Obituaries, Feb. 17, 2023

Jerry Keith Fiscus

Jerry Keith Fiscus, 82, Kokomo, died at 2:55 pm on Saturday February 11, 2023, after a battle with Alzheimer’s. He was born in Greene County, Indiana on August 1, 1940, to the late Claude and Kathleen (Hasler) Fiscus. He married the love of his life, Helen Burtch on December 30, 1967, in Kokomo and she survives.

Jerry was a 1958 graduate of Kokomo High School and served in the Indiana Army National Guard. Jerry was a barber who owned Hair Care East and enjoyed serving his customers for over 60 years. During the span of his career, his loving and caring nature turned many clients into lifelong friends. He was instrumental in the formation of the Christian Business Men’s Connection that met monthly during the 1970’s as well as a local Connie Mack Baseball League. Jerry enjoyed golfing with his friends and taking his grandchildren to Macs for a coke. He had a deep faith in Jesus and was a loyal friend. Jerry quietly supported multiple local ministries and missionaries. He will be remembered by many for his generosity.

Along with his wife of 56 years, Helen, he is survived by his daughters, Marcy Holder, and Silva Fiscus; grandchildren, Alex Fiscus, Gage Holder, Spencer Holder, Emery Swartzendruber, and Tate Holder; sister, Barbara Miller; and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Donald Robert Fiscus; and sister, Marilyn Lanelle Crone.

A funeral service celebrating Jerry’s life will be held at 11 am, on Monday, February 20, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor Kevin Butcher officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 1 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Team Expansion. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Kenneth “Kenny” Edwin VanDorn

Kenneth “Kenny” Edwin VanDorn, 83, of Sharpsville, passed away 6:35 pm Sunday, February 12, 2023, at Indiana University Hospital in Tipton, IN. He was born in Tipton, IN, on April 28, 1939, the son of the late Hardy Otto and Estelle (Fox) VanDorn. On September 21, 1963, he married Sharon Fisher, and she survives.

Kenny was a 1957 graduate of Sharpsville High School. He was employed by Mohr’s Construction then retired from Delco Electronics where he worked as a pipefitter. He was drafted and served in the United States Army as a Specialist E-4 in the Army Air Defense Command. He was stationed in Key West Florida as a mechanic in a missile battery during the “Cuban Missile Crisis “. Kenny was a member of the Naphtali Masonic Lodge #389. He was a 32nd degree Mason and belonged to the Scottish Rite in Indianapolis. Kenny liked watching the Indianapolis 500 in which he, Jerry Gappens Sr. and Fred Sellers held 14 Seats in Turn 3 from the late 50’s well into the 2000’s, many great memories as all 3 families would plan and attend annually. Kenny also enjoyed Sprint Car Racing, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Cubs and I.U. Basketball. He enjoyed arrowhead hunting, painting, and making jewelry. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchild and loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon VanDorn; children, Randy VanDorn, Nicole (Chad) Clouser; sister, Sandra (Jerry) Salsberry; grandchildren, Tyler VanDorn, Jorja Clouser, Holland Clouser; great-granddaughter, Paisley VanDorn; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia (Jack) Rogers; and grandson, Johnathan VanDorn.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am to 1 pm Monday, February 20, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Sharpsville Chapel, 204 North Church Street, Sharpsville, IN 46068. Funeral service will begin at 1 pm on Monday at the funeral home. Masonic rites will be held to start the funeral service at 1 pm. Burial will follow in Sharpsville Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Kenny’s memory to Stout & Son Funeral Home to assist with final expenses. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.

Richard Larry Himelick

Richard Larry Himelick, 92, Kokomo, Indiana passed away on February 14, 2023. He was born on May 9, 1930 in Hartford City, Indiana the son of Orvin and Ruthanna Himelick (Stephens). On June 11, 1950 in Marion, IN, he married Wilma Himelick (Heiser) who survives.

Richard graduated in 1948 from Jefferson Township High School in Upland, IN. He was a veteran of the United States Navy. During the Korean War, he traveled around the world on the U.S.S. Hickox destroyer. Richard and his wife Wilma moved to Kokomo in 1954 where he began working at Delco Radio as an accountant. Richard was a member of the Church of Christ in Kokomo and served as an elder. After retirement in 1985, he and his wife enjoyed spending winters in Bonita Springs, FL. Richard was very talented in carpentry work and was a jack of all trades. He enjoyed helping others with repairs, new construction and wood working. Richard also enjoyed teaching others and passing on his life skills to the next generations.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Wilma Himelick of Kokomo; son, Jeffery (Kristine) Himelick of Kokomo; daughter, Deanna (Jeff) Kirk of Westfield, IN; grandchildren, Chad Haworth, Todd Haworth, Tori (Josh) Hayes, Annette Himelick, Erin (Justin) Estle, Amy (Brandon) Lewis, Megan (Doug) Nelson, Nicholas (Adele) Kirk, Amber (Doug) Kirby, Allyson (Justin) Lee; great grandchildren, Derrick (Alex) Haworth, Hannah (Lance) Brumfiel, Justin Haworth, Kendall Haworth, Brynn Haworth, Madison (Gage) Conley, Grace Hayes, Camdyn Hayes, Adam Hayes, Jacob Himelick, Jackson Himelick, Mason Estle, Elise Estle, Brady Nelson, Ambrie Nelson, Ava Nelson, Lea Nelson, Gemma Kirk, Kingston Kirby, Emeric Kirby, Sydney Lee, Mia Lee; and four great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Donald and Merrill Himelick, sister Barbara Himelick, and grandson Jason Himelick.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Monday, February 20, 2023 at Center Road Church of Christ. Funeral services 11:00 AM Tuesday, February 21, 2023 with visitation an hour prior to the service at Center Road Church of Christ. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery Kokomo, Indiana with military honors. Memorial contributions can be made to the Center Road Church of Christ.

Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.

Sharon Kay Moloch

Sharon Kay Moloch, age 81, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

A public visitation for Sharon will be held Monday, February 20, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the Moloch family.

Shirley D. LeClerc

Shirley D. LeClerc, 95, Kokomo, passed away at 8:55 am on Wednesday February 15, 2023 at Waterford Place. She was born in Sault Ste. Marie, MI on October 29, 1927 to the late Paul M. and Vina (Gagnon) Cook. On January 10, 1950, at Camp Lee, in VA, she married Camille J. LeClerc, and he preceded her in death on November 11, 1985.

Shirley graduated from Sault Ste. Marie High School in 1946. She served in the United States Army. She worked for Hale Manufacturing in Putnam, CT and retired in 1989 after 24 years of service. After Shirley retired, she moved to Kokomo, IN. in June of 1994 and began working part time at the American Red Cross as a receptionist for 7 years.

She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church and was a very active parishioner, which included being a greeter at Mass, and helping with the Haiti ministry. She was also involved in Christ Renews His Parish at St. Patrick as well. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 183 of Ballouville, CT for 38 years. Shirley loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, reading, and traveling. In November of 2022, Shirley was the recipient of a trip to CT., gifted by the Trilogy Foundation (Waterford HC Center), this gift allowed Shirley to visit her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she had never met.

Shirley is survived by her children, Richard Sr. (Ann) LeClerc of Dunedin, FL., Raymond (Jennifer) LeClerc of Dunedin, FL., Gary LeClerc of Dayville, CT, and Bruce LeClerc of Kokomo; grandchildren, Michelle (Blaine) Ege, Richard (Molly) LeClerc, Kevin (Kara) LeClerc, Amanda (Josh) Lawton, Zackary LeClerc, Brittany (Jarred) Robinson, Lauren Dugan, Silenea (Billy) Ketchum, William Yater, Tina Yater, Christina Yater, Marjorie Yater, Ashley (Jake) Gilvin, Madison LeClerc, Cam LeClerc, Caleb LeClerc, Mary Rose LeClerc, and Isabella LeClerc; brothers, Robert Cook, William Cook, Wayne Cook, and Jerome Cook; sister, Jeraldine Girone; 41 great grandchildren; and 23 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers, Fred Cook, Paul Cook, and Carl Cook; and daughter-in-law, Pamela LeClerc.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00pm Monday, February 20, 2023 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1229 N. Washington St., Kokomo, IN with Rev. Fr. Elliott Zak the celebrant. Private burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Friends are invited to pray the Rosary with the family at 3:30 pm Sunday at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 414 W. Jefferson Street, with visitation to follow from 4-7 Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Haiti Ministry, 1204 N. Armstrong St., Kokomo, IN 46901. Contributions may also be made online by clicking the donate tab on Shirley’s obituary page. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Naomi M. (Naylor-Hickey) Hunter

Naomi M. (Naylor-Hickey) Hunter, age 90, of Greentown, Indiana passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at her residence. She was born in Lincoln County, Kentucky on October 25, 1932 to the late Charles W. and Viola V. Naylor. Naomi married Billy Joe Hickey on March 21, 1957 in Kokomo, where they had five children. He preceded her in death in 2004.

Naomi was a member of the Central Church of God before joining the congregation of Bethel Tabernacle Church of God for more than 30 years. Naomi was a long-time Sunday School Teacher, singer, prison ministry, and had many talents that she used for the Lord. Naomi enjoyed preparing for Easter and Christmas programs, where she was the seamstress of costumes and props. She was called upon for her strength of Prayer, the multitudes of requests that she took to the Lord are countless. She not only prayed for her family, but she spent hours in prayer for others. She found her strength when she was on her knees in front of her little prayer chair.

In 2004, Naomi married Thomas Hunter and they resided in Kokomo where they attended the Victory Church of God. Naomi and Thomas enjoyed singing, travel, and spending time with their friends and family.

Naomi was preceded in death by her parents; six sisters, one brother, and her loving husband of 47 years, Billy.

Naomi is survived by her husband, Thomas Hunter; sister, Martha Brown, of Kentucky. Also surviving are her children, Connie (Ben) Paauwe, of Kokomo; Don (Jeanette) Hickey, of Texas; Judy (Brad) Ray, of Franklin, Vickie (Scott) Moore, of Greentown, and Sandi (Joseph) Baldwin, of Kokomo; stepchildren, Thomas Jr. (Pamela) Hunter, David (Tina) Hunter, Sherry (Mark) West and Sandy Hunter, all of Indiana.

Blessed with children, 26 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and five great great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all of you for your prayers and support, most of all "Don't Lose Your Vision of Jesus."

There will be a time of visitation for Naomi on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at 1:00 P.M. at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo, In.

Rev. Steven Branstrutter will officiate with speaker, Rev. Herman Edwin Gorham. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the Hunter family.

Stephen Kent Tate

Stephen Kent Tate, age 74, of Galveston, Indiana passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2023. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the Tate family.