Jerry Keith Gappens Jr.

Jerry Keith Gappens Jr., 63 years old, of Sharpsville, IN, passed away unexpectedly on May 28, 2024, at Community Howard Regional Health. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on May 10, 1961, the son of Jerry Keith Gappens Sr. and Opal (Woolum) Gappens-Horoho. On April 10, 2022, he married Cheryl McCool, and she survives.

Jerry was a 1979 graduate of Tri Central High School and attended Ball State University before beginning his prolific career in racing. Most recently, Jerry was serving as General Manager at Eldora Speedway where he was awarded Promotor of the Year in 2023. Jerry came to Eldora from Indiana’s Gas City I-69 Speedway as the promotor of the quarter-mile, dirt oval since 2018. Prior to his tenure at Gas City, Gappens spent 23 years with Speedway Motorsports, specifically serving as executive vice president and general manager of New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon for eight years (2008-2015) and senior vice president of events and marketing of Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway for 15 years (1993-2007).

Jerry was an optimistic, encouraging, and loveable man. He prioritized his relationship with Jesus Christ as a faithful member of Heartland Church in Sharpsville. His favorite past times included spending time with family, watching sports, and singing karaoke, His infectious personality and love of people will truly be memorable for all who met him.

In addition to his wife Cheryl, Jerry is survived by his mother, Opal Gappens-Horoho; sons, Denny (Kaitlyn) Gappens, Wes (Maggie) Gappens, stepchildren, Brad (Kelly) Mitchell, Allison (Nathan) Maude; siblings, James (Patty) Gappens, Barb (Mick) Calvin; grandchildren, Harper Gappens, Max Gappens, Mila Gappens, Miles Gappens, Andrew Mitchell, Ellie Mitchell, Callie Maude; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Keith Gappens Sr.; and paternal grandparents, Donnie and Lucille Gappens.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 3 to 7 p.m. Monday, June 3, 2024, at Heartland Church, 3611 State Road 19, Sharpsville, IN 46068. Funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the church, with Dr. William Salsberry and Pastor Gary Otten officiating. A link will be available at the bottom of Jerry’s obituary to view the funeral livestream at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Burial will follow in Nevada Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jerry’s memory to Dirt Racing Outreach, or to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home c/o Jerry Gappens Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Nicky Arnett

Nicky Arnett, 73, Fairmount, passed away Monday, May 27, 2024, at his home. He was born May 16, 1951, in Olive Hill, Kentucky, the son of the late Harold D. & Gladys (Bradley) Arnett.

Nicky was a 1969 graduate of Marion High School. He retired from Chrysler Corp after 30 years of service. He was a member of the VFW Sons of Legion. Nicky was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child, but he never let that hold him back. In 2002 he had a kidney transplant which was followed by a pancreas transplant in 2003. Nicky refused to let his health concerns get in the way of living his best life. Many people have said he is the strongest man they’ve ever known. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, loved to participate in Poker runs and charity rides, especially for Angels for Kids. Nicky was an avid Chicago Cubs and Indianapolis Colts fan. As a hobby he enjoyed repairing small engines. One of his greatest accomplishments was completely restoring his 1974 Harley-Davidson. He had a great sense of humor, loved making people laugh, telling jokes and was an animal lover. He had a heart of gold and was always willing to help anyone however he could. His family meant the world to him, and he made sure they knew how much they were loved.

Nicky is survived by his children, Anthony Arnett, Rusty Rayburn, Giovanna (Joe Long) Myers and Nicholas B. (Heather) Arnett; grandchildren, Carley Arnett, Ariel Arnett, Braxton Rayburn, Chelsea Rayburn, Gracie Long, Caelan Long, Layne Arnett and Aivah Arnett; his first great-grandchild due in January; siblings, Tonya (Bob) Roth and Diana (George) Chaplin; nieces and nephew, Derek Timmons, Holly Schroder, and Charlene Chaplin.

Nicky was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Larry Arnett; and granddaughter, Baily Henry.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Grant Memorial Park Cemetery in Marion. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Kevin R. Anderson

Kevin R. Anderson, a man who lived his life with the kind of humor that could light up even the gloomiest Indiana day, has started his final journey on May 29, 2024. Born on August 26, 1961, in Logansport, IN, Kevin's laughter-filled journey began, and it's one that those who knew him will never forget.

Kevin's early years in Miami, Indiana, were just a prelude to the life of joy and jest he would lead. He was the beloved son of the late John S. Anderson and Mary G. Anderson (Birnell), and a member of a sibling squad that included surviving siblings Teresa J. Abbott (Jeffrey), Rhonda D. Harp (John), Cheryl L. Sherry (Mike), Carol G. Malott-Anderson, Wayne E. Anderson (Stephanie), and Ruby E. Patton (Ronald), brother-in-law Jerry Fitzpatrick and sister-in-law Rhonda Anderson. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Rebecca S. Fitzpatrick, Marla K. Davis, and John S. Anderson II. He was the comedic heart of the family, always ready with a quip or a prank that left everyone in stitches.

Kevin's education at Maconaquah was just the start of a life that would be built by his own two hands. His career in freelance construction and autobody work was as sturdy and reliable as the stadium bleachers he built. But it wasn't just his craftsmanship that made him a pillar of the community; it was his faith-filled and courageous spirit that truly set him apart.

He was a man of simple pleasures, finding joy in the thrill of mushroom hunting, the patience of fishing, and the camaraderie of sharing a beer with friends around the fire pit. Kevin's love for life was infectious, and he had a knack for turning the mundane into the extraordinary with his humor and wit.

Surviving Kevin are his two past wives, Sheila Owens and Becky Anderson, his children Shon, Kristal, and Mary Anderson, grandchildren Xyler, Titus, Jaxon Anderson, Evan Banks, and Danika Walters, all of Oklahoma.

While Kevin's comedic timing was always spot on, his departure was a bit too early for our liking.

Kevin was a man who could be best described with words like loving, funny, and faith-filled. He never missed an opportunity to crack a joke, often leaving friends and family doubled over with laughter. His legacy is one of joy, love, and a reminder to not take life too seriously.

We imagine him with a fishing rod in one hand and a cold beer in the other, ready to entertain the angels with his tales and humor. He was a man who lived life to the fullest, laughed in the face of adversity, and loved with all his heart.

So, here's to Kevin R. Anderson, a man who taught us that life is better when you're laughing. His curtain may have closed, but the encore of his memory will continue to bring smiles to our faces for years to come. Cheers, Kevin, and thanks for the memories.

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

Shannon Kaylynn Sagarsee

Shannon Kaylynn Sagarsee, 27, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. She was born September 14, 1996, to Anthony Sagarsee and Rosemary Hawk.

Family was everything to Shannon. She struggled to cope when she lost her mom, but she made sure to spend almost every single day with her family. She always wanted to see her dad get sober and was proud of him for taking that step. Her special song for her dad was "Daddy's Hands." Shannon was very close with her grandma and uncle. They would go out to eat together quite often. She'd always order a Pepsi, though her favorite drink was Fireball. She loved getting ready for the day, doing her makeup, and wearing her favorite color, purple.

Shannon loved life. She was a happy, caring, selfless person, and she will be missed many.

She is survived by her father Anthony Sagarsee, sisters; Angel Sagarsee and Shanette Young, grandparents; Diana Hawk, Rhonda Harris, and Ronald Sagarsee, uncles; Roger Thomas, Ronald Sagarsee Jr., Blake Harris, Kyle Harris and Joshua Thomas, aunt Terri Hawk, and her niece Chloe that she adored. She also leaves behind her cat Maci Sagarsee.

She is preceded in death by her mother Rosemary Hawk, maternal grandfather Donald Hawk, and her dog Sophie Sagarsee.

A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.