Obituaries, April 15, 2023
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Robert “Bob” Lee Gaskins
Robert “Bob” Lee Gaskins, 93, of Russiaville, passed away 2:07 am Thursday April 13, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. He was born in Peoria, IL, on February 28, 1930, the son of the late Montie Estel and Mary Elizabeth (Harris) Gaskins. On June 22, 1957, he married Matilda “Mickey” Clark, and she preceded him in death on December 12, 2007.
Bob was a 1948 graduate of Kokomo High School. He retired from Delco Electronics in 1995 as a tool maker after 35 plus years of service. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, was a die-hard basketball fan, and liked playing cards. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, gardening, and traveling. Bob was a skilled ballroom dancer and he adored his grandchildren and great-grandson.
Bob is survived by his sons, David (Denise) Gaskins, Bob (Anne Marie) Gaskins, Ron Gaskins, Scott (Mitzi) Gaskins, Bryan (Amber) Gaskins, Mike Gaskins; grandchildren, Jonathan, Deborah, Christine, Matthew, Teresa, Emily, Robbie, Andrew, Ashley, Kayla, Amanda, Erica, Kellen, Danilo, Luke, Parker Chambers, Spencer Chambers, Abigail Chambers, Isaiah; great-grandson, Grady Fesler; sister-in-law, Linda; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Montie and Mary Gaskins; wife, Mickey Gaskins; siblings, Jim Gaskins, Helen (Harold) Yoder, and Larry Gaskins.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mitch Brown from Comfort Keepers for his friendship and the excellent care he gave to Bob.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 pm Tuesday April 18, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 East Main Street, Russiaville, IN 46979. Funeral service will begin at 11 am on Wednesday April 19, 2023, at Stout & Son in Russiaville, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Burial will follow in Crown Point Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Laura Jean Agness Gaskill
Laura Jean Agness Gaskill, 90, Lebanon, passed away at 4:10 am, on Thursday, April 13, 2023, at Crown Point of Lebanon. She was born in Bunker Hill, IN. on July 12, 1932, to the late Carl and Gladys (Moss) Finster. In Kokomo, on March 24, 1990, she married George Martin Gaskill Sr., and he preceded in death on September 9, 2015.
Laura graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1950. Over her lifetime, Laura had many jobs. She worked on the family farm in the tomato fields and helped with the chickens. She worked for the five and dime store, the drive-in theatre, Sengers Dry Goods store, J.C. Penney, a credit agency in St. Louis, the Kraft Cheese Company, and finally retiring from Delco Electronics in the spring of 1992, after 26 plus years of service. Laura was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church. She loved to read and watch TV. She enjoyed playing Bingo and putting together puzzles.
Laura is survived by her children, Roger Agness, and Rex (Rosa) Agness; stepdaughter, Mary (George) Snyder; grandchildren, Lori (Doug) Bennett, Derrick (Meghan) Snyder, and Elaine (Chris) Frazer; great grandchildren, Abraham Bennett, Ruby Bennett, and George Frazer; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; son, Ray Agness; grandson, Rex Agness Jr.; and siblings, Eva Moore, Wallace Finster, Noel Finster, and Ralph Finster.
A funeral service will be held at 10 am on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road. Burial will follow in Bunker Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Faith Presbyterian Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Jason Allen McClish
Jason Allen McClish, 44, Rochester, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023. He was born January 9, 1979, in Kokomo, the son of Robert & Rita (Bass) McClish. On May 16, 1998, he married Shannon Cage who survives.
Jason was employed with Chrysler Corporation for the last 12 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Jason cherished his family and looked forward to spending time with them. It has been mentioned that Jason never met a stranger, they were already friends.
Along with his wife Shannon, Jason is also survived by his parents, Robert & Rita McClish; children, Dylen McClish, Damrin (Kristen) McClish, Austin (Alix Boxell) McClish, Brandon (Elizabeth) McClish, Kaytlyn McClish, Madalynn Cage, and Sabian McKee; grandchildren, Daven, Kaeli, Colton, Jackson, Deklin, Brynnlee, and Ester.
Jason was preceded in death by his son, Daven McClish.
Funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Dustin Smith officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family from Noon until time of service Sunday at the funeral home. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Nancy Ellen (Keith) Layfield Sparks
Nancy Ellen (Keith) Layfield Sparks, 88, of Kokomo, formerly of Big Sandy, TN, passed away 10:55 am Monday April 3, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. She was born in Kokomo, IN, on June 27, 1935, the daughter of the late Ivan and Gertrude (Trueblood) Keith. On July 30, 1983, she married Robert Sparks, and he preceded her in death on April 27, 2015.
Nancy attended Kokomo High School. She was an amazing homemaker and she had a strong work ethic. She enjoyed doing yardwork and was a skilled seamstress. Before moving back to Kokomo, she attended the Camden, TN Congregation of Jehovah’s Witness.
Nancy is survived by her children, Philip Layfield Jr., Michael (Dawn) Layfield, Susan (Tom) Akard; sisters, Rosemary Bohlman, Elizabeth Turnpaugh; grandchildren, Melissa Layfield, Natalie (Brandon) Lovins, Michael Akard, Carly (Seth) Anderson, Kelly (Kyle) Britton; and 10 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Gertrude Keith; the father of her children, Philip R. Layfield Sr.; son, Nathan Scott Layfield; sister, Florabell Morris; brothers, Robert Keith, Richard Keith, David Keith.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:30 to 2:00 pm Saturday April 29, 2023, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2317 Zartman Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday April 29, 2023, at the Kingdom Hall, officiated by Elder Gary Braja. Private burial will take place in Spencer Cemetery in Sheridan later. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.