Obituaries, June 10, 2023
John Wesley Bingaman
John Wesley Bingaman, 83, of Kokomo, went to be with the Lord while surrounded by his loved ones at 1:35 pm Monday June 5, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born in Logansport, IN, on August 11, 1939, the son of the late Paul and Dorothy (Shepler) Bingaman. On February 2, 1963, he married Kathryn Ann Stockdale, who survives.
John was a 1957 graduate of New Carlisle High School. He attended Ball State University where he earned a Bachelor’s in Teaching degree in 1961, followed by a Master’s in Teaching in 1963. While at Ball State University, he played on the football team and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. John taught and coached in Kokomo School systems for over 30 years. He also worked at Kiley Insurance and Miles & Finch Insurance for a combined 30 years. He coached high school football and golf and helped lead the golf team achieving two state championships. John served as the Athletic Director at Haworth High School. He was inducted into the Ball State University Coaching Hall of Fame and later the Howard County Sports Hall of Fame. He was actively involved in many Christian and philanthropic organizations including Huddle and the Kokomo Great Banquet, served as president of the Rotary Club, Kokomo Y’s Men, the Board of the Kokomo Rescue Mission and was a Deacon and Elder of the Presbyterian Church. John had an amazing sense of humor and always looked for ways to help others in need. His passion for golf continued as he played as often as he could.
In addition to his wife Ann, John is survived by his children, Christopher (Cathi) Bingaman, Jennifer Bingaman; brothers, William (Gerri) Bingaman, David (Hildegard) Bingaman; grandchildren, Zachary (Kristina) Bingaman, Stephen (Hannah) Bingaman, John Bingaman, Christopher Bingaman Jr., Jadon Meise, Dylan Habig, Mollie Habig; and 3 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Dorothy Bingaman.
John’s family would like to extend a special thank you to Guardian Angel Hospice and their hospice team for the excellent care he received for nearly three years.
On Saturday, August 12, 2023, the family will gather for a private graveside service at Sunset Memory Garden. Later guests are encouraged to visit with the family from 1-3 pm at Cross America Community Center, 840 Daniel Drive, Kokomo, Indiana 46901. At 3 pm, Pastor Dick Sanburn will conduct a memorial service.
In lieu of flowers or any gifts, the family requests that contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Bingaman Athletic Scholarship managed by the Howard County Community Foundation. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Madonna Alice Smith
Madonna Alice Smith, 84, of Miami, Indiana, passed peacefully on Thursday, June 8th, 2023, at St. Vincent hospital of Kokomo surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.
Madonna was born June 6th, 1939, in Kokomo, Indiana to the late William and Eva May (Locke) Dodrill. She married David Lee Smith in Nashville, TN, on November 16th, 1970, but their time was cut short when David passed away on December 30th, 1978.
Madonna was employed as a cook at Howard Johnson for 18 years. She later worked at Chubby’s Rib Pit for 10 years, and following that, Century Villa for 10 years. She completed her GED at Kokomo in 1993.
Madonna was an active member of the Salvation Army, where she served faithfully until her passing. During her time in the church Madonna was a member of the corp council and women’s ministry, where she loved to serve homemade chicken and noodles at the annual chicken & noodle dinner.
Madonna was a sports fanatic, with the Indianapolis Colts being her favorite. She was often found yelling at the tv while her teams were playing.
Madonna is survived by her brother, Robert “Bob” Dodrill of Florida; Kimberly Astuto of McKenzie, TN, John (Katrina) Bolinger of Greentown, IN, Christopher (Debbie) Bolinger of Calimesa, CA, Denise (Robert Allen) Lancaster of Miami, IN, and Daniel (Stephanie) Smith of Lafayette, IN; Grandchildren, Mike (Kathleen) Astuto, David (Christy) Astuto, and Chris Astuto, Justin and Siobhan Bolinger, Ryan (Liz) Bolinger, Tiffany (David) Salvagnini, Tara (Aaron) Cooper, Andrew (Savannah) Lancaster, Baylee (Alex) Cotton and several great grandchildren John Micheal, Carter, Mariska, and Max Astuto, Brent Odum, Ethan & Landon Bolinger, David, Dawson, and Anastasia Salvagnini, Christopher and Annabelle Lancaster, and Arrione Cotton.
Madonna was preceded in death by her parents; uncles Herman and Leanord Locke and aunt Ruth Locke, granddaughter Kaylie Smith.
In lieu of flowers, Donations may be made in her name to the Salvation Army.
Promotion to glory celebration will be held at the Salvation Army of Kokomo Thursday June 15th at 4pm with a graveside burial at a later date for immediate family.
Messages of condolences may be left online at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com.
Ronald “Ron” Todd Harding
Ronald “Ron” Todd Harding, 57, of Kokomo, passed away 12:37 pm Thursday June 8, 2023, at St. Vincent Hospital 86th Street in Indianapolis, IN. He was born in Kokomo, IN, on December 19, 1965, the son of the late Robert E. and Mary A. (Wisehart) Harding.
Ron was a 1984 graduate of Western High School. He was currently employed by The RH Group as a supervisor and served more than 30 years in construction. He was a member of Abundant Life Church. His favorite hobbies included bowling, racing, fishing, and golfing.
He is survived by his brothers, Robert J. (Susan) Harding, Ricky L. (Michelle) Harding; nephews, Scotty Harding, Travis (Samantha) Harding, Blake (Leslie) Harding, Chase (Brooke) Harding; nieces, Trina Noakes, Jessica (Cody) Harding, Sadie Harding; great-nephews, Eli Harding, Reed Harding, Gabe Harding, Flynn Cox, Nyle Cox; great-niece, Lorelei Brooks; aunt, Marie Martin; and numerous cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert E. and Mary (Wisehart) Harding; brother, Larry Harding, and sister-in-law, Cathy J. (Dillon) Harding.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 am to Noon Saturday June 17, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory. Funeral service will begin at Noon on Saturday at the funeral home, with Pastor Toph Elkins officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memory Garden. Contributions may be made in Ron’s memory to Abundant Life Church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.