Obituaries, July 8, 2025

Brett Anthony Davis, Virgie Catherine (“Tootsie”) Huskins, Carson Obie Hughes, Betty Lou Johnston, Anita Marie (Warner) Hall-Cochran, Larry Edward Elston

Brett Anthony Davis

Brett Anthony Davis, 22, passed away at 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Kokomo. He was born on August 23, 2002, the son of Michael and Amber (Davis) Comparet, and they survive.

Brett was a 2021 graduate of Kokomo High School and joined the U.S. Army after high school. He worked at Take 5 Car Wash after he was honorably discharged this year. Brett enjoyed playing guitar and video games. He also liked swimming, going for a drive, and going to the shooting range. Brett was always helping others with car repairs when they needed it.

Along with his parents Michael and Amber Comparet, he is survived by his sisters Ryliegh Miller, Zoey Miller, Gracey Comparet, and Cali Comparet, very special grandmother Joanie Tusing, grandparents Matthew and Debbie Comparet and John Davis, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and dear friends, Eli Gray, Blake and David Shanks, Skiler Youngmen, and many other beloved friends.

A funeral service celebrating Brett’s life will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Rd., Kokomo, IN 46902, with Bob Miller officiating. Burial will take place at Albright Cemetery following the service with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to Shirley & Stout Funeral home to assist the family with final expenses. Messages of condolences may be left at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Virgie Catherine (“Tootsie”) Huskins

Virgie Catherine (“Tootsie”) Huskins was born August 13, 1940, in Luttrell, Tennessee, as one of eight children of the late Thomas Roy and Monnie Hazeltine (Tharpe) Bowers.

Roy and Monnie relocated their eight children to Kokomo, Indiana, in 1943.

Tootsie’s siblings and their spouses who preceded her in death were sisters Drama and Marshal Dukes of Russiaville, Dora Wesson of Kokomo, Donna and Jim Mohler of Kokomo, and brothers Gary Bowers of Arkansas, Roy Bowers of Kokomo, and Kenneth Bowers of Kokomo. The sole survivor is sister Cora of Greenwood who was married to the late John Dupoy of Howard County.

Tootsie received her formal education in the Howard County School District and later retired from Delco Electronics Division of General Motors on South Reed Road.

Tootsie married the love of her life Richard (“Rick”) Talmadge Huskins of White, Georgia, on September 21, 1956. Rick and Tootsie celebrated their 65th wedding Anniversary shortly before Rick’s death on November 24, 2021. Tootsie was also preceded in death by her eldest son Richard Kent Huskins of Woodstock, Ga., son-in-law Kerry Allen Stoops, and grandson Jacob Allen Stoops of Arcadia. She is survived by her remaining children, including Tamie Renee (Huskins) Stoops of Kokomo, Cory Lyn and Lisa Renee Huskins of Acworth, Georgia, Daniel (“Lieutenant Dan”) Alexander and Mistie Dawn (Huskins) Morrison of Westfield, Indiana, five grandchildren Seth Bartrum, Shiann Grace Huskins, Damion Lee O’Neal, Courtney Lynn Huskins, and Sebastian Luke O’Neal, and two great-grandchildren Sonya Nadine Johnson and Katheryrn (“Katie Bug”) Lee Huskins.

Tootsie’s rich family has so many nieces and nephews, but she managed to love each and every one as if they were her very own.

Tootsie humbly spent her lifetime in service to the Lord’s magnificent work, while supporting and being a true helpmate to her husband Rick, who heeded the calling to be an evangelist and was ordained at Kokomo Missionary Baptist Church in February 1963. They worked together tirelessly to spread the Gospel wherever God would lead. They were members of several churches within the Bethel Missionary Baptist Association over the years, but it is widely known they called Kokomo Missionary Baptist Church their home.

There was so much life and love between the dashes on her epitaph, words will fail and could never convey Tootsie’s impact to her family and friends.

On July 2, 2025, in the comfort of her home, surrounded lovingly by her children and their spouses, Tootsie’s race was run, and her victory in Jesus was won. Death no longer has a hold on her immortal soul. She would formally invite each and every one of those who hear or read these words written on her behalf to come and join her in her heavenly home.

Her family will receive visitors in the funeral home chapel of Sunset Memory Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo, Indiana 46902 on Thursday, the 10th of July 2025, from 4-8 p.m.

A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, the 11th of July 2025; with committal to follow in the Love mausoleum at the cemetery.

Carson Obie Hughes

Carson Obie Hughes, 94, of Kokomo, IN, passed into Heaven on June 30, 2025. He was born on November 26, 1930, to Floyd and Edith (Rutherford) Hughes, in Powell, TN.

In July 1950, he left his job at Delco and enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War. He was stationed in Japan for about two years. He returned to Tacoma, WA, and was discharged on July 27, 1955. He was presented medals for "Good Conduct," "Korean Service," "United Nations," and "National Defense."

He returned to Russiaville with his wife Janet (Arnold) and baby daughter Becky. He continued his career at Delco and retired from GM on February 28, 1993.

February 4, 1972, he married Mable Cunningham. She passed May 21, 1987. He then married Dorothy Byers (his teenage sweetheart) on March 5, 1988. She passed on April 23, 2014.

Carson was known by all as an enthusiastic fisherman, hunter, and a fan of IU and the Colts! He was diligent in archery and won a gold medal for the state competition. Many enjoyed listening to him tell stories about history and personal life accounts, with a twist of humor.

One day, the Holy Spirit showed him that his life was incomplete and that he needed a Savior. He repented and embraced a life in Christ! His passion for Christ was demonstrated by singing in the choir and teaching the Word at First Assembly of God for many years. He journeyed to Souls Harbor Church and lastly to Russiaville Community Church, where he continued in ministry.

Survivors include his daughter Becky (Garry) Gibson, stepsons Brian (Alicia) Cunningham, Ricky Byers, and James (Kim) Byers, sisters Anna Wisehart and Karen (Alan) Henry, 26 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and one special nephew who is a friend, Gary (Bonnie) Graves.

Carson was preceded in death by his parents, wives Mable and Dorothy, son Billy Carson Hughes, stepsons Kim Cunningham and Larry Byers, stepdaughter and son-in-law Teresa and Clyde Downs, sister and brother-in-law Doris and Jerry Williams, brothers Johnnie Hughes and Hal Hughes, brother-in-law Gene Wisehart, step-grandson Larry Byers Jr., and step-granddaughter Lea Byers.

A visitation for Carson will be held Saturday, July 12, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, IN 46902, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.

Betty Lou Johnston

Betty Lou Johnston, 101, passed away Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Ascension Saint Vincent Hospital in Kokomo, Indiana. Betty was born in Kokomo March 16, 1924, to William P. and Florence (Lewellen) Hite.

Betty graduated from Kokomo High School in 1942 and married her sweetheart Kenneth A. Johnston on August 30, 1947. They were happily married for 67 years before Kenneth passed away. They had two daughters, Linda and Marsha. Betty may have been viewed as a pioneer because she opened one of the first daycares in Kokomo. Later, she went on to run the accounting and billing departments for her husband’s business, Ken’s Carpet and Steam Cleaning.

Betty enjoyed square dancing, tap dancing, playing the organ and guitar, painting, sewing, and playing cards. The family had a place at Lake Shaffer and made memories there for 25 years. In retirement, Betty and Ken became snowbirds and spent their winters in Florida.

Betty was the sweetest person and never had any complaints.

Betty is survived by her daughter Marsha (George) Farris, two grandchildren Megan (Mike) and Michelle (Bryan), six great grandchildren Caitlyn, Parker, Carson, Claire, Piper and Braxton, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth, daughter Linda, and siblings Chalmer, Eugene, Paul, Peggy, and Steve.

A viewing will be held in Betty Lou's memory on July 15, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Ellers Mortuary on Webster. There will be a private graveside service held at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery, Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Anita Marie (Warner) Hall-Cochran

Anita Marie (Warner) Hall-Cochran, 63, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away on July 5, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Anita was born on December 23, 1961, in Kokomo to Robert Leo Warner (deceased) and Judith (Myers) Warner. She attended Taylor High School. Over the years, she dedicated herself to a variety of roles, working at Cone Palace, UPS, Kokomo Spring, and eventually becoming a Regional Trainer and Store Manager for Dollar Tree.

After her professional career, Anita embraced her favorite role: being a stay-at-home grandmother. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren and took great pride in their lives.

Anita was deeply committed to honoring veterans and fallen heroes. She proudly served as a Senior Ride Captain for the Indiana Patriot Guard and as an Escort Coordinator for the Gold Star Traveling Wall. She also organized the Never Forget Our Fallen Heroes ride — a powerful tribute to local KIAs and Gold Star families — which stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to remembrance and service. This July, the ride will celebrate its 18th year.

Anita is survived by her devoted spouse of 25 years Andrew Cochran, her children Joshua Hall of Sharpsville and Amanda (Andrew) Schaefer of Burlington, her beloved grandchildren Ellie Hall, Elizabith Crimson Knapp, Emilee Schaefer, and Eliot Schaefer, great-granddaughter Kaliyah Hall, and her siblings Kimberly Foster, Teri Rose, Genevieve (Jason) Weaver, Robert (Heather) Warner, and Brian Brown. She also leaves behind several cherished nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 4:00 p.m. at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, IN. After the service, a procession will accompany Anita to her home for a final tribute. In keeping with her deep commitment to the veteran and motorcycle communities, all motorcyclists are warmly invited to ride in her honor.

At Anita’s request, guests are encouraged to wear patriotic attire—no suits, please. She wanted her celebration to reflect the love of country and community that defined her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Courage Rock, https://couragerock.rocks/contact-us and the Tribute to Americas Fallen Foundation - Gold Star Tribute Wall, www.tributewall.org. Both are causes that were close to Anita’s heart.

Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Larry Edward Elston

Larry Edward Elston, 76 of Windfall, died Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at his home. He was born in Tipton on July 4, 1948, to Ruben Elston and Billie Jo (Dell) Elston Cardwell. Larry married Debby Huffman.

Larry attended Tipton Community School where he was known to friends as “Sanford.” He had several jobs over the years which included FMC, GW Pierce, the town of Windfall, and served as a member of WTVFR. Larry had a fond love for vehicles, everything from working on them to driving them.

Larry is survived by his daughter Michelle (Jason) Grubb of Windfall and grandchildren Juston Grubb, Macy (Mayson) Benedict, and Janson (Savannah) Grubb. He was also blessed with six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by April Lovell Pfoutz who was raised by and welcomed into the family by Larry and Debby.

Preceding him and welcoming him to his heavenly home are his loving wife, his parents Reuben and Billie Jo, and his siblings Terry and Elaine.

A time of gathering is planned for Sunday, July 27, at the Windfall Community Center from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M., and then there will be an open time to share at 4:00. Memorial contributions in Larry’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 50 East 91st Street, Suite 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. The staff of Young-Nichols is honored and blessed to care for Larry and his family in their hour of need.