Obituaries, July 21, 2025
Phillip E. Royce, Grace Martha Jones, Charles Allen Bradley
Phillip E. Royce
Phillip E. Royce, 77, passed away on July 13, 2025, in Kokomo, Indiana. Born on November 30, 1947, in South Bend, Indiana, Phillip lived a full and active life marked by dedication to his family and a passion for both work and play.
Phillip was the beloved husband of the late Sharon Royce and the son of the late Samuel and Jeanne Royce. He was also preceded in death by his sister Carol Flint, his stepfather Robert James, his stepbrother Robert James Jr., and his stepsister Beverly McCombs.
He is lovingly remembered by his children: sons Chris Royce and Earl Royce; and daughter Shelly Brown and her husband Ron. Phillip also leaves behind his sisters Marjorie Williams and her husband John, Patricia Hindman and her husband Tom, as well as his stepsister Janet Quirk.
Throughout his life, Phillip found joy in many pursuits. He had a deep appreciation for professional sports and spent countless hours cheering on his favorite teams. Bowling was another favorite pastime, one that brought him camaraderie and competition. He also enjoyed kayaking, embracing the peace of nature from the water’s edge. A skilled hand with tools, Phillip took pride in construction work, whether building or repairing. His creative side shone through in drawing, where he expressed himself with quiet artistry.
Phillip had a special place in his heart for animals and cherished the companionship they brought into his life. Above all else, he loved his family deeply, a love that guided him throughout the years and left an enduring legacy.
May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire love and strength in their lives.
A funeral service for Phillip will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, followed by a visitation from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Grace Martha Jones
Grace Martha Jones, 70, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on July 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born July 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Grace was the beloved daughter of Ernest and Wilhelmina (Koehler) Jones.
A proud Chicago Cubs fan, Grace grew up in the Chicago area and graduated from Waukegan High School. She went on to pursue her love of theology, earning degrees in Biblical Literature and the New Testament from Indiana Wesleyan University. She continued her theological education at the Iliff School of Theology.
Grace dedicated much of her life to serving others. She worked at Brookdale Senior Living for 36 years, holding numerous roles including Administrator and Vice President. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to found and operate the Popcorn Cafe for eight years, creating a warm and welcoming place for community connection. Most recently, Grace served as Corps Administrator for The Salvation Army in Princeton, Indiana, from January 2, 2024, to June 22, 2025—a role she described as her greatest passion. She deeply loved the people she served and worked with there.
Grace is survived by her devoted brother John Jones, her lifelong friend and sister of the heart Cheryl Duncan, and sister-in-law Julie Jones. She was a cherished aunt to Daniel Jones II (Belinda), Gary Jones, Julianna Jones, Melissa Jones, Sarah Warren, and Jan Jones. She will also be remembered by her great-nephews Daniel Jones III and Milo, great-nieces Mia, Raina, and Macy, and cousins in the Koehler family.
She leaves behind many dear friends, including Barb, Deb, Ruth, Kolette, Bobette, and Robin. She was also embraced as family by the Duncans, the Barkers, the Greesons, and the Smiths.
Grace was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Daniel Jones.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Cross America, 840 Daniel Drive, Kokomo, IN 46901. A gathering of friends and family will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Services will begin at 12:00 pm. Major Deb Sjogren will officiate the service.
In honor of Grace’s generous spirit and lifelong dedication to service, donations may be made in her memory to The Salvation Army of Kokomo, Indiana.
Grace lived her life guided by faith, fueled by compassion, and grounded in love. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. City of Firsts Cremation and Funeral Services by Rose and Geiger was entrusted with the arrangements. www.cityoffirstscremations.com
Charles Allen Bradley
Charles Allen Bradley, age 47, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 5:24 AM at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born January 6, 1978, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Michael Bradley & Polly (Duke) Moore. On July 31, 1999, he married Tonya J. Eads, who survives.
Charlie was a teacher at Ivy Tech. He loved music and was in a few bands. He also loved spending time gaming, as well as hanging out with and entertaining his family and friends. Camping was another family function he really enjoyed. His greatest loves were his children and wife.
Survivors include his wife Tonya, children, James Taylor Bradley, Blake M. Hill, Starr E. Bradley (Christian), and Damon W. Bradley, three grandchildren, siblings Paul Bradley, Frankie Bradley, Michael Bradley, Jr., Christy Bradley, and Susan Bradley, and a brother from another mother, Dustin Howard.
He was preceded in death by his parents Michael & Polly and his sister Brandi Bradley.
A visitation for Charles will be held Friday, July 25, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, IN 46902, followed by a funeral service at 7:00 PM.