Obituaries, June 7, 2023
Jason D. “Smitty” Smith
Jason D. “Smitty” Smith, 50, Kokomo, passed away at home with his family by his side, at 3:24 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, 2023, after battling a lifelong illness and cancer. He was born July 31, 1972, in New Port News, Virginia, the son of Bill Smith and Dorothy (Stout) Roach. On March 31, 2001, he married the love of his life, Shannon Smith, and she survives.
He earned his GED through Eastern High School. Jason was an avid fisherman, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family. He also enjoyed coin collecting, building and working on computers, playing video games, home improvement and gardening. Jason “always put others ahead of himself to help them out anyway he could.”
Jason is survived by his wife, Shannon Smith; mother, Dorothy Roach; daughter, Jasmin Smith; son, Josh (Shelby) Smith; brothers, Dave (Tina) Smith, Mike (Lori) Roach, and William (Cheryl) Roach; sister, Candy (Dan) Wilson; grandsons, James Douglas Smith and Jace Douglas Smith; mother-in-law, Karen Weaver; father-in-law, Larry Griggs; sister-in-law, Robin Crittendon; brother-in-law, Corey Griggs; and stepfather, Bob Roach.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Smith and stepmother, Marilyn Smith.
A memorial service will be held at Noon Friday, June 9, 2023, at Mt Zion Free Methodist Church, 13048 S. 400 W. Kokomo, with Jackson Moore officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 a.m. until Noon Friday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shirley & Stout to assist the family with final arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Patricia "Patty" K. Byrd
Patricia "Patty" K. Byrd, 68, of Russiaville, IN passed away on June 4, 2023. She was born on April 23, 1955 in Kokomo, Indiana the daughter of John and Juanita (Britton) Graham. She worked at both Chrysler and Sam's Club. Patty enjoyed bingo, dominoes, euchre, reading, and socials. She loved reading her Bible and her favorite words of wisdom were, "Read the Bible to your children and pray with them".
Left to cherish her memory are her children, David and Kari; grandchildren, Devin Moredock, Gabreelle Sanchez, Mercedes Hooper.
She was preceded in death by her parents; significant other, Richard Byrd.
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Jason C. Verduce
Jason C. Verduce, 56, Fort Wayne, passed away Friday, June 2, 2023. He was born in Minneapolis, MN on February 15, 1967, to the late Tony and Cathleen Renee (Veith) Verduce.
Jason was a 1985 graduate of R. Nelson Snider High School. He spent the last 20 years of his life working for Kelly Automotive Group. He was a loyal son, brother, uncle, and friend to all. Outside of work, Jason could be found on the golf course, attending Snider High School football games, or lounging around his pool surrounded by family and friends. His beloved and charismatic personality was contagious to everyone he met.
Jason is survived by his siblings, Laurie (Lennie) Glick, John (Cindy) Verduce, Suzanne (Michael) Stratton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A scripture service will take place at 1 pm Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46805, with Fr. Thomas Shoemaker, celebrant. Burial will follow in Catholic Cemetery in Fort Wayne, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 11 am until the start of the service on Saturday at Divine Mercy Funeral Home. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in Jason’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Donald Edward Sheagley
Donald Edward Sheagley, 73, Burlington, passed away at 12:34 am on Thursday, June 1, 2023. He was born in Kokomo, on June 2, 1949, the son of the late Jesse W. and Freida (Rice) Sheagley. He married Sharon Steele on July 31, 1992, and she preceded him in death on October 26, 2022.
Donald graduated from Carroll High School and attended Ivy Tech College. He served his country in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Sergeant. Donald worked for Wabash National as a welder and retired after 40 years. He attended Crossroads Community Church. He loved cars and enjoyed tinkering around with them. Donald enjoyed camping, fishing and loved his family.
Donald is survived by his children, Jack (Erin) Lynn, Heather Sheagley, Holly (Mark) Batton, Donald Sheagley, Paula (Trent) Donson, Kayla Sheagley, Austin Sheagley, and Zeck Steele; stepchildren, Lisa (Chad) Jacobs, and Jerry (Roxanne) Lewis; and several grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and wife.
Donald’s family would like to send out a special thanks to Dr. Patel, Tammy, Jessie and family for the wonderful care they gave to Donald.
A funeral service will be held at 2 pm Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home-Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan Rd., Burlington, with Mark Batton officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 12 pm until the start of the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Stout & Son Funeral Home to help offset funeral expenses. Burial will take place at a later date in Ball Hill Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.