Obituaries, Sept. 11, 2023
Margie Sherlock Keck
"But we are of good courage and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
Margie Sherlock Keck, age 87, went home to be with the Lord at 5:42 AM on Saturday, September 9th, 2023, at St. Vincent Kokomo, where she was surrounded by her loving family.
Margie was born on October 11, 1935, in the Goin community of Claiborne County, Tennessee, to Clyde and Pina (Williams) Keck. On June 30, 1951, Margie married her best friend, Bruce Keck, and they remained joyfully married for the next 65 years. Their union was a tremendous testament of love, loyalty, and devotion. Together they were parents to three children.
She moved with Bruce to Newport News, Virginia, while he served in the U.S. Army. After his service, they made their way to Kokomo, Indiana, along with several other friends, where she made their home the place everyone enjoyed gathering. In 1964, they bought a farm in western Howard County where they farmed and raised cattle, hogs, and horses. Margie was an award-winning cosmetic saleswoman, dedicated homemaker, and cleaned their home church for many years. Her hobbies included sewing, gardening, reading, and baking with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed returning home to Tennessee to spend time with her large brood of cousins and cherished friends.
Margie became a Christian in March 1961, and was baptized at Macedonia Christian Church, in Kokomo. When they moved to the farm in 1964, they became members of the Burlington Church of Christ, and they later became charter members of Faith Church of Christ in Burlington, where she was very active with the ladies’ group and Vacation Bible School. In her declining years, she attended church with her son and daughter-in-law at Judson Road Christian Church, Kokomo. Margie’s grace and faith shone bright as a witness of Christ’s love to others.
Margie was a true southern lady and the queen of hospitality, welcoming friends and family to her home with a gracious spirit, delicious meals and lots of laughter. She looked after and doted on all her grandchildren, teaching them to read, cook, and a multitude of life skills. She was the best G-G (Great-Grandma) to our babies; snuggling was her specialty. She also babysat for and mentored many children over the years and loved each one of them dearly.
Margie was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and brothers, Arnold Tay (Betty) Keck, and Earl Cline Keck.
She is survived by her children, Vickie (Rod) Mason, LaDonna Brown (David Brown), and Jeff (Michelle) Keck; her grandchildren, Karen Mason, Jarrod (Becky) Mason, Curtis (Kayla) Keck, Crystal (Matt) Dieter, Clinton (Bailey) Brown and Caisey (Trevor) Graham, as well as six great-grandchildren who brought her special joy: Kohlton Jones, Finley and Wesley Keck, Emma Dieter, Edith and Mabel Brown; three step-great grandchildren, Kaylynn Schaffer-Russell, Mason Schaffer, and Madix Miller; and step-great-great grandson, Luca Russell.
The family wishes to express deep appreciation for the expert care received from the staff at St. Vincent Kokomo, as well as to Drs. Melanie Bozard and Marley Griffin.
Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at Stout & Son Funeral Home - Neptune Chapel, 44 Michigan Street, Burlington, IN 46915. Friends may also call one hour prior to the funeral on Wednesday at the church. The funeral will be held at Noon on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023, at Faith Church of Christ, 1701 S. Michigan St., Burlington, IN, with Rod Mason officiating. Burial will follow in South Union Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Judson Road Church of Christ Funeral Committee, or to St. Jude Children’s Research. Messages of condolence may be expressed online at www.stoutandson.com.
James R. Woodbury
James R. Woodbury, 77, Kokomo, passed away at 11:43 am on Friday, September 8, 2023, at his home. He was born in Worcester, MA on May 3, 1946, to the late Lewis H. and Claire (Houle) Woodbury. In Kokomo on May 24, 1997, he married Sherill A. McGowan, and she survives.
James graduated from David Prouty High School in Spencer, MA in 1964. He served in the United States Air Force (20th SOS Green Hornets) from 1966-1970 and earned the rank of Sergeant in 1968. He fought in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969 as a Crew Chief Door Gunner, he is an Atomic Veteran and a Silver Star recipient. James was a Police officer from 1972-1976 in Jasonville, IN. He also worked for Cannon Trucking, Martin Wrecker as a wrecker operator, Brambles, American Crane as a crane operator, and was a driver for Brad Howell Ford. He was a member of the Local 103 Operating Engineers, VFW Post 1152, the Indiana Patriot Guard, Howard County Vietnam Veterans, American Huey 369, SOA, SOAR, and ABATE. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, camping, 60’s music, and playing Corn Hole. James loved spending time with his family, friends, and his dog Bella. He was a fan of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and NASCAR.
Along with his wife Sherill, James is survived by his children, James (Michelle) Woodbury Jr., Rachel (Scott) Harris, and David Russell Woodbury; grandchildren, Brandon Scalf, Jenifer Scalf, Cody Scalf, Katie Carter, Kaleb Carter, Jake Harris, Izac Woodbury, and Daemon Woodbury; 4 great grandchildren; and sister, Sandra (Robert) Lekstrom.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Nicole Henry; and brother, William Woodbury.
Family and friends may visit with the family from 3 pm to 7 pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Inurnment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements have been entrusted with Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.
Mike A. Milligan
Mike A. Milligan, age 72, of Galveston, IN. peacefully took his final bow and left this world for the next, on September 8th, 2023, at 5:58pm from Community Howard Regional Health, Kokomo, IN.
He was born April 29, 1951, in Kokomo, IN. to Florence (Tolley) and William E. Milligan. He was nearly born at the Kokomo Speedway racetrack, where his parents spent time spectating or racing! He always had wheels on! He grew up on Laguna Street in a large family of seven sisters and a brother, the oldest. Mike was the baby… The Caboose, as his father called him.
He was a 1969 Kokomo High School (National Honor Society) Graduate. He played trombone in marching band and excelled at music, math, and history studies. He was an Eagle Scout.
On June 5, 1970, he married the love of his life, Linda McReynolds. They met at Elwood Haynes Elementary School in 1965. He adored her for 58 years until his very last breath…
Mike was a skilled tradesman tool and die cast maker for Chrysler for 30 years (1971-2001). He was UAW 1166 President from 1996-1999. He was a hard worker, and he could fix anything!
He loved music, guitars, motorcycles, and his family. He performed on guitar and sang in various award-winning groups such as: The Minute Men, Velvet Infinity, Buffalo, RAMM, Skyline, Radio Flyer, Little Brother, H.I.S., and Milligan Stew. He was able to travel and perform with the Drifters in the early 1970’s and opened for B.B. King! Just a few weeks before his exit, he was soothing slipping souls with his guitar and the Branded Bluegrass Band, and on stage performing to a large hometown crowd with his sons, Mike Milligan and Steam Shovel (band). The man was a dynamo!
Mike was powerfully strong all of his life… Physically, mentally, and spiritually until the final bell but soft and gentle as a Teddy bear at times. He had 7 older sisters! He was a fighter. He had to be.
He beamed with pride and joy at his legacy… his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments and life’s directions.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Linda (McReynolds) Milligan; his children, Michael (Suzanne) Milligan, Shaun (Stacy) Milligan, and Kelly (Matt) Ryan; 5 grandchildren, Logan Ryan, Raven Milligan, Maceo Milligan, Reah Milligan, and Lilyanne Milligan; sister Dee Milligan.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Billy Milligan; 6 sisters, Betty Hodge, Lula Belle Gargus, Thelma Emry, Patsy Lanning, Mary Jo Turnpaugh, and Dixie Lancaster; grandson, Nolan Ryan; special nephew, Chuck “Chuckles” Kenimond; and Charlie Blue.
Be Strong. Be Brave. Be Fearless.
The Caboose has left the Station…
A memorial celebration will be held Friday, September 15th, 2023, 5pm-7pm at Bennett’s Switch Community Church, 2261 W SR 18, Kokomo, IN 46901.
A Special Thank You to: Shirley & Stout Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pastor Norm Snyder at Bennett’s Switch Community Church, Bishop Romon Oglesby at Great Faith Christian Center Church, and Pastor Paul Enochs.
John Carl Moore
John Carl Moore, 55, Russiaville, passed away at 11:00 am Friday, September 8, 2023, at his home surrounded by family. He was born August 1, 1968, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Jack & Maryellen (Anderson) Moore. On December 9, 2000, in Key West, Florida, he married Heather King who survives.
John was a 1986 graduate of North Central High School. He retired from Bone Dry Roofing. John was an outdoorsy guy who loved playing golf, camping, fishing, target shooting and kayaking. He also loved anything to do with space, especially astrology and looking at the stars. John cherished the time that he spent with his family and having bonfires.
Along with his wife Heather, John is also survived by his mother, Maryellen Moore; children, Jacob Moore and Jansen Moore; siblings, Judy (Bob) Albert, Joan Hobbs, Jerry (Juliet) Hobbs, Jim (Gretchen) Moore and Joe Moore, along with several nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his father, Jack Moore.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Bone Dry Roofing for their care and generosity of John and his family during his illness along with Guardian Angel Hospice and nurse Angie.
In keeping with John’s wishes, no services will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions in John’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, cancer.org. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.