Obituaries, August 9, 2024

Written on 08/09/2024


Brian K. Hogan

June 1, 1960 - August 2, 2024

Graveside services in Brian's honor will be held on August 10 at 12 p.m. at Crown Point Cemetery. Pastor G. Victor Morrisey will serve as Eulogist.

Brian was born on June 1, 1960, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Douglas Hogan Jr. and Melva Johnson Hogan. He is survived by his daughter Jameta Morgan (Bradley) and four grandchildren: Jamonte (Rebekah), Shyheim, Bradley Jr, and Lakedrin. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Davion, Korlynn, Benjamin, Shyla, Savani, Laya, Santana, Saniyah, LaKyah, and Liahana. His mother, two sisters Drasadria Hogan and Ahronda James (Tim), nieces Ahlaya Weatherspoon, Casandra Liggin, Catherine Hogan, and nephews Gionni Weatherspoon, Stephen Liggin, and Thomas Hogan also survive him. Brian was predeceased by his father and his brother Dan.

Brian had a passion for boqing, playing chess, shooting pool, and listening to Sade. His presence always brought joy and excitement to any gathering, as he was known as the life of the party. His infectious smile could brighten up any room he entered. Brian will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

May he rest in peace.



Stephen Andrew Cummings

Stephen Andrew Cummings, a life-long union worker for Local 274, died unexpectedly on July 25, 2024, at age 41. Stephen enjoyed traveling, cooking, reading, writing, landscaping and family time; especially with his nephews, Zebulon Cummings, Orion, Gabe, and Hoyt Remich-Stone. Stephen played quarterback for many years as a child.

Stephen is survived by his parents, Lorri Cummings and David Warlick; sister, Kristin [Daniel] Stone; brothers, John [Kristy] Cummings and Timothy Cummings; and grandmother, Margaret McDermotte.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday, August the 11th, 2024, from 3-6 p.m., at American Legion Post 492, 4929 IN-43, West Lafayette, IN 47906.



William “Bill” Jackson Haley

William “Bill” Jackson Haley, 85, of Kokomo, passed away 3:30 p.m. Monday, July 29, 2024, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born in Roanoke, VA, on April 25, 1939, the son of the late William Clifton and Opal Catherine (Cox) Haley. He was married to Sandra Neely Hite for 25 years, and they raised three children together.

Bill was a 1957 graduate of Christiansburg High School. He completed a four-year apprenticeship with General Motors. He worked at General Motors for more than 25 years as a skilled tradesman until his retirement. Bill proudly served our country in the United States Air Force. Bill was an outdoorsman who liked fishing, hunting, and exploring nature. He was great working with his hands and restoring classic cars. He often showed several of these cars at James Dean and Duck Run. Bill constructed handmade knives and enjoyed buying and selling guns.

Bill is survived by his daughters, Teresa Blackman, Tamra (Eric) Shafer; grandchildren, Brandon Warner, Zack Warner, Greg (Laura) Blackman, Cody (Kaity) Blackman, Jacques (Stephanie) Shafer; great-grandchildren, Christian Warner, Emma Warner, Danica Warner, Kaitlyn Mack, Sky Warner, Clementine Shafer, Elizabeth Blackman, Isabel Blackman, John Blackman; sister, Nancy Thompson; niece, Susan Siersha; nephew, Steve (Yuri) Thompson; and mother of their children, Sandra Neely Hite.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, William Gregory Haley.

Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Greentown. Military honors will be provided by the United States Air Force and the Greentown American Legion #317. A prayer and committal will be provided by Dick Schieman. Hasler-Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.



James "Jim" Keith Bentley

James "Jim" Keith Bentley, 89, of Kokomo, IN, passed away August 7, 2024. He was born on July 24, 1935, in Kokomo, Indiana, the son of Ralph and Violet Bentley (Mumaw). On August 21, 1954, he married Ruth Carolyn Bentley (Atkisson) who preceded him in death.

Jim attended Northwestern High School. He retired from Delco Electronics after 30 years of service. Jim enjoyed camping, fishing, flea markets, tractor pulls, and going to auctions. He and his wife Ruth enjoyed traveling.

Surviving relatives include two sons, Phillip Bentley (Sue) of Sharpsville, IN; Craig Bentley of Kokomo, IN; daughter, Connie Bentley of Kokomo, IN; seven grandchildren, Zack Bentley (Michelle); Melissa Taylor (Greg); Danielle McKinney (Chad); Chris Bentley (Miranda); Keith Bentley (April); Adam Bentley (Hannah); Julie Bentley; several great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; brother, Roger Bentley of Kokomo, IN, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center 3400 S. Webster Street Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Burial will follow at Albright Cemetery Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.



Raychel Swope

Raychel Jean Swope, age 28, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. She was born on March 26, 1996, in Tipton to the late Mike Swope and Carrie (McKay) Poe.

Raychel worked for Functional Devices for 10 years. She was an outdoors kind of person who loved mushroom hunting, kayaking, and flowers. Raychel loved life, especially her family and friends. She was close to her nieces. She was also an animal lover and loved her dogs. Raychel was loved by all who knew her and she brought great joy to everyone she loved.

She is survived by her parents, Carrie and Chris Poe; siblings, Michael Swope, Amber Fetterhoff, Rebekah Mason, Britteny Miller, and Michaela Wilson; special nieces, Niyah, Skylah, and Vera Swope; and many other nieces and nephews; maternal grandmother, Phyllis Jean McKay; maternal grandfather, Timothy (Kerry) McKay; and her boyfriend, Bryar Collins

Preceding her in death is her father, Mike Swope; paternal grandmother, Emily Jean Gillsinger; and paternal grandfather, Donald Swope Sr.

There will be a time of visitation for Raychel on Thursday, August 15, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary Main Chapel, 725 South Main Street, Kokomo. Funeral service will be on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 12:00 PM, also at the mortuary, officiated by Pastor Kenny Cockrell. Burial will follow to Windfall Cemetery.



Ian William Dando

Ian William Dando, a man whose laughter was as infectious as his intelligence, left this world for the grand Las Vegas in the sky on August 7, 2024. Born on December 7, 1959, in Wiggin, England, Ian's journey took him from the land of the Queen to the heartland of America, where he became a beloved figure in Kokomo, IN.

Ian was the cherished son of Roy and Mildred Dando, both of whom had previously taken their leave to prepare the family reunion in the great beyond. He was a loving father to Anna (Jacob Pickard) and Lauren Dando, who inherited their dad's wit and wisdom. Ian was also preceded in death by his daughter Emma Dando, who no doubt was waiting with a warm embrace.

A proud graduate of the W.C. Kennedy Collegiate Institute in Windsor, Ontario, class of '78, Ian went on to dazzle at the University of Windsor graduating with a BA in Human Kinetics before securing his Master's degree from I.U. Bloomington. His academic pursuits were only a prelude to his true calling as a science and health teacher at McKinley, where he shaped young minds and probably corrupted a few with his irreverent humor for nearly three decades.

Ian was a man of simple pleasures. He could be found cheering on the Red Wings or getting way too invested in Michigan football. His love for travel was legendary, with Las Vegas being his personal playground. And let's not forget his Mustangs; those cars were polished with the same care he took in crafting his jokes - meticulously and with a twinkle in his eye.

Describing Ian is like trying to explain a joke to someone who wasn't there - you had to experience it. He was funny, intelligent, and loving, a trifecta of traits that made him the life of any party and the soul of his family. His laughter was a symphony, his knowledge an encyclopedia, and his heart, a perpetually open door.

Ian's life was a masterclass in not taking oneself too seriously. He taught us that the best way to face life's challenges was with a chuckle and that every day was an opportunity to learn something new, preferably something that could be used to craft a witty one-liner later.

As we bid farewell to Ian William Dando, let's not dwell on the silence left in his wake. Instead, let's fill it with the echoes of his jokes, the memories of his teachings, and the warmth of his love. Ian, you may have left the stage, but your punchlines will resonate forever. Curtain call, Mr. Dando, and take a bow - you've earned it.

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