Obituaries, Feb. 14, 2023
Gregory Lee Drake
Gregory Lee Drake, 75, Kokomo, entered Heaven at 9:43 am Saturday, February 11, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. He was born June 8, 1947, in Madison, Wisconsin, the son of the late Dr. Marion C. & Flora Louise (Harper) Drake. On February 14, 2005, in Vero Beach, Florida, he married Patricia “Patty” Parton who survives.
Gregory graduated in 1965 from Wendell L. Willkie High School. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War. He graduated from Vincennes University and IUPUI with an undergraduate degree. In 1988 he earned his master’s in electrical engineering from Indiana Wesleyan. He retired from Delphi Electronics. Gregory was an avid golfer and enjoyed trips with his golfing buddies to Gulf Shores. He was a member of First Church of the Nazarene where he played guitar with the worship team. He also played in several other bands for 40 years. Gregory loved to entertain friends and family at the pool, especially his grandchildren.
Along with his wife Patty, Gregory is also survived by his daughter, Holly (Brad) Powell; stepchildren, Trenton (Brooke) Webster and Carrie (James) Sonafrank; grandchildren, Logan Powell, J.T. Webster, Adam Webster, Gavin Sonafrank and Sadie Sonafrank; siblings, Jeanne Jones, Julie (Larry) Weaver and Marianne (Jay) Whitaker, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins; aunt, Millie (Bob) Harrison.
Gregory was preceded in death by his mother, Flora Louise Anderson; father, Dr. Marion C. Drake; stepmother, Caroline Drake; and siblings, Robert Drake and Margaret Ann Womack.
Funeral service will be held at 3:00 pm Friday, February 17, 2023, at First Church of the Nazarene, 2734 S. Washington Street, Kokomo, with Pastor Tim Gates officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team at the end of the service. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 pm until time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made in Gregory’s memory to First Church of the Nazarene or the DAV. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
James “Jim” Allen Davis
James “Jim” Allen Davis, 83, of Cutler, passed away Thursday February 9, 2023, at Indiana University Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, IN. He was born on July 12, 1939, in Kokomo, IN, the son of the late Alva and Mary (Miller) Davis. On February 15, 1958, he married Nancy O’Blenis, and she survives.
Jim was a 1958 graduate of Kokomo High School. He received extensive millwright training at Indiana Vocational Technical College. This training served him well in his career at Chrysler as a millwright until his retirement after 32 years of service. Jim was also employed at Cuneo Press, Ready Mix, Todd Seed, and was a courier for Bright National Bank. His top priority was his love and care for his family. He and his wife Nancy raised and sold angel fish with their business Angel Acres. They traveled to craft shows to display their beautiful stained glass creations. Jim was fascinated by John Deere Tractors, country western shows, and NASCAR. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and was a Shriner. Some of his favorite activities were driving his golf cart to visit with family, mowing, and competing with his daughter-in-law for the best looking lawn. He loved long term camping and fishing at Big Fish Campground. He hosted a weekend fundraising event called Soda Fest, a fund for families of local sick and injured children.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy O’Blenis; son, Rex Allen (Sandy) Davis; daughter, Amy (William) Brown; grandchildren, Cherrie (Clint) Harris, Jamie Davis, Zachary Davis, Bailey Davis; great-grandchildren, Serenity, Harmony, Xander Allen, Ryder, Gage Rex, Jasper, Max, and Mackenzie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Mary Davis; son, Tim Davis; daughter, Debra Davis.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 am to Noon Saturday February 18, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan Street, Burlington, IN 46915. Funeral service will begin at Noon on Saturday at the funeral home. In honor of Jim’s wishes, he requests casual attire worn for those in attendance. Burial will follow in Ball Hill Cemetery in Cutler. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Betty Joan Smith
Betty Joan Smith, 94, of Kokomo Indiana, went to be with her Lord on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at Wellbrook under Hospice care. She was born April 19, 1928, to the late Russell and Lillie (Peters) Dunlap. On January 17, 1946, she married Charles E. Smith. She was a homemaker, dedicated to her family. She was an exceptional cook, baker and seamstress. She made clothing, prom dresses and doll clothes for church members and her family. She loved to go fishing, camping, boating and tubing with her grandkids and enjoyed taking trips to Florida. She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church, where she was an active participant, helping with church bazaars and making crafts. She was also involved with making homemade noodles for the church's chicken and noodle dinners. She would go above and beyond to help others in need and would always greet people with a smile. She will be remembered for her kind, warm nature.
Betty is survived by her daughters, Jacqueline (Larry) Turner, of Kokomo, and Janet (Dean) Kelly of Galveston; sister, Jean Bogue of Kokomo; grandsons, Brandon Kelly of Galveston and Derrick (Jess King) Turner of Florida; granddaughter, Harmony (Matt) Cook; great-granddaughters, McKenzie Kelly, Izabelle Kelly, Marla Murray, and Kailin Cook, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents, Russell and Lillie Dunlap; brothers, Gilbert and Virgil Dunlap; and grandson, Adam Kelly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guardian Angel Hospice or Main Street United Methodist Church in Betty's honor. Fond memories can be shared with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.