Obituaries, December 6, 2023
Marilyn Joan Garber
Marilyn Joan Garber, 85, Kokomo, passed away December 2, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. She was born on April 12, 1938, in Kokomo to Floyd and Bertha (Jones) Bennett. She married Jack Garber on August 5, 1955, in Kokomo, who preceded her death on October 5, 2004.
Marilyn was a 1955 graduate of Kokomo High School. She had worked at Area 5, Kingston’s, and was a babysitter for many years. Her most valuable job was as a homemaker and enjoying her family. Marilyn enjoyed playing BINGO, watching Golden Girls, The Price is Right, and murder mysteries. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her son, Greg Garber; daughter, Stacey (Tom) Tedlock; grandchildren; Corey Garber, A.J. Garber, Conner Garber, Ashley (Dustin) Jenkins and Stephanie (Chris) Glover; great-grandchildren; Sammie, Brooklyn, Jackson, Bryce, Drew, Tessa, Kami, Brody, Channing, Elliana, Liijah, Emily, Haley, Melody, and Josiah; and in-laws, Mark (Marian) Garber, and Dixie Bennett.
In addition to her husband Jack, she was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Jackie Bennett, Bill Bennett, Norma (Rich) Hagen, Rosie Winslow, George (Mary) Bennett, and Susie Wisher.
A graveside service will take place at 2:30 Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Greenlawn Cemetery, with Rev. Dr. Scott Pattison officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hasler & Stout Funeral Home in Greentown.
John David Burket
John David Burket, 58, of Kokomo, passed away at 6:10 pm Sunday, December 3, 2023, at home. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on January 6, 1965, the son of H. Dwayne and Georgia (Fox) Burket.
John was a 1985 graduate of Western High School. He earned an Associate’s degree from Ivy Tech. John worked as a cashier at Marsh and later at Kroger. John had a servant’s heart and was always conscious of taking care of others. He was always so kind and polite. He adored his niece and nephew. John enjoyed collecting Matchbox cars and Marsh memorabilia. He attended Bible Baptist Church.
John is survived by his mother, Georgia Burket; brother, Mark Burket; niece and nephew, Marcus Burket, Madison Burket, and their mother, Michelle Burket.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dwayne Burket; maternal grandparents, Ray and Edith Fox; paternal grandparents, Dallas and Mary Burket.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm Friday, December 8, 2023, at Bible Baptist Church, 2635 South Dixon Road, Kokomo, IN 46902. Funeral service will begin at 1 pm on Friday at the church, with Pastor Keith Treadway officiating. A link will be available on John’s obituary page to watch the funeral live at 1 pm on Friday. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden. Contributions may be made in John’s memory to Bible Baptist Church or the American Liver Foundation. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Steven Russell Courts
Steven Russell Courts, a man who lived a life filled with sarcasm, fascination, and adventure, passed away on November 30, 2023, at the age of 73, in his hometown of Kokomo, Indiana. Born on February 3, 1950, Steven's journey began in Kokomo, where he was warmly welcomed by his parents, Joan and John Courts.
Affectionately known as a storyteller with an infectious sense of humor, Steven graduated from Western High School in 1968, where he made countless memories and lifelong friends. He devoted many years to his profession as a truck driver, with Kokomo Gravel and McClain Trucking.
Steven's zest for life extended to his passions outside of work. An avid fisherman, he often found solace and joy on the water, his favorite haunt being Mississinewa, where he would spend countless hours with nature. His love for Indiana University Basketball and the Indianapolis Colts was well-known, and he relished the excitement and community spirit that the games brought into his life.
His tales of the road and water, coupled with cheers for his teams, have become a cherished legacy for his friends and family.
Steven is survived by his loving daughter, Bobbi Bearden (Jeremiah) siblings, Ronald Courts (Jill), Richard Courts (Natalie), Susan Larrison, and Jim Courts (Liz).
Preceding him in death were his beloved parents, Joan and John Courts, his dear sister Kathy Jo Courts, and his adored daughter; Kelly Jo Courts, who have now welcomed him into eternal peace.
Steven will be remembered, not just for the moments he shared, but for the warmth and joy that he brought into every room. His presence, while physically absent, will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him. His narrative will be revisited in every chuckle, every cast line, and every jump shot celebrated by those who carry on his spirit.
A Celebration of Life for Steve will take place at the Knights of Columbus; 1631 Foxfire Lane in Kokomo on Saturday, January 20, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
David E. Fidler
David E. Fidler, 82, of Marion, passed away Sunday, December 3rd at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Indianapolis, IN. He was born July 24, 1941, to Laurence D. and Mary O. (Moriarity) Fidler in Marion, IN.
David’s first job was working in his dad’s business, Fidler & Son; he worked at Kroger Milk Plant, Marion; an orderly at Marion General Hospital, Marion; an orderly at the VA Hospital, Marion; an EMT volunteer in Fairmount, IN.
He is survived by his sister, Becky (Steve) Farrar, Bourbonnais, IL; brother-in-law, Rev. Don McDowell; 2 sons: Daniel Fidler; David E. Fidler II; 1 daughter Susan Thomas; Grandkids: Tyler Thomas; Justin Fidler, Austin Fidler; Allerdyce Fidler and Neve Fidler; Great Grandkids: Zachary, Ethan, Danielle, Wesley & Isaiah Fidler.1 niece Marilyn McDowell; 1 nephew Mark (Lori) McDowell and 1 great niece Emily McDowell.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Mary Louise McDowell; and wife Jane Fidler Logan.
There will be a private gathering for family. Memorial contributions may be given to a charity of donor’s choice.
Murray Weaver Funeral Home in Galveston has been entrusted with arrangements.
Winifred Lou (Foster) McCammon
Winifred Lou (Foster) McCammon, age 88, of Tipton passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023, at IU Health Methodist Hospital. She was born in Lincoln, Illinois on April 25, 1935, to her parents, Leo K. & Doris J. (Gray) Foster.
Winni attended Rensselaer High School. She always enjoyed school and excelled as an honor student her junior and senior year. After high school, Wini attended Purdue University where she took a crash course in Nutrition.
Wini worked in many different fields; she was a property manager for an apartment complex and sold real estate in Corpus Christi, Texas, lab technician for U.S. Sugar Corp in Clewiston, Florida, and was a newspaper editor in Lake Village, Indiana. She was a member of several churches over the years. She was an active participant in every one of their choirs.
Winni loved sports of all kinds and loved to travel. She combined her love for both when she attended the 1992 Winter Olympics in France. She was a world traveler with her travels taking her far and wide! She traveled to Italy, Switzerland, England, Wales, Scotland, Mexico, Canada, the Bahamas, and the West Indies. She also resided in seven states over her lifetime.
In her free time, she enjoyed going fishing, swimming, and of course, watching sports. She was incredibly sweet and quirky in the best way. Winni was never afraid to be herself and will be remembered for her the way she carried herself. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
Those left to carry on Winni’s legacy of love are her children, Amy Lynn McLeod of Geneva, Florida, Holly Ann Hopkins of Rensselaer, Indiana, Timothy Owen Smith of Rensselaer, Indiana, Carrie Lou Morehouse of Lafayette, Indiana, Steven Gray Smith of Lafayette, Indiana; 14 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 3 step grandchildren.
Winni was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Leo & Doris Foster; sisters, Patricia May Marsh of Boise, Idaho, Jeannie Foster; and brother, Sam Foster of Texas.
It was Winni’s wishes that no services be planned. Memorial contributions can be made in Winni’s honor to Disabled Veterans National Foundation, Inc.
Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to care for Winni’s family in their time of need.