Obituaries, October 24, 2023
James “Jim” Arnold Custer
James “Jim” Arnold Custer, 59, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 2:35 pm in Greentown. Jim was born on January 30, 1964 in Kokomo to J. Arnold and Nancy (Rees) Custer.
Jim was a 1982 graduate of Eastern High School. He went on to graduate from ITT Technical Institute in Ft. Wayne in 1984. Jim retired as an electrician from Delphi in 2021 after 30 years of service. He was a life member of New Salem Friends Church. He was a member Greentown Eastern Star #195, and Greentown Masonic Lodge #341, where he was a past Master in 2003.
Survivors include Jim’s wife, Lisa; parents, J. Arnold and Nancy; children, Chaney (Mike) Walthour, and Dustin Custer; sister, Stacy Custer; grandchildren, Jayma Hayes, Emmelia Walthour, Jaxon Walthour, and Tannah Custer; sister-in-law, Debbie Custer; nieces and nephews, Josh Custer, Ashley (Toby) Thompson, Lauren Maines, and Rees Maines; along with several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Jim was preceded in death his grandparents, Chas (Opal) Rees, and Jesse (Dorothy) Custer; brother, Mark Custer; and nephew, Dusty Dillman.
A funeral service will be held at 10 am Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, 112 E. Main St., Greentown, with family friend, Greg Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4 pm to 8 pm Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the funeral home. An Eastern Star service will take place at 7:30 pm Tuesday, October 24, 2023, followed by a Masonic Service, provided by Greentown Order of Eastern Star Lodge #195 and Greentown Masonic Lodge #341. Memorial contributions may be made to the Indiana Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star Cancer Fund or the Greentown Masonic Lodge #341 Scholarship, in Jim’s memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.
Lewis “Lewie” Milton Taylor
Lewis “Lewie” Milton Taylor, 94, Russiaville, passed away at 9:02 am Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Kokomo. He was born September 1, 1929 in New London, the son of the late Charles Russell and Esther (Small) Taylor. On September 9, 1950, he married Mary Frances Carter at Russiaville Friends Church, and she survives.
Lewis was a 1947 graduate of New London High School. He retired from the United States Postal Service after over 20 years of service. Lewis was a life-long farmer, working various jobs including a school bus driver, and working at Continental Steel. He was a member of Russiaville Friends Church and former Grand Master at the New London Masonic Lodge. He served on various boards throughout his life including the Building Corporation for Western School Corporation, the advisory board of Monroe Township, and New London Cemetery board.
In addition to his wife Mary Frances, Lewis is survived by his children, William Lewis “Bill” (Pam) Taylor of Noblesville, Indiana, Richard Allen “Dick” (Nancy) Taylor of Kokomo, Indiana, and Karen Lynn (Don) Sword of Hendersonville, Tennessee; grandchildren, Richard Scott Taylor, Christopher Ryan (Kristen) Taylor, Amanda Kay (Tyler) Elkins, Joseph Tyler (Heather) Sword, Blake Anthony (Jessica) Taylor, Jennifer Leighann (Chris) Setar, and Sarah Jo (Stephen) Harmas; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kathy Joann Taylor; sisters, Virginia Haynes, Helen Kelly, and Carolyn Carson; and daughter-in-law, Linda Taylor.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am Friday, October 27, 2023, at Russiaville Friends Church, 270 E. Main St., Russiaville, with Pastor Jamie Lyon officiating. Burial will follow in New London Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family 4 pm to 7 pm Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., Russiaville. A Masonic Service will take place at 7 pm Thursday at the funeral home, provided by the New London Masonic Lodge #283. Memorial contributions may be made to the Russiaville Friends Church-Quaker Haven Camp, or the Kokomo Rescue Mission in Lewis’ memory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Michael “Mike” Truman Hale
Michael “Mike” Truman Hale, 63, of Kokomo, passed away at 2:27 pm Sunday October 22, 2023, at his home. He was born in Searcy, Arkansas, on September 14, 1960, the son of the late Milton Truman and Amanda May (Henderson) Hale. On April 19, 1991, he married Yevonne Webb, and she survives.
Mike was a graduate of BB McRae High School. He attended Ball State University. He was a sports fanatic and loved rooting for the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and St. Louis Cardinals. Mike was a member of Courtland Avenue Church of Christ. He often supported local AA and NA programs.
In addition to his wife Yevonne, he is survived by their daughter, Brooke (Brett) Walden; granddaughter, Evelyn Walden; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Hale; and sister, Peggy Heredos.
In honor of Mike’s wishes, there will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be in Mike’s memory to the American Cancer Society. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.
Russell Joseph Alt
Russell Joseph Alt, 71, of Kokomo, passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Community Howard Regional Health. He was born on June 28, 1952, in Janesville, WI, the son of Robert and Juanita Isabel (Fowler) Alt.
Russell graduated from high school in Janesville, WI. He proudly served in the United States Army, obtaining the rank Private First Class. Russell retired from Tyson after working for 5 years on the Cold Line, he previously worked at General Motors. Russell enjoyed gardening, cooking, and was a member of Grace Baptist Church for 22 years.
Survivors include cherished friend Gary Howe; children, Robert Alt, James Alt, Tonie Alt, and Travis Alt; 2 cherished grandchildren, Braxton Alt and Mia Alt; and 4 cats, Grayson, Phoebe, Chip, and Benny.
Preceding Russell in death were his sons, Todd Alt and Kevin Alt, and parents.
In keeping with Russell’s wishes, no service will be held at this time. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory have been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Julia Mae Reyburn
Julia Mae Reyburn, age 96, of Kokomo, passed away Thursday, October 19, 2023, in Ascension St. Vincent Hospital. Having lived a long and full life, Julia passed away due to the infirmities of age. She was born March 16, 1927, in Kokomo to the late Herbert and Sarah “Dollie” (Roth) Reyburn.
Julia was a 1944 academic honor graduate of Kokomo High School. In 1948, she graduated from the Purdue University School of Pharmacy, where she was a Distinguished Student and a member of Rho Chi, National Pharmacy Scholastic Honorary. In 1950, Julia earned a master’s degree in pharmacology from Purdue. For 43 years she worked in quality control for Central Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in Seymour, IN.
Julia was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church and attended Grace United Methodist Church in Kokomo. In retirement she traveled extensively in the United States and Europe. She especially enjoyed the time spent in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Having an interest in family history, Julia took up genealogy and made numerous trips to Virginia and Kentucky in search of her family’s roots. Whether it was the Reyburns, Humerickhouses, Roths, or Wibels, Aunt Judy was the “go to” person for our family’s past.
To most Julia went by her given name, to family she was Aunt Judy. Never married, she is survived by two nephews, Ned (Ellen) Reyburn of Kokomo, and Philip (Pat) Reyburn of Quicy, IL; two nieces, Sarah (Frank) Otis of Garden Grove, CA, and Joyce (Terry) Goodwin of Herscher, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Lowell and Ben Reyburn; sister, Kathryn Reyburn Campbell; niece, Jane Ellen King; and nephew, Jerry Reyburn.
For the past decade Julia resided at Kokomo’s Primrose Retirement Community.
In keeping with Julia’s wishes there will be no services. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.