessica) Laughner, James (Katy) Calabro, Vincent (Rosemary) Calabro, and Katharine (Ryne) Sanders; great-niece Eleanor Calabro; uncle Leon Orem; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Charles Wayne Adams, and brother-in-law Don Laughner.

Private family services will be held. Private graveside services celebrating Donald’s life will take place in Russiaville Cemetery. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.