Rachel Ann (Morris) Hendrix, Richard “Rick” Zean Cranor, Guy Franklin Kirby, Max L. Henderson, Timothy Layne Hughes
 

Rachel Ann (Morris) Hendrix

Rachel Ann (Morris) Hendrix, 88, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on December 23, 2024, at home following a long battle with kidney disease. She was a 50-year breast cancer survivor.

Rachel was born September 1, 1936, in Logansport, Indiana, to the late Rev. Edward E. and Gladys (Threlkeld) Morris. She lived all her life in Indiana except for the 10 years she lived in Bowling Green, Ohio, from 1975-1985. She graduated from Cutler High School in 1954, and on August 26, 1956, married the love of her life, Charles Hendrix, at Cutler Presbyterian Church. They were happily married for 45 years until his death in 2002.

She had many jobs, including her last employment at Delco Electronics, but she especially loved her “jobs” as a volunteer. She was a deacon and elder at First EPC where she was in charge of the rummage sales for many years. She also volunteered at Kokomo Rescue Mission for over 20 years and at the Kiwanis Thrift Store in Ft. Myers, FL, for over 15 years.

The most important things to Rachel were her faith in Jesus, her loving relationship with her husband, and being a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Everyone who knew her loved her. She lit up rooms with her smile and never met a stranger. She leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and sharing. She was an avid Purdue fan and long-time member of the John Purdue Club.

Left to treasure her memory are her children Debbie (Tom) DeLaurelle, David (Sue) Hendrix, Jane Frankart, and Mark Hendrix; eight grandchildren Brenna (Patrick) Murtagh, Sarah (Todd) Greene, Austin (Collin) Hendrix-Callihan, Nicholas (Anastasia) Frankart, Ashley (Griffin) Jones, Courtney (Josh Keaton) Hendrix, Cody (Kristy) Hendrix, and Raline Hendrix, 12 great-grandchildren, one sister Liz (Mike) Rice, one brother Tom (Joyce) Morris, four sisters-in-law Marilyn (Ed) Ransopher, Mary (George) Summe, Julia Powell, and Betty Flora, and one brother-in-law Paul Hendrix.

A memorial service celebrating Rachel’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at First EPC Kokomo, 2000 W. Jefferson Street, Kokomo, with Pastor Joyce Harris Officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the service on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Paradigm Hospice or First Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be made online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Richard “Rick” Zean Cranor

Richard “Rick” Zean Cranor, 78, of Greentown, passed away 1:35 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne, IN. He was born in Peru, IN, on June 10, 1946, the son of the late Charles and Evelyn (Roe) Cranor. On January 10, 1966, he married Bobbie Barnard, and she survives.

Rick was a 1964 graduate of Eastern High School. He proudly served in the United States Navy until he was honorably discharged. He worked as a deputy marshal in Swayzee and Greentown. He later retired from Dana in Marion where he helped with manufacturing. Rick was gruff and grumpy in passing, but those who knew him best would say he was big-hearted. He had a strong presence in the community by socializing with anybody who would listen. He had a sarcastic sense of humor. Rick was a member of the Greentown American Legion and the National Rifle Association. His favorite hobbies were fishing, shooting guns, drinking coffee, and watching Fox News. He cared deeply about his grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and his pets.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, Rick is survived by his daughters Carrie (Chuck) Minglin and Lindsay (Ed) Clague, grandchildren Preston (Devin Hinton) Clague, Dalton (Caitlin) Clague, and Kade York, great-granddaughter Reagan Clague, niece Stacy (Rick) Adkins, and beloved dog Hailey.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Judy (Charlie) Johnson.

Friends are invited to celebrate Rick’s life at a graveside service beginning 11:30 a.m. Monday March 24, 2025, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown, officiated by Tim Russell. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Greentown American Legion Military Rites Team. Hasler-Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Guy Franklin Kirby

Guy Franklin Kirby, 72, of rural Tipton County, passed away at home on the morning of Friday, March 21, 2025. He was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, on November 16, 1952, to Louis D. & Guyla J. (Cunningham) Kirby. Guy’s family moved to Tipton County when he was 10 years old. He married Susan K. Stillabower on June 15, 1974, and they enjoyed 50 years of marriage last summer.

He was a 1970 graduate of Tipton High School, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. Guy was extremely active in the FFA and served as the State FFA Reporter from 1970-71. He was able to earn his American Farmer Degree from the FFA.

Guy graduated from Purdue University in 1974 with a degree in Animal Science. He was a member of Farmhouse Fraternity while at Purdue and made many life-long friends. He was a Senator in the Intra-Fraternal Council and a member of the Purdue Livestock Judging Team in 1973.

Giving back to his community was important to Guy, and he served many years as a leader of the Blue Ribbon Chasers 4-H club as well as teaching Agriculture at Tipton High School. During his career he coached a number of state and national award-winning Livestock and Horse Judging teams.

Guy was a life-long farmer and was a member of the Tipton County Pork Producers and the Tipton County Livestock Breeders Association. Besides farming and teaching, he worked at Reynolds Farm Equipment for 20 years. In 2015 he was honored to be chosen as a Stihl Ambassador.

Survivors include his wife Susan, their three children Brent Kirby and wife Dana of Tipton, Lindsay (Jeff Greene fiancé) Derrer of Arcadia, and Justin Kirby (Stephanie Stepp fiancée) of Kempton. Guy also has seven grandchildren Cole Kirby, Wyatt Kirby, Katie Kirby, Zayne Kirby, Bodie Derrer, Kaden Derrer, and Quentin Derrer.

Due to family commitments, Guy’s funeral is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 7, at the Kempton Methodist Episcopal Church with Al Schmitz presiding. Burial will follow in Kempton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, also at the church.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences for Guy’s family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Memorial donations in Guy’s honor should be made to the Tipton High School FFA, 619 S. Main Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.

Max L. Henderson

Max L. Henderson, 70, passed away Wednesday morning, March 12, 2025, at home in rural Sharpsville. He was born on August 23, 1954, in Tipton, Indiana, to Johnnie and Vivian (Orr) Henderson.

Max was a dedicated and hard-working farmer who found great fulfillment in tending to the land and harvesting crops. His passion for farming extended beyond his own fields; he cared deeply about the well-being of others and their success as well. Whether repairing equipment, consulting fellow farmers, or improving his own operations, he took pride in making things better through his efforts. His determination and work ethic were evident in everything he did.

He was a 1972 graduate of Tri-Central High School, and he furthered his education by attending agricultural courses at Purdue University in Lafayette and continued his learning through additional Purdue programs. His commitment to his business, Henderson Farm Service, reflected his deep connection to farming and his desire to contribute meaningfully to his farm community.

Max is loved and missed by his wife Lisa, sons Adam and Elliot (Ashley), daughter Lauren, grandchildren Ashlyn, Cameron, Carson, and Barrett, brothers Bill, Danny, and Garry, and sister Kathy, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other close members of our family.

A celebration of his life will be held on April 11, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Bel Air Events, located at 3014 S. Webster St., Kokomo. Family and friends are invited to honor the lasting impact he leaves behind.

Max’s dedication to his work and care for others was evident to those who knew him. His memory will continue to bring comfort and inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Young-Nichols Funeral Home is honored to assist the Henderson family at this time. Online condolences for Max’s family may be left on his obituary page at www.young-nichols.com.

Timothy Layne Hughes

Timothy Layne Hughes, a man known for his adventurous spirit and friendly demeanor, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025, in his hometown of Kokomo, IN, where he was also born on May 16, 1960. Timothy's life was a testament to his love for the outdoors and his exceptional handiness, which he shared generously with all who knew him.

Born to Cecil and Marilyn Hughes, Timothy was a proud graduate of Haworth High School's class of 1978. He carried the values of hard work and dedication throughout his life, which were evident in his long-standing career. Timothy spent many years at Martin’s Wrecker Service and Ray’s Auto Parts before bringing his mechanical expertise to Caterpillar. His work was not just a job but a reflection of his passion for mechanics and problem-solving.

Timothy's interests were as vast as the open sky he so loved. An avid fisherman, he found peace and joy by the water's edge, rod in hand, waiting for the next big catch. Camping trips were a frequent adventure for Timothy, where he could immerse himself in the tranquility of nature. His love for NASCAR racing was more than a pastime; it was pulse-pounding excitement that he looked forward to every season.

Not one to sit idle, Timothy loved tinkering on old tractors, a hobby that allowed him to get his hands dirty and bring machines back to life. His mechanical work was not just a skill but an art form that he perfected over the years. Hunting was another pursuit that Timothy enjoyed, providing him with a way to connect with the land and wildlife.

Timothy's zest for life was matched by his ability to make and maintain friendships. He was the kind of person who could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel like an old friend. His adventurous spirit was contagious, and he was always ready to embark on a new journey or explore the unknown.

He is survived by his loving sons Stephen Hughes and Chad Hughes, his cherished grandchildren Orien, Khalaul, and Kylie Hughes, and his devoted siblings Michael J. (Gloria), David W. (Shelia), and Charles R. (Sandy) Hughes. Timothy's life was enriched by the presence of his family, who will carry on his legacy of kindness and adventure.

Timothy was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Marilyn Hughes and his brothers Allen R. and Donald S. Hughes. His memory will be held in the hearts of those who loved him as a symbol of joy, resilience, and the beauty of a life well-lived.

Timothy Layne Hughes will be remembered as a man who embraced life with open arms and who could find happiness in the simplest of pleasures. His legacy is one of love, laughter, and the indelible mark he left on the world through his handy work and adventurous soul. As we say goodbye to Timothy, we celebrate the life of a man who was truly one of a kind and who will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

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