Obituaries, March 27, 2023
Larry A. Smith
Larry A. Smith, 75, Galveston, passed away at 7:14 pm on Friday, March 24, 2023, at his home. He was born on December 29, 1947, in Kokomo, the only child of the late Harry A. and Gaynelle (Warnock) Smith. He married Cathy S. Sommers on August 2, 1992, and she survives.
Larry graduated from Kokomo High School in 1966, and attended Ball State University before joining the United States Navy, where he became a SEAL. He served his country from 1967-1969 before being honorably discharged from the Navy. He was the Director of the Kokomo Howard County Emergency Management Agency for 29 years. He had been a dispatcher for the Howard County Sheriff’s Department, a volunteer at the Harrison Fire Department for 6 years, the Howard County Radio Alert team, and the Howard County EMA. Larry was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Howard County Lodge. He served eight terms as President of The Stare Director Association of Homeland Security, as well as other offices, and was a board member for over 20 years. He was a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church.
Along with his wife, Cathy, Larry is survived by his children, Kolton N. (Christine) Smith, Amanda G. (Andrew) Phillips, and Tracy A. Droll; grandchildren, Serenity V. Phillips, Jordan B. Balentine, DeLonte Walker, Kyler Smith, Cadence Smith, and Shantel Droll.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A funeral service will be held at 12 pm on Friday, March 31, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastor C.J. Steiner officiating. Burial will follow in Converse Cemetery, where military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. Friend may visit with the family from 10 am to 12 pm on Friday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Howard Haven. Stout & Son Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Mary J Burleson
Mary J Burleson, age 86, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023. Mary was born to the late Buddy and Effie (Reynolds) Whitten on August 24, 1936 in Halleyville, AL. Mary was the oldest of 14 siblings. She married Lowell Burleson in 1953 and he preceded her in death in 2006.
Mary worked for Macys Grocery store for many years. She enjoyed growing flowers, bird watching, taking long walks and going to the beach. Mary also enjoyed spending time with family, especially during the holidays. She was member of the Church of Christ on Main Street and Judson Road Christian Church.
She is survived by her son, Tim Burleson, of Laguna Vista, TX; three grandchildren, Erin (Will) Willis, Mike Burleson, and Jason Burleson; and three great-grandchildren, Drew, Kenzlee, and Pax.
Thank you to Tony and Brenda (Reynolds) Floyd for being there for Mary throughout the years.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Lowell; son, Dan Burleson; and grandson, Jon Burleson.
A special acknowledgement to all the caregivers at Bloom at Kokomo for all of their care of Mary. A special thanks to Sabrina Schwartz, Paradigm Health, for the special care she gave Mary.
There will be a time of visitation for Mary from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at 12:00 P.M., on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 South Webster Street, Kokomo. Dr. Gary Carpenter will be officiating. Burial will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the Burleson family.