Obituaries, March 4, 2024
Carol Ann Brock Cameron
While most knew her as Carol, she answered to many names. She was “Mom” to Jennifer (Dean) and Paul (Courtney). She was “Nan” to Nick, Drew, Zoe, Ava, Spencer. Finn, and Liam. She was “Sister” to Ken (Terri) and Pam (Jim). She was “Aunt” to Megan, Cameron, Whitney, Mollie, Jacob, Ben, and Jordan. And she was their teacher, "Mrs. Daily,” to over 1,000 children of Kokomo.
While family was always a priority, friendship was her lifeblood. Her dearest friends were with her for around a half a century. They include those she met at Pettit Park School, Kokomo High School, and IUK; teachers, school nurses, and school librarians whom she joyfully worked with through the years and many beloved neighbors (including the one who chose not to move even after eating her burnt chocolate chip cookies).
While she was a lifelong learner, she was well-known as a teacher. She taught for Kokomo Center Schools for 40 years. She taught kindergarteners counting, cutting, and courtesy. She taught elementary students reading, writing, and arithmetic. She taught her children to become teachers and her grandchildren to be voracious readers.
While her life was peaceful, war influenced her story. Her parents met in London during WWII. A Vietnam Vet attributes his survival to her love and letters. And she cared for a great-niece and nephew while their mom served the Navy as an Arabic linguist in the Middle East.
While she proudly called Kokomo “home,” cities around the world have been influenced by Carol. She took the Queen Mary to London as a girl, got married in Honolulu, was a host mom to soccer players from Copenhagen, and inspired her granddaughter to serve the Peace Corps in Casablanca.
While she was unassuming, she was delighted to be in the presence of many notable personalities. She screamed as the Beatles performed in Indiana, listened to Kurt Vonnegut speak, joked with General Westmorland during dinner, and was an Oprah audience member (when nothing was given away).
While Carol was incredibly honest, disciplined, generous, and trustworthy, she always accepted and loved those who were unable to offer the same. She was aware of her privileges and consistently tried to understand and alleviate the impact of the challenges others must face.
While she will be missed by many, she leaves us the gifts of thinking creatively, looking for the good in every day, a house where you can find anything at all, and above all else, her eternal love.
Services will be held on March 12 at Rhine Hall, 507 N. Union St., Kokomo, IN. Visitation from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., service from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Harold Franklin Houchens
Harold Franklin Houchens, aged 76, was called to his eternal rest on February 29, 2024. Born on February 12, 1948, in Crawfordsville, Indiana.
Harold lived a life marked by unwavering dedication to his work, his faith, and most importantly, his family. A loyal employee at Chrysler for 32 years and a member of the local UAW #1166. Harold was respected for his integrity and tireless work ethic. A Clinton Central High School alumnus, he carried the values of his upbringing throughout his life's journey. His steadfast faith was nurtured at the Kokomo Missionary Baptist Church, which he attended regularly. Harold's leisure time would often find him engrossed in the melodies of Johnny Cash amongst friends, competing in his local bowling league, or fulfilling his need for speed at the Bunker Hill Drag Strip.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and is survived by his brother, John Houchens (Sandy), his son, Travis Houchens (Amber), his beloved granddaughter, Abigail Evans (Garrett), and his treasured great-grandson, Hudson Evans.
Preceding him in passing were his wife, Betty Houchens of 43 years, his parents, John and Ethel Houchens, and a dear brother, Donuel Houchens.
Harold's presence will be deeply missed and his memory cherished in the hearts of those who knew him.
A visitation for Harold will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Ellers Mortuary & Crematory Center, 3400 S. Webster Street, Kokomo, Indiana 46902, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM.