Obituaries, April 16, 2024 (2024)

Jean Carol (Moss) Parker

Jean Carol (Moss) Parker, 90, of Michigantown, passed away 1:30 p.m., Sunday April 7, 2024, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, IN. She was born in Indianapolis, IN, on February 25, 1934, the daughter of the late Charles Arthur Moss and Betty Mildred (King) Moss. On May 31, 1954, she married Jimmie Max Parker, and he preceded her in death on January 3, 2022.

Jean was a 1952 graduate of Burlington High School. After high school, she worked at the Kokomo Tribune as a telephone operator. Jean was the ultimate caretaker and worked as a farm wife and homemaker to her husband and sons. She was passionate about animals and took in numerous strays that showed up at their farm. Jean found joy in working at Walmart for more than 30 years. She formerly attended the Burlington Brethren Church. She was an avid reader who would often take trips to the Michigan Road Community Library in Michigantown.

She is survived by her sons, Michael “Douglas” Parker, James “Scott” (Sharon) Parker, Jonathon Brett Parker; grandchildren, Nadia Parker, Max (Kristen) Parker, Cassie (Brian) VerVaet, Allayna Parker; great-grandchildren, Raelyn Parker, Kinsley Parker.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Brian Curtis Parker; and sister, Evelyn (Glenn) Newby.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday April 16, 2024, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan Street, Burlington, IN 46915. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor John Drexler officiating. Burial will follow in Burlington Cemetery. Contributions may be made in Jean’s memory to the Michigan Road Community Library.

James “Jim” E. Taylor

James “Jim” E. Taylor, 82, Russiaville, went home to the lord Saturday night, April 13, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital Kokomo. He was born December 15, 1941, in Indianapolis, IN, the son of the late Opal (Grantham) and Archie Taylor. On September 30th, 1967, he married Karen Sue Majors in Danville, IN, and she survives.

He was a 1959 graduate of Clayton High School. He first worked at Chevrolet Commercial Body from 1962 to 1975. Jim served as pastor at New London Friends Meeting, Danville Friends Meeting, and interim pastor at Danville Baptist Chapel. Jim retired from Western School Corporation in 2007 after 21 years of service. Jim also served in the Indiana National Guard. He enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and nature. He was passionate about teaching children how to share their faith in Jesus Christ. Jim helped form children’s choirs at the churches where he pastored.

He is survived by sons Tom Taylor (Norma Muñoz) Whiting IN, Seth Taylor (Devi Do) Indianapolis, IN, and daughter, Rebecca Steward (Dave) Crawfordsville IN. Four grandchildren, Christopher Taylor Avon, Stephanie Knotts Brownsburg, Alex Godwin Brownsburg, Scott Godwin Irvine CA, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death was his brother, David A. Taylor, and granddaughter Krista Godwin.

Jim’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo, Compassus, Ascension St. Vincent Indianapolis Burn Unit. Special thanks to his caregivers, Karen Voiles and Terri Scott.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 pm Wednesday April 17, 2024, at Fair Havens Church, 1216 South 300 West Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will be held 10 a.m., Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the church, with Pastor John Zwirn officiating. Private burial will be held at Mill Creek Cemetery in Danville, IN. Memorial donations may be made to Fair Havens Church, the Salvation Army, or to the Kokomo Rescue Mission. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.

Trixie Jeanette Hood

Trixie Jeanette Hood, 67, of Kokomo, IN, passed away April 12, 2024. She was born on January 5, 1957, in Elwood, Indiana, the daughter of Virgil and Mary (Hayes) White. She married Dennis Hood on June 28, 1974, who survives. Trixie loved cleaning the house and taking care of her grandkids. She loved spending time in her flower room and tending to her plants. She volunteered at Cross America and loved her church. She was a member of Abundant Life Church.

Left to cherish her memory is her loving husband, Dennis; children, Julie (David) Hall, Michael (Carie) Hood; grandchildren, Cody, Hannah, Sophia, Joseph; sister, Kathy Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

Trixie was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Ruby, Vivian; brother, Larry.

Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary & Cremation Center 3400 S. Webster St., Kokomo, Indiana 46902. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made in Trixie's honor to Cross America. Burial will follow at Crown Point Cemetery. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

Marilyn Jean Wylie

Marilyn Jean Wylie, 78, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away April 15, 2024. She was born on August 11, 1945, in Kokomo, IN, the daughter of John Franklin and Virginia Mayfair Croddy (McMain).

Marilyn graduated from Kokomo High School. She retired from General Motors after 33 years of service. Marilyn enjoyed going to craft fairs and festivals. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Surviving relatives include her three children, Cyndi Maples of Indianapolis, IN; Mike Wylie (Lisa) of Fishers, IN; Todd Wylie (Kimberly) of Chattanooga, TN; grandchildren, Joshua Maples (Heidi); Meghan Knuckles (Ryan); Clayton Wylie (Tara); Amanda Wylie; Jacob Wylie; great-grandchildren, Rafe Maples, Rory Maples; Kaleigh Knuckles; a lifetime family friend Kathy Wright, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Jane Roberts (Tom), brothers James and Steve Croddy.

Visitation will be 6:00 - 8:00 PM, Friday, April 19, 2024, at Ellers Mortuary 725 S. Main St., Kokomo, Indiana 46901. Share a memory with the family at www.ellersmortuary.com.

Catherine “Katie” Smith

Catherine “Katie” Smith, 88 of Tipton died on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at her residence with her family at her side. She was born in Tipton County on November 29, 1935, to Rupert A. and Elizabeth (Aldridge) Watson Sr. Katie married Tom Smith in 1955.

Katie grew up in Jefferson Township and graduated from the Jefferson Township High School in 1953. She was retired after being an employee and officer of Farmers Loan and Trust, First National Bank and Harris Bank after 37 years. She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and had previously volunteered as the treasurer for the Mustard Seed organization. Her hobbies and activities included reading, many outdoor activities, sports, and especially spending time with family. She was well-known for her amazing culinary skills, especially when it came to chicken & noodles and her homemade pies.

Survivors include three sons, Jeffery and wife Kanthima of Noblesville, Michael and Monica of Warsaw and Andrew and wife Susan of Cincinnati. She has seven grandchildren, Zachery, Matthew, Grace, Bryce (Rachel), Quinn, Aubrey (Tanner) and Gage; two great-grandchildren, Vivian and Easton. She is also survived by a brother Bill Watson and wife Barbara, three sisters Wanda Woods and husband Terrie, Julie Miller, Betty Hinkle and husband Skip and extended family Steve and Wanda Smith, several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Thomas Alan Smith, two sisters Mary Moody and Clarabelle Prifogle and two brothers Bob and Red Watson.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 20, at 2:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Dennis Goth presiding. Visitation will begin at Noon on Saturday. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 340 Mill Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072 or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, Virginia, 22116.

C. Eugene Creed

C. Eugene Creed, 84, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away April 12, 2024. He was born on November 12, 1939, in Cambridge, Indiana, the son of William Howard and Pauline Jean (Clear) Creed. He married Janice Creed on April 17, 1971, who survives. Eugene worked at Delco for 30 years before retiring. He loved collecting cans and recycling.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Janice; children, Aimee (Jeff) Garrison, Alisha Long Richardson; grandchildren, Alexandria Jade Long, Aurora Jean Long; sister, Beverly Nichols; brother, Robert Creed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and grandson, Andrew Jacob Long; brother, Charles Creed; sister-in-law, Brenda Warwick.

Visitation will take place from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m., Monday, April 22, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.

Betty S. Collins

Betty S. Collins, 88, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, April 13, 2024. She was born January 19, 1936, on the family farm, near Marion, Kentucky, to Jewell and Marjorie (Guess) Strong. Her family moved to Evansville when she was a child, and she lived there until getting married and having children, after which she and her family moved to Kokomo where she spent the remainder of her life.

Betty was a member of Westside Baptist Church and a devoted Christian who found salvation at an early age at a revival and never lost her passion for sharing the Gospel with anyone she met. She genuinely liked people and was active in church work and teaching Sunday School for many years. She loved entertaining family and friends and was an excellent cook and hostess. She was also an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Joyce Norman and Jane Gibbs.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond Collins; children, Kevin (Jo Ann) Collins and Kay (Brian) Hughes; and several nieces.

Private graveside services will take place in Albright Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shirley & Stout Funeral Home in Kokomo. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.