Obituaries, October 18, 2023
John William Rigel Sr.
John William Rigel Sr., 92, of Kokomo, passed away Sunday afternoon October 15, 2023, at his home. He was born in Ida Grove, Iowa on November 15, 1930, the son of the late Benjamin Harrison Rigel and Florence (Whitson) Rigel. On August 18, 1954, he married Vonda Lightbody, and she survives.
John graduated from Austin High School in 1948. He earned a Bachelor’s from Taylor University, where he was a track and field, baseball, and basketball athlete. He earned his Master’s degree in education from Indiana University. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy and was Honorably Discharged. He began his teaching career at Peru later moving to Northwestern High School. He was also the Junior High Principal and Assistant Superintendent at Northwestern School Corporation; he retired after 34 years of service. John volunteered for several months at the Kodiak Baptist Mission in Kodiak, Alaska, Spurgeon Seminary in London, England, and Central Baptist in Kansas. He was a driver for the Samaritan Caregivers, a member of Gideon’s International, and a faithful member of Galveston First Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife Vonda, John is survived by his children, John William Rigel Jr., Jana Lynn Peterson, JoDee Rigel; sister, Phyllis McClain; grandchildren, Michelle McCune, Amy Rodas, Jennifer De La Cruz, Matthew Noonan, Brad Rigel; great-grandchildren, Tinley McCune, Mikaylyn McCune, Eliana Rodas, Adelina Rodas, Micah Rodas, Trey Rigel, Baby boy Rigel due in February, Greyson De La Cruz, Easton De La Cruz, Ella Noonan, Brady Noonan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings, Robert Rigel, Raymond Rigel, Margaret Bryant, Harold Rigel.
Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2023, at Galveston First Baptist Church, 207 South Sycamore Street, Galveston, IN 46932. Funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday at the church with Pastors Sean Cooper and Paul Martin officiating. Burial will follow in North Union Cemetery. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Navy and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. In addition to flowers, contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Galveston First Baptist Church. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Margaret Elizabeth Grace Travis
Margaret Elizabeth Grace Travis, 78, Tipton, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at her home. She was born in Fort Wayne, IN. to the late Martin and Clementine (Reader) Travis on June 14, 1945.
Margaret enjoyed baking, crocheting, quilting, playing Pokémon, and gardening. She took pride in her home and raising her four children. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Margaret is survived by her children, Terry Sue Malott, Lainie (Matt) Brown, Doug (Kati) Harris, and B.J. (Kathy) Harris; grandchildren, Barry, Josh, Cory, Dakota, Joshua, Jacob, Kayla, Josie, Will, Zadalee, Billy II, and Hailynn; 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Charlotte, Sunny, Karen, Pauline, Verna, Bud, Katrina, and Jackie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, the father of her children, Dudley Harris; grandchild, Tara; and two brothers, Chucky and Robert.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home- Sharpsville Chapel, 204 N. Church Street, Sharpsville, with Pastor Jason Grant officiating. Burial will take place in Sharpsville Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 11 a.m. until the start of the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home to help assist the family with final expenses.
Laura Kay Hamilton
Laura Kay Hamilton, 67, of Greentown, passed away on Friday, October 13, 2023, at her home. She was born on October 23, 1955, in Kokomo, the daughter of Emmett Wayne and Patricia Ellen (Thompson) Kendall. On April 12, 1986, she married Steven A. Hamilton, and he preceded her in death on October 7, 2007.
Laura graduated from Eastern High School then went on to get a degree in floral design. She worked at Jefferson House of Flowers, garden department at Lowes, and ESS circuit board manufacturing. Laura enjoyed gardening, outdoors, and caring for her stray cats. She was a member of the Jerome Christian Church.
Survivors include her sister, Cheryl (Dan) Norris; niece, Stephanie Morris; great-niece, Lauren Porter; great great-niece, Ellington Henderson; sister-in-law, Cathy (Dan) Henderson; brother in laws, Jeff (Nancy) Hamilton and Garry (Marcia) Hamilton, and many special cousins and friends.
Laura is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Jerome Christian Church, 9535 County Road E 100 S., Greentown, with Pastor David Stokes officiating. Burial will follow in Kendall Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service on Monday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Jerome Christian Church. Hasler - Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.