Obituaries, July 20, 2023

Robert E. Crull Sr.

Robert E. Crull Sr., affectionately known as "Big Bob," passed away peacefully on July 13, 2023, in his hometown of Kokomo, IN. Born on November 4, 1951, to Gladys and Thomas Crull Sr. On December 25, 1978 he married his soulmate, Judy (Darlin) and she survives. He was a pillar of the community, known for his gentle nature, loving heart, and generous spirit.

Big Bob was a proud graduate of Haworth High School, class of 1971. He dedicated 32 years of his life to the Kokomo Schools, where he served as a bus driver, custodian, and painter before his retirement in 2011. Prior to his tenure at the schools, he worked for Cuneo Press. His dedication to his work was only surpassed by his commitment to his family and community.

Big Bob was a man who never knew a stranger. He would do anything for anyone, always putting others before himself. His love for his community was evident in his years of service as a little league coach at Eastside ballpark. He found great joy in mentoring young athletes, sharing not only his knowledge of the game but also his values of hard work, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

In his spare time, Big Bob was an avid woodworker, often found tinkering in his shop. His creations, much like his memories, will be cherished by all who were fortunate to receive them. His interests reflected his character - patient, meticulous, and always striving for excellence.

Big Bob is survived by his loving wife, Judy Crull; his sons, Brian Smith (Jennifer) of Alabama and Robert Crull Jr. of Kokomo; his daughter, Mindy Miller (J.P.) of Kokomo; his grandchildren, Toni, Misti, Breana, Austin, Bailey, and Macen; his bonus grandson, Adam Miller; and nine great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother, Frank Crull (Barb) of Florida, several nieces and nephews, and his beloved dogs, Walker, Molly, and J.R.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Thomas Crull Jr., his sister Betty, his son Bradley Smith, his grandson Jackson Crull, a few nieces, and a great nephew.

A big thank you to the hospice nurse Megan and aide Miranda. You guys did an amazing job with our Loved one.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Big Bob embodied this sentiment, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met. His gentle, loving, and generous nature will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him.

Big Bob's life was a testament to the power of love, kindness, and community. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. His memory will serve as a beacon of light, guiding us towards a life of compassion, generosity, and love.

Friends and family may visit from 4:00 pm 5:30 pm, Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Shiloh United Methodist Church, 5741 W. 100 N. A Celebration of life will be held at 5:30 pm with Pastor Joe Johnson officiating.

Cynthia Diane “Cindy” Mapes

Cynthia Diane “Cindy” Mapes, 73, Kokomo, Indiana passed away at 7:14 a.m. on Monday July 10, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent- Kokomo. She was born in Bedford, Indiana on February 28, 1950, to John F. and Hazel (Akins) Mapes.

Cindy was a 1968 graduate of Kokomo High School. She then received her BS in Education from Indiana State University. In 1978 she received her Master of Science degree in Education from Indiana University.

From 1975 until 2013 Cindy was a teacher for Taylor Community School Corporation at both Indian Heights Elementary and Taylor Middle Schools. After retiring as a teacher, she became a teacher’s aide at Eastern Elementary School.

She served as president of the Doral Park Condo Association and was an active member of Chapel Hill Christian Church where she volunteered in the office.

Cindy led a very active life and loved volunteering her time, talent and treasure to assist others. She delivered on a weekly basis, Meals on Wheels. She loved organizing events, traveling with friends and family and the Indianapolis Colts. She will be best remembered as a person of faith who was a positive influence on everyone she encountered.

Cindy is survived by her brothers, John (Sandy) Mapes of Greentown, IN and Jeff (Laurie) Mapes of Scappoose, OR; nephews, John Mapes, Jordan Mapes, and Nathan Mapes; niece, Christine (Nick) Schillereff; great-nephew, Gavin Schillereff; and cousin, Scott (Marry) Mapes.

Preceding her in death were her parents.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Chapel Hill Christian Church, 2600 W. Alto Rd, Kokomo, with Pastor Steve Allen officiating. Friends are invited to visit from 11:00 a.m. till the time of service on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Cindy Mapes Memorial Scholarship in care of Taylor Community Schools. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Aaron Joshua Cotham

Aaron Joshua Cotham, born on October 28, 1993, to Melinda Williams in West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away on July 14, 2023, in Peru, Indiana. Known for his loving, funny, and thoughtful nature, Aaron was a beacon of light to all who knew him. His vibrant personality and unwavering dedication to those he loved will forever be remembered and cherished.

Continuing on with his memory is loving fiancé, Chris Alexander, who was the other half of their heart and soulmate. Aaron is also survived by; Melinda Williams, brother; Austin, and sisters, Hailey and Taylor, his sisters-in-law, Kristyn Pickard (Taylor) and Melissa Melton, along with his nephew, Little Bubby Matthais, and his close friends, Jilyne and Emmy, also known as "The Besties," will forever cherish the moments they shared.

A proud graduate of Western High School, class of 2012. His passion for life was infectious, and he was always ready to share his thoughts and opinions with others. He was a dedicated friend and family member, always putting the needs of those he loved before his own. Aaron was always there to offer comfort and advice to anyone who reached out to him.

Aaron had a deep love for movies and cinema, never missing a new release. His passion for pop culture was evident in his love for pop music, especially Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande. Aaron laughingly referred to himself as a "90's Baby" having a deep love of everything 90's Nickelodeon, specifically, Rugrats! His evenings were often spent playing Fortnite with "The Besties", a pastime they all looked forward to. After watching a show or movie, Aaron was always ready for a deep discussion, never holding back his thoughts and opinions. He closed out each day with Chris by talking about the possibilities that tomorrow could hold.

Aaron was a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, actively involved in its culture. He never missed a single episode of RuPaul's Drag Race, a testament to his love for the show and the community it represents. His pride in his identity was an inspiration to many, and his courage in expressing himself will continue to inspire those who knew him.

In his 29 years, Aaron Joshua Cotham lived a life full of love, laughter, and thoughtfulness. His memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His passion for life, his dedication to those close to him, and his unwavering pride in who he was will forever be remembered. Aaron's life was a testament to the power of love, the importance of being true to oneself, and the joy of living life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed, but his vibrance and love will continue to shine brightly in the lives of those he touched.

Patsy Ruth Davis

Patsy Ruth Davis, 70, Kokomo, passed away at 5:15 pm Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Aperion Care in Kokomo. She was born January 2, 1953, in Whitesburg, KY, the daughter of the late William Kermit & Velvia (Collins) Sizemore. On August 22, 1989, she married Brad Davis in Tipton, who survives.

Patsy was an avid shoe collector who enjoyed driving her truck and spending time with her family.

Along with her husband Brad, Patsy is also survived by her children, Chuck (Rachelle) Kenworthy, Cherie Sirosky and Johna Pearson; siblings, Jim (Louise) Sizemore, Robert (Janice) Sizemore and Edna (Jeff) Jackson; 13 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.

Patsy was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Rick Sizemore and Gary Sizemore.

In keeping with Patsy’s wishes, no services will be held. Stout & Son Funeral Home, Sharpsville Chapel, has been entrusted with cremation.

Timothy Lee “Tim” Aeschleman

Timothy Lee “Tim” Aeschleman, 65, Kokomo, passed away at 7:20 pm Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent Kokomo. He was born August 1, 1957, in Peoria, IL, the son of the late Richard & Roseann (Knoblock) Aeschleman. On May 9, 2009, in Kokomo, he married Peggy Cooley who survives.

Tim retired from UPS as a supervisor. He also had worked for McGonigal’s for 9 years as a car salesman. He loved to golf, bowl, watch sports and give his grandchildren advice on the sport. Tim also loved to travel, sing and swim. He cherished the time he spent with his family and never met a stranger.

Along with his wife Peggy, Tim is also survived by his daughters, Shanaka (Matt Stump) Aeschleman and Tammy (Noe) Rodriguez; grandsons, Taedon Stump, Preston Evans, Cullen Evans and Noah Evans; step-children, Bobbi (Lowell) Evans, Cory Long and Troy Long; siblings, Ann (Kevin) Hunsberger, Becky (Bill) Ohland and Tom (Patty) Aeschleman, along with several nieces and nephews.

Tim was preceded in death by his parents.

In keeping with Tim’s wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.