Obituaries, June 18, 2023
Paul D. Wrightsman Sr.
Paul D. Wrightsman, 83, of Russiaville, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Ascension St. Vincent in Kokomo. He was born in Kokomo on July 30,1939, the son of the late Florence and Charles Wrightsman. He married Julie Graves 1959, in Kokomo. He married Jill Renner on Nov 7, 1970, in Kokomo.
Paul graduated from Kokomo High School on June 7, 1957. After high school, he worked at Frank Ridenour Auto parts. During this time, Paul built several hot rods with his cousin Richard. Two of which he owned, a 1950 Olds with a big block Chevy and a 1929 Model A Ford with a small block Chevy V8. One of Paul’s most notable hot rod stories was a time when he was stopped behind a vehicle at Defenbaugh and Washington that sat through three green lights refusing to move. Paul took his big block Chevy powered Olds and pushed this vehicle down Washington street while they held the breaks locked up. Paul laughed and said their brakes wouldn’t hold that big block Chevy!
Paul worked for the City of Kokomo as a survey engineer. He retired from Kokomo Gas and Fuel as an engineer working in the drafting department. After retirement he worked at Rural King, where he loved assisting and talking to customers.
Paul was a member of Wildcat Valley Muzzleloader club, National Muzzleloader Rifle Association, Lifetime NRA member. He was member of several fishing clubs with the most enjoyable for him being the Kokomo Bass Anglers. Paul was an avid fisherman, making numerous trips to Minnesota as well as Kentucky Lake and Salamonie reservoir. Over the years, he had Campers and often made extended stays. He was also an Avid deer hunter, where he enjoyed hunting with his hand-crafted Muzzleloaders built by his son, Josh. Paul also had memberships to the Bass Anglers Sportsman's and National Varmint Hunters Association.
Paul was involved with starting Honey Creek Rendezvous that turned into what is known as KohKohMah & Foster Living History Encampment. Paul enjoyed bluegrass music and loved traveling with his special friends, Joe and Denise Culbertson to Virginia 4-5 times a year since 2014, to hear some of his favorite blue grass bands. He never missed a Friday night at Allen Hicks Friday Night Jams in Nickelsville, VA. He also enjoyed going to The Carter Family Fold in Hilton’s VA and the Winding Creek bluegrass festival in Russiaville, IN
Paul enjoyed antique shops and collecting antiques. Paul and his late wife Jill owned their own antique refinishing shop and sold antiques as a hobby.
Paul is survived by his four sons, David, Chris (Linda), Chad and Josh (Gretchen); fifteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and Julie, mother of his children, David and Chris.
Paul was proceeded in death by his parents; wife, Jill; and sister, Mary Lauderbaugh.
Special thank you to Valerie Little, Sabrina Smith, Donna Hensley and special friend Cindy Kuhns, along with the wonderful staff at Waterford.
Friends are invited to visit with family from 1-3 PM Saturday, June 24, 2023, at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, 1900 S. Berkley Rd, Kokomo. Funeral service will be held at 3 PM with Pastor Jeff Russell officiating. Burial will follow on Monday June 26, 2023, at 2:30 PM in Sunset Memory Gardens. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Louise Newell
Louise Newell, age 75, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away peacefully on Friday, June 16, 2023 at 4:15 PM at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born to the late Jose and Maria (Coronada) Mendoza in Kokomo, Indiana. She married Ron Newell on Dec. 6, 1990 in Kokomo, and he survives.
Louise enjoyed reading books, crossword books, crocheting, bowling, and long car rides with her husband. She also worked at Cuneo Press and Fazolis Italian Restaurant.
Louise is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Ron; three beautiful daughters, Denise Hutchison, Mary Lanning, and Alicia (Bill) Gosney; five sisters, Patricia Lewis, Ysabella (Jim) Morrill, Aurora Ward, Betsie Popp, and Juanita Miron; ten grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and lots of nieces and nephews.
Preceding in death are her parents; daughter, Lynne Hayes; grandson, Kevin Yard; brother-in-law, Gene Lewis; siblings, Joe and Carol Mendoza, Rosa Riley, and Victor Mendoza; and nieces, Santina Morrill and Misty Brooks.
Louise's family will have a private memorial at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the Newell family.