Obituaries, July 11, 2025

Christopher “Chris” L. McKoon, Dale Edward Etherington, Helen Vanneta Straley Agnew, Rebecca “Becky” Ann Goodwin, Thomas Joe Simmons, Rance Wesley "Rance" Trine

Christopher “Chris” L. McKoon

Christopher “Chris” L. McKoon, 53, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:20 a.m. at his home on July 10, 2025. He was born on October 22, 1971, the son of Johnny C. and Carol S. (Price) McKoon. On September 23, 1995, he married Kelly L. Day, and she survives.

Chris was a 1990 graduate of Kokomo High School and graduated from Ivy Tech in 2007. He was very passionate about his work as a Journeyman at Quality Plumbing and Heating. He was a proud member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 440. He had previously worked as a maintenance man for Wendy’s. Chris attended Brookside Free Methodist Church and enjoyed playing weekly volleyball with other members. He loved spending time with his friends and family, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand, from fixing a furnace to helping you move. He also loved to share his knowledge with others and teach those who wanted to learn.

Along with his wife Kelly McKoon, he is survived by his daughters Courtney (Dylan) Crites, Katelyn (Devin) Davis, and Brooke McKoon, mother Carol S. McKoon, sisters Jennifer (Sean) Nofzinger and Janet (Mark) Berry, brothers Jason (Trisha) McKoon and Jack McKoon, brother-in-law Michael Day, mother-in-law Diana Day, and several nieces and nephews. Chris was loved by many in the community and will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his son Johnathan McKoon, father Johnny C. McKoon, and father-in-law Russell Day.

A funeral service to celebrate Chris’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, July 14, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN, with Pastor Jeff Bradley officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to visit from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Contributions may be made in Chris’s memory to the Johnathon McKoon Scholarship c/o the Community Foundation of Howard County. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Dale Edward Etherington

Dale Edward Etherington, 93, of Kokomo, flew his final flight plan Tuesday, July 8, 2025. He departed from Glendale Airport, and his destination is Heaven. He was born July 14, 1931, the son of Glenn and Edith (Simpson) Etherington. On June 3, 1951, he married Althea Kinney, and she preceded him in death on November 19, 2017.

Dale was in the first graduating class of Western High School in 1949. He proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. He went into the Indiana National Guard and served as a Mess Sergeant until his retirement. Dale worked for Chrysler Corp. straight out of high school. He started as a foreman and later retired out of the garage in 1978 after 31 years of service. He drove a school bus at Western for 20 years and was a Crop Adjustor. He was partners in a car lot on U.S. 31 where he traded for airplanes.

Dale had taken flying lessons right out of school but quit when he went into the Army. He was a member of FAA, AOPA, and Kokomo Birds Club. In 1965, after the Palm Sunday tornado, his father’s farm was devastated. This allowed the designing of a runway and establishing Glendale Airport in Kokomo.

He loved all things trains, planes, and automobiles. He was a charter member of the Pioneer Auto Club where he had several antique cars. He had two Elwood Haynes cars that were built in Kokomo. He was a lifetime member of United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his two daughters Dawn Brier and Sheila (Bruce “Taf”) Taflinger, grandchildren Kolton Smith, Dale Brier, Mike Brier, Jeff Brier, Travis and Lisa Taflinger, Brooke and Jaime Garcia, Chad and Angela Taflinger, and Romeo Garcia, great-grandchildren Caleb, Micah, Max, Marshall, Landen, Addalee, Kaylen, Kyler, Cadence, Emma, Austen, and Kristelyn, and great-great-grandchildren Zane Charlie, Myles, Jessalynn, and Theo.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years Althea Etherington, son-in-law Charles Brier, parents Glenn and Edith Etherington, mother and father-in-law Dorothy and Rupert Kinney, and brother B. Dean Etherington.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 2025, at Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville, IN 46979. A funeral service celebrating Dale’s life will begin 11 a.m. Monday, July 14, 2025, at the funeral home with Bruce Taflinger and Travis Taflinger officiating. Friends are invited to visit with the family an hour prior to the start of the funeral on Monday. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. A burial will be held in Sunset Memory Gardens at a later date. Contributions may be made in Dale’s memory to Bridges Outreach, https://share.google/Q6S5mmwm3Bbyyngaz.

Helen Vanneta Straley Agnew

Helen Vanneta Straley Agnew, 96, of Kokomo, Indiana, died peacefully in her sleep at Waterford Place Health Campus on July 5, 2025. She was a life-long follower of Jesus Christ who faithfully served her church and the community of Kokomo.

Helen was born in Tipton County on July 16, 1928, the daughter of John Roma Straley and Velma Blanche Freeman. She grew up in a three-home community called Little New York where the family operated a country store. She graduated in 1946 from Jefferson Township School in Kempton, Indiana, having served as class president her sophomore year. She also attended Kokomo Business College. Helen was married in the bride’s home to Wayne Agnew on May 6, 1949. He preceded her in death.

She was a secretary at Mays Roofing Company. After she married, she was a stay-at-home mom and wife who supported her children’s athletic endeavors and school activities. With her husband, she traveled throughout the United States and visited Ireland, Russia, New Zealand, and Australia. She enjoyed spending a week in the summers with the family at Syracuse Lake, knitting beautiful sweaters, shawls, and afghans for family, friends, and loving her children and grandchildren. Helen was an avid Indiana Pacers fan and lived to see them play in the national championship game.

Helen was active in the Kokomo community. She was a member of the Home Demonstration Club, a board member of the Kokomo Swim Club, a member of the board for Coordinated Assistance Ministries, a member of the Howard Regional Behavioral Board, active in the YMCA, and she received the Legacy Award as a member of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Helen was an active member of First Christian Church in Kokomo, being the first woman to be elected an Elder of the congregation. She participated in the Home Builders/Christian Heritage Class, Christian Women’s Fellowship, the Chancel Choir, several committees, as Moderator of the Board and served as a substitute secretary in the church office. She, with Wayne, introduced and implemented technology for the church. For her leadership, she was nominated and elected to the honor of Elder Emeritus.

Surviving are children David Agnew of Kokomo, Gary Agnew and wife Pat of Noblesville, Myrna Fields and husband Richard of Spencer, son-in-law Gary Schneck of West Lafayette, nine grandchildren Susan Braswell and husband Chris, Lindsey Willard and husband Bart, Matthew McNulty, Michael Agnew, Gary N. Schneck, Darci Schneck, Kelly Hartley and husband John, Riley Fields, Ethan Fields and wife Randee, and Ling Lee Hinkle wife of late Jason Hinkle, 15 great-grandchildren Clara and Jillian Braswell, Lillian and Javen Baugh, Kassidy and Addallee Omran, Cadence and Blakleigh Hartley, Audrey Steiner, Dean, Cole, Jamison, and Chester Schneck, and Daisy and Parker Fields.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne, daughter Connie Schneck, grandson Samuel Parker Fields, grandson Jason Hinkle, great-granddaughter Jaycee Baugh, brother Sam Thorpe, and sisters Mary Snow, Inez VanBriggle, Sarah Yeary, Edith Byrd, Carolyn Conaway, Wilma Snipes and Joan Barrick Scalf.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at First Christian Church, 854 County Rd. 300 W, Kokomo, IN. A Service of Resurrection will follow at 1:00 PM with Rev. Fred Dorisse and Rev. Peggy Hickman officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory have been entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to or sent to First Christian Church, 854 County Rd. 300 W, Kokomo, IN 46901. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Rebecca “Becky” Ann Goodwin

Rebecca “Becky” Ann Goodwin, 78, of Kokomo, passed away 2:25 a.m. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Carmel. She was born in Muncie, IN, on January 9, 1947, the daughter of the late Donald Dunin Goodwin and Beth Virginia (Maxwell) Goodwin.

Becky was a graduate of Clinton Central High School. She first attended Ball State University and later graduated with an Bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Indiana University Kokomo. She worked at Delco Electronics for 25 years on the production line until her retirement. She also retired from Kokomo High School where she served as a substitute teacher. Becky had a strong relationship and firm belief in Jesus Christ. She was a faithful member of New Life Church in Kokomo, where she formed many friendships. She was a joyful lady who was very loving and giving. Becky was passionate about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, listening to music and singing.

Becky is survived by her daughter Jody Darlene Burns, grandchildren Brittany Elise (Joe) Serovy, Molly Beth Seagrave, Sophia Grace Burns, Emma Lilly Burns, great-grandchildren Hudson Drake Serovy, Lucy Mae Serovy, and Jackson H. Schaefer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Jennifer Kacey, and brother William Goodwin.

A Celebration of Life will begin 1 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, at New Life Church, 1803 E. Vaile Ave., Kokomo, IN 46901, with Pastor Devin Galloway officiating. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Thomas Joe Simmons

Thomas Joe Simmons, 86, passed away July 4, 2025, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo Hospital. Nicknamed “Tommy Joe” by his family, he was born September 9, 1938, to Lloyd Calvin “Tommy” and Mary Elizabeth (Stokes) Simmons. On June 10, 1962, he married his college sweetheart Margaret R. “Polly” Pepper.

A graduate of Kokomo High School (1956) and Butler University (1961), Tom taught high school English and history before attending Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis. He earned his license to practice law from the Indiana Bar Association in 1966. Named partner with O’Mahoney, Kinsey, Mahoney, and Simmons law firm early in his career, Tom spent most of his 46-year professional life in private practice with Jim Fleming at Simmons & Fleming Attorneys at Law.

During his career, Tom acted as county attorney and deputy prosecutor, as well as serving on the Kokomo Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. He was also a former president of the Kokomo Country Club and Elks B.P.O.E. Lodge and a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

An avid golfer, gardener, and fisherman, Tom loved spending time in the great outdoors. Always an athlete, he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball during his high school years. He also enjoyed playing cards and cribbage, reading, cooking, traveling, and attending Butler Bulldogs men’s basketball games. He will join his buddy Lance Middlekauff in the skybox for the 2025–26 season.

Tom is survived by his wife Polly, daughters Mary Beth (Dan) Busby of La Grange, IL, and Andrea Ratcliff of Indianapolis, grandchildren Brendan, Cate, and Erin Busby of La Grange, IL, and siblings Bill Simmons and Donna (Dave) Shuck of Kokomo.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Carolyn Sue Hand.

An informal celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 9, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kokomo Country Club, 1801 Country Club Drive, Kokomo. Friends and family are invited to gather and share heartwarming memories, funny stories, and personal anecdotes. Inurnment will take place in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery at a later date. Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory had been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter, Butler Bulldog Club, or Kokomo Park Band.

Rance Wesley "Rance" Trine

Rance Wesley "Rance" Trine, age 63, of Kokomo, IN, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2025, in Tipton, IN. Born on December 22, 1961, in Kokomo, IN, to the late John George and Norma Jean Trine, Rance was a man whose infectious humor and skilled hands left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

Rance's early life in Kokomo was filled with the bustling energy of a large family, including his siblings Tammy, Toni, Sandy (Michael) Pore, Kathy, Patti, Steve “Rock” (Diane) Trine, Timothy, Michael, his late sister Liz, and his late brother Wade. This close-knit clan provided a strong foundation of love and support that Rance carried into his own adult life.

In his professional life, Rance was known for his exceptional work doing custom concrete in Westfield and his dedicated service with E & B Paving in Kokomo. His commitment to craftsmanship and his camaraderie with fellow workers were evident in every project he undertook. As a proud member of the Laborers International Union Local 274, Rance's contributions to the community's infrastructure will be appreciated by many for years to come.

Rance's passions extended beyond his work. He was an enthusiastic Indiana Pacers fan, rarely missing a game and always ready to share his commentary on the team's performance. His love for basketball was matched by his enjoyment of NASCAR, where he admired the skill and speed of the races. Rance's interests were a testament to his love for competition and the excitement of sports.

Rance is survived by his children John George Wesley (Bailee) Trine, Joseph (Wendy) Trine, Katlyn (Jason) Trine, and Jacob (Kelsey) Trine. He was a grandfather to John Braxton Trine and Jacob Levi Trine Jr.

Rance's legacy of laughter, love, and life lessons will be cherished for generations. Rance's personality was a bright light in the lives of those who knew him. Described as funny and handy, he had a joke for every occasion and the skills to fix almost anything. His sense of humor brought smiles to countless faces, and his ability to solve problems was unmatched. Rance's presence was a source of joy and reassurance to his family and friends.

As we remember Rance, we celebrate a life lived with enthusiasm, love, and a touch of mischief. His stories will be told and retold, bringing laughter and warmth to our hearts. Rance Wesley Trine will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him. His spirit will continue to guide and inspire us, just as the memories of his laughter will echo in our lives. Rest in peace, Rance. Your race has been well run, and the finish line was reached with grace and love.

City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com.