Obituaries, September 16, 2023
John Wilson Stroup
John Wilson Stroup, 83, Russiaville, passed away at 9:50 am, Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at North Woods Village in Kokomo. He was born May 30, 1940, in Russiaville, the son of the late John Elmo and Mary (Tobias) Stroup. John was married to Elva (Gaskins) Stroup from 1959-1983. He then married Utha Veoma “Vi” Prince who preceded him in death on May 20, 2022.
John graduated from Western High School in 1958. He retired as a truck driver from Chrysler Corp after 20 years of service. After retirement, John worked as a painting contractor for 20 years. He had been a member of Alto Methodist Church, West Middleton Friends and West Middleton Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing, camping, watching the Indiana Pacers and his grandchildren’s sporting events.
John had a love of singing. Starting in the 1960’s, he traveled all over singing in various churches, which was his ministry. He founded the Swordsmen Quartet which changed to the Swordsmen then around 2000 was a founding member of Family Ties. In the 1970’s John was also the founder and President of the Midwest Gospel Talent Agency. John was a Christian man who had one of the best male tenor voices around. His talent led him to many opportunities to sing in mainstream country music but decided to remain in his Gospel music ministry. Two of his favorite songs were The Lighthouse and Hallelujah Square.
John is survived by his daughter, Lori Ann (Ty) Thomas; grandchildren, Tanner (Savannah) Thomas and Marlee Thomas; great-grandchildren, Tate and Tripp Thomas; sisters, Winifred Ellen Rockey Campbell and Rachel (John) Rosborough; nieces and nephews, Andrew (Brooke) Rosborough, Elizabeth (Clayton) Ferguson, Lesa (Phil) Gross, Monica (Mark) Greengard, Jennifer (Craig) Lewis, Mark Montgomery, and Angie (Kenny) Humble, along with numerous great-nieces and great-nephews and lots of friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Beth Ann Stroup; brothers, Randy Lee Stroup and Russell Allen Stroup; nephew, Charles David Rockey; and brothers-in-law, Pastor Charles V. Rockey and Benny Campbell.
Funeral service will be held at Noon Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Russiaville Friends Church, 270 E. Main Street, Russiaville, with Pastor Bill Martin officiating. Burial will follow in New London Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10:00 am until time of service Tuesday at the church. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
Harold Wayne Moody
Harold Wayne Moody, age 86, of Sharpsville, Indiana passed away on Thursday, September 14, 2023. Harold Wayne was born on November 16, 1936 in Linton, IN to the late Orvel Oscar and Daisy Marie (Beck) Moody. He married Marilyn Joanne (Hufford) on February 23, 1991, in Scotland, IN, and she survives.
Harold Wayne retired from Chrysler in 1986 as a supervisor after 32 years of employment. He enjoyed fishing and gardening. Harold Wayne enjoyed staying busy, even after retirement. He was a hard worker and innovative thinker, always thinking outside the box. Most of all, his family was very important to him.
Harold Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Joanne; children, Tina (Charles) Baran and Doreen (Robert) Allman; stepchildren, Rowdy (Donna) McKee, Wendy McKee, Joe (Rene) McKee, and Lora (Rob) Esteb; grandchildren, Justin Baran, Chelsea Baran, Chandra Kelton, Brittney (Matt) Murphy, Kelsie (Brantley) Purcell, Tanner (Alana) McKee, Sarah (Lee) Schrock, Rachel McKee, and Bekah (Jim) Wade; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death are his parents; grandchild, Jessica Brammell; brothers, Cecil Merle, James Francis, Marion Oscar, Claude, and Dale; and sisters, Edith Chance, Delsa Davis, Vesta Driver, Violet Timms, and Esther Collins.
There will be a time of visitation for Harold Wayne on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service at 1:00 P.M. at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home, 2097 West Alto Road, Kokomo. Pastor Mike Sawyer will be officiating. Entombment will follow to Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetmemoryGarden.com for the Moody family.