Obituaries, Feb. 22, 2023
Michael A. Monroe
Michael A. Monroe, 65, Kokomo, passed away at 8:11 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2023 at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. He was born May 5, 1957 in Anderson, IN to Harold and Allice (Gilley) Monroe.
Michael retired from Chrysler after 30 years of service. He enjoyed bowling, golf, and auto racing. Michael was also a member of Cornerstone Christian Center in Kokomo.
He is survived by his sister, Shelly Hensler; nephews, Darrell (Jenny) Monroe, Matt (Kelly) Ryan, Kyle Ryan; great nephews, Logan Ryan, Shane Ryan, and Noah Monroe; great nieces, Jaidin Monroe, and Kayliann Ryan; great aunt, Gloria Gilley; and several cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Vaughn Monroe; nephew, Shane F. Ryan; and a great nephew, Nolan Ryan.
In keeping with Michael’s wishes, he will be cremated with no services planned at this time. Shirley & Stout funeral home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Clifton “Clif” Leach
Clifton “Clif” Leach, 80, Russiaville, went home to be with the Lord at 10:54 pm Saturday, February 18, 2023, at his home. He was born March 30, 1942 in Speedwell, TN, the son of the late Lawrence and Mertie (Guy) Leach. On November 12, 1962, he married Bonnie “Aline” (Powers) Leach in Middlesboro, KY, and she survives.
Clif retired as a supervisor from Haynes International after 39 years of service. He was a hard worker who enjoyed staying busy. Clif loved gardening, attending garage sales and car shows, working crosswords, and joking with his grandchildren. Mr. Clifton Leach will be missed by all.
In addition to his wife Aline, Clif is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Kay (Rick) Leach; son, Marvin (Dale) Leach; grandchildren, Ashley (Jared) Crane, Aaron (Holly) Ryan Roberts, and Mariah Shea Leach; great-grandchildren, Mavrik Levi Tarrants, Phoenix Kaylynn Roberts, Kali Winkles, and Madison Sain; sister, Ina Jones; along with many nieces and nephews.
Clif was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Opal Phillips, Vergie Powers, and Lola Anderson.
Friends may visit with the family from 4 pm to 6 pm Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville. Burial and funeral services will take place in LaFollette, TN this weekend. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Vaughn Allen Martin
On February 17, 2023, with family by his side, Vaughn Allen Martin peacefully went home. As we grieve his loss on this earth, we find great comfort knowing the beautiful reunion he had in Heaven. Vaughn was born on January 29, 1949, to Eugene (Red) Martin and Louise (Waddell) Martin.
Vaughn lived a charmed life growing up in Russiaville and every chapter following. He graduated from Western High School. He went on to graduate from Naval Station Great Lakes and served his country in the U.S. Navy, being stationed in Machias, Maine and Oahu, Hawaii. When Vaughn came home from the Navy he worked at the family business, Martin Bros. in Russiaville. He enjoyed the time spent with family, but the ocean was calling him. He moved to one of his favorite places ~ a little cottage on Siesta Key, Florida, where he enjoyed many sunsets on the beach with great friends John Proctor, Gary Oakley, Sam Rodgers, Jack Crawford, John Myers and many more. During his years in Florida, he mastered his skills as a carpenter, restoring many old Floridian homes along the Gulf Coast, mainly Boca Grande and Sarasota. He moved back to Indiana bringing his carpentry skills along with him. He worked as a supervisor for Kosene & Kosene in Indianapolis which led him to his future boss, Allen Musikantow, owner of Apple American Group. He worked for Allen as director of development for many Applebee’s restaurants throughout the country.
Vaughn loved life and the people he met along the way. He made many friendships over the years living in Russiaville, Bloomington, Nashville, Asheville, N.C., Siesta Key, FL., Maine, Hawaii, Estero, FL., and Kokomo. His favorite places were Russiaville and Siesta Key. He had a heart of gold. The outpour of love for him is a beautiful testament to the extraordinary man he was.
A few of the texts received from Dad’s friends in the last few days:
“I truly loved your father. The good Lord broke the mold after Vaughn. I’ve never seen a luckier man. He lived a wonderful life.”~ Jackie Crawford
“I just loved your dad. I am going to miss him forever. He taught me so many things, he was my great friend and a beautiful man.”~ John Proctor.
“I am so heartbroken. I am going to miss my dear friend. He was always a positive influence on me. I lost a great friend today.” ~ Sam Rodgers
“There was never a day that wasn’t a joy to work with your father.” ~ Allen Musikantow
Vaughn loved fishing with his “little bro”, Max. He loved I.U. basketball, he was a wonderful cook, but most of all he loved giving to people and making people happy. Vaughn had an amazing memory which played a part in the stories that he shared from days gone by. His fond memories of Sunday dinners at grandma and grandpa Waddell’s house. His horse, Chip, and taking him to horse shows with one of his favorite people, Don Turner. His childhood dog Tuffy. Walking to grandma Quakenbush’s after school with Eddie Moon to pick cherries knowing grandma would have a fresh baked cherry pie waiting for them the following day. Playing cowboy and cowgirl with little sister Anita, outfitted head to toe like a true cowboy and cowgirl along with their hobby horses. Time spent sailing and on the beach of Siesta Key with his buddies. Time spent at his grandkid’s ballgames, special family vacations and corresponding by letters and poems to his grandchildren and his great-nieces and nephews. He had a big passion for life… and always took the road less traveled.
One of the special texts that was read to Dad last week:
“Uncle Vaughn,
I love you and I’m so proud to be your great nephew. I hate that I can’t be there with you right now, but we will meet again one day. I want you to know that I’ll never forget your youthful spirit. It’s contagious, and it showed me that being an adult didn’t mean being boring. You gave me my first cigar, and I’ll think of you every time I light one. Most of all, I’ll never forget the way you took care of your sister, my grandma. You were always one call away. And you meant it. I’m so glad you got to meet my girlfriend, now wife. I love you Uncle Vaughn. ~ Reid
Vaughn loved his family fiercely. He is survived by daughters, Michele (Martin) Sanders and husband Tyler of Russiaville, Terri (Martin) King and husband Jerry of Kokomo, Cheyanne Martin of Bloomington. His grandchildren, Shawn Scruggs and wife Bethany of High Point, N.C., Tyler Sanders and wife Meagan of Russiaville, Tanner Sanders and wife Corjinae of Kokomo, Tait Sanders of Kokomo, Tessa Sanders of Russiaville, and Leo Martin of Bloomington. His brothers Ed Martin and wife Saralyn, Max Martin and wife Gloria all of Russiaville. His sisters Judith (Martin) Bearden of Fayetteville, AR and Anita (Martin) Kanable and husband Mike of Russiaville. Dear childhood cousins Myrna (Waddell) Claar and Roger Waddell. He had 8 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews and his special granddog Nash.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene (Red) and Louise Martin; his grandparents, Martha and Chester Waddell, and Charles and Lillian Martin; uncles Bob Waddell, Carl Martin and Bill Martin, Sr., nephew Robbie Martin, special brother-in-law, Don Turner; and brother-in-law Lamon Bearden. Dear friend, Gary Oakley; and grand dogs, Bear and Moses.
Thank you to Dr. Dave Williams and staff at Ascension St. Vincent, Kokomo. Dr. Dave was wonderful with dad and so compassionate. Thank you to Dr. Hillary Wu, at I.U. Schwarz Cancer Center. Dr. Wu’s nurse, Andrea Anderson, who was an angel. Dr. Douglas Tannas and Brenda at I.U. Health North that helped with the transition to hospice at I.U. We cannot thank all of you enough for providing dad with the best care and compassion over the last few weeks.
~ Vaughn will forever be sailing under the moon off of Siesta Key ~
“Smell the sea and feel the sky… let your soul and spirit fly …” Van Morrison
Stout & Son Funeral Home have been entrusted with cremation. A private graveside service in Russiaville Cemetery will be held at a later date. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.