Brian William Hollis

Brian William Hollis, 52, passed away on October 19, 2025, around 5pm. He died after an 8-month-long battle with stage 4 colon cancer. Brian was born in Kokomo, Indiana to the late Robert (Bob) Hollis and Sondra Combs on February 8, 1973. He graduated from Eastern High School, in 1992, where he was active in marching band, track and field, and SADD. He was also active in 4-H.

Brian went on to attend and graduate from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science. There, he was awarded membership in the Golden Key Honor Society and was President of Pi Sigma Alpha, both academic honoraries. He was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, a social fraternity, where he served as Secretary and Scholastic Chairperson. He served as Founder and President of the USI College Republicans, assisting with the foundation of the USI College Democrats as well. In student government, he served as House Representative, Senator, and Supreme Court Justice. He then went on to graduate with a Master of Public Administration at Ball State University.

After college, Brian spent time working with youth on a career and volunteer basis. He worked at the Miami Correctional Facility for many years, where he handled recreation and the law library. He was a professor in the Political Science department at Ball State University and Ivy Tech Community College. He worked at Ivy Tech at the time of his illness and continued to teach until it was no longer possible to do so.

Brian was very proud of his 6 years of service in the Army National Guard, where he served in Afghanistan for 1 year.

Brian is survived by his daughter, Haley (Lavender) Jones and beloved cat, Baby Pete; mother and stepfather, Sondra and Michael Combs; stepparents, Rosemary and Garry Jones; brother, Craig Hollis; stepbrothers, Mark (Suzie) Bradford, Todd (Meagan) Bradford, Scott (Emilie) Bradford, Michael (Cara) Combs, Brent (Lucy) Jones, and Matt (Missy) Combs; aunts, Roxanna Kline, Roma Jean (Charles) Bradburn and Ruth (Gary) Shaw; and many more family and friends.

Brian was preceded in death by his father, Robert (Bob) Hollis and chosen dad, Gary McKinley, as well as maternal and paternal grandparents.

Brian was devoted to his faith and attended One Church in Kokomo, Indiana, where he was involved in small group. Brian enjoyed 80s music and movies, traveling with family, and quoting WWE wrestlers.

A funeral service will be held at 12 pm, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Hasler & Stout Funeral Home, 112 E Mian St, Greentown, with Pastor Travis Greene officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10 am to 12 pm on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will take place in Marion National Cemetery at 11 am on Monday, October 27, 2025, with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Greentown American Legion, please arrive at Hasler & Stout at 10:15 am for processional to the cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the funeral home, to help assist the family with final expenses. Live streaming will be available for the service on Brians obituary page. Contributions and messages of condolence may be left online at www.hasler-stout.com.

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