Ralph Lee Ackison

Ralph Lee Ackison, 91, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away December 31, 2024. He was born on September 29, 1933, in Ironton, Ohio, the son of Joe Henry and Wilma Mae (Bailey) Ackison. He married Elsie Ackison (Payton), who survives. After graduating High School in 1951, Ralph entered the United States Air Force where he served for 20 years. In 1953 he married his high school sweetheart, Elsie Gertrude Ackison, and that marriage lasted 71 years. He also leaves behind four children, Marsha Lee Moriarty and her husband John, Ralph Steven Ackison and his wife Julie, Peggy Ann Reed and her husband Steve, and Kevin William Ackison and his wife Kerry. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Jennifer Ackison, Jill Hoover, Shane Slaven, Kevin Duggins, Nicky Benich, Ashley Reed, Brandon Reed, Kelsey Sneed, and Kali Yust. Ralph is also survived by his 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

After his retirement from the Air Force, Ralph went to the Chrysler Casting Plant in Kokomo where he spent 22 years.

Ralph had a nickname in high school; everyone called him "Bud." He was a very good football player in high school. Some of his friends in high school said he was Mr. Southern Ohio. He also took his football to the next level where he played for a semi-pro team, the Ramstein Rams in Germany.

Ralph was a very hard worker in his younger years. He started working when he was 13 years old at the local grocery store in Petro, Ohio.

Ralph loved him some Colts football and the Indiana Pacers, but his bloodline kept him in Ohio. He also loved the Cincinnati Reds and the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Ralph was preceded in death by parents; granddaughter, Holly Ackison.

Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Pierce officiating. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.

Henry M. Ballew

Henry M. Ballew, 90, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away December 30, 2024. He was born on August 13, 1934, in Clarksville, Georgia. He was the son of Jack and Gladys Ballew. He married Betty Ballew who survives. He worked at Delco for over 30 years.

A Memorial Gathering will take place on January 6, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo.

Robert Neal Martin

Robert Neal Martin, 81, Kokomo, passed away at 6:53 p.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at his home. He was born June 2, 1943, in Steubenville, OH, the son of the late Elmer Robert and Agnes Virginia (Goldsmith) Martin. He married Vanessa K. Adkins on November 1, 2003, and she survives.

Robert worked for Delphi and retired after 38 years of service. He was a charter member of the Milwaukee Iron Motorcycle Club, and he rode for many years. Robert also ministered to many people struggling with addiction. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1961-1963.

Along with his wife Vanessa, Robert is survived by his children, Stan Martin, Dorothy Martin, Sherise Martin, Jason Woodruff, Joseph Woodruff, and Michael Woodruff; grandchildren, Aaron Martin, Andrew Martin, Alex Martin, and Annabell Martin; and sister, Carolyn Abraham.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends may visit with the family from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home – Jefferson Street Chapel, 414 W. Jefferson Street, Kokomo. A funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Phyllis “Rose” Engle

Phyllis “Rose” Engle, 94, of Galveston, passed away peacefully with her husband by her side, Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. She was born July 9, 1930, in Elwood, Indiana, to Cluard H. and Bonnie B. (Shook) Purvis. She married the love of her life, Russell Engle, on July 2, 1950. They shared over 74 years of marriage together.

Rose worked for Delco Electronics in Kokomo for 25 years in production. After Russell retired, she decided to quit her job at Delco so they could travel and enjoy their time together. She and Russell enjoyed playing Euchre with the card club at Delco, and she also enjoyed Bingo with her friends. Spending winters in Florida and summers at their cottage on the Wabash River were also favorites of hers. She loved her church families at McNeely Christian Church in Walton and Anchor Christian Church in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Surviving family include her beloved husband Russell of Galveston; her children, Cathy (Scott) Simpson of Jonesboro, and Michael Engle of Kokomo. She is also survived by two granddaughters, Allison (Doug) Spinks of Kershaw, SC; and Caitlin (Matthew) Shrack of Eaton, IN. Two great-grandchildren also survive, Alec and Carson. She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston with Pastor Terry Russell officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 – 12 noon prior to services Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Anchor Christian Church, 11651 E. Terry St., Bonita Springs, FL. 34135 or online at www.anchorchristian.com/give

Steven Kent Nelson

Steven Kent Nelson, born on June 7, 1949, in Kokomo, IN, passed away peacefully at the age of 75 on Monday, December 30, 2024, at his home in Bringhurst, IN. He was the beloved son to Jack and Margaret (Crockett) Nelson. On August 16, 1989, he married Marie Cash, and she survives.

Steve, as he was affectionately known, was a devoted husband to Marie, a loving father to his three sons, and adored by his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His journey on this Earth was one marked by compassion, learning, and love. His passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many lives he influenced who knew him growing up. Steve battled health issues the last three years of his life, but if you visited him, you knew he still had his sense of humor. And he would definitely let you know his opinion on a topic, whether you asked for it or not.

After his graduation from Kokomo High School in 1967, Steve started his career at Delco Electronics. After a year and a half, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He was very proud of his time serving his country and rarely was seen without wearing a Navy hat or one related to the service throughout the rest of his life. He graduated from Electronic Technician School while stationed at Great Lakes in Chicago, IL. After his graduation, he was stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, before finishing out his last two years of service as an ET6 1st Class, stationed at Fort Allen, Puerto Rico. After returning to his hometown of Kokomo in 1976, Steve went back to work at Delco as an Electronic Analyst and retired at 32 years of service in 1999 as a member of the UAW Local #292.

Most people who knew Steve knew what a talented musician he was. He could pick up almost any instrument and figure out how to play it. He was most passionate about playing the banjo. He started taking lessons at the young age of 12. He told stories of getting to play for or with some of the greatest bluegrass players ever during his many trips to the annual Bill Monroe Bluegrass Festival held in Bean Blossom, IN. He reminisced of getting to play for the legendary Bill Monroe himself and Bill telling him, “You're a mighty fine picker, son.” He enjoyed playing all around the state or just getting together at his brother Mike’s house. Bluegrass music wasn't his only hobby. Steve had an extensive model train collection, usually creating an entire room of creeks and mountains for his trains to travel. Steve had many hot rods that he would spend countless hours building. He would bring the frame home on a trailer, and months later it would be winning awards at car shows. He is most known for his 1929 Ford Coupe. Steve also collected various coins that took him many years to complete.

Along with his loving wife Marie, Steve is survived by their children, Joey Nelson, Jamie (Angela) Nelson, and Travis Nelson (Melanie Fivecoate); grandchildren, Caleb Nelson, Cody Nelson, Cheyenne Nelson, Hunter Nelson, Vera Nelson, Cole Nelson, Clay Nelson, Payton Fife, Hayden Shaffer, Landen Shaffer, Tyler Nelson, and Eli Nelson; great-grandchildren, Benjamin Nelson, Alice Fife, and Cailynn Nelson; Brothers, Mike (Jan) Nelson, and Danny (Jenny) Nelson.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents and by his beloved dog Tootles.

Friends are invited to visit with family from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a Celebration of Life service in honor of Steve Nelson’s journey on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home-Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan St., Burlington, IN, 46915. and the funeral service commencing at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Burlington Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Navy and the Burlington American Legion. Casual attire is welcome for all services. Memorial Contributions may be made to Stout & Son Funeral Home to help assist the family with final expenses. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Mark Kevin Kline

Mark Kevin Kline, a man of unwavering faith and boundless kindness, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, in Kokomo, IN, at the age of 61. Born on March 7, 1963, in Wabash, IN, to the late Henry and Edna Kline, Mark's life was a testament to the power of positivity and the strength of human connection.

A proud graduate of Wabash High School, Mark's youthful spirit and love for life were evident to all who knew him. His passion for the open road was matched only by his talent for music, as he found joy in both riding his beloved motorcycle and playing the piano. Mark's commitment to his community shone brightly through his active involvement at Connexion Church, where he formed many cherished friendships and served as a beacon of light and hope.

Mark's legacy of love and laughter is carried on by his two devoted sons, Mark and Justin Kline, who were the pride of his life. His spirit will continue to guide his grandchildren, Conner, Maiki, Jaylen, Brennen, and Tyler Kline, as they navigate the paths of their own lives. Known for his friendly demeanor and faith-filled heart, Mark was a friend to many and a stranger to none.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Mark will remember him as a kind soul who greeted everyone with a warm smile and an open heart. His ability to uplift others and his unwavering positivity will be deeply missed by all who were touched by his presence.

As we bid farewell to Mark Kevin Kline, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey completed with grace. His memory will forever be etched in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with this extraordinary man. Mark's story is not one of sorrow, but rather a narrative of love, friendship, and the indelible mark he left on this world.