Obituaries, August 24, 2023
William J. Carmichael
William J. Carmichael, age 97, died in Kokomo on Monday, August 21, 2023. He was born in Hartford City, Indiana on February 5, 1926.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, two daughters: Ann Herncane and Abbe Lester, four grandchildren: Abbe and Andy Brechbuhler, Matt and Will Lester and nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by three step-children: Dawn Blacklidge, Jill Glover, Doug Blacklidge, six step-grandchildren and two step-great grandchildren.
His first wife, Mary Sue preceded him in death in 1978. He was also preceded in death by a step-son, Mark Blacklidge.
Bill served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific area during WW2 from 1944 to 1946 and again in the Korean War with the 6th Fleet Amphibious forces in the Mediterranean area from 1951 to 1952.
He was employed by Union Bank and Trust in 1964 and served as executive vice-president of consumer services until elected Chairman of the board, President and CEO in 1973. He held these positions until he retired in 1989.
Before affiliating with Union Bank, Bill worked for American Security Corp in Marion, IN and Kokomo for 17 years as Corporate VP and Director.
Bill was a member of The Kokomo Country Club and the American Legion Post 6. Also, during his career, he served on several social and civic boards: President of Ivy Tech Kokomo, President of St. Joseph Hospital Advisory Board, President of Region 2 Indiana Banker's Association, IUK Advisory Board, YMCA, Chamber of Commerce and United Way Boards.
After retirement, Bill and Marilyn moved to San Diego, CA where they lived for 15 years before returning to Kokomo in 2005.
A graveside memorial service with military honors will be 2:00 PM Friday, August 25, 2023 at Sunset Memory Garden Mausoleum Chapel of Peace 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or to any charity of your choice.
Nancy Elizabeth Shipley
Nancy Elizabeth Shipley, 78, Kokomo, passed away at 4:07 pm Monday August 21, 2023, at her home. She was born December 6, 1944, in Evansville, IN, the daughter of the late Alfred & Jean (Penwell) Johnson. On November 4, 1966, at Beamer United Methodist Church, she married Clarence G. “Jim” Shipley who preceded her in death on May 1, 2008.
Nancy was a 1963 graduate of Kokomo High School. She was a homemaker who took great pride in being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Anyone that knew her never saw her without a smile. She was the sweetest person with a huge heart and will sadly be missed by all! Nancy attended Abundant Life Church and enjoyed watching Everybody Loves Raymond and game shows. She also loved her beloved dogs, Mindy and Dink.
Nancy is survived by her son, Tim (Timi) Shipley; grandchildren, Casey (Hannah) Shipley, Cody Shipley, Eli Grimes and Chase McGowan, along with several great-grandchildren; sisters, Sue (Bob) Moss and Diane (Larry) Blades; and her partner, Johnny Brown.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim Shipley; and sister, Pracilla Brown.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Toph Elkins officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4-7 pm Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Nancy’s memory to the Marty Meyers Scholarship Fund. Messages of condolence may be left online at Shirleyandstout.com.
Obert Wesley "Wes" Sturgell
Obert Wesley "Wes" Sturgell, age 67, a lifelong resident of Howard County became a free bird and received his wings on Monday, August 21, 2023, at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital in Indianapolis after a long battle with COPD. Wes was born June 22, 1956 in Kokomo, IN to the late Joseph Kelson Sturgell and Neva Mae Myers.
He served in the US Army and was very proud of his country. He especially loved our national bird, the bald eagle. He married Anna Sadler in 1981 and together they have three children. Though Wes might have included his car as his baby as well. He would travel frequently and loved to drive.
Wes was a family man. He would always volunteer to cook family meals and made every holiday pie with love. He was a caregiver at heart, he'd help anyone in need no matter how big or small the request.
Wes enjoyed being the life of the party, he would karaoke any chance he got. He was also known to crack a few jokes. He watched racing, football, but would always skip the channel if a sad animal commercial came on. Wes had a soft spot for all animals, he'd talk to birds and simply enjoyed spending time outdoors whether it be fishing or planting roses when he was able.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years Anna Sturgell; children Angaleta (Jeff Haskins) Double, Miranda (Jason Akers) Sturgell, Joseph Sturgell; grandchildren Cody Wilburn, Justice (Tatum) Wilburn, Lillith (Anakin Walker) Hinshaw, Ethan Akers; brothers Keith Myers, Lyle (Alisha) Myers; sister Kelly Sarver; brother-in-law Jim Myers; cousin Steve Fannon; bonus brother Guy (Cathy) Chapel; nieces Blaire Duncan, Tori Miloshoff, Katie, Kelsey, Donna, Missy; nephews Brandon, Josh, Chad, Charlie; and several other nieces and nephews. Wes also leaves behind two great grandchildren and a great niece that have not been born yet, but that he would've loved bunches.
In addition to his parents, Wes is preceded in death by his brother Tim Raines; sister Jackie Myers; stepfather Jack Myers; brother-in-law Charlie Sarver; and sister-in-law Barbara Myers.
A visitation for Wes will be held Monday, August 28, 2023, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary, 725 S. Main Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46901, followed by a funeral service at 6:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Wes's memory may be made to the American Eagle Foundation, 510 Kodak Road, Kodak, Tennessee 37764.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarymainstreet.com for the family.
Pamela G. Bankowski
Pamela G. Bankowski, “Big Pam”, was a mother to all and loved her family dearly. She was born in Dalton, GA, on May 25, 1963, the daughter of Homer Lee Long and Ruby Jean (Dunlap) Jones. Spending time with family and friends was most important to her. She was a very giving person. Pam enjoyed going to the casino and her favorite color was green. She will be missed by all.
Pam is survived by her children, Nick (Jade) Bankowski of Kokomo, Amber Graham of Kokomo; grandchildren, Presley Bankowski, Liam Graham; sisters, Theresa Liggon of Kokomo, Rhonda Parrett of South Bend, Tina Hobbs of Kokomo, Jeanne Weidler of South Bend; 18 nieces and nephews; 21 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Pam was preceded in death by her son, Neal Bankowski; mother, Ruby Jean Jones; father, Homer Lee Long.
Private Burial will take place in Russiaville Cemetery. Stout & Son Funeral Home Russiaville Cemetery has been entrusted with arrangements.