Jane Maskel

Well, I made it to 100. I feel I was pretty spry for 100. No cane. No walker. Living the life. My girls Janice with Donald, Linda, and Terri with Chris threw me a grand 100th birthday party. Everyone was there, my sister Sue, Mike and Stephen Grandson Kraig with Mandy and Greats Madeline and Kallen, Grandson Adam with Giselle and Great Minerva, Granddaughter Jessica with Great Colton and Granddaughter Stephanie with Great Sadie Jane (don't you love her name?)

Some of my past favorite memories are camping with the family and with the Girl Scouts as a leader. Making noodles for the dinners at Union Street and First Friends Meetings. I love traveling with the "lady group" and family. Going down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon was exciting. Square dancing, Poetry Circle, Book Buddy, Joy and Faith Circles and morel mushroom hunting just some of my fun times. Crocheting was presently ongoing. I think each daughter, grand, and great got an afghan. If not, look around. There are more at home. Reading a book was the best pastime activity, and working at the Kokomo Public Library was a perfect job.

Recent memories are the 40 years wintering in Florida. Spending time with friends while you froze up north. My main activities were playing Euchre, Mexican Train, water exercises, and especially Bingo, where they called me the Bingo Queen, spending time walking on the beach collecting shells and shark teeth. Since I never drove, driving the golf cart was a blast. Mystery trips, driving country roads, Friday and Saturday rummage was something to look forward to, and the cats were there to love on. Good-bye "My Mom," Love Linda Janice Terri

A visitation for Jane will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jane's memory may be made to First Friends Meeting of Kokomo, 1801 Zartman Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902.

Jeffrey “Jeff” Eugene Pickett

Jeffrey “Jeff” Eugene Pickett, 71, of Kokomo, went to be with the Lord at 3:52 p.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at his home. He was born in Lebanon, IN, on June 27, 1953, the son of Donald Clyde Pickett and Winona Pearl (Hoover) Pickett Moss. On August 27, 1988, he married Karen Sue Alexander, and she survives.

Jeff was a 1972 graduate of Sheridan High School. He proudly served our country in the United States Army and earned the rank of Specialist Four. He served for two tours during the Vietnam era. He earned an Associate’s degree in Electronics from Ivy Tech University in 1986. He was an Eagle Scout, a 1st Degree brown belt in karate, and he attended Fairview Baptist Church. He was known as the jokester extraordinaire because of his great sense of humor. He was skilled in woodworking, mathematics, and most recently he liked researching genealogy.

In addition to his wife Karen, Jeff is survived by his children, Russell Eugene (Franciska Burkhead) Pickett, Jonathon Edward Pickett, April Jean Pickett; siblings, Larry Edward Pickett, Brian Scott Pickett, Trudy Louise Pickett, Susan Lorene Pickett; grandchildren, Monte Tschohl, Zoie Pickett; 3 nieces; and 4 nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Pickett; stepfather, Bill Moss.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., on Saturday at the funeral home with Pastors Steve Sherwood and Jonathan Newlon officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Contributions may be made in Jeff’s memory to Boy Scouts Troop #519. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Mathew Junior Barber

Mathew Junior Barber, 86, Kokomo, passed away at 6:15 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at his home. He was born in Frankfort on October 8, 1937, to the late Mathew William Barber and Esta Matilda (Geralds) Barber Huff. On October 19, 1958, in Mulberry IN, he married Doris Catherine Phillippe, and she survives.

Mathew graduated from Frankfort High School in 1956. He retired from Chrysler as a Valve Body Repairman after 30 years of service. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Frankfort, and the Central Indiana Horseshoe Association. He was known as a good horseshoe pitcher and great guy who will be sadly missed. Mathew was one of the founding members of the Bass Anglers Club. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, pitching horseshoes, looking for arrowheads, and woodworking. He loved making things for his grandkids.

Along with his wife, Doris, Mathew is survived by his children, Michael (Brenda) Barber, Pamela (Kent) Breedlove, and Scott Barber; grandchildren, Joshua (Stephanie) Barber, Mathew (Jennifer) Barber, Cory (Jamie) Barber, Mallory Barber, Melissa Bowers, Jeremy Breedlove (Jessi Garza), Brad (Danelle) Breedlove, Brett (Jessica) Breedlove, and Beth Goins (Jared); 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia LaHmon; and several nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Delores Bratton, and Treva BaDour; brother, William Barber; grandson-in-law, Cory Bowers.

A funeral service will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday August 31, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Dan Adams officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Community Howard Foundation – Oncology. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Mrs. Letitia (Meeks) Burrow

Mrs. Letitia (Meeks) Burrow, of Greers Ferry, Arkansas, formerly of Kokomo, departed this life on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the age of 93. She was born February 4, 1931, in Memphis, Tennessee, the daughter of James Owen and Elsie Elizabeth (White) Meeks.

Mrs. Burrow was a graduate of Oil Trough High School. She was a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed cooking, tending to her flower beds, gardening, and canning her own vegetables. She was an avid reader and especially loved family get-togethers.

Mrs. Burrow was preceded in death by her husband, V.L. Burrow; one grandson, Bradley Scott McKoon; four brothers, John Meeks, William Howard Meeks, Robert Meeks, and James Meeks; three sisters, Carolyn Sue Breymier, Henrietta Elizabeth Meeks, and Minnie Gray; and her parents.

She is survived by two daughters, Sheila McKoon of Russiaville, Indiana, and Rebecca Green of Lakeland, Florida; a special niece, Missy Chadwell of Greers Ferry; four grandchildren, Wendy Vandenbosch and husband, Andy, Misty Bennett, Jody Lashbrook, and Leah Whitehead; five great-grandchildren, Eli, Madeline, Bailey, Syanne, and Sadie; one sister, Patricia Ann Dick of Kokomo, Indiana; one sister-in-law, Lorraine Meeks of Kokomo, Indiana; many nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.

Friends may visit at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home, 1900 Malcolm Ave., Newport, Arkansas, on Tuesday, September 3, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Funeral services will follow at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m., with interment at Brown’s Cemetery at Union Hill.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. Condolences may be left online at www.jacksonsfh.com.

Donald "Papa" Gay Prunty

Donald "Papa" Gay Prunty, 80, passed away at 5:20 a.m., August 26, 2024, at Bickford of Wabash. He was born May 8, 1944, in Richwood, West Virginia, the son of the late James & Helen (Pine) Prunty. On December 5, 1998, in Las Vegas, NV, he married Patricia “Pat” Ellen Richardson who preceded him in death on July 13, 2023.

After graduating from Richwood High School, Donald honorably served in the Navy for four years during the Vietnam Era as an avionics technician for submarines and airplanes. His commitment to excellence continued into his civilian life, where he retired as an electrician from General Motors after years of dedicated service.

Donald was a man of faith, regularly attending the Family Worship Center. His hobbies included being an amateur radio operator with the call sign KC9PIW, traveling, gambling, and spending cherished moments with his family and grandchildren. He was also an avid golfer, a passionate Indianapolis Colts fan, and enjoyed tinkering with electronics. Donald's love for his three dogs, Corky, Zsa Zsa, and Daisy, was well known among his friends and family.

Donald is survived by his children, Jamie (Pete) Churchward, Jodie Bruce, Jennifer (Richard) Hosler and Lisa (Rusty) Chandler; grandchildren, Aaron (Meagan) Aaron, Andrew (Athena) Aaron, Alissa Aaron, Ashton (Terence) Flynn, Shelby (Jared) Chernikoff, Marley Churchward, Donovan Bruce, Maddison Bruce, Melissa Byrd and Bryce Byrd, along with 13 great-grandchildren.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pat Prunty; and siblings.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main Street, Russiaville, Indiana, with Pastor Lucien Madding officiating. Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friends and family are invited to visit from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donald’s memory to Guardian Angel Hospice. Stout & Son Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Paul Raymond Cope

Paul Raymond Cope, born on July 30, 1951, in St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024, in Peru, IN, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and a life joyfully lived. He was a man who brought light and warmth to every room and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Paul grew up in St. Louis, the cherished son of the late Mark and Julia Cope. He was the supportive and fun-loving brother to Mark (deceased), Robert and Thomas. Paul's formative years were spent at Rosary High School in St. Louis, where he cultivated a passion for learning and a sense of camaraderie that would follow him throughout his life.

After high school, Paul's love for history led him to the University of Missouri at St. Louis, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. His education laid a strong foundation for his future, shaping him into the well-rounded and knowledgeable individual loved by his family and friends. Paul also served four years in the United States Air Force.

Following his academic achievements, Paul dedicated many years of service to the United States Post Office, working diligently on the mail loading dock in Hazelwood, Missouri. His colleagues knew him as a man of integrity and good humor, always ready to lend a hand or share a joke during the long shifts.

Beyond his professional life, Paul was an avid player of complex board games, a hobby that reflected his sharp mind and strategic thinking. His visits to his brothers always involved playing these games.

Paul will be remembered as a loving brother, a dependable friend, and a kind-hearted individual who made the world brighter with his presence. His sense of humor was unmatched, often punctuating gatherings with his wit and leaving echoes of laughter in his wake. Generosity was second nature to Paul who made sure Christmas and birthday presents always arrived at the homes of his great nephew and great nieces.

As we bid farewell to Paul Raymond Cope, we celebrate a life lived with joy and an open heart. His memories will be cherished, and his absence deeply felt by his brothers, Robert and Thomas, and by the many friends whose lives he touched. Paul's spirit, characterized by love, laughter, and generosity, will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

In the tapestry of life, each thread has its purpose and beauty, and Paul's thread was vibrant and strong. As we mourn his passing, we also honor the wonderful tapestry he helped weave with his time here on earth. Paul Raymond Cope's story is one of joy, connection, and a life well-lived—one that will be fondly remembered and celebrated.

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

Harry James "Jimmy" Nelson

Harry James "Jimmy" Nelson, a spirited soul known for his generosity and adventurous spirit, passed away peacefully in his hometown of Kokomo, IN, on August 24, 2024, at the age of 62. Born on September 6, 1961, to Harry and Annabelle Nelson, Jimmy was a man whose laughter and kindness left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew him.

Jimmy, affectionately known by his friends and family, lived a life full of passion and joy. He embraced the outdoors with the same enthusiasm he had for life itself, often found riding his beloved Harley, camping under the stars, hunting in the quiet of the woods, or fishing in the tranquil waters that he loved so much. His love for NASCAR and the Colts was only matched by his fondness for a good glass of whiskey, which he enjoyed in the company of friends and family.

A true "Free Walker," Jimmy's adventurous nature took him from the roofing jobs of Kokomo to the blueberry fields of Maine, where he worked alongside his brother Jeff. His journey continued as a bartender and carnival worker, where his generous spirit and kind demeanor made him a favorite among patrons and peers alike. In 1999, Jimmy's wanderlust led him to Florida, where he spent 20 years soaking up the sun in Panama City Beach before returning to his roots in Kokomo.

Jimmy's life was a testament to the bonds of family and friendship. He was a beloved stepfather to Kathy Davis (Greg), a cherished brother to Faye Johnston (Mike) and Keith Nelson, and a treasured uncle to nieces Chris Wright (Kent), Tonya Wright, Jenny Kanable (Chris), and Tricia Nelson. His enduring friendship with John Phipps, which began in the first grade, stood the test of time and exemplified the depth of his loyalty and affection.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Harry and Annabelle Nelson; the love of his life, his wife Marsha Nelson; and his brothers, Jeff Hedrick and Terry Nelson. Jimmy's memory will be a beacon of warmth and love for those he leaves behind.

Jimmy's life was a rich tapestry woven with the threads of kindness, generosity, and adventure. He will be remembered for his easy smile, his willingness to lend a hand, and his ability to turn strangers into friends. His legacy will live on in the stories shared by those who were fortunate enough to cross his path and in the laughter that echoes in the places he once roamed.

As we bid farewell to Harry James "Jimmy" Nelson, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, a journey marked by the joy of discovery, and a heart that knew no bounds. His spirit, now free to roam the heavens, leaves behind a trail of memories that will continue to inspire and comfort us all.

In honor of Jimmy's love for life and the natural world, let us take a moment to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and remember a man who walked freely, loved deeply, and laughed heartily. Jimmy's story does not end here; it carries on in the wind, in the rustling leaves, and in the open roads that beckon us to explore.

Rest in peace, Jimmy. Your journey has been a beautiful ride.

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