Carolyn Joan (Watkins) Becker

Carolyn Joan (Watkins) Becker, 91, formerly of Forest, IN, passed away 3:03 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2025, at Cameron Memorial Community Hospital in Angola, IN. She was born in Forest, IN, on June 28, 1933, the daughter of the late Russell B. Watkins and Martha Irene (Robertson) Watkins. On September 30, 1956, she married Charles E. Becker at the Russiaville United Methodist Church, and he preceded her in death on September 22, 1999.

Carolyn was a 1951 graduate of Kirklin High School. She attended Ball State University in Muncie and received a degree in business. She retired from Killingbeck Insurance where she worked as a tax preparer for 20 years. She was a member of Forest United Methodist Church and a former member of Russiaville United Methodist Church. She worked diligently as a farm wife and assisted with raising chickens, pigs, and cattle. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews, gardening, and she was fascinated with flowers.

She is survived by: nieces and nephews Michael (Jody) Watkins, Ronnie Watkins, Rhonda (John) Robertson, Jane Bingaman Watkins, Richard (Renita) Watkins, Diana (Mike) Kepler, Steve Watkins, Kevin (Vikki) Watkins, Linda (Gary) Myers, and Jerry Watkins; foster niece Dawn (Bradley) Walker; great-nieces and great-nephews Benjamin (Dawn) Watkins, Deana Neff, Sarah (Ryan) Christopher, Bradley (Aimee) Watkins, Jeremy (Miri) Watkins, Joshua Watkins, Madison Watkins, Dakota Watkins, Brynn Watkins, Terrianne (Dylan) Schunot, Ben (Rose) Watkins, Jay Kepler, Rachel (Nathan) O’Neal, Kelsey (Rob) Page, Emily (Bryce) Eaton, Dustin (Kayla) Lucas, Jennifer Myers, James Watkins, and Jerri Ann (Thomas) Williams; and numerous great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her parents Russell and Martha Watkins; husband Charles E. Becker; infant brother Samuel Watkins; brothers Donald (Alice) Watkins, Harold (Esther) Watkins, and John “Dick” (Betty) Watkins; nephews Darryl (Diane) Watkins, Robert Watkins, and Loren Watkins; great-nieces Michelle McKimmy and Jennifer Watkins; and great-nephew William Lucas.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, January 31, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A funeral service celebrating Carolyn’s life will begin at noon on Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Ben Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul Cemetery in Forest, IN. Contributions may be made in Carolyn’s memory to Heart to Heart Hospice, 5646 Coventry Lane, Fort Wayne, IN 46804.

Etta Mae Buchanan

Etta Mae Buchanan, age 82, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025.

A graveside service for Etta will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery, 1300 E. North St., Kokomo, Indiana 46901.

Stephen Kent Holaday, Sr.

Stephen Kent Holaday, Sr., aged 76, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025. He was born on March 1, 1948, to Marvin E. Holaday and Ellen (Grant) Holaday. On March 8, 1969, he married Wanda S. Carter, who survives him.

Steve had a strong work ethic. When he was 12, he started delivering newspapers. He worked throughout high school. After graduating from Kokomo High School in 1966, he worked for Western Electric. He was later hired by Delco Electronics.

In 1967, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he was assigned to Airtronics Maintenance. He served in the U.S. and Thailand until 1971. He received an honorable discharge. He was proud to have served his country.

He returned to work at Delco Electronics. While working there, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business. He retired as a supervisor after 30 years of service. He tried retirement but missed working and being with people. He went to work at Indian University Kokomo as an Audio/Visual Technician. He worked there for 10 years. He also had a small business making custom picture frames.

Steve enjoyed bowling, especially with his brother, Marvin. He was a big fan of NASCAR and other auto racing. He liked music, dancing, good whiskey, and coffee. He would tell people he didn't eat sweets, but his family would tell you otherwise.

He had a lifelong passion for photography and was a member of Delco Camera Club. Later in life, many back-road trips were taken to explore new places.

Steve was a doting grandfather and uncle. He loved taking the grandkids shopping for toys, ice cream, fast food, and pizza. He turned the family room into a playground for the younger members of the family, complete with padded floors, spinning stools, toys, videos, and a custom train table designed and built by him. He always had suckers, candy, cookies, crackers, juice, and soft drinks for any child who visited. He will be missed by his family and friends.

Steve is survived by: his wife Wanda (Carter) Holaday; two sons S. Kent (Denise) and Matt; three grandchildren Emma, Jesse, and Carter; his brother Marvin (Colleen) Holaday, Jr.; sister-in-law Stella "Lou" Fain; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Kokomo Shrine Club 3892 E, 00 NS, Kokomo, IN 46901.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kokomo Urban Outreach 1701 S Locke St Kokomo, IN 46902.

Steven R. Jones

Steven R. Jones, known affectionately as Jones to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2025, at the age of 52, in his hometown of Kokomo, IN. Born on January 5, 1973, to the late Randal Jones and Janet Anthony, Steven's life was one marked by creativity, generosity, and a love for adventure that touched all who knew him.

Steven's journey through life was as rich and varied as his interests. He was a man of many talents and worked in construction, where he was known for his ability to tackle just about any job with skill and dedication. His work ethic and commitment to his craft earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and those within the community.

Aside from his professional life, Steven's passions were manifold. He was an avid fisherman, relishing the tranquility of being outdoors and the thrill of the catch. His artistic soul found expression in glass etching and tattooing, where his creativity brought beauty and personal meaning into the lives of others. A gifted cook, Steven was renowned for his culinary creations, which he generously shared with friends and family.

Family was the cornerstone of Steven's world. He is survived by: his loving wife Elizabeth Jones; his children Brittney Hattabaugh, Heather Burton, and Thomas Jones; his siblings Sheila Jones, Heather Jones, Brian Jones, and Michael Jones; and his cherished grandchildren Kaydence Hayes, Jarren Guss, Jasaiah Kellems, Eric Burton, Kaleonna Jones, and Brandon Jones. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as a beloved great-niece and nephew, all of whom will miss his playful spirit and boundless energy.

Those who had the privilege of knowing Steven understood that his generosity knew no bounds. He was always the first to lend a helping hand, whether it was through guiding a grandchild through their first fish catch or sharing his latest recipe at a family gathering. His adventurous soul led him to explore the great outdoors, and his stories of escapades and discoveries will be recounted with fondness and laughter for years to come.

Steven's life was a testament to the power of living with an open heart and a creative mind. His legacy is one of love, art, and the simple joys of nature. It is a legacy that will be carried forward by the family he adored and the community he enriched.

As we say goodbye to Steven R. Jones, we celebrate a life lived with passion and purpose. We will cherish the memories he has left behind, the moments of joy and togetherness, and the love that he gave so freely. His spirit will continue to inspire us, reminding us to embrace each day with the same enthusiasm and generosity that he did.

A private service will be held to honor Steven's memory, where family and friends will gather to share stories, laughter, and tears, commemorating a life that, while too short, was lived to the fullest. Steven's presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever be a guiding light in the lives of those he touched.

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

David Michael “Mike” Brooking

David Michael “Mike” Brooking, 56, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2025, at IU Health Bedford Hospital.

Born August 9, 1968, in Salem, he was the son of David Reese and Mary Marie (Morgan) Brooking. He married Cynthia Louise Fleener on March 22, 2014, and she survives.

Mike grew up in Orangeville and attended Orleans Schools. He enjoyed fur trapping in his younger years. Mike worked with pride at several factories around the Dubois County area. He was a Friend of Bill, enjoyed nature, sitting outside on his porch with his dogs, and cooking. Being a father was his favorite thing; he was very proud of his son and providing for his family.

Surviving are: his wife Cindy Brooking of Mitchell; son Tayler Bryan Brooking of Mitchell; stepdaughter Maggie Sue (Jonathan) King of Kokomo; siblings Steve (Kathi) Brooking of Pace, Florida, Jeff (Rita) Brooking of Bedford, and Melissa Brooking of Bedford; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents preceded him in death.