Obituaries, February 13, 2024 (2024)

Annabelle Zirkle

Annabelle Zirkle, 95, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away February 11, 2024, at her daughter's home. She was born on April 23, 1928, in Kokomo, IN, the daughter of Henry Otto Phillabaum, Sr. and Catherine Lenora Phillabaum (Crousore). She married Donald Zirkle on December 22, 1945; he precedes her in death. She started working at Delco at the age of 16 during WWII. She left to have children then went back and retired after 25 years of employment. Annabelle loved playing scrabble with her daughters and camping with her family. She did ceramics for many years and getting together with her friends from Delco.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kathy (Russell) Rood, Jamie Bitner; grandchildren, Monica (Jim) Evans, Tony (Kim) Rood, Melissa Butler, Sheri Keller, Sandi Corradi, Susan (Eric) Corradi; sibling, Paul (Linda) Phillabaum; 7 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Annabelle was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; daughter, Anita Kay Corradi; sons-in-law James Corradi, Paul Bitner; grandson, Joshua Bitner; siblings, 2 brothers, 4 sisters.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her niece, Peggy Smith for her loving care she showed her. They would also like to give a special thank you to Sarah from Compassus Hospice for her care as well. Visitation will be from 11:00 - 1:00 Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 1:00 pm Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home 2097 West Alto Road Kokomo, Indiana 46902. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery Kokomo, Indiana. Share a memory with the family at www.sunsetmemorygarden.com.

Barbara Sharon Logsdon

Barbara Sharon Logsdon, 79, Kokomo, passed away at 6:55 am on Sunday February 11, 2024, at St. Vincent Hospital, Kokomo. She was born in Elizabethtown, KY, on May 22, 1944, to the late LaMar and Anna C. (O’Bryant) Hudson. On February 14, 1964, in Louisville, KY, she married James H. Logsdon, and he survives.

Sharon graduated from Dupont Manual High School in Louisville in 1962, and attended Marion College, now known as Indiana Wesleyan. After working in several clerical positions in a variety of businesses, she found her true calling in childcare. Sharon spent over 25 years in childcare where she was lovingly known to the children as “Nana”. She and her family attended Greentown Wesleyan Church, where she previously served on the board. Sharon was an avid reader, and she loved studying the Bible. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren whom she stayed in touch with by texting and sharing Bible verses with them daily. She loved attending her children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and activities and was known for lovingly praying them to victory.

Along with her husband James, Sharon is survived by her children, Kris Logsdon, and Kerry (Nikki) Logsdon; grandchildren, Mattison (Matthew Riley) Buckley, Cooper (Aleks Shepherd) Sicking, Kennedy Logsdon, Rhegan Logsdon, and Jaxon Logsdon; great-grandchild, Maverick Riley; siblings, Alice (James) Thompson, Marilyn Hudson, and Marty Hudson; sister-in-law, Sandra (Gary) Vogel; and many nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, in-laws (Houston and Ethel Logsdon), and grandson, James Thomas Logsdon.

A funeral service will take place at 10 am on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with Pastors Paul Boss and Eric Roemer officiating. Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the James Butler Science Scholarship at Indiana Wesleyan University. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

Charles Morton “Charlie” Dilts

Charles Morton “Charlie” Dilts, 67, Greentown, passed away at 11:08 am Saturday February 10, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel, IN. He was born October 6, 1956, in Winamac, Indiana, the son of the late Dale & Frances Mae (Shellheart) Dilts. On June 2, 2012, in Kokomo, he married Susan Dunlap who survives.

Charlie was a 1975 graduate of Royal Center High School. He retired from Small Parts in Logansport after 43 years of service in maintenance. Charlie was very artistic and could draw anything. He loved to build model trains and ships. He also loved wood crafts, wood carving and would build display cabinets for the models he built. Charlie enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing, going to car shows, antiquing and going to museums.

Along with his wife Susan, Charlie is also survived by his siblings, Dale Jr. (Gina) Dilts, Beverly Farmen, Will (Jenny) Dilts and Thelma (Jim) Conrad, along with several nieces and nephews; stepchildren, Steph (Ryan) Butram and Greg Loder; grandchildren, Quinton Memmer, Emmett Butram, Braxton Loder and Lilly Loder; and pet cat, Hank.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Ella (Joe) Rice and Della (Dwayne) Terry; and brother-in-law, Earrol Farmen.

In keeping with Charlie’s wishes, no services will be held. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation.

James Joseph Leonard

James Joseph Leonard, a cherished family man, and friend, passed away on February 7, 2024, at the age of 26, in Elwood, Indiana. Born on May 19, 1997, in Franklin, Indiana, to parents Donald Leonard and Renee Murray, James grew up with a vibrant spirit and a kind heart that would touch the lives of all who knew him.

James, a proud graduate of Tipton High School's class of 2015, was known for his dedication and hard work. He brought these qualities to his career as a Line Utility Locator for USIC, where he was respected by his colleagues for his reliability and commitment to safety.

He found his greatest joy in life through his family. James is survived by his greatest gifts, his loving wife, Krista Leonard, and children Rylan Leonard, Destony Brown, Karlin Brown, and Marleigh Addison. His role as a father was the one he cherished most, always finding time for sporting activities with his kids and ensuring their happiness was at the forefront of his life. James also leaves behind his mother and father, brother Jonathon Leonard (Rachel), his stepmother Tammy Leonard, and several nieces and nephews who will miss his playful spirit and loving presence as well as his many friends.

Preceding him is death is his stepfather, Keith Murray, and paternal grandmother, Shirley Leonard.

James had a passion for the outdoors, often found camping and fishing, or playing disc golf. He was an avid player of Dungeons and Dragons, a hobby that showcased his imagination and strategic thinking. His sense of humor was one of his most memorable traits, and he was known as a jokester who loved to share laughter, especially with his dad, whom he enjoyed playfully aggravating with love.

Those who knew James will remember him as a loving, funny, and selfless individual. He had a unique ability to light up a room with his jokes and to make everyone feel included and cared for. His selflessness was evident in the way he prioritized his family and friends, always putting their needs above his own.

James's legacy will live on through the lives of his children and the countless memories shared with family and friends. He was a beacon of love and joy, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

As we say goodbye to James Joseph Leonard, we celebrate a life lived with passion, laughter, and an abundance of love. His spirit will continue to inspire us to cherish the moments we have with our loved ones and to approach life with the same humor and generosity that he did.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. James will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His story is not one of sorrow, but one of love, laughter, and the precious moments that we carry in our hearts forever.