William J. “Bill” Brown

William J. “Bill” Brown, 96, of Rochester, and formerly of Kokomo, passed away at 11:05 a.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Woodlawn Hospital in Rochester. He was born October 14, 1928, in Delaware, Ohio, to Harry Morton and Myna Dell (Marlott) Brown. On June 22, 1952, he married Eloise Weiker, in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and she survives.

Bill was a 1947 graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School and graduated from Heidelberg University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force, from 1951 to 1953, attaining the rank of Air Cadet 2nd Class, and following his military service, worked for Delco Electronics as an engineer for 35 years before retiring in 1987. He also worked for Rupp and Bowman as a salesman and RCA Electronics as an engineer. He was a member of the Elks, the Moose, Toastmasters International, the American Institute of Engineers, the Boy Scouts of America, the American Legion, and the Masons. He served on the board of directors for the Methodist Church, the YMCA in Findlay, Ohio, and Weiker Grain, and as past president of the Maple Crest PTA and AIIE at Purdue. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and boating.

In addition to his wife of 72 years, Eloise Brown, survivors include his daughters, Cathy B. (Randy) Griffin, Susan K. (Tim) Garner, Deborah L. (Doug) Segraves, and Rebecca L. (Steve) Mischak; son, William J. (Anne) Brown, Jr.; grandchildren, Marley (Michael) Fagg, Joe (Tabatha) Griffin, Mason (Emily) Griffin, Cora (Caleb) Grounds, David (Mariah) Conner, Drew (Cassy) Conner, Jordan (Lucie) Garner, Lindsey (Mike) Carnicella, Kim (Jay) Black, Beth (Jesse) Dority, Nicole Mischak, Grace Mischak, Molly Brown, and Harry Brown; and 25 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Merry Lou Tonseth; great-grandchild, Peyton Dority; and life-long friend, Harvey J. Eikenberry.

Funeral services will be held at Noon on Friday, November 22, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, with Pastor Riley Case officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery, in Kokomo, with military honors provided by the United States Air Force. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday at the funeral home. Contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Fulton County Animal Adoption & Education Center, 1504 N. Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975, or ConneXion Church, 700 E. Southway Blvd., Kokomo, IN 46902. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Melony Fontaine McFarland

It is with a heavy heart but a spirit full of love that we announce the passing of Ms. Melony Fontaine McFarland, who left this world on November 4, 2024, at the age of 59. Melony was born on October 17, 1965, and throughout her life she brought joy and warmth to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Melony's presence was a gift, and her kindness was a guiding light. She had an extraordinary ability to uplift others, always wearing a beautiful smile and offering encouraging words. Her laughter was infectious, and her love was unconditional, making a profound impact on her family, friends, and community.

To honor her life and legacy, a visitation will be held on November 23, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a Funeral Service from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, all taking place at Greater Second Baptist Church, located at 705 W 26th St, Marion, IN 46953.

We invite everyone who loved Melony to join us in celebrating her remarkable journey and the cherished memories we hold dear.

As we gather together to remember Melony, we encourage those close to her to share their stories and reflect on the beautiful moments shared. She will forever remain in our hearts, guiding us with her loving spirit.

Don Richard Zimmerman

Don Richard Zimmerman, 82, of Kokomo, passed away 12:31 p.m. Monday, November 18, 2024, at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. He was born in Muncie, IN, on December 25, 1941, the son of the late Palmer and Frances (Smith) Zimmerman. In June 1963, he married Joyce McGowan in Kokomo, IN, and she survives.

Don was a 1959 graduate of Kokomo High School. He proudly served our country in the United States Air Force and was Honorably Discharged. He was employed at the American Legion Post #6, Delphi Racing, and retired from Delco Electronics as a custodian. Don was a kind-hearted man with an amazing sense of humor. He always looked for ways to help others and make people laugh. He was a sports fanatic and cheered for the Indianapolis Colts, the Chicago Cubs, and Indiana University basketball. He was passionate about playing golf and achieved six hole-in-ones in his lifetime.

In addition to his wife Joyce, Don is survived by his children, Kevin (Colleen) Zimmerman, Rick Zimmerman; siblings, Steve (Bette) Zimmerman, South Carolina, Lynann Tigrett, Washington; grandchildren, Hannah (Nate) Hartwell, Kyle (Michelle) Zimmerman, Kelsey Zimmerman; great-grandson, Nolan Hartwell; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Frances Zimmerman; siblings, Alyce (Jim) Wiles, John (Laquita) Zimmerman.

Military honors will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at the American Legion Post #6, 2604 S. Lafountain St., Kokomo, IN 46902. Military honors will be provided by the Kokomo VFW and the United States Air Force. A Celebration of Life will follow the military rites until 3 p.m. on Saturday at the American Legion. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Don’s memory to the American Cancer Society. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Sandra “Sandy” Ann (Slusher) Rowe

Sandra “Sandy” Ann (Slusher) Rowe, 78, of San Antonio, TX, passed away 3:17 a.m. Wednesday October 31, 2024, at Methodist Stone Oak Hospital in San Antonio, TX. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on August 9, 1946, the daughter of the late John F. and Martha Ann (Stanley) Slusher.

Sandy was a 1964 graduate of Western High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1971 and later a Master of Arts in Education in 1978, both from Ball State University. She worked a career in Adult Basic Education in New Castle, IN, mathematics at Arlington High School in Indianapolis, and Jubilee Academies in San Antonio, TX. Upon retiring, she tutored mathematics privately at Splendid Tutoring, and Positive Solutions Charter School all in San Antonio, TX.

She is survived by her children, David Todd Painter, San Antonio, TX, Lisa (Victor) Quiroga, San Antonio, TX; sister and brother-in-law, Dana Slusher Kemp and David Mount, Macon, Ga; brother, Mike (Pat) Slusher, Kempton, IN; step-sister, Melinda (Dave) Murphey, Belleville, MI; grandchildren, Jacob, Liliana, and Daniela Quiroga, San Antonio, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husbands, David M. Painter, Howard Rowe.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, November 29, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home with Dan Adams officiating. Burial will be held in Kokomo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Sandy’s memory to Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center in San Antonio, Texas. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory in Kokomo, IN, has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Wesley Hoogerhyde

Wesley Hoogerhyde, age 90, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born to the late John E. and Bernice F. (McCluskey) Hoogerhyde on January 9, 1934, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Wesley married Ruth E. (Klein) Hoogerhyde on February 7, 1959, and she preceded him in death on February 18, 2019.

Wesley retired from Chrysler Corp. after 40 years of employment. He was a member of the UAW Local #685. Wesley also served two years in the United States Army. He enjoyed fishing, four-wheeling, hunting, and loved being outdoors.

Wesley is survived by his son, Glen (Vanessa) Hoogerhyde; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Wesley is preceded in death by his loving wife of 50 years, Ruth; daughter, Kathy Gresley; son, Mark Hoogerhyde; and his parents.

There will be a graveside service on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, Chapel of Love, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.